Abstract: A radio frequency coil assembly for an MRI system. A support structure extends between a first end and a second end in a first direction and between an inner surface and an opposite outer surface in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The support structure has channels that extend into the support structure in the second direction. An RF coil is configured to transmit and/or receive RF signals. The RF coil is supported by the outer surface of the support structure. The channels are at least partially positioned between the support structure and the RF coil in the first direction and are configured to convey a cooling medium to cool the support structure in use.

Abstract: An x-ray tube includes a frame forming a first portion of a vacuum enclosure, a rotating subsystem shaft positioned within the vacuum enclosure and having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the rotating subsystem shaft is attached to a first portion of the frame, a target positioned within the vacuum enclosure and attached to the rotating subsystem shaft between the first end and the second end, the target positioned to receive electrons from an electron source positioned within the vacuum enclosure, and a thermal compensator mechanically coupled to the second end of the rotating subsystem shaft and to a second portion of the frame, the thermal compensator forming a second portion of the vacuum enclosure.

Abstract: A tube for generating x-rays includes a cathode adapted to emit electrons, a target positioned to receive the electrons from the cathode on a surface thereof, an anode adapted with an aperture and positioned between the cathode and the target and configured to accelerate the electrons toward the target, and a rotating system adapted to rotate the target about an axis, the rotating system located in a position facing the surface of the target.

Abstract: An x-ray tube includes a frame forming a first portion of a vacuum enclosure, a rotating subsystem shaft positioned within the vacuum enclosure and having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the rotating subsystem shaft is attached to a first portion of the frame, a target positioned within the vacuum enclosure and attached to the rotating subsystem shaft between the first end and the second end, the target positioned to receive electrons from an electron source positioned within the vacuum enclosure, and a thermal compensator mechanically coupled to the second end of the rotating subsystem shaft and to a second portion of the frame, the thermal compensator forming a second portion of the vacuum enclosure.

Abstract: An x-ray tube includes a center shaft having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface forming a portion of a cavity therein, a mount having an inner surface, the mount having an x-ray target attached thereto, and a liquid metal positioned between the outer surface of the center shaft and the inner surface of the mount. The x-ray tube further includes a flow diverter positioned in the cavity, the flow diverter having a wall with an inner surface, and a plurality of jets passing through the wall, wherein the plurality of jets are configured such that when a fluid is flowed into the flow diverter and passes along its inner surface, a portion of the fluid passes through the plurality of jets and is directed toward the inner surface of the center shaft.

Abstract: A tube for generating x-rays includes a cathode adapted to emit electrons, a target positioned to receive the electrons from the cathode on a surface thereof, an anode adapted with an aperture and positioned between the cathode and the target and configured to accelerate the electrons toward the target, and a rotating system adapted to rotate the target about an axis, the rotating system located in a position facing the surface of the target.

Abstract: An x-ray tube includes a vacuum enclosure, a shaft having a first end and a second end, a flange attached to the first end of the shaft, the flange having an outer perimeter, and a ferrofluid seal assembly having an inner bore, the inner bore having an outer perimeter smaller than the outer perimeter of the flange. The shaft is inserted through the bore of the ferrofluid seal assembly such that the ferrofluid seal assembly is positioned between the first end of the shaft and the second end of the shaft and such that the first end extends into the vacuum enclosure, and the ferrofluid seal is configured to fluidically seal the vacuum enclosure from an environment into which the second end of the shaft extends.

Abstract: An x-ray tube includes a rotatable shaft having a first end and a second end, a target coupled to the first end of the rotatable shaft, the target positioned to generate x-rays toward a subject upon impingement of electrons thereon, and an impeller coupled to the second end of the rotatable shaft and positioned to blow a gas into an inlet of an aperture passing into the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: An x-ray tube includes a center shaft having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface forming a portion of a cavity therein, a mount having an inner surface, the mount having an x-ray target attached thereto, and a liquid metal positioned between the outer surface of the center shaft and the inner surface of the mount. The x-ray tube further includes a flow diverter positioned in the cavity, the flow diverter having a wall with an inner surface, and a plurality of jets passing through the wall, wherein the plurality of jets are configured such that when a fluid is flowed into the flow diverter and passes along its inner surface, a portion of the fluid passes through the plurality of jets and is directed toward the inner surface of the center shaft.

Abstract: An x-ray tube includes a rotatable shaft having a first end and a second end, a target coupled to the first end of the rotatable shaft, the target positioned to generate x-rays toward a subject upon impingement of electrons thereon, and an impeller coupled to the second end of the rotatable shaft and positioned to blow a gas into an inlet of an aperture passing into the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: An x-ray tube includes a vacuum enclosure, a shaft having a first end and a second end, a flange attached to the first end of the shaft, the flange having an outer perimeter, and a ferrofluid seal assembly having an inner bore, the inner bore having an outer perimeter smaller than the outer perimeter of the flange. The shaft is inserted through the bore of the ferrofluid seal assembly such that the ferrofluid seal assembly is positioned between the first end of the shaft and the second end of the shaft and such that the first end extends into the vacuum enclosure, and the ferrofluid seal is configured to fluidically seal the vacuum enclosure from an environment into which the second end of the shaft extends.

Abstract: An x-ray tube having a liquid lubricated bearing assembly and a liquid cooled anode target. The anode target and bearing assembly having increased lubrication and cooling to withstand higher power, higher temperature and higher load applications.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a variable cooling capacity cryocooler for a superconducting magnetic resonance imaging device having a liquid cryogen pressure vessel to provide cryogenic temperatures to a magnet assembly, a vacuum vessel surrounding the pressure vessel and a radiation shield spaced from the cryogen pressure vessel, and a pressure sensor positioned inside the cryogen pressure vessel pressure boundary for sensing pressure variations. A controller for varying the heat removal rate of the cryocooler based on the pressure variations in the cryogen pressure vessel and where the cooling capacity of the cryocooler is adjusted by modifying the speed of the electric power drive (DC or AC motors) or by changing the mechanical transmission ratio between the constant speed electric power drive and the cryocooler displacer/piston to adjust the cooler oscillating frequency of the gas flow.