Abstract: A support structure is disclosed. The support structure has at least one cover installed to cover a side of the support structure. The cover is raised pivotally by at least one primary support mechanism. The cover may be secured in place by an additional support mechanism. The additional support mechanism may be set in two different positions, one that allows for load on the primary support mechanism and another that does not allow for load on the primary support mechanism.

Abstract: A support structure is disclosed. The support structure has at least one cover installed to cover a side of the support structure. The cover is raised pivotally by at least one primary support mechanism. The cover may be secured in place by an additional support mechanism. The additional support mechanism may be set in two different positions, one that allows for load on the primary support mechanism and another that does not allow for load on the primary support mechanism.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards the prevention of high voltage instabilities within X-ray tubes. For example, in one embodiment, an X-ray tube is provided. The X-ray tube generally includes a stationary member, and a rotary member configured to rotate with respect to the stationary member during operation of the X-ray tube. The X-ray tube also includes a liquid metal bearing material disposed in a space between the shaft and the sleeve, a seal disposed adjacent to the space to seal the liquid metal bearing material in the space, and an enhanced surface area material disposed on a side of the seal axially opposite the space and configured to trap within the enhanced surface area material liquid metal bearing material that escapes the seal.

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: The present disclosure is directed towards the prevention of high voltage instabilities within X-ray tubes. For example, in one embodiment, an X-ray tube is provided. The X-ray tube generally includes a stationary member, and a rotary member configured to rotate with respect to the stationary member during operation of the X-ray tube. The X-ray tube also includes a liquid metal bearing material disposed in a space between the shaft and the sleeve, a seal disposed adjacent to the space to seal the liquid metal bearing material in the space, and an enhanced surface area material disposed on a side of the seal axially opposite the space and configured to trap within the enhanced surface area material liquid metal bearing material that escapes the seal.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards the prevention of high voltage instabilities within X-ray tubes. For example, in one embodiment, an X-ray tube is provided. The X-ray tube generally includes a stationary member, and a rotary member configured to rotate with respect to the stationary member during operation of the X-ray tube. The X-ray tube also includes a liquid metal bearing material disposed in a space between the shaft and the sleeve, a seal disposed adjacent to the space to seal the liquid metal bearing material in the space, and an enhanced surface area material disposed on a side of the seal axially opposite the space and configured to trap within the enhanced surface area material liquid metal bearing material that escapes the seal.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to the thermal regulation of components within an X-ray tube, and more specifically to heat transfer between the anode and the rotary mechanism to which the anode is attached. For example, in one embodiment, an X-ray tube is provided. The X-ray tube generally includes a fixed shaft, a rotating bearing sleeve disposed about the fixed shaft and configured to rotate with respect to the fixed shaft via a rotary bearing, an electron beam target disposed about the bearing sleeve and configured to rotate with the bearing sleeve, and a thermally conductive, deformable metallic gasket disposed between the target and the bearing sleeve and configured to conduct heat between the target and the bearing sleeve in operation.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to the thermal regulation of components within an X-ray tube, and more specifically to heat transfer between the anode and the rotary mechanism to which the anode is attached. For example, in one embodiment, an X-ray tube is provided. The X-ray tube generally includes a fixed shaft, a rotating bearing sleeve disposed about the fixed shaft and configured to rotate with respect to the fixed shaft via a rotary bearing, an electron beam target disposed about the bearing sleeve and configured to rotate with the bearing sleeve, and a thermally conductive, deformable metallic gasket disposed between the target and the bearing sleeve and configured to conduct heat between the target and the bearing sleeve in operation.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards the prevention of high voltage instabilities within X-ray tubes. For example, in one embodiment, an X-ray tube is provided. The X-ray tube generally includes a stationary member, and a rotary member configured to rotate with respect to the stationary member during operation of the X-ray tube. The X-ray tube also includes a liquid metal bearing material disposed in a space between the shaft and the sleeve, a seal disposed adjacent to the space to seal the liquid metal bearing material in the space, and an enhanced surface area material disposed on a side of the seal axially opposite the space and configured to trap within the enhanced surface area material liquid metal bearing material that escapes the seal.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to the thermal regulation of components within an X-ray tube by transferring heat between the anode and the rotary mechanism to which the anode is attached. For example, in one embodiment, an X-ray tube is provided. The X-ray tube generally includes a fixed shaft, a rotating bearing sleeve disposed about the fixed shaft and configured to rotate with respect to the fixed shaft via a rotary bearing, and an electron beam target disposed about the bearing sleeve and configured to rotate with the bearing sleeve. The electron beam target is permanently bonded to the bearing sleeve.

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 cathode and a target assembly positioned to receive electrons emitted from the cathode. The target assembly includes a target and a spiral groove bearing (SGB) configured to support the target. The SGB includes a rotatable component having a first surface and a first material attached to the first surface, a stationary component having a second surface and a second material attached to the second surface, the stationary component positioned such that a gap is formed between the first material and the second material, and a liquid metal positioned in the gap. At least one of the first and second materials has a thickness greater than 0.1 mm.

Abstract: An x-ray tube includes a cathode and a target assembly positioned to receive electrons emitted from the cathode. The target assembly includes a target and a spiral groove bearing (SGB) configured to support the target. The SGB includes a rotatable component having a first surface and a first material attached to the first surface, a stationary component having a second surface and a second material attached to the second surface, the stationary component positioned such that a gap is formed between the first material and the second material, and a liquid metal positioned in the gap. At least one of the first and second materials has a thickness greater than 0.1 mm.