Abstract: A transmission type X-ray tube includes an electrode lead (4) holding a cathode filament (7) and a stem unit (1) to which a sealing member (5), an exhaust tube (2), and the like are attached by brazing, and an irradiation widow frame (8) having an X-ray irradiation window (9) attached by brazing. The other end side (52) of the sealing member (5) is attached to an open end (83) of the irradiation window frame (8) by welding. Thus, it is possible to obtain a high-quality transmission type X-ray tube having a long service life at a low cost.

Abstract: A betatron, especially in X-ray testing apparatus is provided, that includes a rotationally symmetrical inner yoke having two interspaced parts, an outer yoke connecting the two inner yoke parts, at least one main field coil, a toroidal betatron tube arranged between the opposing front sides of the inner yoke parts, and at least one contraction and expansion coil. An individual CE coil is respectively arranged between the front side of the inner yoke part and the betatron tube, and the radius of the CE coil is essentially the same as the nominal orbital radius of the electrons in the betatron tube.

Abstract: In one example, an x-ray device is provided that includes an enclosure having an x-ray transmissive window. A cathode assembly that includes an electron source capable of emitting electrons is disposed within the enclosure. An anode is also disposed in the enclosure between the cathode assembly and the window. The anode includes a body portion and a target surface that is positioned on the body portion so as to face away from the electron source of the cathode assembly. The anode further includes a drift tunnel that defines a path through which electrons pass from the electron source to the target surface. Finally, this example includes a voltage source electrically connected so as to provide a potential field that causes some of the electrons to impact the target surface and produce x-rays for emission through the window.

Abstract: A cylindrical gamma generator includes a coaxial RF-driven plasma ion source and target. A hydrogen plasma is produced by RF excitation in a cylindrical plasma ion generator using an RF antenna. A cylindrical gamma generating target is coaxial with the ion generator, separated by plasma and extraction electrodes which has many openings. The plasma generator emanates ions radially over 360° and the cylindrical target is thus irradiated by ions over its entire circumference. The plasma generator and target may be as long as desired.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the density and other properties of a formation surrounding a borehole using a high voltage x-ray generator. One embodiment comprises a stable compact x-ray generator capable of providing radiation with energy of 260 keV and higher while operating at temperatures equal to or greater than 125° C. In another embodiment, radiation is passed from an x-ray generator into the formation; reflected radiation is detected by a short spaced radiation detector and a long spaced radiation detector. The output of these detectors is then used to determine the density of the formation. In one embodiment, a reference radiation detector monitors a filtered radiation signal. The output of this detector is used to control at least one of the acceleration voltage and beam current of the x-ray generator.

Abstract: An X-ray scanning apparatus comprises a number of multi-focus X-ray tubes (25) spaced around an axis X and arranged to emit X-rays through an object on the axis which are detected by sensors (52). Each tube (25) can emit X-rays from a plurality of source positions. In each scanning cycle, in which each of the source positions in each of the tubes is used once, the ordering of the positions used is arranged so as to minimize the thermal load on the tubes (25). This is achieved by ensuring that each source position is non-adjacent to the previously active one and the next active one.

Abstract: A system and method for generating X-rays comprising a waveguide having a cavity extending therethrough, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, the second sidewall having an opening extending therethrough forming or including a target therein. An electron emitter coupled to an inner surface of the first sidewall for emitting electrons into the cavity, microwaves coupled into the cavity generating an electric field for accelerating the electrons through the cavity and toward the target in the opening of the second sidewall for generating X-rays.

Abstract: An improved rotating anode x-ray tube housing is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment: a single cable, insulated with Ethylene-Propylene Rubber (“EPR”), has an extended Federal Standard terminal or plug mounted within an extended Federal Standard receptacle, attached to an anode end of the housing; the cable is designed to carry up to approximately 150 kV to power the cathode; and insulation of the plug also insulates the 150 kV from a grounded center portion of the x-ray tube and the anode disk area. The longitudinal axes of the anode and high-voltage plug are parallel to one another. This new configuration allows the cathode plug and receptacle to be moved virtually entirely inside the housing. This results in absolute minimal size of the assembly, and a single cable that exits parallel to the rotational axis of the housing.

