Abstract: An x-ray radiator has an anode that emits x-rays, a cathode that thermionically emits electrons upon irradiation thereof by a laser beam, a voltage source for application of a high voltage between the anode and the cathode for acceleration of the emitted electrons toward the anode to form an electron beam, a vacuum housing, an insulator that is part of the vacuum housing and that separates the cathode from the anode, an arrangement for cooling components of the x-ray radiator, a deflection and arrangement that deflects the laser beam from a stationary source, that is arranged outside of the vacuum housing, to a spatially stationary laser focal spot on the cathode.

Abstract: The invention includes semiconductor packages having grooves within a semiconductor die backside; and includes semiconductor packages utilizing carbon nanostructures (such as, for example, carbon nanotubes) as thermally conductive interface materials. The invention also includes methods of cooling a semiconductor die in which coolant is forced through grooves in a backside of the die, and includes methods of making semiconductor packages.

Abstract: A cooler that circulates cooling fluid to cool an X-ray tube, and that comprises a circulation unit that has a first end unit and a second end unit, and an expansion mechanism that has a vessel and a bellows that divides the inside of the vessel into a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein the first end unit and the second end unit are detachably coupled to the X-ray tube and are closed when being uncoupled from the X-ray tube, and the expansion mechanism can be switched between a first state and a second state.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing or eliminating pump cavitation in a closed system having at least one or a plurality of fluid phase changes. The system comprises a venturi having a throat which is coupled to a reservoir tank.

Abstract: A contaminant detection machine (1) including a conveyor (3) which causes an object under inspection (79) to pass through a plane (48) of emitted x-ray radiation. The plane is generated by an x-ray tube (55) that emits a lateral beam, thereby permitting the distance (88) between the x-ray tube and the object under inspection to be reduced. A photo diode arch mounting assembly (104) is placed above the object under inspection and is mated to a collimator assembly (125) that also serves as the mounting bracket for the x-ray generation assembly (38), thereby preserving optical alignment between the photo diode detector array (28) and the emitted x-ray plane (48). The detector array (28) scans the object under inspection (79) so as to produce a continuous series of discrete lines, each line being analyzed by an image processing unit (116) to determine the presence or absence of a contaminant.

Abstract: A heat management apparatus for disposition in a medical imaging system is disclosed. The apparatus includes a thermally conductive detector module, sensor components disposed upon the detector module, and signal processing electronics in thermal communication with the detector module, the signal processing electronics disposed proximate the sensor components. A main heat conductor is in thermal communication with a first defined portion of a length of the detector module, and a local heat conductor is in thermal communication with a second defined portion of the length of the detector module.

Abstract: An x-ray tube includes a stationary base and a passage therein. The x-ray tube includes an anode frame having an anode positioned adjacent to a first end and having a neck at a second end, the neck extends into the passage, wherein the anode frame is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the passage. A hermetic seal is positioned about the neck between the neck and the stationary base.

Abstract: A cooling system (12) for an x-ray tube assembly (10) includes a heat exchanger (14, 16) which receives cooling fluid from a housing (40) of the x-ray tube assembly and transfers the heat to a flow of air. A fan (90), such as an axial fan, directs the flow of air through the heat exchanger. The fan is positioned within a duct (78). A contoured air flux director (110) is positioned to intercept the flow of air from the duct and to redirect the flow of air in a direction which is generally perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the fan.

Abstract: A gantry for a computed tomography apparatus has a supporting body and a support ring for a rotatable rotary carriage. The supporting body internally exhibits a channel that communicates in terms of flow with the support ring. A cooling ring with a cooling channel is mounted on the radially-inward circumferential side of the support ring. The cross-section of the cooling channel varies in the circumferential direction. The cooling ring exhibits a cooling ring region that has stiffening ribs.

Abstract: A system for cooling an X-ray tube in a CT machine comprising a heat sink for drawing heat away from the X-ray tube and a collimator connected to the heat sink and adapted to collimate the X-rays emitted by the X-ray tube and “focus” those X-rays on an X-ray detector, the heat sink body being formed out of the same material as the emitter of the X-ray tube, such that the emitter opening of the X-ray tube will remain aligned with both the heat sink window and the collimator opening even when the emitter of the X-ray tube undergoes thermal expansion.

