Electron Tube Patents (Class 378/121)
  • Publication number: 20140362972
    Abstract: Provided is an X-ray generator (10) which causes electrons having passed through an electron path (4), formed by an electron path formation member (3) surrounding the periphery of the electron path (4), to be emitted against a target to generate an X-ray, in which: an X-ray generated when the sub X-ray generating portion (5) provided in the electron path (4) is irradiated with the electrons backscatterred off the target is capable of being taken out; a material which constitutes the target and a material which constitutes at least the sub X-ray generating portion (5) of the electron path formation member (3) are the same material of which atomic number is 40 or greater. X-ray generation efficiency can be improved by effectively using the electrons backscatterred off the transmission target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takao Ogura, Miki Tamura, Tamayo Hiroki
  • Publication number: 20140362973
    Abstract: Provided is an X-ray generator including an electron passage in an electron-passage forming member; and a target on an insulative substrate. The transmission X-ray generator irradiates the target with electrons that have passed through the electron passage to generate X-rays. The target is provided at a central region of the substrate; the electron passage accommodates a secondary-X-ray generating section that generates X-rays by irradiation with electrons reflected from the target; the secondary-X-ray generating section and the target are disposed so that both of X-rays generated by direct irradiation of the target with the electrons and X-rays generated by irradiation of the secondary-X-ray generating section with the electrons reflected from the target are radiated to the outside; and at least part of the peripheral region of the substrate has higher transmittance for the X-rays generated at the secondary-X-ray generating section than the central region of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takao Ogura, Yoshihiro Yanagisawa, Miki Tamura, Ichiro Nomura, Tamayo Hiroki, Shigeki Matsutani, Kazuyuki Ueda
  • Publication number: 20140355742
    Abstract: A method (100) creates a braze joint (58) between an anode plate (52) and a piece of graphite (56) of an x-ray tube (38). The method (100) includes receiving (102) the anode plate (52) and the piece of graphite (56). A barrier layer (66) and a braze layer (62) are arranged (104, 106, 108) between the anode plate (52) and the piece of graphite (56), where the barrier layer (66) is between the piece of graphite (56) and the brazing layer (62). The barrier layer (66) is heated (110) with the braze layer (62) to create the braze joint (58) between the anode plate (52) and the piece of graphite (56).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Kevin Charles Kraft, Ming-Wei Paul Xu, Min He, Gerald James Carlson
  • Publication number: 20140328467
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (10) as well as a method for generating X-ray radiation, in particular for generating an X-ray radiation field, comprising an electron source (11) for generating an electron beam (12) as well as a target (13) for generation of X-ray radiation, in particular of an X-ray radiation field by electrons of the electron beam (12) impinging on the target (13). The present invention is characterized in that, the apparatus (10) is designed for generating an adjustable and/or changeable X-ray radiation, in particular for generating an adjustable and/or changeable X-ray radiation field, and in that the apparatus (10) has a variation appliance (15) for varying of at least one parameter of the electron beam source (11) and/or the electron beam (12) for influencing the X-ray radiation, in particular the X-ray radiation field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: Frank Weigand
  • Patent number: 8873715
    Abstract: An industrial X-ray tube formed by accommodating a cathode and anode in a container having an evacuated interior, in which electrons emitted from the cathode are caused to strike the anode and X-rays are emitted from the anode. The cathode is formed from graphite. The graphite is a layered crystal obtained by layering a plurality of carbon hexagonal planes. The graphite is cut based on crystal axes of the carbon hexagonal planes. The resulting cut surface is caused to function as an electron-emitting surface. For example, directions of an a- and b-crystal axis may be set so as to be arbitrary between each of the layers of the carbon hexagonal planes, the graphite may be cut along a surface parallel to the c-axis, and the resulting cut surface may be caused to function as an electron-emitting surface. The graphite may also be cut along a surface orthogonal to the c-axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Rigaku Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Ogata, Yoshihiro Takeda, Tetsuo Kani, Makoto Kanbe, Naohisa Osaka, Takahisa Sato
  • Patent number: 8867706
    Abstract: An asymmetric x-ray tube. In one example embodiment, an x-ray tube includes an evacuated enclosure, a cathode assembly at least partially positioned within the evacuated enclosure and defining a first axis, and an anode assembly at least partially positioned within the evacuated enclosure and defining a second axis. The anode assembly includes a rotating anode having a focal spot. The focal spot and the second axis define a plane. The first axis is positioned beneath the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Clark Treseder, James E. Burke
