With Plural Cathodes Or Heaters Patents (Class 378/134)
  • Patent number: 11901153
    Abstract: An x-ray apparatus includes a vacuum chamber that includes a window for exit of x-rays. Electrons are generated at a cathode within the vacuum chamber and accelerated toward a target anode associated with the window. An x-ray generating layer is included as a surface of the target anode to receive the electrons emitted by the cathode and to create x-rays. A blocking path blocks over 70% of the free electrons reaching said target anode from continuing on to exit through the window, while allowing x-rays leaving the x-ray generating layer to continue along the selectively blocking path to exit through the window. The x-ray apparatus is capable of operating at low voltage and relatively high power to reduce the necessary shielding and the corresponding weight of the apparatus yet allow more ready absorption of x-rays by items being irradiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: PCT Ebeam and Integration, LLC
    Inventors: Karl E. Swanson, John Charles Drenter, Paul Michael Fletcher
  • Patent number: 11792908
    Abstract: A time-division multiplexing control device applied to a distributed X-ray source includes: a first switch module with a number of first switches that receive a high-voltage signal and a first control signal, selectively turning on one of the plurality of first switches according to the first control signal and sending the high-voltage signal through the first switch turned on; and a cathode control module including a plurality of cathode control stages in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of first switches, used for receiving the high-voltage signal from the first switch module and sending working state data through a cathode control stage corresponding to the first switch turned on in the plurality of cathode control stages, where each cathode control stage includes a cathode control unit and a cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: NuRay Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Huaping Tang, Jinsong Pan, Yangwei Zhan, Zhanfeng Qin, Qinghui Zhang, Xiangyu Yin
  • Patent number: 11217420
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray tube includes an anode including a target surface, and a cathode including a first filament and a focusing electrode. The focusing electrode includes a valley bottom portion, a first inclined plane sloping up from the valley bottom portion in a direction of the anode, a first focusing groove, and a first storage groove. ?1 is greater than 0°. The first focusing groove has a longitudinal axis. One end portion on the first extension line side of the first focusing groove is closer to a first reference surface than the other end portion of the first focusing groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: CANON ELECTRON TUBES & DEVICES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takayuki Ito
  • Patent number: 11058893
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods to deliver kV X-rays toward a target lesion within a body including: a treatment anode configured to receive electron beams and output the kV X-rays through a specially-designed collimator; an electron beam source configured to generate and direct the electron beams toward the treatment anode; and at least one magnet configured to steer and scan the electron beams along the treatment anode to prevent overheating of the treatment anode. The components are mounted on a gantry that rotates about the target lesion to distribute the dose delivered over a large volume of healthy tissue while substantially maximizing the dose delivered to the target lesion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Precision RT Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas P. Boyd, Michael Weil, Samuel M. Song
  • Patent number: 10910187
    Abstract: At least one emitter formed of an electron emissive material is positioned on a cathode assembly and is readily and reliably connected to at least one mounting member of the cathode assembly. The connections between the at least one emitter and an emitter support structure are formed directly between the at least one emitter and the emitter support structure by utilizing the at one mounting member on the emitter support structure that are positioned adjacent the at least one emitter and heated to secure the at least one emitter to the emitter support structure by welding the at least one mounting member to the at least one emitter and emitter support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Andrew Marconnet, Gregory Steinlage, Sandhya Abhivandana Dammu, Evan Lampe, Donald Allen, Michael Utschig, William Scott, David Bateman
  • Patent number: 10893599
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to laser produced plasma light sources having a target material, such as Xenon, that is coated on the outer surface of a drum. Embodiments include bearing systems for rotating the drum that have structures for reducing leakage of contaminant material and/or bearing gas into the LPP chamber. Injection systems are disclosed for coating and replenishing target material on the drum. Wiper systems are disclosed for preparing the target material surface on the drum, e.g. smoothing the target material surface. Systems for cooling and maintaining the temperature of the drum and a housing overlying the drum are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: KLA Corporation
    Inventors: Alexey Kuritsyn, Brian Ahr, Rudy F. Garcia, Frank Chilese, Oleg Khodykin
  • Patent number: 10872741