Abstract: A support cradle for a computer tomorgraph, in which the rotating body together with the X-ray emitter and the X-ray detector, which is situated opposite said emitter, can be ratably mounted. The support cradle includes a suitable pedestal that has two vertical supports, in addition to a gantry, which is mounted between the vertical supports and can be rotated about a horizontal transverse axis. According to the invention, the support cradle comprises a cooling device that is simple to manufacture. Said device is configured at least partially as a hollow section. A cavity in the support cradle acts as a conduit for supplying or evacuating a coolant.

Abstract: A gantry for a computed tomography apparatus has a rotary carriage that is rotatable around an axis and a support ring arranged around the rotary carriage with a circumferential cooling channel. The support ring has a number of openings distributed around its circumference and forming a non-uniform opening pattern. The rotary carriage likewise has inflow and outflow openings that, in operation, overlap the openings on the stationary part of the computed tomography apparatus such that a coolant flows through between the support ring and the rotary carriage. A steady pressure fluctuation that leads to a reduction of the noise stress in operation ensues thanks to the non-uniform opening pattern.

Abstract: A method of cooling a medical imaging system that includes a gantry is provided. The method includes supplying air to the gantry. The supplied air is conditioned to reduce variation of the temperature within the gantry. After the air is conditioned it is channeled throughout the gantry to a plurality of heat producing electronic devices within the gantry.

Abstract: A cooling system is provided for components of a computer tomography system that are arranged in a gantry housing. The cooling system includes a cooled air feed device with an air compressor and connected streaming elements that are arranged and/or fashioned such that compressed air flows onto the components to be cooled. Moreover, a corresponding method is provided for cooling the components of a computer tomography system arranged in a gantry housing.

Abstract: In a continuously operating tomography apparatus and an operating method therefore, a scanner unit is rotated around a system axis and first and second examination subjects are successively moved into the scanner unit and respective examinations of the first and second examination subjects are conducted without interruption of rotation of the scanner unit. The rotation frequency of the scanning unit is set differently dependent on the type of examination to be conducted, and when no examination of an examination subject is taking place, the scanning unit is rotated at a predetermined rest rotation frequency, that is smaller than a smallest of the available rotation frequencies for the examinations, or is an average of the rotation frequencies available for the examinations.

Abstract: An imaging inspection apparatus which utilizes a plurality of individual imaging devices (e.g., X-ray Computer Tomography scanning devices) for directing beams onto articles having objects therein to detect the objects based on established criteria. The apparatus utilizes a cooling structure for directing cooling fluid (e.g., air) toward and over the devices, the structure including a fan for directing cooling fluid in a first direction and a plurality of fluid deflectors for deflecting at least part of the fluid toward respective ones of the devices.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for assembly of Computed Tomography (CT) Detector electronic circuits. A thermally conductive adhesive is dispensed on a first side of a first circuit board, the first circuit board having a plurality of ball grid arrays and a plurality of thermal sensors attached to the first side of the first circuit board. The thermally conductive adhesive is also dispensed on a first side of a second circuit board, the second circuit board having a plurality of ball grid arrays and a plurality of thermal sensors attached to the first side of the second circuit board. A first heat sink is mounted to the first side of the first circuit board. A second heat sink mounted to the first side of the second circuit board. The adhesive is cured on the first and the second circuit boards. The first circuit board is attached to the second circuit board, wherein the second side of the first circuit board is adjacent to the second side of the second circuit board.

Abstract: In an expansion device for an x-ray apparatus, in particular with a rotary piston x-ray tube with a sealed coolant and/or insulation volume under a minimum pressure and pressing with this minimum pressure against an elastic pressure element, an elastic pressure element with a linear force-displacement characteristic curve (in particular in the form of a gas pressure spring with a linear elastic characteristic curve) is provided to prevent an excessive pressure load given a temperature rise.

Abstract: A fluid connection assembly is provided for use with x-ray devices. The fluid connection assembly includes an adapter block configured to be attached about an opening in a housing of an x-ray device. The adapter block defines a fluid port and a cylinder in fluid communication with each other. In addition, the fluid connection assembly includes a flow adapter received in a passageway collectively defined by the cylinder of the adapter block and the opening in the housing wall. The flow adapter defines a fluid passageway configured for communication with the fluid port and the interior of the housing of the x-ray device. A sealing element is interposed between the flow adapter and the housing wall. Finally, a resilient element disposed within the cylinder of the adapter block proximate the flow adapter biases the flow adapter into contact with a shield structure inside the housing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cooling electronic components that are rotatable about an axis are provided. The system includes a stationary portion, a rotatable portion, and a component cooling system. The stationary portion has a bore there through. The rotatable portion is rotatably coupled to the stationary portion. The rotatable portion includes an imaging detector and an associated electronic component. The component cooling system is positioned at least partially within the stationary portion and configured to channel a curtain of conditioned air to the electronic component.

Abstract: A cooling system is provided for high energy emitting devices such as employed in X-ray diffraction testing equipment. The cooling system includes a removable filter holder that carries a filter for being disposed in a cooling path formed in the X-ray head assembly with the holder including a detachable connection to the head. The removable holder allows for servicing of the filter without requiring significant disassembly operations on the X-ray head assembly. In the preferred form, the holder has a screw-type configuration and the detachable connection is a threaded connection to a cooling head portion of the X-ray head assembly.

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: An x-ray system with a tubehead that can be easily configured in the field for gas or liquid cooling of the x-ray tube anode so a user need not stock or carry more than one kind of tubehead to accommodate different cooling needs.

Abstract: An x-ray tube and method of operating include a vacuum chamber vessel and a source of an electron beam inside the vacuum chamber vessel. A target disposed inside the vacuum chamber vessel includes a substrate and one or more deposits attached to the substrate. Each different deposit includes an atomic element having a different atomic number. The x-ray tube also includes a means for directing the electron beam to a selectable deposit of multiple deposits. The substrate material can be selected with better vacuum sustaining strength, x-ray transparency, melting point, and thermal conductivity than a deposit. The substrate may be cooled by an integrated cooling system. The x-ray tube allows a selectable x-ray frequency to be produced with enhanced economy of power, reduced moving parts, and reduced size. For improved bone mass applications, one of the deposits has a k-fluorescence energy less than about 53 thousand electron volts.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for controlling temperatures in an x-ray imaging environment including: a first component capable of operating within a first temperature range; a second component capable of operating within a second temperature range; and a liquid-based temperature control system capable of maintaining the first component within the first temperature range and maintaining the second component within the second temperature range. In an embodiment, the first component includes an x-ray detector. In an embodiment, the second component includes an x-ray source. In an embodiment, a liquid in the liquid-based temperature control system flows through the first component before flowing through the second component. In an embodiment, a heat exchanger in the liquid-based temperature control system can regulate a temperature of a liquid in the liquid-based temperature control system. In an embodiment, the heat exchanger includes at least one thermoelectric cooler device.

Abstract: An integrated fluid pump for use in circulating a coolant in an x-ray tube is disclosed. The pump includes a pump body, a pump head, and a motor. The pump head defines a pump volume and further includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and an impeller positioned in the pump volume that is rotatably driven by the motor to receive coolant from the fluid inlet and eject the fluid via the fluid outlet. The pump is structurally integrated with an outer housing of the x-ray tube, the outer housing containing the coolant. In one embodiment, the fluid inlet and a portion of the pump volume are defined by a portion of the outer housing of the x-ray tube. This integration makes the structural completeness of the fluid pump dependent on the outer housing or other suitable x-ray tube component.

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 computed tomography apparatus wherein an X-ray is generated by a generator and an X-ray data resulting from the X-ray is detected by a detector. The apparatus includes a supporter, a driver, a body, and a converter. The supporter is configured to support the generator and the detector. The driver is configured to drive the supporter. The body is configured to incorporate the supporter and the driver. The converter is provided at a bottom of the body and is configured to convert regenerative energy caused by the driver to heat energy.

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

Abstract: An X-ray diagnosis apparatus is disclosed which includes two different cooling circuits and a single cooling portion. A first heat transfer medium is circulated for absorbing heat generated in the X-ray generator. A second heat transfer medium is circulated for absorbing the heat generated in the planer type X-ray detector. A heat exchanger is provided for exchanging heat between the first heat transfer medium and the second heat transfer medium. The cooling portion is coupled to the cooling circuit carrying the second heat transfer medium in order to cool the second heat transfer medium.

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 may be exposed to atmospheric pressure in the embodiment being described. A closed expansion tank may be provided in the system to force or continue to cause fluid flow to cool the heat-generating component after a pump stops.

Abstract: A cooling system to cool the x-ray tube of a CT imaging system. The heat exchanger has a curved sector shape which provides a larger surface area for heat dissipation within the cover of the gantry. The axis of the cooling fans is preferably parallel to the rotational axis of the gantry.

Abstract: A heat exchanger, together with one or more associated fans, is positioned on the rotating gantry frame in order to cool the x-ray tube of a CT imaging system. An air deflector is positioned on or adjacent to the heat exchanger in order to prevent recirculatoin of heated air in the ganty.

Abstract: A method for preventing overheating of an X-ray apparatus. The method includes controlling an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector which are opposed to each other with a subject between them so as to acquire projection data concerning the subject, estimating quantities of heat dissipated from the X-ray tube and a high-voltage generator that supplies power to the X-ray tube during the acquisition, and optimizing a control parameter, which is used to control the X-ray tube and the high-voltage generator, on the basis of estimates of the quantities of heat dissipated during the acquisition so as to prevent overheat of the X-ray tube and the high-voltage generator.

Abstract: A cooling system for an imaging system includes a mounting plate having a first side and an opposing second side. The mounting plate further defines at least one opening. At least one heat conductor extends through the opening and through at least a portion of a dielectric fluid reservoir defined adjacent the second side of the mounting plate and adapted to enclose an X-Ray source. A heat sink is coupled to the first side of the mounting plate and receives at least a portion of the heat conductor.

Abstract: A system and method for cooling an X-ray tube in a computer tomography (CT) cooling system is shown having a heat exchanger that has at least one cooling passageway for receiving a coolant for cooling the X-ray tube and that is formed to define a tubular passageway having or defining a heat exchanger axis. The tubular passageway has a first open area and a second open area, and, in one embodiment a first axial fan and a second axial fan, respectively, are situated adjacent to the first and second open areas. The heat exchanger is mounted on a gantry of the computerized tomography system such that the axis of the axial fans and the heat exchanger axis are generally parallel to the gantry axis so as to reduce or minimize the effects of gyroscopic forces.

Abstract: A heat exchanger removes heat generated by a miniaturized x-ray source to help remove heat at the site of x-ray generation.

Abstract: A cooling system for a gantry of a computer tomography system which has a gantry supporting an x-ray source being positioned in a gantry housing and being rotatable around a rotation axis, the gantry housing being positioned by at least one bearing on a stationary part of the computer housing so that it can be moved relative to the housing. The cooling system comprises a cooling gas supply arrangement or device directing a cooling gas flow in the region of at least one bearing between the stationary part and the gantry housing.

Abstract: A cooling system to cool the x-ray tube of a CT imaging system. The heat exchanger has a curved sector shape which provides a larger surface area for heat dissipation within the cover of the gantry. The axis of the cooling fans is preferably parallel to the rotational axis of the gantry.

Abstract: An x-ray technique-based nonintrusive inspection apparatus is provided which is capable of inspecting 600 containers an hour which is small, and which is easily maintainable. Features of the apparatus include “radiation locking” with “active curtains”, “continuous scanning” utilizing an x-ray line scanner subsystem and a CT scanner subsystem, good structural integrity, radiation containment in a self-shielding manner, an easily maintainable driving arrangement, shielding curtains that can be raised and lowered quickly, a container jam release mechanism, and efficient air conditioning.

Abstract: A computed tomography (“CT”) gantry cooling system including a gantry housing defining a gantry chamber, wherein the gantry housing includes a lower portion, an upper portion, and a gantry cover disposed adjacent to the upper portion of the gantry housing. The CT gantry cooling system also including a fan disposed within the gantry cover of the gantry housing, wherein the fan is operable for forcing cooling air into the gantry chamber and creating a positive pressure within the gantry chamber. The CT gantry cooling system further including a vent disposed within the gantry cover of the gantry housing, wherein the vent is operable for exhausting heated air from the gantry chamber.

Abstract: A heat exchanger, together with one or more associated fans, is positioned on the rotating gantry frame in order to cool the x-ray tube of a CT imaging system. An air deflector is positioned on or adjacent to the heat exchanger in order to prevent recirculatoin of heated air in the ganty.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnosis apparatus comprising: an X-ray generator 1 for irradiating X-rays to an object; a planer type X-ray detector 14 for detecting the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray generator and passed through the object; a heat transfer medium 5 for absorbing the heat generated in the X-ray generator and the heat generated in the planer type X-ray detector; cooling means 13 for cooling the heat transfer medium heated by absorbing the heat; and means for moving the heat transfer medium between the X-ray generator, the planer type X-ray detector, and the cooling means.

Abstract: A cooling system for a gantry of a computer tomography system which has a gantry supporting an x-ray source being positioned in a gantry housing and being rotatable around a rotation axis, the gantry housing being positioned by at least one bearing on a stationary part of the computer housing so that it can be moved relative to the housing. The cooling system comprises a cooling gas supply arrangement or device directing a cooling gas flow in the region of at least one bearing between the stationary part and the gantry housing.

Abstract: A cooling system is provided for components of a computer tomography system that are arranged in a gantry housing. The cooling system includes a cooled air feed device with an air compressor and connected streaming elements that are arranged and/or fashioned such that compressed air flows onto the components to be cooled. Moreover, a corresponding method is provided for cooling the components of a computer tomography system arranged in a gantry housing.

Abstract: An x-ray tube window cooling assembly (11) for an x-ray tube (18) is provided. The cooling assembly (11) includes an electron collector body (110) coupled to an x-ray tube window (104) and having a first coolant circuit (112). The coolant circuit (112) includes a coolant inlet (114) and a coolant outlet (122). The coolant outlet (122) directs coolant at an x-ray tube window surface (152) to impinge upon and cool the x-ray tube window (104). The coolant is reflected off the reflection surface (146) as to impinge upon and cool the x-ray tube window (104). A method of operating the x-ray tube (18) is also provided.

Abstract: A cooling device for an X-ray source arranged at a gantry rotatable around a rotational axis has a ring-like heat exchanger that is arranged at the gantry and is thermally conductively connected to the X-ray source. The cooling device is useable in a computed tomography apparatus having the X-ray source.

Abstract: An X-ray system (10) includes an X-ray tube (16) that has a temperature sensor (22) coupled thereto. The temperature sensor (22) may be included in a heat exchanger (18). The temperature sensor (22) generates a temperature signal that is provided to a controller (12). The controller (12) generates a fan speed control signal that is used to control the speed of the fan (20) in response to the temperature signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray examination apparatus in which the X-ray detector 1 and the X-ray source 2 are subject to keeping the temperature constant and to cooling by way of a common cooling circuit. To this end, a cooling medium of constant temperature is applied to the X-ray detector 1 in order to make the X-ray detector 1 operate at uniform ambient temperatures. The temperature of the cooling medium, thus increased a first time, still suffices to perform cooling of the X-ray source 2. Consequently, the heated cooling medium, after application to the X-ray detector 1, is applied to the X-ray source 2 where a second exchange of heat takes place, so that at the same time the X-ray source 2 is cooled without utilizing an additional cooling circuit.

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.