  • Publication number: 20140299782
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating x-rays includes an electron beam generator and a first device arranged to apply an RF electric field to accelerate the electron beam from the generator. A photon source is arranged to provide photons to a zone to interact with the electron beam from the first device so as to generate x-rays via inverse-Compton scattering. A second device is arranged to apply an RF electric field to decelerate the electron beam after it has interacted. The first and second devices are connected by RF energy transmission means arranged to recover RF energy from the decelerated electron beam as it passes through the second device and transfer the recovered RF energy into the first device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Andrei Seryi
  • Publication number: 20140270083
    Abstract: A device for producing x-rays includes: a housing that includes a folded high-voltage multiplier coupled to a filament transformer, the transformer coupled to an x-ray tube for producing the x-rays. A method of fabrication and an x-ray source are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Dinsmore
  • Publication number: 20140270088
    Abstract: An x-ray transmitter, which may be compact, may be in the form of a housing with an x-ray transparent window sputtered with a metal on one wall, and tribocharging electron source on another wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Carlos G. Camara, Benjamin A. Lucas, Zachary J. Gamlieli
  • Publication number: 20140241508
    Abstract: A radiation irradiation device is provided that includes: a metal target that emits bremsstrahlung X-rays as a radiation beam due to irradiation with an electron beam; a radiation shielding member that includes a slit-shaped radiation passage portion and that is disposed downstream of the metal target in the radiation beam emission direction and is disposed such that a portion of the radiation beam passes through the radiation passage portion and the radiation beam incident to regions other than the radiation passage portion is blocked; and an electron beam generating device that irradiates, onto the metal target, an electron beam such that a diameter at a generation point of the emitted radiation beam is smaller than a length of an entry portion of the radiation passage portion along a length direction of the entry portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshitaka AGANO, Takao KUWABARA, Hitoshi SHIMIZU
  • Publication number: 20140241498
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray generator including a plurality of X-ray generation units, where the plurality of X-ray generation units is two-dimensionally arranged, and operates independently of each other; and an X-ray detector spaced apart from the X-ray generator, where the X-ray detector includes a plurality of X-ray detection units corresponding to the plurality of X-ray generation units, where a space is defined between the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae-won JEONG, Yong-chul KIM, Il-hwan KIM, Do-yoon KIM, Shang-hyeun PARK
  • Publication number: 20140211919
    Abstract: Provided is an X-ray generator which includes: an electron path 8; a target 9c disposed on a substrate 9a, in which electrons having passed through the electron path 8 are made to emit at the target 9c and to generate an X-ray, wherein: the target 9c is disposed at the central area of the substrate 9a; at least a part of a peripheral area of the substrate 9a which is not covered with the target 9c has higher transmittance than that of the central area of the substrate 9a covered with the target 9c, with respect to the X-ray generated when electrons having reflected from the target enter an inner wall of the electron path. X-ray generation efficiency may be improved by effectively using electrons reflected off the target 9c.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takao Ogura, Yasue Sato
  • Patent number: 8792619
    Abstract: An x-ray tube with a semiconductor coating disposed over an exterior the tube. The semiconductor material reduces voltage gradients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric J. Miller
  • Publication number: 20140205071
    Abstract: A transmission-type X-ray target includes a flat plate-shaped diamond substrate having a first surface and a second surface facing the first surface and a target layer that is located on the first surface. A residual stress of the first surface is lower than a residual stress of the second surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoichi Ikarashi, Takao Ogura, Takeo Tsukamoto
  • Publication number: 20140205072
    Abstract: A power generation system includes an input to receive a low-voltage alternating current and a number N of voltage-conversion modules coupled to the input, each electrically connected in series. Each voltage-conversion module includes a transformer configured to convert the low-voltage alternating current into a high-voltage alternating current. Each voltage-conversion module includes a multiplier configured to convert the high-voltage alternating current from the transformer into a high-voltage direct current. The multiplier includes a positive multiplier part and a negative multiplier part. The positive multiplier part and the negative multiplier part each includes a pair of input terminals connected in parallel with the transform and at least one multiplier stage comprising a single diode and a capacitor assembly. The number N is an even number between 4 and 24.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: General Electric Company