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an x-ray tube includes a cathode and an anode. The cathode includes a filament coil and a focusing electrode that includes a valley bottom part, a first inclined plane rising from the valley bottom part and inclined in the direction of the anode, a first focusing groove, and a first receiving groove. The anode includes a target surface. ?1>0°. The filament coil, the first receiving groove, and the first focusing groove are positioned more to a third extended line side than a first reference plane. One end part of the first receiving groove is closer to the first reference plane than the other end part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: CANON ELECTRON TUBES & DEVICES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Shimono, Naoki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 10585206
    Abstract: An X-ray inspection system for scanning objects is provided. The system includes a stationary X-ray source made of one or more linear modules positioned around a scanning volume, and defining sparsely positioned multiple stationary X-ray source points from which X-rays can be directed through the scanning volume. An X-ray detector array extends around the scanning volume and is arranged to detect X-rays from the source points which have passed through the scanning volume. A conveyor is arranged to convey the objects through the scanning volume and at least one processor processes the detected X-rays to produce three dimensional images of the items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Bendahan
  • Patent number: 10165993
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging device and, particularly, to an X-ray imaging device which is formed by pixelating a plurality of X-ray emitting elements for respectively emitting X-rays toward an object to be photographed and a plurality of X-ray detecting elements for respectively detecting X-rays passing through the object to be photographed, on the same or different flat surfaces or curved surfaces in a matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignees: VATECH Co., Ltd., VATECH EWOO Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae Woo Kim, Sung Il Choi
  • Patent number: 9949699
    Abstract: An embodiment of an tomographic image generating system may include: an imaging member that includes a radiation source, a radiation detector and a subject table, and captures the projected image a predetermined number of times while changing a positional relationship between the radiation source and the radiation detector; a reconstructing member that generates a tomographic image of the subject from the projected image captured by the imaging member; an acquiring member that acquires a thickness of the subject and/or a two-dimensional shape of a surface of the subject, the surface of the subject being irradiated with radiation; and a controlling member that determines an imaging condition for the imaging member and/or a reconstructing condition for the reconstructing member generating the tomographic image of the subject, on the basis of the thickness and/or the two-dimensional shape of the subject acquired by the acquiring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Emiel Visser, Youichi Ono, Ko Matsui
  • Patent number: 9941091
    Abstract: An X-ray tube includes a cathode including an emitter emitting an electron beam, an anode at which a target material is disposed, the target material emitting an X-ray by colliding with the electron beam, and an insulating spacer isolating the anode, wherein the cathode or the anode is disposed between the emitter and the insulating spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Jin-Woo Jeong, Yoon-Ho Song
  • Patent number: 9711320
    Abstract: An emitter device having an emission surface includes a plurality of ligaments configured to emit electrons in response to an applied electric field resulting from an applied electrical voltage. Further, the emitter device includes a plurality of slots configured to provide physical separation between two or more adjacently disposed ligaments of the plurality of ligaments, where one or more slots of the plurality of slots define an electrical path. Moreover, the emitter device includes a low work function layer disposed on at least a portion of a ligament of the plurality of ligaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Yun Zou, Carey Shawn Rogers, Sergio Lemaitre, Mark Alan Frontera, Xi Zhang
  • Patent number: 9629602
    Abstract: A system and method for producing an image of a subject with a tomographic imaging system are provided. A tomographic imaging system is operated to rotate a radiation detector, radiation source, or both through a plurality of angular positions around a subject while acquiring data. As the radiation detector or source is rotated, the radiation detector or source is shifted at each angular position by a different shift value. An image of the subject is reconstructed from the acquired data using a reconstruction technique that incorporates the shifts applied to the detector, source, or both into a system matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Synho Do, Thomas Brady, Rajiv Gupta
  • Patent number: 9486175
    Abstract: An x-ray imaging system includes an x-ray source, an x-ray detector including a plurality of detector strips arranged in a first direction of the x-ray detector. Each detector strip includes a plurality of detector pixels arranged in a second direction of the x-ray detector. A phase grating and a plurality of analyzer gratings including grating slits are disposed between the x-ray source and detectors. The x-ray source and the x-ray detector are adapted to perform a scanning movement in relation to an object in the first direction, in order to scan the object. Each of the plurality of analyzer gratings (162) is arranged in association with a respective detector strip with the grating slits arranged in the second direction. The grating slits of the analyzer gratings of the detector strips are offset relative to each other in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Erik Fredenberg, Magnus Aslund
