Abstract: An apparatus for cathodic arc coating. The apparatus includes: a vacuum chamber which includes: an anode; a power supply; and a cathode target assembly connected to the power supply. The cathode target assembly includes a cathode target having an interference fit stud with a threadless distal end. In the preferred embodiment, the distal end of the threadless cathode target also includes a pre-determined surface texture and a cooling block in contact with the cathode target.

Abstract: An apparatus for cathodic arc coating. The apparatus includes: a vacuum chamber which includes an anode; a power supply; and a cathode target assembly connected to the power supply. The cathode target assembly includes a cathode target and a target holder. In the preferred embodiment, a conductive interlayer is located between the cathode target and the target holder, and a cooling block is in contact with the cathode target.

Abstract: An apparatus for cathodic arc coating. The apparatus includes: a vacuum chamber which includes: an anode; a power supply; and a cathode target assembly connected to the power supply. The cathode target assembly includes a cathode target having an interference fit stud with a threadless distal end. In the preferred embodiment, the distal end of the threadless cathode target also includes a pre-determined surface texture and a cooling block in contact with the cathode target.

Abstract: A method and system for cleaning a metal article. The system is used to employ a method that comprises placing the article in a means defining a chamber; subjecting the article to a gaseous atmosphere in the means defining a chamber, where the gaseous atmosphere consisting essentially of carbon, hydrogen, and fluorine; and subjecting the article to the gaseous atmosphere at a temperature in a range from about 815° C. to about 1100° C. to clean the article.

Abstract: An apparatus for cathodic arc coating is provided. The apparatus includes: a vacuum chamber which includes an anode; a power supply; and a cathode target connected to the power supply. The cathode target has a channeled back surface for improving heat transfer from the cathode target. In the preferred embodiment, the cathode target also includes a conductor segment connecting the cathode target to the power supply of the cathodic arc coating apparatus for conducting the increased current capacity of the cathode target and a cooling block in contact with the cathode target to further improve the heat transfer from the cathode target.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for adjusting a filament set height in a cathode of an x-ray tube. The method for adjusting a filament set height of a cathode comprises providing a cathode cup of an x-ray tube, the cathode cup comprising at least one bore extending therethrough; inserting a filament post through at least one bore such that the filament set height is below a desired filament set height; measuring an actual filament set height that results from the step of inserting; determining a filament set height adjustment distance in which the filament set height adjustment is generally equal to a difference between the actual filament set height and the desired filament set height; contacting an end of the filament lead with an adjustment tool; and moving the adjustment tool a distance substantially equal to the filament set height adjustment distance. Therefore, the filament is positioned at the predetermined filament set height.

Abstract: An electrochemical stripping process is described that strips at least one metallic coating from a substrate. Due to the electrochemical selectivity of the disclosed process, the parent alloy is minimally affected by the electrochemical stripping process. The process comprises providing an electrolyte; disposing the coated articles and at least one electrode in the electrolyte; applying a current between the electrode and the coated articles, and removing the at least one coating from the coated articles without modifying the parent alloy. The system for the electrochemical stripping process comprises an electrolyte; a direct current source; and plurality of electrodes from which a direct current may be directed to the article being stripped. The direct current source is capable of being connected to the coated articles and the plurality of electrodes. The system permits removal of the at least one coating from the parent alloy.

Abstract: A x-ray tube comprises a cathode cup assembly. The cathode cup assembly comprises a filament positioned in a cathode cup. A surface of the cathode cup assembly is exposed to incident infrared radiation, and the surface is adapted to reflect a substantial portion of the incident radiation, in which the radiation has a wavelength in a range from about 0.2 &mgr;m to about 5.0 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A filament comprises a generally thin metal component, such as a sheet, ribbon, or foil. The filament comprises at least one emitter, at least one current-condensing structure and a tab on each end of the at least one emitter. Each tab is connectable to a support system, comprising for example a lead and attachment post. When a current is passed through the filament, the current-condensing structure establishes current flow through the filament resulting in a desired temperature distribution across the emitter, for example a substantially uniform temperature distribution. A predictive tool for determining a geometry of a filament to provide a desired temperature distribution is set forth. The filament may be curved, and methods and systems for providing a curved filament are also provided. Attachment systems are further disclosed for attaching an emitter to a support structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locally and successively melting a material by induction heating using a horizontal floating-zone crucible to refine and/or analyze the material. An electromagnetic field is generated to create a localized molten zone within the material that is at least partially levitated within the crucible. The crucible has an upper peripheral opening so that an upper portion of the molten zone is generally at a higher temperature than the lower portion of the molten zone adjacent the crucible wall. As a result, insoluble inclusions within the material separate and float to the upper portion of the molten zone. The molten zone may be translated longitudinally through the material to drive the inclusions toward one end of the material. The process can be carried out to refine or characterize the material, or to determine the solidus and liquidus temperatures of the material.