  • Publication number: 20140177800
    Abstract: In a target structure according to the present invention, a target is provided on a central area of an insulating substrate, and a first conductive member for supplying a voltage to the target is provided on a peripheral area of the insulating substrate which is exclusive of an area overlapping the target and is not covered by the target, so that the first conductive member is in contact with and electrically connected to the peripheral portion of the target. Consequently, it is possible to easily form a voltage supply line to the target without preventing diffusion of a heat generated in the target to the substrate and while suppressing emission of an unnecessary X-ray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasue Sato, Takao Ogura, Kazuyuki Ueda, Ichiro Nomura
  • Patent number: 8761343
    Abstract: Provided is a field emission X-ray tube. The field emission X-ray tube includes a cathode electrode provided to one end of a vacuum vessel and including a field emission emitter, an anode electrode provided to the other end of the vacuum vessel in an extending direction of the vacuum vessel, and a gate electrode provided on an outer surface of the vacuum vessel adjacent to the cathode electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Jin Woo Jeong, Yoon-Ho Song, Juntae Kang, Jae-Woo Kim
  • Publication number: 20140161220
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an X-ray scanner that has an electron source and an anode. The anode has a target surface with a series of material areas spaced along it in a scanning direction. The material areas are formed from different materials. The electron source is arranged to direct electrons at a series of target areas of the target surface, in a predetermined order, so as to generate X-ray beams having different energy spectra.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Publication number: 20140140480
    Abstract: A radiation generating tube 1 includes: an electron emitting source 3; a target 9 spaced from the electron emitting source 3, for generating a radiation 11 responsive to an irradiation with an electron emitted from the electron emitting source 3; and a tubular shielding member 10 having an electron passing hole 8, wherein the electron passing hole 8 has an electron incident aperture at one end thereof and has a target supporting surface 9b supporting the target 9 at the other end thereof, wherein the target supporting surface 9b is connected through a brazing filler 14 to a periphery of a surface of the target at a side on which the electron is incident, and an opening size of the other end of the electron passing hole 8 is larger than an opening size of the electron incident aperture at the one end thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takao Ogura, Kazuyuki Ueda, Yasue Sato, Ichiro Nomura
  • Publication number: 20140133634
    Abstract: An x-ray emitter housing includes a first housing part and a second housing part that are connected to one another in a form-fit manner using an axially acting threaded ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Sebastian Kaufmann, Andreas Körner, Petra Maurer, Lothar Werner
  • Publication number: 20140126701
    Abstract: An X-ray emitting target including a diamond substrate, a first layer disposed on the diamond substrate and including a first metal, and a second layer disposed on the first layer and including a second metal whose atomic number is 42 or more and which has a thermal conductivity higher than that of the first metal. The layer thickness of the first layer is greater than or equal to 0.1 nm and smaller than or equal to 100 nm. The target is prevented from overheating, so that output variation due to rising temperature is suppressed. Thus it is possible to emit stable and high output X-rays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takao Ogura, Yasue Sato, Nobuhiro Ito
  • Publication number: 20140112449
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a predefined x-ray field is presented. Briefly in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, the apparatus includes a cathode unit configured to emit electrons within a vacuum chamber. The apparatus further includes an anode unit configured to generate x-rays when the emitted electrons impinge on a target surface of the anode unit. Also, the apparatus includes a collimating unit comprising a primary set of blades disposed in the vacuum chamber at a first distance from the anode unit for collimating the generated x-rays to provide the predefined x-ray field at a detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Yun Zou, Scott Stephen Zelakiewicz, Floribertus P. M. Heukensfeldt Jansen, Mark Alan Frontera, Jeffrey Wayne Eberhard, Fengfeng Tao, Xi Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140112450
    Abstract: An X-ray emitting target including a diamond substrate, a first layer disposed on the diamond substrate and including a first metal, and a second layer disposed on the first layer and including a second metal whose atomic number is 42 or more and which has a thermal conductivity higher than that of the first metal. Carbide of the first metal is present at a boundary between the diamond substrate and the first layer. The target is prevented from overheating, so that output variation due to rising temperature is suppressed. Thus it is possible to emit stable and high output X-rays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takao Ogura, Yasue Sato, Nobuhiro Ito