  • Patent number: 9484177
    Abstract: An X-ray tube for accelerating electrons under a high voltage potential, said X-ray tube includes an evacuated elongated housing that is sealed, a through transmission target anode deposited on an inner surface of said elongated housing, said through transmission target anode configured having a cross-sectional center, a cathode structure disposed in said elongated housing, said cathode structure configured to emit the electrons toward said through transmission target anode, two or more filaments disposed linearly in said elongated housing, said two or more filaments linearly positioned end-to-end proximate said cross-sectional center, said evacuated housing configured to vacuum seal therein said two or more filaments, and, thus, such X-ray tube functions to provide a lengthened, elongated, symmetrical radiation field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Rad Source Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Phillip Kent Ausburn
  • Patent number: 9324536
    Abstract: Dual-energy x-ray tubes. In one example embodiment, a dual-energy x-ray tube includes an evacuated enclosure, an anode positioned within the evacuated enclosure, a first cathode positioned within the evacuated enclosure, and a second cathode positioned within the evacuated enclosure. The first cathode and the second cathode are configured to operate simultaneously at different voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Kasey Otho Greenland, James Russell Boye
  • Patent number: 9008268
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes a multi X-ray source which includes a plurality of X-ray focuses to generate X-rays by irradiating X-ray targets with electron beams, a detector which detects X-rays which have been emitted from the multi X-ray source and have reached a detection surface, and a moving mechanism for moving the multi X-ray source within a plane facing the detection surface. The X-ray imaging apparatus acquires a plurality of X-ray detection signals from the detector by causing the multi X-ray source to perform X-ray irradiation while shifting the positions of a plurality of X-ray focuses which the detector has relative to the detection surface by moving the multi X-ray source using the moving mechanism. The apparatus then generates an X-ray projection image based on the plurality of X-ray detection signals acquired by the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiko Okunuki, Makoto Sato, Osamu Tsujii, Takashi Ogura, Hisashi Namba
  • Publication number: 20150078511
    Abstract: A x-ray apparatus of the present application comprises: a vacuum box which is sealed at its periphery, and the interior thereof is high vacuum; a plurality of electron transmitting units arranged in a linear array and installed on the wall at one end within the vacuum box, each electron transmitting unit is independent to each other; the electron transmitting unit having: a heating filament; a cathode connected to the heating filament; a grid arranged above the cathode opposing the cathode; anode made of metal and installed at the other end of the vacuum box, and in the direction of length, the anode is parallel to the plane of the grid of the electron transmitting unit, and in the direction of width, the anode has a predetermined angle with respect to the plane of the grid of the electron transmitting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Chuanxiang TANG, Huaping TANG, Huaibi CHEN, Wenhui HUANG, Huayi ZHANG, Shuxin ZHENG, Yaohong LIU, Jinsheng LIU
  • Publication number: 20150078510
    Abstract: The present application provides a curved surface array distributed x-ray apparatus, characterized in that, it comprises: a vacuum box which is sealed at its periphery, and the interior thereof is high vacuum; a plurality of electron transmitting units arranged on the wall of the vacuum box in multiple rows along the direction of the axis of the curved surface in the curved surface facing the axis; an anode made of metal and arranged in the axis in the vacuum box which comprises an anode pipe and an anode target surface; a power supply and control system having a high voltage power supply connected to the anode, a filament power supply connected to each of the plurality of the electron transmitting units, a grid-controlled apparatus connected to each of the plurality of electron transmitting units, a control system for controlling each power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Huaping TANG, Chuanxiang TANG, Huaibi CHEN, Wenhui HUANG, Shuxin ZHENG, Huayi ZHANG, Yaohong LIU
  • Publication number: 20150078532
    Abstract: The present application provides an external thermionic cathode distributed x-ray apparatus, comprises: a vacuum box which is sealed at its periphery, and the interior thereof is high vacuum; a plurality of electron transmitting units arranged in a linear array and installed on the side wall of the vacuum box, each electron transmitting unit is independent to each other; an anode installed in the center inside the vacuum box, and in the direction of length, the anode is parallel to the orientation of the electron transmitting unit, and in the direction of width, the anode has a predetermined angle with respect to the plane of the electron transmitting unit; and a power supply and control system having a high voltage power supply, a focusing power supply; a transmitting control means and a control system; the electron transmitting unit having: a heating filament; a cathode connected to the heating filament; an insulated support enclosing the heating filament and the cathode; a focusing electrode, arranged at t
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Chuanxiang TANG, Huaping TANG, Huaibi CHEN, Wenhui HUANG, Huayi ZHANG, Shuxin ZHENG
  • Patent number: 8953747
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Marc-Andre de Looz, Jani Reijonen
  • Patent number: 8953746
    Abstract: A source of X-rays including at least two cathodes and at least one common anode configured and arranged so as to generate at least two spaced apart beams of X-rays emanating from respectively different locations of the anode, and separately controlled so as to be generated independently of one another. The staggered focal spots can be generated simultaneously or alternately as required. An X-ray imaging system comprising such an X-rays source, and a method utilizing such a source are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Analogic Corporation
    Inventors: Aleksander Roshi, Ram Naidu, David Schafer
  • Patent number: 8929514
    Abstract: A dual energy X-ray source for use in Homeland Security, Medical, Non-destructive Testing, and other markets includes a power supply, and a single x-ray tube. The X-ray tube includes two cathodes, and a single anode. The electrons from the cathodes travel predominantly along the axis of the x-ray tube, and impact the anode. The grid and/or focus coil direct the electrons so that electrons can pass by the cathode. The cathodes are kept at different potential, such that the tube can rapidly switch energies, and can rapidly switch output flux from each cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: XRSciences LLC
    Inventors: Colin Charette, David Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8913719
    Abstract: An electron gun having: a cathode for emitting electrons; a first Wehnelt electrode equipped with a first aperture through which electrons are allowed to pass; and a second Wehnelt electrode that is equipped with a second aperture disposed at a predetermined position with respect to the cathode and the first aperture, and that is furnished at a position closer to the cathode than the first Wehnelt electrode, wherein: the cathode and the second Wehnelt electrode are included within a single assembly constituting a unitary body; and the assembly is detachably attached to the first Wehnelt electrode. Replacement of the cathode can be performed by detaching the cathode unit from the first Wehnelt electrode, and then ejecting the cathode unit out from the Wehnelt cover. The emitter of the cathode can thereby be reliably positioned with respect to the second aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Rigaku Corporation
    Inventors: Masaru Kuribayashi, Masahiro Nonoguchi, Masashi Kageyama
  • Patent number: 8879687
    Abstract: In an X-ray generator which includes an electron beam generating unit which has a plurality of electron emitters and generates an electron beam corresponding to driven electron emitters, and a target electrode which generates X-rays with the irradiation position of an electron beam generated by the electron beam generating unit being an X-ray focus, the X-ray focus shape formed by a set of X-ray focuses on the target electrode is controlled by individually controlling driving of the plurality of electron emitters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Osamu Tsujii, Makoto Sato, Masahiko Okunuki, Satoshi Shimizu, Takashi Ogura
  • Publication number: 20140177808
    Abstract: A dual energy X-ray source for use in Homeland Security, Medical, Non-destructive Testing, and other markets includes a power supply, and a single x-ray tube. The X-ray tube includes two cathodes, and a single anode. The electrons from the cathodes travel predominantly along the axis of the x-ray tube, and impact the anode. The grid and/or focus coil direct the electrons so that electrons can pass by the cathode. The cathodes are kept at different potential, such that the tube can rapidly switch energies, and can rapidly switch output flux from each cathode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: XRSciences LLC
    Inventors: Colin Charette, David Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8699657
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an examination apparatus and a corresponding method to realize a Spectral x-ray imaging device through inverse-geometry CT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Christian Baeumer, Gereon Vogtmeier
  • Patent number: 8687769
    Abstract: A rotatable anode for an X-ray tube comprises a first unit (901) for being hit by a first electron beam, and at least a second unit (902) being hit by at least a second electron beam, the second unit being electrically isolated from the first. In addition, an X-ray system comprises the anode, a main cathode for generating an electron beam, and first electrical potential, and an auxiliary cathode for influencing a second electrical potential. The main cathode deflects the electron beam to heat the auxiliary cathode. Furthermore, a device determines electrical potential by detecting a point of impact of the electron beam onto the anode and/or by detecting an X-ray spectrum of radiation starting from the anode. The electron beam hits the first unit and is deflected, wherein the deflected beam hits the second unit the point of impact. The first unit and/or second unit emit radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Rolf Karl Otto Behling
  • Patent number: 8666024