Abstract: A betatron includes a betatron magnet with a first guide magnet having a first pole face and a second guide magnet having a second pole face. Both the first and the second guide magnet have a centrally disposed aperture and the first pole face is separated from the second pole face by a guide magnet gap. A core is disposed within the centrally disposed apertures in an abutting relationship with both guide magnets. The core has at least one core gap. A drive coil is wound around both guide magnet pole faces. An orbit control coil has a contraction coil portion wound around the core gap and a bias control portion wound around the guide magnet pole faces. The contraction coil portion and the bias control portion are connected but in opposite polarity. Magnet fluxes in the core and guide magnets return through peripheral portions of the betatron magnet.

Abstract: A filament assembly for use in an x-ray emitting device or other filament-containing device is disclosed. In one embodiment, an x-ray tube is disclosed, including a vacuum enclosure that houses both an anode having a target surface, and a cathode positioned with respect to the anode. The cathode includes a filament assembly for emitting a beam of electrons during tube operation. The filament assembly comprises a heat sink and a plurality of filament segments. The filament segments are configured for simultaneous emission of an electron beam for impingement on the target surface of the anode, and are electrically connected in series. Each filament segment includes first and second end portions that are thermally connected to the heat sink, and a central portion that can be configured with a modified work function for preferential electron emission.

Abstract: A method for routine monitoring and quality assurance of field asymmetry of high energy circular radiation beam producing equipment. The quality assurance process of field symmetry for devices such as stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) systems is simplified by directly measuring the integration of the half-beam profile. The method of the invention provides that the field symmetry is obtained by positioning the tip of an ion chamber, with a collecting length approximately half the diameter of the beam, at the central axis of the beam, and rotating the ion chamber at varying angular positions, acquiring and comparing readings at desired angular positions. Each pair of readings from positions 180 degrees opposed from each other, are plugged into the equation, Asymmetry=2(R1?R2)/(R1+R2) to compute asymmetry.

Abstract: A miniaturized, increased efficiency x-ray source for materials analysis includes a laser source, an optical delivery structure, a laser-driven thermionic cathode (108), an anode (122), and a target from the laser source and directs the beam onto a surface of the themionic cathode. The surfaces electrons form an electron beam along a beam path. The target element (110) is disposed in the beam path, and emits x-rays in response to incident accelerated electrons from the thermionic cathode. The target element includes an inclined surface that forms an angle of inclination (113) of about 40 degrees with respect to the electon beam path, so that x-rays are emitted from the target substantially at an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the electron beam path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray tube capable of efficiently extracting X-rays of low energy and provided with a structure having excellent durability. The X-ray tube is provided with a silicon foil having a thickness of 3 ?m or more but 30 ?m or less as a part of a vessel body. The silicon foil is directly or indirectly affixed on the closed vessel in a state that the silicon foil covers the opening provided in the closed vessel, and functions as a transmission window of the closed vessel.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments, a wrap-around capture device of an X-ray collimator frame limits movement of an X-ray tube mounting bracket away from the X-ray collimator. In some embodiments, a C-shaped passive capture device is attached or mounted on the wrap-around capture device, having a portion that is positioned in between the wrap-around capture device and the X-ray collimator frame, which further limits movement of the X-ray tube mounting bracket.

Abstract: A method and device for cooling and electrically-insulating a high-voltage, heat-generating component, for example, an x-ray tube (1105) for analyzing fluids by means of x-ray fluorescence. The device includes an x-ray source (1100) including an x-ray tube (1105) having improved heat-dissipating properties due to the thermal coupling of the x-ray tube with a thermally-conductive, dielectric material (1150). The device may include a base assembly (1135) mounted to the component for conducting heat away from the component while electrically isolating the component. In one aspect of the invention, the base assembly includes two copper plates (1140, 1145) separated by a dielectric plate (1150). The dielectric plate minimizes or prevents the leakage of current through the base assembly (1135). One aspect of the disclosed invention is most amenable to the analysis of sulfur in petroleum-based fuels.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anode module 1 for a liquid-metal anode X-ray source which has an electron entry window 3 in the region of focus 2. It is provided according to the invention that an X-ray beam exit window 4 lies opposite the electron entry window 3 of the anode module 1 and the exit angle ? of the X-ray beams 7 between an electron beam 6 entering through the electron entry window 3 along the direction of incidence 5 and the X-ray beams 7 exiting through the X-ray beam exit window 4 is between 5° and 50°, in particular 15°. The invention also relates to an X-radiator with an electron source for the emission of electrons and a liquid-metal anode emitting X-ray beams 7 when the electrons strike, which has an anode module 1 with the above-named features.