  • Patent number: 8693637
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating X-ray may include: a plasma chamber; a magnet unit for applying a magnetic field to the plasma chamber, the magnet unit configured to allow the control of the magnitude of the minimum magnetic field in the plasma chamber without change in structure; a microwave generator for applying microwaves to the plasma chamber; a reaction gas injected into the plasma chamber for generating X-ray through electron cyclotron resonance by the magnetic field and the microwaves; a variable guide for focusing the generated X-ray; and a variable extractor for outputting the focused X-ray from the plasma chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Basic Science Institute
    Inventors: Byoung Seob Lee, Mi Sook Won, Jang Hee Yoon, Jin Yong Park, Se Yong Choi
  • Publication number: 20140086388
    Abstract: A radiation generating unit of the present invention includes an electron beam source that emits an electron beam and can change the size of a region to be irradiated with the electron beam on a target while maintaining constant the center position of the region to be irradiated with the electron beam. Furthermore, a target is adopted where the number of types of target layers included in the region to be irradiated with the electron beam can be changed by changing the size of the region to be irradiated with the electron beam. The radiation quality can be switched without changing the radiation focus, and the radiation quality of a high energy radiation can be largely changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shuji Yamada, Takeo Tsukamoto, Tadayuki Yoshitake, Kazushi Nomura
  • Publication number: 20140079188
    Abstract: A photo-emitter x-ray source is provided that includes a photocathode electron source, a laser light source, where the laser light source illuminates the photocathode electron source to emit electrons, and an X-ray target, where the emitted electrons are focused on the X-ray target, where the X-ray target emits X-rays. The photocathode electron source can include alkali halides (such as CsBr and CsI), semiconductors (such as GaAs, InP), and theses materials modified with rare Earth element (such as Eu) doping, electron beam bombardment, and X-ray irradiation, and has a form factor that includes planar, patterned, of optically patterned. The X-ray target includes a material such as tungsten, copper, rhodium or molybdenum. The laser light source is pulsed or steered according to light modulators that can include acousto-optics, mode-locking, micro-mirror array, and liquid crystals, and includes a nano-aperture or nano-particle arrays, where the nano-aperture is a C-aperture or a circular aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Lambertus Hesselink, R. Fabian W. Pease, Piero Pianetta, Juan R. Maldonado, Yao-Te Cheng, Jason Ryan
  • Patent number: 8675818
    Abstract: Ceramic metallization in an x-ray tube. In one example embodiment, a metalized ceramic plate for an x-ray tube includes a first side configured to reside inside an evacuated enclosure of an x-ray tube, a second side configured to reside outside the evacuated enclosure, a recess formed in the second side, feedthru openings that extend through the plate between the first side and the recess, and metallization formed around the perimeter of the recess and electrically connected to one of the feedthru openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Steven Wassom
  • Patent number: 8675817
    Abstract: An X-ray generator includes a booster circuit formed by sequentially connecting a plurality of boosting steps extending from a low-voltage terminal to a high-voltage terminal of its own. The booster circuit is arranged in a lateral region of the X-ray tube so as to make the low-voltage terminal of its own correspond to the anode of the X-ray tube and the high-voltage terminal of its own correspond to the cathode of the X-ray tube. A lead wire extending from the cathode to the outside of the X-ray tube is connected to the high-voltage terminal of the booster circuit. A molded member containing insulating resin is formed to shield at least a cathode side end part of the X-ray tube, the lead wire outwardly extending from the cathode side end part and a high-voltage terminal side end part of the booster circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Rigaku Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Ogata, Tetsuo Kani, Makoto Kanbe, Yoshihiro Takeda, Takahisa Sato
  • Publication number: 20140072102
    Abstract: Source of X-rays comprising a source of electrons generating an electron beam of nanometric size and a target, the target being designed to send out an X-ray beam by illumination by the electron beam, the target comprising one nanowire, for example made of silicon, and a nanowire catalyst, for example made of gold, covering the free end of the nanowire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENE ALT
    Inventors: Pierre BLEUET, Nicolas Martin
  • Patent number: 8654924
    Abstract: An X-ray tube including a target adapted for generating X-rays upon impact of an electron beam on a focal spot, and a further electrode. The further electrode is arranged and adapted for measuring thermo ionic electron emission from the target. The X-ray tube is adapted for providing a signal relating to a temperature of the target based on thermo ionic electron emission measured by the further electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Rolf Karl Otto Behling