    Abstract: A multi-X-ray generating apparatus which has a plurality of electron sources arranged two-dimensionally and targets arranged at positions opposite to the electron sources includes a multi-electron source which includes a plurality of electron sources and outputs electrons from driven electron sources by selectively driving a plurality of electron sources in accordance with supplied driving signals, and a target unit which includes a plurality of targets which generate X-rays in accordance with irradiation of electrons output from the multi-electron source and outputs X-rays with different radiation qualities in accordance with the generation locations of X-rays. The generation locations and radiation qualities of X-rays from the target unit are controlled by selectively driving the electron sources of the multi-electron source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiko Okunuki, Osamu Tsujii, Satoshi Shimizu, Takashi Ogura
  • Publication number: 20130294580
    Abstract: In an X-ray generator which includes an electron beam generating unit which has a plurality of electron emitters and generates an electron beam corresponding to driven electron emitters, and a target electrode which generates X-rays with the irradiation position of an electron beam generated by the electron beam generating unit being an X-ray focus, the X-ray focus shape formed by a set of X-ray focuses on the target electrode is controlled by individually controlling driving of the plurality of electron emitters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Osamu Tsujii, Makoto Sato, Masahiko Okunuki, Satoshi Shimizu, Takashi Ogura
  • Patent number: 8576988
    Abstract: A distributed X-ray source (3) and an imaging system (1) comprising such an X-ray source (3) are proposed. The X-ray source (3) comprises an electron beam source arrangement (19) and an anode arrangement (17). The electron beam source arrangement (19) is adapted to emit electron beams (24) towards at least two locally distinct focal spots (27) on the anode arrangement (17). Therein, the X-ray source is adapted for displacing the anode arrangement (17) with respect to the electron beam source arrangement (19). While the provision of a plurality of focal spots allows acquisition of projection images under different projection angles thereby allowing reconstruction of three-dimensional X-ray images e.g. in tomosynthesis application, a displacement motion of the anode arrangement (17) with respect to the electron beam source arrangement (19) may allow for distributed heat flux to the anode arrangement thereby possibly reducing cooling requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Astrid Lewalter, Rainer Pietig, Wolfgang Chrost
  • Patent number: 8571181
    Abstract: A dual energy X-ray source for use in Homeland Security, Medical, Non-destructive Testing, and other markets includes a power supply, and a single x-ray tube. The X-ray tube includes two cathodes, and a single anode. The electrons from the cathodes travel predominantly along the axis of the x-ray tube, and impact the anode. The grid and/or focus coil direct the electrons so that electrons can pass by the cathode. The cathodes are kept at different potential, such that the tube can rapidly switch energies, and can rapidly switch output flux from each cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: XRSciences LLC
    Inventors: Colin Charette, David Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20130272503
    Abstract: A radiation source which can emit X-ray flux using electron beam currents from a cathode array formed on the window through which the radiation will exit the source. The source can be made in formats which are compact or flat compared with prior art radiation sources. X-ray flux produced by the source can be used for such purposes as radiation imaging, sterilization, decontamination of biohazards or photolithography.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Stellarray, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark F. Eaton
  • Patent number: 8559599
    Abstract: An x-ray generation device and a cathode thereof are provided. The x-ray generation device comprises the cathode, a focusing device, an anode target, and a glass container. The cathode comprises a container and an electron beam generator. The container has a base and a side wall surrounding the base, and both of them define a trench. The electron beam generator comprises at least one metal unit, each of the at least one metal unit is chemical-vapor-deposited a carbon layer, and each of the at least one metal unit is disposed on a bottom of the trench. The at least one metal unit is electrically connected to an outer metal unit of the x-ray generation device. The glass container contains the cathode, the focusing device, and the anode target in sequence. Each of the at least one carbon layer faces the anode target. The glass container has a valve for evacuating and a window for emitting an x-ray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignees: Energy Resources International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Pu-Jen Lee, Wen-How Lan
  • 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: 20130259197
    Abstract: An electron gun having: a cathode for emitting electrons; a first Wehnelt electrode equipped with a first aperture through which electrons are allowed to pass; and a second Wehnelt electrode that is equipped with a second aperture disposed at a predetermined position with respect to the cathode and the first aperture, and that is furnished at a position closer to the cathode than the first Wehnelt electrode, wherein: the cathode and the second Wehnelt electrode are included within a single assembly constituting a unitary body; and the assembly is detachably attached to the first Wehnelt electrode. Replacement of the cathode can be performed by detaching the cathode unit from the first Wehnelt electrode, and then ejecting the cathode unit out from the Wehnelt cover. The emitter of the cathode can thereby be reliably positioned with respect to the second aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Rigaku Corporation
    Inventors: Masaru KURIBAYASHI, Masahiro Nonoguchi, Masashi Kageyama
  • Patent number: 8498378
    Abstract: A method for controlling emission of a beam of electrons in an X-ray imaging tube. The X-ray imaging tube has an anode and a cathode. The method comprises a step in which at least one emission device included in the cathode emits an accelerated incident beam of electrons onto an impact focal spot on the anode to generate X-rays. An emission device is associated firstly with an assembly of polarizing plates and secondly with a focusing cup. An electric generator simultaneously applies a beam focusing voltage to the assembly and/or to the cup to control a characteristic dimension of the focal spot, and a cut-off voltage to the cup to control the emission of the beam by the device. The invention also concerns a corresponding cathode, tube and imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gwenael Lemarchand, Frederic Dahan, Christelle Gaudin
  • Patent number: 8447013
    Abstract: Multibeam field emission x-ray systems and related methods can include cathode elements, an anode assembly spaced from the plurality of cathode elements, and an extraction gate positioned between the plurality of cathode elements and the anode assembly. A potential difference can be applied between the extraction gate and at least one of the cathode elements to cause an emission of electrons from the respective cathode elements. Emission characteristics of the cathode elements can be measured, and the potential difference between the extraction gate and at least one of the cathode elements can be adjusted based on the emission characteristics measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: XinRay Systems Inc
    Inventors: Frank Sprenger, Moritz Beckmann, Yuan Cheng, Houman Jafari
  • Patent number: 8422637
    Abstract: A multi X-ray generating apparatus which has a plurality of electron sources arranged two-dimensionally and targets arranged at positions opposite to the electron sources includes a multi electron source which includes a plurality of electron sources and outputs electrons from driven electron sources by selectively driving a plurality of electron sources in accordance with supplied driving signals, and a target unit which includes a plurality of targets which generate X-rays in accordance with irradiation of electrons output from the multi electron source and outputs X-rays with different radiation qualities in accordance with the generation locations of X-rays. The generation locations and radiation qualities of X-rays from the target unit are controlled by selectively driving the electron sources of the multi electron source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiko Okunuki, Osamu Tsujii, Satoshi Shimizu, Takashi Ogura
  • Publication number: 20130083899
    Abstract: Dual-energy x-ray tubes. In one example embodiment, a dual-energy x-ray tube includes an evacuated enclosure, an anode positioned within the evacuated enclosure, a first cathode positioned within the evacuated enclosure, and a second cathode positioned within the evacuated enclosure. The first cathode and the second cathode are configured to operate simultaneously at different voltages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Kasey Otho Greenland, James Russell Boye
  • Patent number: 8374315
    Abstract: An x-ray tube has an anode and a thermionic emitter with multiple emitter regions spaced from one another that generate, between the emitter and the anode, an electron beam composed of multiple partial beams generated by the respective emitter regions. Between the emitter and the anode is at least one control electrode arrangement that generates a variable electrical field and that has a number of passages to control the respective partial beams. Thus control electrode arrangement has a number of control electrode layers. The individual emitter regions and the control electrodes are arranged and controlled relative to one another to cause substantially the entirety of each partial beam generated by the respective emitter regions to proceed through a passage respectively associated with that partial beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Joerg Freudenberger
  • Patent number: 8311186
    Abstract: A multi-directional dispenser cathode has a cathode body that supports a plurality of electron emitters which spanning open portions of the cathode body. Each electron emitter has an inward facing surface and an outward facing surface wherein the inward facing surfaces and an interior wall of the body define an interior volume that contains a heater. To selectively accelerate emitted electrons, an electrically distinct biasing electrode is in spaced relationship to the outward facing surface of each electron emitter and coupled to a biasing power supply effective to provide an intermittent positive voltage potential to the biasing electrode. The distinct biasing electrodes are provided with a positive voltage potential at different times thereby causing an intermittent burst of electrons. Among the applications for intermittent bursts of accelerated electrons are to generate radiation from a particle accelerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Luke T. Perkins
  • Patent number: 8295441