Abstract: An anode plate for an X-ray tube includes an outer edge, a center region, and a plurality of slots disposed along the outer edge and extending toward the center region (210b) with each of the plurality of slots including a slot end. The anode plate further includes slot termination material disposed around a least a portion of the periphery of one or more of the slot ends, the slot termination material operable to reduce the tension stress or compression stress at the slot end.

Abstract: A shield structure and focal spot control assembly is provided for use in connection with an x-ray device that includes an anode and cathode disposed in a vacuum enclosure in a spaced apart arrangement so that a target surface of the anode is positioned to receive electrons emitted by the cathode. The shield structure is configured to be interposed between the anode and the cathode and includes an interior surface that defines an aperture or other opening through which the electrons are passed from the cathode to the target surface of the anode. Additionally, fluid passageways defined in connection with the shield structure enable cooling of the shield structure. Finally, a magnetic device disposed proximate the cathode facilitates control of the location of the focal spot on the target surface of the anode.

Abstract: A device for irradiating tissue encompassing at least one electron source for generating an electron beam, numerous radiation heads that are firmly and annularly arranged in a supporting frame around an isocenter of the device and emit radiation towards the isocenter, and one beam guidance system to guide the electron beam in the housing towards the radiation heads. The beam guidance system has been built as a polygon, especially as a pentagon arranged like a ring around the isocenter, in which case media for deflecting the electron beam have been placed at every corner point of the polygon.

Abstract: An x-ray system is disclosed that includes a bipolar x-ray tube. The bipolar x-ray tube includes two insulators that are separated by an intermediate electrode in an embodiment, wherein each insulator forms a portion of an outer wall of a vacuum envelope of the bipolar x-ray tube surrounding at least a portion of a path of an electron beam within the vacuum envelope. In further embodiments, the bipolar x-ray tube includes a first electrode at a positive high voltage potential with respect to a reference potential, a second electrode at a negative high voltage potential with respect to the reference potential, and an x-ray transmissive window that is at the positive high voltage potential.

Abstract: A shielding disk for managing x-ray emission form a stationary anode x-ray tube is disclosed. The stationary anode x-ray tube includes an anode housing and a stainless steel can that together form an evacuated enclosure and respectively contain a stationary anode and a cathode assembly. The shielding disk, comprised of tungsten, is interposed between the anode housing and the can, and is formed with a region, such as a hole, formed through a central portion thereof. During tube operation, electrons pass through the shielding disk hole to impact a target surface on the anode and produce x-rays. Those x-rays that do not pass through a window defined in the anode housing to exit the tube but instead emanate toward the can, are intercepted and absorbed by the shielding disk before entering the can. This results in a reduced need for lead shielding disposed about external surfaces of the x-ray tube.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for brazing components in a structure using a gap setting surface and brazing foil as brazing filler between the parts in order to form uniform joints having optimal dimensions, shape and strength. The components are assembled in an unconstrained stack, and a controlled load is applied to the top of the stack. The stack is then heated to a temperature at which the brazing foil melts and reacts with the components to form the joints. The stack is cooled resulting in a brazed structure having the desired dimension.

Abstract: A device for generating an x-ray point source includes a target, and an electron source for producing electrons which intersect with the target to generate an x-ray point source having a size which is confined by a dimension of the target.

Abstract: In a first rolling bearing of this X-ray tube apparatus, an ion nitriding layer is formed on a raceway surface of an inner ring, and an ion nitriding layer is formed on a raceway surface of an outer ring. As the results, surface hardness of the raceway surface of the inner ring and the raceway surface of the outer ring is enhanced, and abrasion resistance can be improved. On the other hand, in a second rolling bearing, an ion nitriding layer and a diamond-like carbon film are successively formed on a raceway surface of an inner ring, and an ion nitriding layer and a diamond-like carbon film are successively formed on a raceway surface of an outer ring. As the results, the second rolling bearing which is positioned closer to the target has a double hardening structure.

Abstract: A mammography method images breast tissue with an end window X-ray transmission tube to detect the presence of neovascular micro-vessels as defining vascular structure associated with a suspect tumorous mass. A kit therefor has a high-efficiency, end window X-ray transmission tube and a supply of a contrast agent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the density and other properties of a formation surrounding a borehole using a high voltage x-ray generator. One embodiment comprises a stable compact x-ray generator capable of providing radiation with energy of 260 keV and higher while operating at temperatures equal to or greater than 125° C. In another embodiment, radiation is passed from an x-ray generator into the formation; reflected radiation is detected by a short spaced radiation detector and a long spaced radiation detector. The output of these detectors is then used to determine the density of the formation. In one embodiment, a reference radiation detector monitors a filtered radiation signal. The output of this detector is used to control at least one of the acceleration voltage and beam current of the x-ray generator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a window transparent for electrons of an electron beam (E), in particular of an X-ray source.