  • Publication number: 20140035588
    Abstract: Borehole tools and methods for analyzing earth formations are disclosed herein. An example borehole tool disclosed herein includes an RF particle accelerator. The particle accelerator includes at least one accelerator waveguide for accelerating electrons. The accelerator waveguide is a dielectric lined accelerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: TANCREDI BOTTO
  • Publication number: 20140037055
    Abstract: A radiation emission target includes a target layer that generates radiation when irradiated with an electron beam and a substrate composed of diamond, the substrate supporting the target layer. The substrate has a Knoop hardness of 60 GPa or more and 150 GPa or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takao Ogura, Shuji Yamada, Yoichi Ikarashi, Tadayuki Yoshitake, Takeo Tsukamoto
  • Publication number: 20140037065
    Abstract: Borehole tools and methods for analyzing earth formations are disclosed herein. An example borehole tool disclosed herein includes an RF particle accelerator. The particle accelerator includes an accelerator waveguide for accelerating electrons. The borehole tool also includes a power amplification circuit that is based on a wide bandgap semiconductor material, such as a combination of gallium nitride (GaN) and aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN). The power amplification circuit amplifies an initial input RF signal and provides a driving RF output signal to drive acceleration of the electrons within the accelerator waveguide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: TANCREDI BOTTO
  • Publication number: 20140029727
    Abstract: An X-ray generating apparatus for paracentesis of the present invention has an electron emitting portion arranged in an envelope, and a target that emits X-ray by irradiation with electrons that are emitted from the electron emitting portion, and irradiates an affected part in a living body with the X-ray which have been emitted from the target. The apparatus can adjust a region to be irradiated with X-ray, and thereby enables the affected part to be more effectively and efficiently treated with X-ray. The apparatus also includes a front shield which is provided so as to protrude to the outside from the envelope and has an opening that forms a passage of the X-ray which irradiate the affected part, and can adjust a region to be irradiated with X-ray which irradiate the affected part, by the exchange of the front shield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Takeo Ono
  • Publication number: 20130343526
    Abstract: An x-ray source for generating x-rays with at least one narrow energy band includes an enclosing vessel, a first contact arranged with a first contact surface in the enclosing vessel, a second contact arranged with a second contact surface in the enclosing vessel, and an actuator assembly operatively connected to at least one of the first and second contacts. The actuator assembly is structured to cause the first contact surface and the second contact surface to repeatedly come into contact, and separate after making contact, while in operation. The first contact surface is a surface of a first triboelectric material and the second contact surface is a surface of a second triboelectric material, the surface of the first triboelectric material having a negative triboelectric potential relative to the surface of the second triboelectric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Seth J. Putterman, Jonathan Hird, Carlos Camara
  • Publication number: 20130336460
    Abstract: A high energy radiation generator utilizes sliding friction in a low pressure environment to generate high energy radiation, for example x-rays. The sliding friction may be generated by sweeping one material against a second material, for example rotating a surface of a rotor against a membrane, in the presence of an electron target, which may be one of the first material or the second material, or a different material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Carlos Camara, Mark G. Valentine
  • Publication number: 20130322601
    Abstract: A low height x-ray generator that emits a radiation beam close to ground has been presented. This is useful for imaging for inspection purposes of objects lying on ground. The generator comprises of a x-ray tube in a horizontal orientation close to the bottom surface of the generator box and is also in close proximity to a side wall which is made slanting. With such an arrangement, the focal point of the x-ray tube is low and it produces a beam that is hugging close to the ground which is desired to image bottom portion of a package lying on the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: SATPAL SINGH
  • Publication number: 20130315379
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for interleaving operation of a linear accelerator that use a magnetron as the source of electromagnetic waves for use in accelerating electrons to at least two different ranges of energies. The accelerated electrons can be used to generate x-rays of at least two different energy ranges. In certain embodiments, the accelerated electrons can be used to generate x-rays of at least two different energy ranges. The systems and methods are applicable to traveling wave linear accelerators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Accuray, Inc.