    Abstract: An improved x-ray tube that includes a plurality of cathodes in a region under vacuum is provided. Several wirelessly activatable elements, which are each assigned to a cathode or a group of cathodes, are arranged in the region under vacuum and make an electrically conducting connection of the cathode or the group of cathodes to a cathode control voltage line when receiving a control signal from outside of the region under vacuum. A system that includes the improved x-ray tube and several transmitter elements for the wireless activation of the wirelessly activatable elements is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Walter Beyerlein, Andreas Böhme, Markus Hemmerlein, Oliver Heuermann, Jürgen Oelschlegel, Peter Wehrle
  • Publication number: 20120219118
    Abstract: An x-ray generating device includes at least a nano-structure based field emission electron source having a self-aligned gate aperture incorporated on a substrate. The device further includes at least an anode target. Associated fabrication method is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventor: Zhidan Li Tolt
  • Patent number: 8184768
    Abstract: This embodiment is provided with a detector configured to detect an X-ray radiated from an X-ray tube, a reconstructing part configured to reconstruct an image from projection data based on the detection by the detector, an acquiring part configured to acquire a parameter indicating the status of a scan, a determining part configured to determine whether the parameter acquired by the acquiring part during the scan is included within a reference range, and a controller configured to change the size of a focal point of an electron beam to a different size depending on the determination result during the scan with reference to the result of the determination by the determining part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Toyomasa Honda, Shinsuke Tsukagoshi
  • Patent number: 8155272
    Abstract: In one aspect, an x-ray scanning device is provided. The x-ray scanning device comprises a target adapted to convert electron-beam (e-beam) energy into x-ray energy, a detector array positioned to detect at least some x-rays emitted from the target, and a conveyer mechanism adapted to convey items to be inspected through an inspection region formed by the target and the detector array, wherein the target and the detector array are rotated out of alignment with each other such that x-rays emitted from the target impinge on diametrically positioned detectors of the detector array without passing through near-side detectors of the detector array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Franklin Eilbert, Boris Oreper, Nikolay Rolshud
  • Patent number: 8155273
    Abstract: A radiation source which can emit X-ray flux using electron beam currents from a cathode array formed on the window through which the radiation will exit the source. The source can be made in formats which are compact or flat compared with prior art radiation sources. X-ray flux produced by the source can be used for such purposes as radiation imaging, sterilization, decontamination of biohazards or photolithography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Stellar Micro Devices
    Inventors: Mark F. Eaton, Leonid D. Karpov
  • Publication number: 20120082299
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an X-ray tube includes an electron beam source including a primary cathode configured to emit an electron beam and an anode assembly including an anode configured to receive the electron beam and to emit X-rays when impacted by the electron beam. The X-ray tube also includes an enclosure, at least the primary cathode and the anode being disposed in the enclosure, and a secondary cathode disposed in the enclosure and configured to emit electrons to impact the anode for degassing the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Liang Tang, Eric Bruce Biehr, Richard Michael Roffers, Kalyan Koppisetty
  • Patent number: 8130897
    Abstract: An x-ray computed tomography apparatus has one anode ring in a vacuum housing surrounding an examination volume, wherein a focus of an x-ray source revolves on the anode ring to expose the examination volume with an x-ray beam from different directions, and a detector system arranged on a rotating frame that can rotate around a system axis. The detector system serves to detect the x-ray radiation exiting from the examination volume, wherein the detector system and the focus can rotate around the system axis synchronously and in the same rotation direction with a rotation angle offset by 180°. The apparatus also includes a computer to process the measurement values acquired by the detector system. The anode ring can be driven such that it rotates around the system axis, and the rotation direction of the anode ring and the rotation direction of the focus around the system axis are opposite while a rotation of the focus around the system axis ensues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stefan Popescu, Georg Wittmann
  • Publication number: 20110286581
    Abstract: Multibeam field emission x-ray systems and related methods can include cathode elements, an anode assembly spaced from the plurality of cathode elements, and an extraction gate positioned between the plurality of cathode elements and the anode assembly. A potential difference can be applied between the extraction gate and at least one of the cathode elements to cause an emission of electrons from the respective cathode elements. Emission characteristics of the cathode elements can be measured, and the potential difference between the extraction gate and at least one of the cathode elements can be adjusted based on the emission characteristics measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Frank Sprenger, Moritz Beckmann, Yuan Cheng, Houman Jafari