Abstract: An x-ray source has an evacuated tube. An anode is disposed in the tube and includes a material configured to produce x-rays in response to impact of electrons. A cathode is disposed in the tube opposing the anode configured to produce electrons accelerated towards the anode in response to an electric field between the anode and the cathode. A flange extends from the cathode toward the anode, and has a smaller diameter than the evacuated tube. The flange extends closer to the anode than an interface between the cathode and the tube thus forming a reduced-field region between the evacuated tube and the flange.

Abstract: A shield assembly for an x-ray device is disclosed herein. The shield assembly includes a radiation shielding layer comprised of a first material; and a thermally conductive layer attached the radiation shielding layer. The thermally conductive layer is comprised of a second material. The shield assembly also includes an electron absorption layer attached to the radiation shielding layer. The electron absorption layer is comprised of a third material. The electron absorption layer is configured to absorb backscattered electrons.

Abstract: Various mechanisms are provided relating to plasma-based light source that may be used for lithography as well as other applications. For example, a device is disclosed for producing extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light based on a sheared plasma flow. The device can produce a plasma pinch that can last several orders of magnitude longer than what is typically sustained in a Z-pinch, thus enabling the device to provide more power output than what has been hitherto predicted in theory or attained in practice. Such power output may be used in a lithography system for manufacturing integrated circuits, enabling the use of EUV wavelengths on the order of about 13.5 nm. Lastly, the process of manufacturing such a plasma pinch is discussed, where the process includes providing a sheared flow of plasma in order to stabilize it for long periods of time.

Abstract: A coiled filament for an X-ray tube has a varied coil pitch to obtain a good uniformity of the longitudinal temperature distribution. The filament has a central region including plural turns having a same coil pitch, and end regions which include plural turns each of which has a coil pitch smaller than the coil pitch of the central region. The coil pitches of the plural turns of the end regions are reduced one by one by a same variation from a turn close to the central region toward an outermost turn. A value of ?p/p is within a range of 0.015 to 0.1 and k/n is within a range of 0.3 to 0.8, where p is the coil pitch of the central region, ?p is the coil pitch variation of the end regions, n is a total number of turns of the filament, and k is a sum of numbers of turns of the end regions. The k/n preferably satisfies the following equation: k/n=0.72?4.66(?p/p)±0.12.

Abstract: A compact x-ray source includes an electron beam source with a metallic film on a diamond window. The metallic film, which may be copper or scandium, absorbs the electron beams and produces k-alpha x-rays. The diamond window is a single crystal of diamond with a crystallographic orientation to diffract the x-rays, thereby producing a monochromatic and well collimated x-ray beam. The orientation of the crystal lattice may be configured to produce multiple x-ray beams. A plurality of electron beam sources may also be used to generate multiple x-ray beams. A detector is used to receive the x-ray beam after it interacts with a sample to be measured.

Abstract: A linear source of x-rays is disclosed wherein an elongated filament, mounted within a cylindrically formed anode, provides electrons around the filament, and along the length of said filament. The anode that comprises a high Z material such as gold, receives the electrons and emits X-rays in a 360 degree arc and along a substantial length of the anode. In one embodiment the tube is used for irradiation purposes.

Abstract: A bearing assembly suitable for use in conjunction with x-ray device having a rotating target anode and electron source disposed in an evacuated enclosure. The bearing assembly includes a shaft having a rotor hub to which the anode is mounted. The shaft cooperates with front and rear bearing rings to define front and rear races, and a spacer facilitates positioning of the bearing rings. Front and rear ball sets are confined in the front and rear races, respectively. A bearing housing receives the bearing rings, spacer, front and rear ball sets, and part of the shaft. Finally, a magnet is disposed near the front bearing ring to prevent escape of foreign matter from the bearings and to prevent ingress of foreign matter to the bearings. Consequently, the magnet serves to extend the life of the bearings and to prevent foreign matter related arcing of the target anode and electron source.

Abstract: A laparoscopic tumor therapy method and an articulated electron beam transport system are provided for use with a high power, long focus electron source for tumor therapy. The high power, long focus electron source generates an e-beam. The e-beam is transported through a laparoscopic tube proximate a target tumor for electron irradiation therapy.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system is provided which includes an X-ray tube including, a cathode for emitting electrons; and a dynamic anode. The dynamic anode receives the electrons from the cathode and generates an X-ray beam that is non-stationary. The dynamic anode rotates between a first position where the X-ray beam is directed at a first location on an object and a second position where the X-ray beam is directed at a second location on the object to generate the non-stationary beam.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for supporting an evacuated enclosure within an outer housing of an x-ray tube is disclosed. The mounting assembly comprises a clamp portion having a C-shaped configuration, and a bracket portion having a circular recess that receives at least a portion of the clamp portion therein. The clamp portion includes an aperture that frictionally attaches to a window assembly of the evacuated enclosure. The clamp portion is in turn mechanically attached to the bracket portion such that an aperture in the bracket portion is aligned both with the clamp portion aperture and a window disposed in the window assembly. The bracket portion further includes a concave surface that is shaped to mechanically mate with an exterior portion of the outer housing, thereby securably supporting the evacuated enclosure within the outer housing. The mounting assembly further includes structures for securing the x-ray tube within an x-ray generating device.

Abstract: A shield structure and focal spot control assembly is provided for use in connection with an x-ray device that includes an anode and cathode disposed in a vacuum enclosure in a spaced apart arrangement so that a target surface of the anode is positioned to receive electrons emitted by the cathode. The shield structure is configured to be interposed between the anode and the cathode and includes an interior surface that defines an aperture or other opening through which the electrons are passed from the cathode to the target surface of the anode. Additionally, fluid passageways defined in connection with the shield structure enable cooling of the shield structure. Finally, a magnetic device disposed proximate the cathode facilitates control of the location of the focal spot on the target surface of the anode.

Abstract: An x-ray source provides both a line focus output and a point focus output, and is mounted on a rotatable support to allow easy changing between the two. A housing has ports at different angular positions relative to an anode, and each port has an associated optic appropriate for an x-ray beam passing through that port. Three or four ports may also be used to allow for different types of beam conditioning. The different beam optics may also do conditioning based on wavelength, and the anode may be of a composite material to provide different wavelength ranges. The rotatable support may be manual or motorized, and a lockout mechanism may be used to ensure that only one port is active at a time. The support may also be located on a movable table that is movable in multiple perpendicular directions.

Abstract: An x-ray source includes an insulating tube having a cylindrical inside surface defining a cylindrical vacuum cavity, a cathode located near a first end of the insulating tube and adapted to be optically heated for emitting electrons, an anode adapted for a voltage bias with respect to the cathode for accelerating electrons emitted from the cathode, an x-ray emitter target located near a second end of the insulating tube for impact by accelerated electrons, and a secondary emission reduction layer covering at least a portion of the inside surface and adapted to minimize charge build-up on the inside surface, wherein the insulating tube is adapted to be weakly conductive to support a uniform voltage gradient along the insulating tube and across the voltage bias between the cathode and the anode.

Abstract: High voltage vacuum tube (9) with an anode (3) and a cathode (4), the anode (3) and/or the cathode (4) being electrically insulted by means of an annular insulator (21/22). The annular insulator (21/22) is designed arched once, humped in direction of the vacuumized inner space (6), the arch having in the direction of the vacuumized inner space (6) a sloping front area (31) and two lateral areas (30/33). The sloping front area (31) of the insulator (22) of the anode (3) slopes toward the disc center (7) of the insulator (22), while the sloping front area (31) of the insulator (21) of the cathode (4) slopes away from the disc center (7) of the insulator (21).

Abstract: The present invention is an RF cavity for accelerating electrons in imaging applications such as x-ray tubes and CT applications. An RF cavity having electron emitters placed therein accelerates the electrons across the cavity. The geometric shape of the cavity determines the electromagnetic modes that are employed for the acceleration of electrons. The fast electrons are used to generate x-rays by interacting with a target, either a solid or a liquid target. The electron accelerator may be used in an arc source for a stationary computed tomography application, in an x-ray tube, as a booster for an electron gun, and other imaging applications.

Abstract: An X-ray emitter and an X-ray apparatus and method of manufacturing an x-ray emitter. The emitter has an anode, a cathode, and a vacuum evacuated body in which the anode and the cathode are placed. The body has an opening and a high-voltage connector placed in the opening, the connector closing off the opening in a vacuum-tight manner, thereby subjecting the connector to a vacuum on one side of the cathode and to ambient air on an opposite side.

Abstract: A component mounting system that includes a rotor stem, nut, and mechanical interface. The mechanical interface defines a shaped surface and is integral with the component. An axial opening in the component permits the component to be mounted on the rotor stem. The nut defines a second shaped surface and one or more annular slots. As the nut is advanced along a threaded portion of the rotor stem, the shaped surfaces contact each other and serve to automatically center the component on the rotor stem. The annular slot defined by the nut permits the nut to elastically deform under the influence of various operating conditions, and thereby alleviate forces that are exerted on the elements of the component mounting system.

Abstract: The invention relates to targets for an X-ray transmission tube (9); to a high efficiency, high excitation energy X-ray transmission tube; to combinations of the targets and high efficiency X-ray transmission tubes; and applications for utilizing such X-ray tubes. The target comprises two or more different thin foils (1) or at least two foils of the same material but different foil thickness on separate areas of a substantially planar substrate which is substantially transparent to X-rays. The target may also comprise at least two different foils (2, 3) layered sequentially one of the other, wherein X-rays are produced when an electron beam impinges the foil closest to the source fo the electron beam; wherein the energy of the electron beam is selectively changed to produce X-rays of a least one preselected energy characteristic of at least one of the foils.

Abstract: A miniature x-ray tube has an anode assembly capable of transmitting x-rays through the anode and over a wide angular range. The anode is in the shape of a cone or truncated cone with an axis on the x-ray tube frame axis, formed of low-Z material with high thermal conductivity for heat dissipation. A target material on the anode body is in a thin layer, which may be approximately 0.5 to 5 microns thick. In one embodiment a tube evacuation exhaust port at the tail end of the anode assembly forms a cavity for a getter, with a pinched-off tubulation at the end of the cavity.

Abstract: A cable terminal and clamp system particularly suited for use in an x-ray tube environment. The cable terminal and clamp system includes a cable socket having cable and terminal ports, each of which defines an axis. The cable terminal and clamp system includes a cable clamp that receives at least a portion of the cable socket. The cable clamp and cable socket are configured so that motion of the cable socket, relative to the cable clamp, along the axis defined by the terminal port is unimpaired, while motion of the cable socket, relative to the cable clamp, along the axis defined by the cable port is precluded. A spring interposed between the cable socket and cable clamp biases the cable socket away from the cable clamp along the axis defined by the terminal port. The cable terminal and clamp system thus accommodates thermal expansion of the terminal, while retaining the terminal in an associated receptacle and maintaining alignment of the cable clamp and cable socket.

Abstract: A sealed electron beam source (12) for an imaging tube (16) is provided. The beam source (12) includes a source housing (50) with a source window (54) having a first voltage potential and a source electrode (52) having a second voltage potential. The source electrode (52) generates electrons and emits the electrons through the source window (54) to a target (32) that is external to the source housing (50). A method of supplying and directing electrons on the target (32) within the imaging tube (16) is also provided. The method includes forming the source housing (50) over the source electrode (52) and sealing the source housing (50). The electrons are generated and emitted from the source electrode (52) and directed through the source window (54) to the target (32).

Abstract: A dielectric connector for use in high voltage devices, including x-ray tubes, is disclosed. The connector comprises a dielectric material and is pre-formed before attachment to the x-ray tube. Pre-formation of the connector creates a first cavity portion therein that conforms in shape to a corresponding segment of the tube surface. A second cavity portion is also defined for receiving a high voltage receptacle. Upon attachment to the tube, the first cavity portion receives the corresponding tube segment. The high voltage receptacle is received into the second cavity portion and electrically connects with a receptacle defined on the tube surface. The receptacle enables a high voltage signal passing through the electrode to connect with either the anode or cathode disposed within the tube. Pre-formation of the connector enables connector testing and repair to occur before it is attached to the tube, saving resources, time, and cost.

Abstract: Methods for connecting electrical potential to an extractor cup at the cathode of a miniature x-ray tube are disclosed. The various connection schemes are designed to form a rugged and conveniently manufacturable connection between the metal extractor cup and one side of the cathode filament, so that the extractor cup shapes the path of electrons as desired en route to the anode of the tube. Some of the disclosed connections involve evaporation of conductive metal or other materials off the filament when the filament is first activated. Others involve applying a paste or paint conductive precursor directly to a base to connect a post and the extractor, the paste being heat-cured after the completion of assembly. Others involve a fine wire or spring strip from one filament post to the walls of the extractor cup. Other schemes include welded or brazed wires or foil, crimping, pinching, swaging and other connections, all made inside the tube enclosure.