    Inventor: Accuray, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130308754
    Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission type radiation generating target which can suppress the exfoliation or the crack of a target layer in an interface between a supporting substrate and the target layer, even when the density of incident electrons has been enhanced or the potential of the target has been enhanced. The transmission type radiation generating target includes a supporting substrate, and a target layer which is arranged on the supporting substrate and generates radiation in response to irradiation with an electron beam, wherein the target layer has an opening through which the supporting substrate is exposed, and the opening overlaps with a position at which the density of the irradiation with the electron beam is maximum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Yamazaki, Miki Tamura
  • Publication number: 20130294576
    Abstract: Described herein are devices for converting a broadband x-ray beam to at least one substantially monochromatic x-ray beam. The devices may be an adaptor for existing x-ray machines or for use with a standalone machine. The device 20 includes a shielded housing 22 having an inner cavity and a fluorescent target 26, 26? disposed in the inner cavity 24 wherein the fluorescent target 26, 26? emits at least one substantially monochromatic x-ray beam when exposed to a broadband x-ray beam. The housing 22 includes a first opening 30 in the housing 22 configured to allow the broadband x-ray beam from an x-ray source to enter the inner cavity 24 and irradiate the fluorescent target 26, 26? and a second opening 34 in the housing configured to allow the at least one substantially monochromatic x-ray beam emitted by the fluorescent target to exit the housing 22. Also described herein are sources of monochromatic x-rays 60, 84, 112, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic methods of using of monochromatic x-ray beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Anil K. Pradhan, Yan Yu
  • Publication number: 20130287177
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for generating a beam of charged particles, accelerating the charged particles toward a first side of a layer of X-ray target material configured to emit Bremsstrahlung radiation through a second side, receiving the Bremsstrahlung radiation on a first face of an additional layer of a different X-ray target material configured to emit characteristic fluorescence X-rays with energy above 20 keV through a second face, wherein the additional layer of X-ray target material is located within 3 mm of the second side of the first layer of material. The first X-ray target material can have an atomic number greater than 21.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: TOBIAS FUNK, BRIAN PATRICK WILFLEY
  • Publication number: 20130287174
    Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to devices and methods for X-ray monitoring. Various embodiments of the present disclosure use a target that incorporates a monitor layer. The monitor layer is disposed adjacent to a target layer so that electrons that pass through the target layer enter the monitor layer. As electrons enter the monitor layer, electrical charge is generated within the monitor layer. This electrical charge is measured and used to determine a characteristic of the X-ray generation within the target layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zilu ZHOU, Joel Lee GROVES
  • Patent number: 8559597
    Abstract: An x-ray analysis apparatus for illuminating a sample spot with an x-ray beam. An x-ray tube is provided having a source spot from which a diverging x-ray beam is produced having a characteristic first energy, and bremsstrahlung energy; a first x-ray optic receives the diverging x-ray beam and directs the beam toward the sample spot, while monochromating the beam; and a second x-ray optic receives the diverging x-ray beam and directs the beam toward the sample spot, while monochromating the beam to a second energy. The first x-ray optic may monochromate characteristic energy from the source spot, and the second x-ray optic may monochromate bremsstrahlung energy from the source spot. The x-ray optics may be curved diffracting optics, for receiving the diverging x-ray beam from the x-ray tube and focusing the beam at the sample spot. Detection is also provided to detect and measure various toxins in, e.g., manufactured products including toys and electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: X-Ray Optical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Zewu Chen, David M. Gibson, Walter M. Gibson, Adam Bailey, R. Scott Semken, Kai Xin, John H. Burdett
  • Patent number: 8559598
    Abstract: A miniature X-ray source device for effecting radiation therapy at least comprising a vacuum tube containing a cathode and an anode spaced apart at some distance from each other; emitting means for emitting free electrons from the cathode; electric field generating means for applying during use a high-voltage electric field between the cathode and the anode for accelerating the emitted free electrons towards the anode, as well as an exit window for X-ray radiation being generating at the anode. The present invention provides an improved miniature X-ray source device, that can also properly be used in treating skin cancer and which is easy to handle. The anode is provided with a flat X-ray emitting surface. In particular, the cathode exhibits a concave shaped surface having a center part surrounded by an upright circumferential edge, wherein the center part of the concave shaped surface is provided with an electron emitting material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Nucletron B.V.
