Target Patents (Class 378/143)
  • Patent number: 8553843
    Abstract: The present invention refers to hybrid anode disk structures for use in X-ray tubes of the rotary anode type and is concerned more particularly with a novel light weight anode disk structure (RA) which comprises an adhesion promoting protective silicon carbide (SiC) interlayer (SCI) deposited onto a rotary X-ray tube's anode target (AT), wherein the latter may e.g. be made of a carbon-carbon composite substrate (SUB?). Moreover, a manufacturing method for robustly attaching a coating layer (CL) consisting of a high-Z material (e.g. a layer made of a tungsten-rhenium alloy) on the surface of said anode target is provided, whereupon according to said method it may be foreseen to apply a refractory metal overcoating layer (RML), such as given e.g. by a tantalum (Ta), hafnium (Hf), vanadium (V) or rhenium (Re) layer, to the silicon carbide interlayer (SCI) prior to the deposition of the tungsten-rhenium alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Michael David Drory
  • Publication number: 20130259205
    Abstract: An anode (30) is formed by building a carbon, such as a carbon reinforced carbon composite, or other ceramic substrate (50). A ductile, refractory metal is electroplated on the ceramic substrate to form a refractory metal carbide layer (52) and a ductile refractory metal layer (54), at least on a focal track portion (36). A high-Z refractory metal is vacuum plasma sprayed on the ductile refractory metal layer to forma vacuum plasma sprayed high-Z refractory metal layer (56), at least on the focal track portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Kevin Charles Kraft, Ming-Wei Paul Xu, Min He, Gerald James Carlson
  • Publication number: 20130259207
    Abstract: There is provided a target for an X-ray generator, including: a holder part made of an electrically conductive material and having an opening part; a diamond plate air-tightly joined to the holder part so as to close the opening part; a thin film target provided on a surface of the diamond plate, with its outer peripheral part extending to the holder part to be electrically connected to the holder part, wherein the holder part is configured to be electrically connected to a power supply of the X-ray generator, and the diamond plate is incorporated into the X-ray generator with one side disposed in a vacuum atmosphere where the thin film target is formed, and an opposite side thereto disposed at a side where the diamond plate is brought into thermal contact with a refrigerant and cooled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: RIGAKU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiko OMOTE, Kazuaki SHIMIZU, Naohisa OSAKA
  • Patent number: 8548124
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a cathode cup (20) comprising a receptacle for holding an electron emitter (21), wherein the cathode cup is provided at least in the area facing the electron emitter (21) with a surface comprising a plurality of cavities (23). Further, the invention provides an electron source and an x-ray system comprising such a cathode cup (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Stefan Hauttmann, Zoryana Terletska
  • Patent number: 8541756
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating X-rays and neutrons using a single linear accelerator are disclosed. Such system and methods may interrogate an object at times with X-rays and at other times with neutrons, e.g., after suspicious material is detected based on the X-rays. A system may include a single linear accelerator for generating first and second electron beams; first and second targets; a magnet configured to control irradiation of the first and second targets by the first and second electron beams; and a controller that (a) causes the linear accelerator to generate the first electron beam and causes the magnet to direct the beam to first target to generate X-rays; and (b) causes the linear accelerator to generate the second electron beam and causes the magnet to direct the beam to the second target to generate neutrons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Accuray Incorporated
    Inventor: Paul Dennis Treas
  • Publication number: 20130235979
    Abstract: An X-ray window including a primary and a secondary window element. In order to evaporate debris by ohmic heating, current flows through the secondary (upstream) window element. Meanwhile, electric charge originating from electron irradiation and/or depositing charged particles is to be drained off the window element. To prevent large debris particles from short-circuiting the window element and changing the desired heating pattern, the current for heating the window element flows through a layer which is insulated from the charge-drain layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: EXCILLUM AB
    Inventors: Oscar Hemberg, Tomi Tuohimaa
  • Patent number: 8520803
    Abstract: The present invention refers to X-ray tubes for use in imaging applications with an improved power rating and more particularly, to a multi-segment anode target (102?) for an X-ray based scanner system using an X-ray tube of the rotary anode type; the X-ray tube including a rotatably supported essentially disk-shaped rotary anode (102) with an anode target (102?) for emitting X-radiation when being exposed to an electron beam (105a) incident on a surface of the anode target (102?), wherein the rotary anode disk (102) is divided into at least two anode disk segments (102a and 102b) having a conical surface inclined by a distinct acute angle (?) with respect to a plane normal to the rotational axis (103) of the rotary anode disk (102), thus having its own focal track width. An advantage of the invention consists in an enhanced image quality compared to conventional rotary anodes as known from the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Rolf Karl Otto Behling
  • Patent number: 8509386
    Abstract: In one example, an x-ray target comprises a target track, a substrate, and an optional backing. The target track includes a base material and a grain growth inhibitor to reduce or prevent microstructure grain growth in the base material. The target track can be included as part of an x-ray tube anode, either of a rotary form or a stationary form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. K. Lee, John E. Postman
  • Publication number: 20130195246
    Abstract: A radiation-transmissive type target structure includes a target layer formed on a substrate. The target layer has a thickness equal to or less than 20 ?m, and is configured to generate radiation in response to irradiation of electrons. A surface of the target layer is formed with projecting portions and depressed portions, the depressed portions have a depth of at least half the thickness of the target layer. Advantageously, separation of the target layer at an interface between the substrate and the target layer is substantially prevented. A radiation generating apparatus and a radiography system equipped with the target structure are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
  • Publication number: 20130188774
    Abstract: Provided are a radiation emission target and a radiation generating apparatus that reduce the variation in the output due to operation and temperature history by maintaining stable adhesion of the layered radiation target and achieve stable radiation emission characteristics. The radiation target includes a supporting substrate, a target layer that emits a radiation when irradiated with an electron beam, and an interlayer located between the supporting substrate and the target layer. The interlayer has a thickness of 1 ?m or less and contains titanium as a main component. At least part of the titanium shows the ?-phase at 400° C. or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
  • Publication number: 20130161539
    Abstract: A method for generating an ultrashort charged particle beam, comprising creating a high intensity longitudinal E-field by shaping and tightly focusing, in an on-axis geometry, a substantially radially polarized laser beam, and using the high intensity longitudinal E-field for interaction with a medium to accelerate charged particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE
    Inventor: INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE
  • Patent number: 8472586
    Abstract: An X-ray source includes an electron-beam generating unit that generates an electron beam, and a transmission type target electrode to be irradiated with the electron beam to generate X-ray radiation. A plurality of convex portions each having an inclined surface with respect to an incident direction of the electron beam is formed on a surface of the transmission type target electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Ueda, Osamu Tsujii, Takao Ogura, Ichiro Nomura
  • Patent number: 8428222
    Abstract: An x-ray tube target and method of repairing a damaged x-ray tube target. The x-ray tube target includes an original substrate and a portion of the original substrate that includes a new portion of a substrate and a new target track that is attached to a void in the original substrate. The method includes removal and replacement of damaged materials on used anode targets of x-ray tubes, thereby enabling recovery of used anode targets without the use of expensive and time consuming layer deposition methods. The method also avoids the high costs and long development cycles associated with known repair and refabrication methods for anode targets of x-ray tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gregory Alan Steinlage, Michael Scott Hebert
  • Patent number: 8416920
    Abstract: A target for X-ray generation has a substrate and a target portion. The substrate is comprised of diamond and has a first principal surface and a second principal surface opposed to each other. A bottomed hole is formed from the first principal surface side in the substrate. The target portion is comprised of a metal deposited from a bottom surface of the hole toward the first principal surface. An entire side surface of the target portion is in close contact with an inside surface of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignees: Tokyo Electron Limited, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Katsuya Okumura, Katsuji Kadosawa, Tomofumi Kiyomoto, Motohiro Suyama, Atsushi Ishii
  • Patent number: 8406378
    Abstract: This invention relates to the use of thick target materials 50 microns and thicker for an x-ray transmission tube; to possible target material compositions including various elements and their alloys, eutectic alloys, compounds, or intermetallic compounds; and applications for utilizing such thick target transmission x-ray tubes. The target comprises at lease one portion of the target with a thickness of 50 microns or greater. The target can be optionally attached to a substrate end-window essentially transparent to x-rays or be thick enough so that no such substrate is required. Applications include producing a high percentage of monochromatic line mission x-rays of said thick target for use in reduced dose medical imaging and other non-destructive testing applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: GAMC Biotech Development Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Gee Wang, Bruce Briant Parsons
  • Publication number: 20130070902
    Abstract: An x-ray tube includes a cathode and a target assembly positioned to receive electrons emitted from the cathode. The target assembly includes a target, and a spiral groove bearing (SGB) configured to support the target. The SGB includes a rotatable component having a first surface and a first material attached to the first surface, a stationary component having a second surface and a second material attached to the second surface, the stationary component positioned such that a gap is formed between the first material and the second material, and a liquid metal positioned in the gap, wherein at least one of the first and second materials comprises tantalum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: General Electric Company
  • Patent number: 8396190
    Abstract: A liquid target producing device to which multiple capillary tubes are mountable includes a capillary tube for injecting a liquid target in a jet form; a gas storage tank connected to the capillary tube through a gas line to store a gas to be supplied to the capillary tube; a metal jacket positioned at an outer circumference of the capillary tube such that a plurality of capillary tubes are installable thereto, the metal jacket liquefying the gas supplied through the gas line; a cryo-cooler connected to the metal jacket through a thermal conductive wire to cool the metal jacket; and a moving means for moving the metal jacket so as to set an initial position of the capillary tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignees: VMT Co., Ltd, Potech Academy-Industry Foundation
    Inventors: Byung-Nam Ahn, Dong-Eon Kim, Jin-Gon Kim, Jae-Sik Son, Dong-Su Kim
  • Patent number: 8391443
    Abstract: A compact device for generating X-rays by scattering includes a means for producing a beam of electrons, which comprises a grid of wires arranged in a useful scattering cone, so that the beam of electrons encounters at least one of the wires of the wire grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Brasile
  • Publication number: 20120321038
    Abstract: An X-ray tube includes a cathode, an anode with an electron receiving surface, and a window facing the electron receiving surface of the anode. On the electron receiving surface of the anode it includes a layer of anode material. Deeper in the anode than the layer of anode material, there is a block of attenuator material. The atomic number of the attenuator material is less than one third of the atomic number of the anode material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: HEIKKI SIPILA OY
    Inventor: Heikki Johannes SIPILÄ
  • Publication number: 20120314837
    Abstract: A radiation transmission type target to be used for a radiation tube has a target metal 12 placed on a substrate 13, and has an antistatic member 14 placed on a surface of the substrate 13 opposite to a surface on which the target metal 12 is placed. The target suppresses its electrostatic charge, and enables the radiation tube to stable operate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Osamu Tsujii, Noriaki Oguri, Takashi Ogura
  • Patent number: 8331535
    Abstract: The present invention is a shielded anode having an anode with a surface facing an electron beam and a shield configured to encompass the anode surface. The shield has at least one aperture and an internal surface facing the anode surface. The shield internal surface and anode surface are separated by a gap in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm. The shield of the present invention is fabricated from a material, such as graphite, that is substantially transmissive to X-ray photons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward James Morton, Russell David Luggar, Paul De Antonis
  • Patent number: 8306189
    Abstract: X-ray apparatus comprises a linear accelerator adapted to produce a beam of electrons at one of at least two selectable energies and being controlled to change the selected energy on a periodic basis, and a target to which the beam is directed thereby to produce a beam of x-radiation, the target being non-homogenous and being driven to move periodically in synchrony with the change of the selected energy. In this way, the target can move so that a different part is exposed to the electron beam when different pulses arrive. This enables the appropriate target material to be employed depending on the selected energy. The easiest form of periodic movement for the target is likely to be a rotational movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignees: Elekta AB (Publ), The Institute of Cancer Research
    Inventors: Kevin John Brown, Maria Giulia Thompson, Vibeke Nordmark Hansen, Philip Mark Evans, David Anthony Roberts
  • Patent number: 8295443
    Abstract: The x-ray system with a superconducting anode includes an anode of x-ray machine made from a material capable of superconductivity, which is then cooled to be in superconducting state while being bombarded by an electron beam to generate x-rays. If a non-superconducting heat island is formed, then a magnetic field is used to penetrate this region and spread the heat in the form of hot electrons over the target material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventor: Jihad H. Al-Sadah
  • Patent number: 8295440
    Abstract: A super miniature X-ray tube using the nano material field emitter includes a tip-tip-type cathode electrode having the nano material field emitter formed on one end with a planar section thereof to generate an electron beam, a gate electrode formed in a hollow cylindrical shape and surrounding an outer circumference of the cathode electrode, the gate electrode having a tapered portion formed on one end and inclined from inside to outside, the gate electrode receiving a voltage for generating the electron beam, a high voltage insulating portion formed in a hollow cylindrical shape and surrounding an outer circumference of the gate electrode, a anode electrode formed at a predetermined distance from one end of the high voltage insulating portion and receiving an acceleration voltage to accelerate an electron beam generated at the cathode electrode, and an electric field adjusting electrode formed between the high voltage insulating portion and the anode electrode to vary a pattern of an acceleration electric f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Sung Oh Cho, Sung Hwan Heo
  • Publication number: 20120236997
    Abstract: An alloy comprising at least two refractory metals and a method for forming such alloy are proposed. In the alloy, a first refractory metal such as tantalum forming a minor portion of the alloy is completely dissolved in a second refractory metal such as tungsten forming a major portion of the alloy. The alloy may be formed by providing the two refractory metals in a common crucible (step S1), melting both refractory metals by application of an electron beam (step S2), mixing the molten refractory metals (step S3) and solidifying the melt (step S4). Due to the possible complete mixing of the refractory metal components in a molten state, improved material properties of the solidified alloy may be achieved. Furthermore, due to the use of tantalum instead of rhenium together with tungsten, a cheap and resistant refractory metal alloy may be produced, which alloy may be used for example for forming a focal track region of an X-ray anode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Paul Xu, Kevin Kraft, Min He, Gerald James Carlson
  • Publication number: 20120228523
    Abstract: The invention provides targets coated with structured biological materials, which are employed in laser produced plasma systems. The biological materials selected from cells of microbial, protozoan or plankton origin are applied on a portion of a solid target, like polished glass plate which then form a target system that absorbs the intense laser pulses, generates hot dense plasma and results in the emission of the X-rays. The method of coating structured biomaterial decreases the usable laser intensity required for producing the hot plasma, while increasing the X-ray yield. The coatings are easy to prepare and it is possible to vary the nature and shape of the cellular material in order to control/regulate the interaction with the light and thereby optimize the resultant plasma generation and X-ray emission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: TATA INSTITUTE OF FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH
    Inventors: Krishnamurthy Manchikanti, Krishanu Ray, Ravindra Kumar Gattamaraju
  • Patent number: 8259905
    Abstract: The X-ray tube having a rotating and linearly translating anode includes an evacuated shell having a substantially cylindrical anode rotatably mounted therein. The substantially cylindrical anode may be rotated through the usage of any suitable rotational drive, and the substantially cylindrical anode is further selectively and controllably linearly translatable about the rotating longitudinal axis thereof. A cathode is further mounted within the evacuated shell for producing an electron beam that impinges on an outer surface of the substantially cylindrical anode, thus forming a focal spot thereon. X-rays are generated from the focal spot and are transmitted through an X-ray permeable window formed in the evacuated shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Jihad Hassan Al-Sadah, Nabil Maalej, Ezzat Abbas Mansour
  • Publication number: 20120213325
    Abstract: The present invention relates to X-ray generating technology in general. Providing an electron collecting element of an X-ray generating device statically may allow for the manufacture of X-ray systems with reduced moving parts and actuating parts, possibly reducing manufacturing costs and sources for failure. Consequently, an electron collecting element with increased thermal loadability is presented. According to the present invention, an electron collecting element (28) is provided, comprising a surface element (22) and a heat conducting element (26). The heat conducting element (26) comprises a first thermal conductivity in a first direction and at least a second thermal conductivity in at least a second direction. The first thermal conductivity is greater than the second thermal conductivity. The first direction is substantially perpendicular to the surface element (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Rainer Pietig
  • Patent number: 8241532
    Abstract: Neutron source comprising a composite, said composite comprising crystals comprising BeO and AmBe13, and an excess of beryllium, wherein the crystals have an average size of less than 2 microns; the size distribution of the crystals is less than 2 microns; and the beryllium is present in a 7-fold to a 75-fold excess by weight of the amount of AmBe13; and methods of making thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLc
    Inventor: Louis D. Schulte
  • Publication number: 20120201353
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system that generates a large amount of X-rays sufficient for X-ray imaging and collimates X-rays in a direction parallel to each other at high density. The X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray generating apparatus to generate and emit X-rays, a detector to detect the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generating apparatus, and at least one collimator disposed between the X-ray generating apparatus and the detector to prevent dispersion of the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generating apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Ki Yeo KIM
  • Publication number: 20120201358
    Abstract: The present application is directed to an anode for an X-ray tube. The X-ray tube has an electron aperture through which electrons emitted from an electron source travel subject to substantially no electrical field and a target in a non-parallel relationship to the electron aperture and arranged to produce X-rays when electrons are incident upon a first side of the target, wherein the target further comprises a cooling channel located on a second side of the target. The cooling channel comprises a conduit having coolant contained therein. The coolant is at least one of water, oil, or refrigerant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Patent number: 8229075
    Abstract: In particular embodiments, the present disclosure provides targets including a metal layer and defining a hollow inner surface. The hollow inner surface has an internal apex. The distance between at least two opposing points of the internal apex is less than about 15 ?m. In particular examples, the distance is less than about 1 ?m. Particular implementations of the targets are free standing. The targets have a number of disclosed shaped, including cones, pyramids, hemispheres, and capped structures. The present disclosure also provides arrays of such targets. Also provided are methods of forming targets, such as the disclosed targets, using lithographic techniques, such as photolithographic techniques. In particular examples, a target mold is formed from a silicon wafer and then one or more sides of the mold are coated with a target material, such as one or more metals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on Behalf of the University of Nevada, Reno
    Inventors: Thomas Cowan, Steven Malekos, Grant Korgan, Jesse Adams, Yasuhiko Sentoku, Nathalie Le Galloudec, Julien Fuchs
  • Publication number: 20120163547
    Abstract: An integrated X-ray source is provided. The integrated X-ray source includes a target for emitting X-rays upon being struck by one or more excitation beams, and one or more total internal reflection multilayer optic devices in physical contact with the target to transmit at least a portion of the X rays through total internal reflection to produce X-ray beams, wherein the optic device comprises an input face for receiving the X rays and an output face through which the X-ray beams exit the integrated X-ray source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Susanne Madeline Lee, Peter Michael Edic, Forrest Frank Hopkins, Alfried Haase, Eberhard Neuser
  • Publication number: 20120163551
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a mobile X-ray unit. The mobile X-ray unit may include a base and an arm associated with the base. The arm may be configured to support an X-ray applicator having an X-ray tube. The X-ray tube may be configured to generate an X-ray beam. The X-ray applicator may include an exit surface through which the X-ray beam passes in use. The X-ray unit may further include an applicator cap for covering at least the exit surface of the X-ray applicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Wim De JAGER
  • Publication number: 20120114105
    Abstract: A target for generating x-rays includes a target substrate comprising molybdenum and having a beveled surface according to a desired track angle, a track comprising tungsten and configured to generate x-rays from high-energy electrons impinging thereon, wherein the track comprises a brazing surface having an area that is less than an area of the beveled surface of the target substrate, and a braze joint attaching the brazing surface of the track to the beveled surface of the target substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Gregory Alan Steinlage, Michael Hebert
  • Patent number: 8170179
    Abstract: A method for generating x-ray radiation, comprising the steps of forming a target jet by urging a liquid substance under pressure through an outlet opening, the target jet propagating through an area of interaction; and directing at least one electron beam onto the target jet in the area of interaction such that the electron beam interacts with the target jet to generate x-ray radiation; wherein the full width at half maximum of the electron beam in the transverse direction of the target jet is about 50% or less of the target jet transverse dimension. A system for carrying out the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Jettec AB
    Inventors: Hans M. Hertz, Mikael Otendal, Tomi Tuohimaa
  • Patent number: 8170180
    Abstract: One example embodiment includes an anode. The anode comprises an anode hub, an annular target and a plurality of spokes. The spokes connect the anode hub to the annular target. The spokes are configured to substantially mechanically and/or thermally isolate the anode hub from the annular target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd S. Parker
  • Patent number: 8165269
    Abstract: In one example, an x-ray target comprises a substrate, a target core, and a target track. The substrate and target core are attached together utilizing a carbide layer and a braze layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. K. Lee, John E. Postman
  • Publication number: 20120093296
    Abstract: The present invention relates to X-ray generating technology in general, in particular, it relates to an anode disk element (1) for an X-ray generating device (21). The generation of electromagnetic radiation may be considered to be quite inefficient, since a substantial part of energy applied to a focal track is converted to heat rather than X-radiation. Thus, a limiting factor in the operation of X-ray tubes is the cooling of the anode element and more specifically the focal track. In the present invention, an anode disk element is provided, with an improved dissipation of heat from the focal track. Thus, the anode disk element may sustain increased heat while maintaining structural integrity. The anode disk element (1) comprises at least a first surface (2) and a second surface (3), with the first surface (2) comprising a focal track (4) and the second surface (3) comprising a conductive coating (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Kevin Kraft, Gerald James Carlson, Paul Xu
  • Patent number: 8158960
    Abstract: A device is disclosed herein which may include a plasma generating system comprising a source of target material droplets and a laser producing a beam irradiating the droplets at an irradiation region, the plasma producing EUV radiation, wherein the droplet source comprises a fluid exiting an orifice and a sub-system producing a disturbance in the fluid which generates droplets having differing initial velocities causing the spacing between at least some adjacent droplets to decrease as the droplets travel to the irradiation region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Cymer, Inc.
    Inventors: Georgiy O. Vaschenko, Alexander I. Ershov, Richard L. Sandstrom
  • Patent number: 8149992
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided an X-ray tube target. The X-ray tube target has a structure in which a carbon base material is bonded with an Mo base material or Mo alloy base material with a joint layer. The joint layer includes an MoNbTi diffusion phase, an NbTi alloy phase, an Nb-rich phase and a ZrNb alloy phase when the ratios of components in the joint layer are detected by EPMA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Materials Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihisa Nitta, Shinichi Yamamoto, Hiromichi Horie
  • Publication number: 20120057681
    Abstract: One or more components of an x-ray target assembly are manufactured using an electroforming process. The electroforming is carried out by providing an electroforming apparatus that includes an electrolyte, a metal anode, and an electrically conductive cathode. The cathode includes an intermediate x-ray target assembly upon which the metal is to be deposited and/or an electrically conductive mold for forming a component of an x-ray target assembly. The x-ray target component (e.g., a substrate or focal track) is formed by submersing the cathode in the electrolyte and applying a voltage across the anode and the cathode to cause the metal from the anode to be electroformed on the intermediate target and/or the mold. The electroforming is continued until a desired thickness of metal is achieved. The electroforming process can be used to manufacture an x-ray target substrate, focal track, stem, barrier, or other metal layer of the target assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: David S.K. Lee, John E. Postman, Dennis Runnoe
  • Publication number: 20120057680
    Abstract: Closed-loop circulation for providing liquid metal to an interaction region at which an electron beam is to impact upon the liquid metal to produce X-rays is presented. In a method according to the invention, the pressure of the liquid metal is raised to at least 10 bar using a high-pressure pump. The pressurized liquid metal is then conducted to a nozzle and ejected into a vacuum chamber in the form of a spatially continuous jet. After passage through the vacuum chamber, the liquid metal is collected in a collection reservoir, and the pressure of the liquid metal is raised to an inlet pressure, e.g. using a primer pump, suitable for the inlet of the high-pressure pump. The invention also relates to a corresponding circulation system and an X-ray source provided with such circulation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: EXCILLUM AB
    Inventors: Oscar Hemberg, Tomi Tuohimaa, Mikael Otendal
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8116432
    Abstract: A target for generating x-rays includes a target substrate comprising at least one layer of a target material, a track comprising at least one layer of a track material, the track configured to generate x-rays from high-energy electrons impinging thereon, and a braze joint attaching the target substrate to the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gregory Alan Steinlage, Michael Hebert
  • Patent number: 8111806
    Abstract: Therapy system (100) for irradiating a target volume (2) of a patient (1) with a charged particle beam (6), including a beam generator (3), a beam transport system (4), and a nozzle (5) for distributing the beam to the target volume (2), the nozzle (5) being, when in operation, under vacuum. The therapy system comprises an X-ray device (10) which is rotatably mounted inside the nozzle (5) between a first position and a second position. In the first position, an X-Ray source (12) within the X-Ray device is able to emit X-Rays along a charged particle beam path for generating an X-Ray image on a corresponding X-Ray receiving device (11) arranged opposite to the patient (1), said X-Ray image serving to determine a correct position of the target volume (2) with regard to the charged particle beam (6). In the second position, the X-Ray device (10) is set outside of a charged particle beam treatment path envelope (23), so that the charged particle beam (6) can reach and irradiate the target volume (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Ion Beam Applications
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Amelia, Frederic Genin
  • Patent number: 8098796
    Abstract: An X-ray target assembly includes a substrate, a target supported by the substrate adapted to generate X-rays when impinged by an electron beam, and an enclosure over the target providing a volume for the target. The enclosure is made of a material substantially transparent to electrons. The volume is substantially vacuum or filled with an inert gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Schumacher, David K. Jensen, Maynard C. Harding, Randall D. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20120008749
    Abstract: The x-ray system with a superconducting anode includes an anode of x-ray machine made from a material capable of superconductivity, which is then cooled to be in superconducting state while being bombarded by an electron beam to generate x-rays. If a non-superconducting heat island is formed, then a magnetic field is used to penetrate this region and spread the heat in the form of hot electrons over the target material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Jihad H. Al-Sadah
  • Patent number: 8094784
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an anode for an X-ray tube. The X-ray tube has an electron aperture through which electrons emitted from an electron source travel subject to substantially no electrical field and a target in a non-parallel relationship to the electron aperture and arranged to produce X-rays when electrons are incident upon a first side of the target, wherein the target further comprises a cooling channel located on a second side of the target. The cooling channel comprises a conduit having coolant contained therein. The coolant is at least one of water, oil, or refrigerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Publication number: 20110305324
    Abstract: In one example, an x-ray target comprises a target track, a substrate, and an optional backing. The target track includes a base material and a grain growth inhibitor to reduce or prevent microstructure grain growth in the base material. The target track can be included as part of an x-ray tube anode, either of a rotary form or a stationary form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: David S. K. Lee, John E. Postman