Abstract: A rotating anode for x-ray generation uses a heat pipe principle with a heat pipe coolant located in a sealed chamber of a rotating portion of the anode. The rotating portion is positioned relative to a second portion so that relative rotation occurs between the two portions and so that a fluid path exists between the two portions through which an external cooling fluid may flow. The relative motion between the two portions provides a turbulent flow to the cooling fluid. The anode may also include cooling fins that extend into the sealed chamber. The sealed chamber may be under vacuum, and may be sealed by o-rings or by brazing. A closable fill port may be provided via which heat pipe coolant may be added. A balancing mass may be used to balance the anode in two dimensions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray source comprising an electron source (1) for the emission of electrons (E), a target (4) for the emission of characteristic, substantially monochromatic X-rays (C) in response to the incidence of the electrons (E) and an outcoupling means (11) for outcoupling of the X-rays. To achieve characteristic, substantially monochromatic X-rays with a high power loadability electrons are incident on a metal foil (5) of a thickness of less than 10 ?m and a base arrangement (7, 12) is arranged wherein the metal of said metal foil (5) has a high atomic number allowing the generation of X-rays (C) and the material substantially included in the base arrangement (7, 12) has a low atomic number not allowing the generation of X-rays (C).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a magnetohydrodynamic pump 5 for a liquid-metal anode 1 of an X-ray source. It is provided according to the invention that it can be operated in at least two modes, wherein the first mode is a thawing mode in which the liquid metal 2 is melted in a line 3 of the liquid-metal anode 1, the second mode is an operating mode in which the liquid metal 2 is pumped through the line 3 and X-ray beams are produced. In addition, the invention relates to a liquid-metal anode 1 for an X-ray source with a liquid metal 2 which is located in a line 3, wherein an anode module 15 is inserted into the line 3 in the region of focus 4, with a pump 5 for circulating the liquid metal 2 in the line 3 and with a cooling system 6 for the liquid metal 2. According to the invention, such a liquid-metal anode 1 has a magnetohydrodynamic pump 5 as described above.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus includes a rotation-anode type X-ray tube which is configured such that a rotatable anode target and a cathode that is disposed to be opposed to the anode target are accommodated within a vacuum envelope, a stator which generates an induction electromagnetic field for rotating the anode target, a housing which accommodates and holds at least the rotation-anode type X-ray tube, a circulation path which is provided near at least a part of the rotation-anode type X-ray tube, and through which a water-based coolant is circulated, and a cooling unit including a circulation pump, which is provided at a position along the circulation path and forcibly feeds the water-based coolant, and a radiator which radiates heat of the water-based coolant, wherein at least a part of a surface of a metallic component is coated with a coating member to prevent contacting with the water-based coolant.

Abstract: An anode assembly includes a rotatable hub having a rotation axis and having a cooling passage formed therethrough and a ferrofluid seal attached to the rotatable hub, the ferrofluid seal fluidically separating a first volume containing the target from a second volume. A target is attached to the rotatable hub, the target having a rotation axis coincident with the rotation axis of the rotatable hub and having a chamber formed therein fluidically coupled to the cooling passage, the target having a focal track material attached to an outer face of the target.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an anode cooling system for a rotating-anode type X-ray tube includes a heat pipe arrangement comprising an evaporator part coupled to an anode, a condenser part coupled to a bearing of the anode, and a plurality of heat pipes arranged in mutually opposing configuration, in-between the evaporator part and the condenser part, wherein the resultant dynamic force on the heat pipes is substantially zero. In some embodiments, an anode cooling system for an X-ray tube, comprises a first heat pipe configured for operating at a predetermined high first temperature range near an anode, a second heat pipe configured for operating at a predetermined low second temperature range coupled to the first heat pipe, and a heat sink coupled to the second heat pipe, and a liquid metal filled in-between the heat pipes and the anode to transfer heat from the anode to the heat pipe by convection.

Abstract: An x-ray source assembly capable of producing x-rays suitable for use in medical, explosive detection, and other areas. The assembly includes a housing having a two-part socket member (which holds the assembly's x-ray tube therein) positioned therein. The two-part housing defines an opening through with the tube's x-rays are emitted.

Abstract: A rotating envelope radiator has a radiator housing surrounded by an external housing to form an intervening space in which a coolant flows. To prevent the formation, at high rotational frequencies, of reverse flows of the coolant in the intervening space, a flow conductor structure is provided in the intervening space that counteracts the formation of tangential flow components in the coolant.

Abstract: There is disclosed a rotating anode X-ray tube assembly includes a vacuum envelope integrated with an anode target, a housing receiving at least the vacuum envelope, and rotatably holding it, a circulation path circulating a cooling medium in a state of closing to at least anode target of the vacuum envelope, a cathode received and arranged in the vacuum envelope, a cathode support member supporting the cathode, a bearing mechanism and a vacuum sealing mechanism interposed between the vacuum envelope, and the housing or a stationary member direct or indirectly fixed to the housing, and a driver unit for rotating the vacuum envelope.

Abstract: A hermetic sealing system includes a chamber enclosing a high vacuum and positioned within an ambient environment and a rotatable shaft having a first portion extending into the chamber and a second portion extending out from the chamber. A ferrofluid seal is positioned about the rotatable shaft and positioned between the first portion and the second portion, the ferrofluid seal fluidically sealing the chamber. The ferrofluid seal assembly also includes a plurality of non-magnetic conductive elements configured to reduce an operating temperature in the ferrofluid seal assembly.

Abstract: A system for remotely venting an expansion bladder employed in a liquid-filled container, such as an outer housing of an x-ray tube. The remote venting configuration provides the expansion bladder with access to atmospheric pressure existing about the x-ray tube so as to enable it to compensate for pressure changes within the liquid-filled container that occur as a result of liquid heating. Further, the remote nature of the bladder venting system enables the expansion bladder to be positioned within a portion of the outer housing that is radiation shielded, while the remote venting portion of the system is positioned in an unshielded portion of the housing. This eliminates the need to perforate the radiation shielding of the outer housing in order to provide atmospheric pressure to the bladder. Further, the remote vent is semi-permeable so as to prevent liquid escape from the system in the event of bladder rupture.

Abstract: An X-ray tube housing with integrated cooling passages in the walls of the X-ray tube housing, through which a liquid or gas coolant is circulated and the heat is transferred from the X-ray tube housing to an external cooler. The integrated cooling passages are created around the perimeter of the X-ray tube housing as the X-ray tube housing is formed. For a rotating anode X-ray tube using an oil coolant, the path of heat transfer is from the anode to the glass insert and oil by the means of radiation. The oil that is in contact with the glass insert conducts heat away form the insert to the X-ray tube housing which is then cooled by the integrated cooling passages located within the X-ray tube housing through which fluid is passed to an external fluid cooling system.

Abstract: A rotary piston x-ray tube has a piston formed by a case wall and support such that it can rotate around a rotational axis. The piston contains a cathode and an anode. To improve cooling, the anode of the rotary piston x-ray tube forms a radially-rotating section of the shell wall.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a sealing arrangement in an X-ray tube are provided. The X-ray tube includes a rotating portion having a plurality of ball bearings and a liquid metal within a housing having the ball bearings therein. The rotating portion is configured to rotate an anode. The X-ray tube further includes a sealing portion formed by a liquid metal vacuum interface configured in a radial direction to resist flow of liquid metal from the housing to a vacuum portion.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus includes a rotation-anode type X-ray tube which is configured such that a rotatable anode target and a cathode that is disposed to be opposed to the anode target are accommodated within a vacuum envelope, a stator which generates an induction electromagnetic field for rotating the anode target, a housing which accommodates and holds at least the rotation-anode type X-ray tube, a circulation path which is provided near at least a part of the rotation-anode type X-ray tube, and through which a water-based coolant is circulated, and a cooling unit including a circulation pump, which is provided at a position along the circulation path and forcibly feeds the water-based coolant, and a radiator which radiates heat of the water-based coolant, wherein an amount of dissolved oxygen at 25° C. in the water-based coolant is 5 mg/liter or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray apparatus comprising an electron radiation source which generates an electron to an anode, a shaft which rotatably supports the anode, a stator which generates a force to rotate a rotor shaft, an enclosure which maintains at least the anode, electron radiation source and rotor shaft in vacuum, and a housing which contains a cooling medium around the enclosure. The X-ray apparatus is characterized in that an electric wire material to supply power to the electron radiation source and stator, or a connector used for connection with the electric wire material is molded by a material having an electrical insulating property.

Abstract: An imaging tube assembly (11) for a computed tomography (CT) system (10) includes an insert (60) that has a vacuum chamber (72). An anode (58) resides within the vacuum chamber (72) and rotates on a shaft (66) via one or more bearing (70). In one embodiment, a seal (52) resides between the insert (60) and the shaft (66). The seal (52) prevents the passage of a gas (80) into the vacuum chamber (72). In another embodiment, a pressure transition chamber (104) is coupled to an insert (60?) and a shaft (66?). The pressure transition chamber (104) has an associated middle fluid pressure that is between an internal fluid pressure of the vacuum chamber (104) and an external fluid pressure of said insert (60?).

Abstract: The present invention is characterized by supporting a stator to generate a magnetic field and an anode target by a dynamic pressure plain bearing using a liquid metal, and cooling at least the inside of the dynamic pressure plain bearing and an enclosure containing an anode target by circulating one kind of cooling medium, in a rotary X-ray tube apparatus which obtains X-rays by impinging an electron on an anode by rotating an anode target.

Abstract: A coolant passage is formed inside the rotary shaft while an air passage is formed inside the casing. A mechanical seal is arranged between the coolant passage and the air passage. Leakage cooling water, which has leaked in the form of vapor from the mechanical seal, is relegated radially outwardly along with air by the action of a rotary vane, which is disposed in the air passage, and finally flows out of an air outlet. A coolant sensor may be provided to early detect the leakage water.

Abstract: A cooled radiation emission device has an enclosure in which X-rays are produced. In the enclosure, there is a cathode, an anode situated facing the cathode and rotating on a shaft, and a fixed anode shaft support. The support includes a holding chamber, the shaft of the anode being held in the chamber. The cooling of the tube uses a gallium-indium-tin liquid alloy flow through the anode shaft. This alloy is a conductor of heat and electricity. At the same time as the lubrication of the bearings and the electrical powering of the anode, it provides for cooling of the anode.

Abstract: An anode target is roratably supported by a rotating mechanism having a rotary body and a staionary body. A fitted portion between the rotary body and the stationary body is formed of bearing areas having dynamic pressure type sliding bearings and a non-bearing area having a clearance between the rotary body and the stationary body larger than that in the bearing areas. The rotary body facing the non-bearing area is positioned where a time for heat transfer from the anode target is shorter than the rotary body facing the bearing areas. Thus, the characteristics of heat radiation from the anode target can be improved, and a stable bearing operation can be maintained.

Abstract: A miniature x-ray tube is cooled using a catheter preferably having multiple small lumens for inflow and outflow of coolant. Inflow may be through an outer lumen(s) in a concentric-extrusion catheter, the liquid turning back at the distal end of the catheter to a proximal flow over the anode end of the x-ray tube and through an inner lumen within which the x-ray tube is positioned. A coolant distribution head may engage with the anode end of the x-ray tube, with small orifices so as to distribute coolant essentially evenly over the anode surface. Temperature and flow rate of the inflowing coolant liquid are balanced so as to optimize heat transfer while efficiently carrying coolant through small lumens without the need for high pressures. Some embodiments use the inflation liquid in an applicator balloon as the coolant, with the liquid actively flowing or, in a simplified system, with the liquid static.

Abstract: An x-ray tube has an anode plate connected to an anode tube that is mounted such that it can rotate around a rigid anode shaft. To improve the heat dissipation from the anode plate, a liquid for dissipation of heat to the anode shaft is accommodated in an intervening space formed between the anode shaft and the anode plate.

Abstract: A rotating anode bearing housing includes an x-ray tube frame (106) that has a vacuum chamber (108). An anode (110) resides within the vacuum chamber (108) and rotates on a shaft (114) via a bearing (117). The bearing (117) is attached to an interior surface (126) of the x-ray tube frame (106). The bearing (117) transfers thermal energy from the shaft (114) to the x-ray tube frame (106).

Abstract: To reduce the rotational power, an apparatus with a rotational body that is rotationally driven in a fluid-filled housing a rotational directing body is provided between the rotational body and the housing, which is rotatably supported coaxially with respect to the rotational body. The rotational directing body is configured such that in operation it rotates at an intermediate rotational frequency in comparison to the housing and the rotational body. The apparatus is particularly an X-ray radiator having a cathode and anode that are mounted in a vacuum tube in a spatially fixed manner in relation to the tube, the vacuum tube being rotationally driven as a rotational body in a coolant housing.

Abstract: A rotary bulb tube of an x-ray radiator is mounted for rotation in a housing, which is filled with a coolant and is connected to a shaft section, which in turn is connected by a coupling to a second shaft section extending to a motor for rotating the bulb tube. The coupling is designed to isolate the rotary bulb tube electrically from the motor and to isolate the bulb tube from motor vibrations.

Abstract: A rotating anode for an x-ray tube has an anode body composed of composite fiber material, mounted in a bearing system, the anode body having a target surface with a focal ring and including fibers with particularly high heat conductivity in the longitudinal direction. An axis-proximal cooling system is associated with the anode body. The majority of all fibers with high heat conductivity in the longitudinal direction terminate bluntly both at the focal ring and at the cooling system, such that their abutting faces respectively are in direct, heat-conducting contact both with the focal ring and with the cooling system.

Abstract: A device (4) comprises a container (40) for a liquid coolant (41) that is disposed between the axis (1) and the surface (30) facing the axis to co-rotate with the surface. The device is further provided with an atomizer nozzle (42) of the container, facing the surface, from which the coolant is discharged during rotation of the container due to the centrifugal force (F) acting upon the coolant of the container in the form of an atomized jet (43) that strikes the surface. The device cools a surface of an electronic device (3) that runs hot, the electronic device supplying the X-ray source of a computer tomograph with power and rotating about the axis of the gantry (2) of the tomograph.

Abstract: To reduce the rotational power, an apparatus with a rotational body that is rotationally driven in a fluid-filled housing a rotational directing body is provided between the rotational body and the housing, which is rotatably supported coaxially with respect to the rotational body. The rotational directing body is configured such that in operation it rotates at an intermediate rotational frequency in comparison to the housing and the rotational body. The apparatus is particularly an X-ray radiator having a cathode and anode that are mounted in a vacuum tube in a spatially fixed manner in relation to the tube, the vacuum tube being rotationally driven as a rotational body in a coolant housing.

Abstract: A rotating anode for an x-ray tube has an anode body composed of composite fiber material, mounted in a bearing system, the anode body having a target surface with a focal ring and including fibers with particularly high heat conductivity in the longitudinal direction. An axis-proximal cooling system is associated with the anode body. The majority of all fibers with high heat conductivity in the longitudinal direction terminate bluntly both at the focal ring and at the cooling system, such that their abutting faces respectively are in direct, heat-conducting contact both with the focal ring and with the cooling system.

Abstract: An x-ray tube (10) includes an evacuated envelope (14), a cathode assembly (20) located in the evacuated envelope and a disk shaped anode assembly (18) located in the evacuated envelope in operative relationship with the cathode assembly for generating x-rays (40). The anode assembly includes an axis of rotation (26) and a target substrate (28) facing the cathode assembly. A heat pipe (33) is located within the anode assembly (18). The heat pipe is comprised of an evacuated shell (60) and is vacuum sealed at a first end (70) of the shell and at a second end (72). A material (80, 82) within the shell is a working fluid for the heat pipe at x-ray tube operating conditions. A porous wick (62) is located within the shell and the wick has a length extending from the first end (70) of the shell to the second end (72) of the shell. A shield (64) is attached to the wick to reduce working fluid loss out of the wick during x-ray tube operation.

Abstract: An x-ray tube cooling system including a heat sink at least partially disposed within an evacuated housing of the x-ray tube and having a cooling block partially received within the bearing housing so as to absorb heat transmitted to the bearing assembly and bearing housing. Extended surfaces, are disposed in a coolant chamber cooperatively defined by the cooling block and a shell within which the cooling block is partially received. The shell defines a coolant chamber entrance and coolant chamber exit in fluid communication with the coolant chamber. The coolant chamber entrance and exit communicate with corresponding coolant inlet and outlet passageways, respectively, cooperatively defined by a pair of insulators which retain the heat sink in a predetermined orientation within an evacuated envelope of an x-ray device. A circulating coolant contacts the extended surfaces and thereby removes heat from various structures of the x-ray device.

Abstract: An X-ray emission device having an X-ray tube and a protective enclosure filled with an electrically insulating liquid in which the X-ray tube is placed. The device includes at least one chamber connected to the protective enclosure that traps and purges gas bubbles contained or dissolved in the liquid filling the protective enclosure.

Abstract: A rotor assembly capable of augmented heat transfer within an x-ray tube is disclosed for preventing heat damage to sensitive tube components. The rotor assembly generally comprises a shaft assembly for supporting the anode, a bearing assembly including a bearing housing and bearing sets for enabling rotation of the shaft assembly, and a magnetic sleeve. The shaft assembly includes a rotor sleeve that receives heat emitted by the anode during tube operation. The rotor sleeve radiates the heat to the magnetic sleeve, which is concentrically disposed within the rotor sleeve. A coolant-filled gap is defined adjacent the inner surface of the magnetic sleeve to receive the heat absorbed by the magnetic sleeve. The inner periphery of the gap is defined by the outer surface of the bearing housing. Emissive and absorptive coatings are disposed on the various surfaces of the rotor sleeve and magnetic sleeve to enhance heat transfer therebetween.

Abstract: An x-ray tube (1) includes a heat shield (130) which intercepts heat radiating from an anode (10), thereby reducing the temperature of a bearing assembly (62). The heat shield includes outer and inner concentric cylinders (132, 134) spaced from each other by a vacuum gap (138). The heat shield and a stationary portion (114) of the bearing assembly are both connected to a cold plate (150) so that heat is not conducted from the cylinders to the bearing assembly but is instead carried away by the cold plate to the surrounding cooling oil.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for a rotating anode x-ray device. The bearing assembly includes a shaft having a flange at one end for attachment of the anode thereto. The shaft defines front and rear inner races and includes a plurality of extended surfaces. Front and rear outer race elements define front and rear outer races, respectively, corresponding to the front and rear inner races, respectively, defined by the shaft. The front and rear outer race elements cooperate with the shaft to confine front and rear ball sets which facilitate rotary motion of the shaft. A spacer including extended surfaces assists in the positioning of the front and rear outer race elements in a bearing housing. The extended surfaces of the shaft and spacer, in conjunction with emissive coatings provided on various portions of selected components of the bearing assembly, facilitate a relative improvement in heat transfer out of the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for improving cooling of a heat-generating component in a closed-loop cooling system is shown. The system comprises a venturi having a throat which is coupled to an expansion tank that is exposed to atmospheric pressure in the embodiment being described. The venturi, when used with a pressure switch, can operate to determine a flow rate which can be used to generate a signal which in turn is used to activate or deactivate one or more of the components, such as the heat-generating component, in the system. Advantageously, the design of the embodiment described has a convenient system which utilizes a pressure switch, thereby eliminating the need for a differential pressure switch of the type used in the past.

Abstract: A fluid-cooled x-ray tube has a closed coolant circuit in which coolant circulates for the elimination of the generated heat. In order to improve the cooling capacity, micro-capsules are added to the coolant that contain a phase-change material (PCM). The micro-capsules have a size of approximately 5 &mgr;m through 20 &mgr;m in diameter.

Abstract: Passive heat transfer apparatus is provided for an X-ray imaging system used in connection with mammaography, to rapidly conduct heat away from the system X-ray tube. The apparatus comprises a thermally conductive support plate located in the tube housing, in spaced apart relationship with the X-ray tube, and further comprises an elongated device for transferring heat by convection, such as a heat pipe. The heat transfer device has a first end joined to the tube, and a second end joined to the support plate. A quantity of selected working fluid sealably contained in the heat transfer device is disposed to transfer heat along the length thereof, from the tube to the support plate, and cooling fins extending through the housing from the support plate dissipate the heat into the surrounding environment.

Abstract: An x-ray tube assembly (16) includes a housing (40) and an insert frame (54) supported within the housing (40), such that the insert frame (54) defines a substantially evacuated envelope in which a cathode assembly (60) and a rotating anode assembly (58) operate to produce x-rays. The rotating anode assembly (58) includes an anode target plate (64) coupled to a rotor (66) and bearing shaft (82), which is rotatably supported within a bearing housing (84), by a plurality of ball bearings (86). A heat barrier (90) substantially surrounds the bearing housing (84) and is coupled, along with the bearing housing (84) to an anode cold plate (100). The anode cold plate (100) includes a grooved cover (102), a basin (110), and a plurality of corrugated fins (120) disposed therein. Coupling both the bearing housing (84) and the heat barrier (90) to the anode cold plate (100) provides an effective means for cooling the bearing assembly (80).

Abstract: In a rotary anode type X-ray tube apparatus, a rotary anode target model X-ray pipe is received in housing. Housing is coupled by cooler device to supply a coolant in the housing. Anode target is fixed to a rotary cylinder, which is rotatably supported by a stationary shaft. The stationary shaft is provided with an inner hollow space for guiding the coolant. The coolant guided in the housing is split into two flowing streams, and one of the streams is introduced into the space for cooling of stationary shaft.

Abstract: “A cooling disk to transfer heat from an anode to a circulated coolant. The cooling disk includes an annular body that defines an aperture and includes extended surfaces. The cooling disk resides in a fluid passageway defined by the anode, and contacts the anode so as to transfer heat from the anode to a coolant circulated through the fluid passageway by an external cooling unit. The coolant passes through a coolant supply passageway which includes a converging portion that serves to accelerate the coolant as it exits the coolant supply passageway. The accelerated coolant passes through the aperture and contacts a flow diverter disposed in the fluid passageway, as well as the extended surfaces of the cooling disk, so as to remove heat therefrom. The flow diverter transmits heat from the anode to the coolant. The coolant enters the coolant return passageway and returns to the external cooling unit.

Abstract: X-ray source bearing assemblies are described herein. In an exemplary embodiment, an x-ray source includes a target anode, a rotor shaft coupled to the target anode, and a motor coupled to the rotor shaft at an end of the shaft opposite the target anode. The bearing housing, in the exemplary embodiment, includes a rotor bore, the rotor shaft extending through said rotor bore and supported therein by a plurality bearings. The housing and the shaft form a cooling medium pool so that as the shaft rotates, a cooling medium in the pool is radially displaced.

Abstract: A connection device (70) provides electrical connection between a stator motor (50) of an x-ray tube and a stator cord (56). The connection device is connected with the x-ray tube housing (30) by threading a threaded portion (80) into a corresponding threaded aperture (82) in the housing to create a leak-tight seal. The threaded portion is rigidly connected with a connecting portion (100), such as a bayonet socket, which receives a corresponding fitting (102) of the stator cord. An electrical conduction path (125), hermetically sealed in the connecting device, provides electrical connection between the socket and the interior of the housing. The connection device allows the stator cord to be quickly connected or disconnected from the housing yet provides a seal which resists leakage of cooling oil from the housing.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging apparatus having an anode stem assembly with explosion-bonded joints is provided. Explosion-bonding the components of an anode stem assembly to one another provides a hermetic seal with increased reliability as well as reducing the anode stem's susceptibility to thermal and/or mechanical induced fracture. By eliminating the need for brazing and/or welding material within the anode stem, the present invention also provides an anode stem with increased heat transfer capabilities. Further, providing explosion-bonded joints creates a simple joint microstructure absent any voids and temperature-induced phases not previously present in the anode stem materials.

Abstract: A cooling system for use with high-powered x-ray tubes. The cooling system includes a reservoir containing liquid coolant, in which the high-powered x-ray tube is partially immersed. In general, the liquid coolant is cooled and then circulated through the reservoir by an external cooling unit. The cooling system also includes a shield structure attached to the vacuum enclosure of the high-powered x-ray tube and disposed substantially about the aperture portion of the vacuum enclosure, thereby defining a flow passage proximate to the aperture portion. Liquid coolant supplied by the external cooling unit enters the flow passage by way of an inlet port in the shield structure. After passing through the flow passage and transferring heat out of the aperture portion, the liquid coolant is discharged through an outlet port in the shield structure and enters the reservoir to repeat the cycle.

Abstract: An improved x-ray tube cooling system is disclosed. The system utilizes a shield structure that is connected between a cathode cylinder and an x-ray tube housing and is disposed between the electron source and the target anode. The shield includes a plurality of cooling fins to improve overall cooling of the x-ray tube and the shield so as to extend the life of the x-ray tube and related components. When immersed in a reservoir of coolant fluid, the fins facilitate improved heat transfer by convection from the shield to the to the coolant fluid. The cooling effect achieved with the cooling fins is further augmented by a convective cooling system provided by a plurality of fluid passageways formed within the shield, which are used to provide a fluid path to the coolant. In particular, a cooling unit takes fluid from the reservoir, cools the fluid, then circulates the cooled fluid through the fluid passageways.

Abstract: A cooling system for use with high-power x-ray tubes. The cooling system includes a dielectric coolant disposed in the x-ray tube housing so as to absorb heat dissipated by the stator and other electrical components, as well as absorbing some heat from the x-ray tube itself. The cooling system also includes a coolant circuit employing a pressurized water/glycol solution as a coolant. Pressurization of the water/glycol solution is achieved by way of an accumulator which, by pressurizing the coolant to a desired level, raises its boiling point and capacity to absorb heat. A coolant pump circulates the pressurized coolant through a fluid passageway defined in an aperture of the x-ray tube and through a target cooling block disposed proximate to the x-ray tube in the x-ray tube housing, so as to position the coolant to absorb some of the heat generated at the aperture by secondary electrons, and the heat generated in the target cooling block by the target anode of the x-ray tube.

Abstract: An x-ray system with an x-ray generating device having improved heat dissipation capabilities. The x-ray generating device includes an x-ray tube mounted in a casing holding a circulating, cooling medium. According to the present invention, the x-ray generating device includes a support mechanism mounted within the x-ray generating device in a manner for adjustably positioning, relative to the casing, the focal spot alignment path of generated x-rays. Additionally, the x-ray generating device includes a cooling mechanism having an inlet chamber for channeling the cooling medium within the support mechanism. Additionally, a cooling stem may be positioned within the inlet chamber to increase the heat exchange surface area exposed to the cooling medium. Thus, the present invention advantageously increases the heat dissipation capability of the x-ray generating device.

Abstract: An x-ray generating device or system include an anode assembly including a target; a cathode assembly disposed at a distance from the anode assembly, the cathode assembly configured to emit electrons that strike the target of the anode assembly, producing x-rays and residual energy; a heat receptor, positioned between the anode assembly and a bearing assembly supporting the anode assembly, for absorbing an amount of the residual energy; and a heat exchanger, in thermal communication with the heat receptor, for carrying a cooling medium and conducting an amount of the residual energy absorbed by the heat receptor away from the heat receptor.