    Inventors: Johann Kindlein, Evert Hendrik Agterhuis, Godefridus Hendricus Maria Gubbels, Frank Simonis
  • Publication number: 20130266119
    Abstract: A transmission type micro-focus X-ray generation apparatus includes an electron reflector, an electron passage surrounded by the electron reflector, an electron source, and a target. X-rays are generated by irradiating the target with electrons that have been emitted from the electron source and that have passed through the electron passage. The electron passage has a conical shape having a cross-sectional area that increases from an outlet on the target side toward an inlet on the electron source side. A material of the target is molybdenum, tantalum, or tungsten. The atomic number of a material of the electron reflector is greater than or equal to the atomic number of the material of the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Osamu Taniguchi, Takao Ogura
  • Publication number: 20130259206
    Abstract: An x-ray generator includes a voltage source and a voltage divider network coupled thereto, a housing, and an insulator carried within the housing. An emitter cathode is carried within the housing and emits electrons and undesirable conductive particles. In addition, there is a shielding electrode carried within the housing downstream of the emitter cathode and coupled to the voltage divider network. A target is carried within the housing downstream of the at least one shielding electrode. The voltage divider is configured so that the emitter cathode and the shielding electrode have a voltage difference therebetween such that an electric field generated in the housing accelerates electrons emitted by the emitter cathode to toward the target. The shielding electrode is shaped to capture the undesirable conductive particles emitted by the emitter cathode that would otherwise strike the insulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Marc-Andre de Looz, Jani Reijonen
  • Publication number: 20130235976
    Abstract: An X-ray source device includes a substrate, a cathode electrode on the substrate, an emitter on the cathode electrode, an insulation body around the cathode electrode, a gate electrode on the insulation body, a first secondary electron emission layer at a side wall of the gate electrode and emitting secondary electrons upon collision with an electron beam emitted by the emitter, and an anode electrode separated from the gate electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tae-won JEONG, Yong-chul KIM, Do-yoon KIM, Il-hwan KIM, Shang-hyeun PARK
  • Publication number: 20130223594
    Abstract: The present invention relates to determining changes in the X-ray emission yield of an X-ray tube, in particular determining dose degradation. In order to provide determination of such changes, an X-ray source is provided comprising a cathode, an anode; and at least one X-ray sensor (16). The cathode emits electrons towards the anode and the anode comprises a target area on which the electrons impinge, generating X-ray radiation. An X-ray barrier (24) is provided with an aperture (26) for forming an emitting X-ray beam from the X-ray radiation, wherein the emitting X-ray beam has a beam formation (30) with a central axis. The at least one X-ray sensor is arranged within the beam formation and measures the X-ray intensity for a specific direction of X-ray emission with an angle with respect to the central axis. The at least one X- ray sensor can be positioned inside the beam formation (30), but outside the “actual field of view” (40) as determined by a diaphragm (36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Hans Peter Sprong, Martin Kimutai Sprong, Rainer Kiewitt
  • Publication number: 20130195252
    Abstract: A radiation unit for generating bremsstrahlung includes an electron accelerator producing the bremsstrahlung, a supply unit disposed in a main unit, and at least one supply line connecting the supply unit and the electron accelerator. The at least one supply line is a waveguide. The at least one supply line has a first longitudinal section running from the supply unit to a terminal disposed on the main unit. The electron accelerator is disposed outside the main unit and is connected to the terminal via a second longitudinal section of the at least one supply line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Martin Koschmieder, Sven Müller, Stefan Willing
  • Publication number: 20130195246
    Abstract: A radiation-transmissive type target structure includes a target layer formed on a substrate. The target layer has a thickness equal to or less than 20 ?m, and is configured to generate radiation in response to irradiation of electrons. A surface of the target layer is formed with projecting portions and depressed portions, the depressed portions have a depth of at least half the thickness of the target layer. Advantageously, separation of the target layer at an interface between the substrate and the target layer is substantially prevented. A radiation generating apparatus and a radiography system equipped with the target structure are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha