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

Abstract: In one example, a scanning unit for examining contents of a cargo container is disclosed comprising a first path through the scanning unit for transport of a cargo container and one or more sources of respective beams of radiation. At least one of the one or more sources are movable across a second path transverse to the first path. The second path extends partially around the first path. The scanning unit further comprises a detector extending partially around the first path. The detector is positioned to detect radiation interacting with the cargo container during scanning, such as radiation transmitted through the container. The at least one source and the detector are positioned so that the cargo container is transportable along the first path, between the source and the detector. A transport system may be provided to convey the object through the scanning unit, along the first path.

Abstract: A scanning unit for inspecting objects comprises in one embodiment a radiation source to emit a beam of radiation, a rotatable platform to support an object for inspection by the beam of radiation and a detector positioned to receive radiation after interaction of the beam with the object. At least one of the platform, the source and the detector may be moved in a first direction, such as vertically. The object may be scanned while being rotated and moved to generate volumetric computed tomographic images. The rotational and movement of the platform and the object may also be indexed. The beam of radiation may be a horizontally extending cone beam or a fan beam. The detector may extend horizontally, as well. The rotational and/or vertical position of the platform may be used to direct the object along one of multiple exit paths. The scanning unit may provide a vertically extending radiation beam and a vertically extending detector to conduct line scanning.

Abstract: One embodiment includes an injector pixel array having injector pixels each coupled to the bottom surface of a conductive material having a directional electrical conductivity only in a direction corresponding to a path between the bottom surface and top surface of the conductive material. Each injector pixel includes a semiconductor based switch coupled to a charge or voltage driver to inject a charge or voltage into each injector pixel. Embodiments, also include a detector pixel array having detector pixels each coupled to the bottom surface of the directionally conductive material. Each detector pixel includes a semiconductor based switch coupled to a charge or voltage storage capacitor to detect a charge or voltage at each detector pixel.

Abstract: An imaging system 10 is provided comprising an x-ray source 12, a detector 14, and an alignment device 38 adapted to align the detector 14 with the x-ray source 12 using an x-ray beam transmitted from the x-ray source 12. A method of positioning and aligning an imaging system is also provided.

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

Abstract: An accelerator for accelerating a particle beam includes a main body having a plurality of electromagnetic cavities coupled in series, and a first coupling body having a first side cavity coupled to one of the electromagnetic cavities through a first opening, and to another of the electromagnetic cavities through a second opening, wherein the first opening and the second opening have different configurations. The accelerator further includes a pair of conductive capacitively coupled noses secured to side walls of the first coupling body, wherein the pair of noses have equal lengths.

Abstract: Disclosed are imaging systems, methods, and computer program products that generate estimates of scattered radiation in tomographic imaging systems, such as cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) systems, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, a first group of projections is taken of an object with the radiation covering a wide band of the object, and a second group of projections is taken of the object with the radiation covering a narrower band of the object. The projections of the second group cover less of the object, but have less scattered radiation. The scattered radiation within the narrower band may be estimated from differences between projections from the first and second groups, or from representations thereof.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for implementing automatic control of focal spot Z axis positioning are disclosed for use with an x-ray device having an x-ray tube positioned within a housing and configured for thermal communication with a temperature control system. Control circuitry, and a position sensing device configured to determine the distance between the focal spot and a reference point related to the x-ray device, are coupled with a control module. The position sensing device sends information concerning the relative distance between the focal spot and the reference point to the control module which compares the received information with a predetermined desired distance. If the received information varies by an unacceptably large margin from the desired distance, the control module sends a corresponding signal to the control circuitry which causes the temperature control system to implement an appropriate change to a heat transfer parameter associated with the x-ray device.

Abstract: An improved cathode assembly, including a filament for producing an electron stream having a highly uniform cross sectional density. The cathode assembly comprises a support base, a cathode cup affixed to the support base, and a filament disposed in a slot defined on the bottom face of the cup. In one embodiment, the side walls of the slot are shaped so as to allow greater electric field penetration about regions of the filament that typically produce relatively low quantities of electrons, thereby increasing electron emission therefrom. Other embodiments are directed to modifying either the filament winding configuration or the wire from which the filament is formed, in order to equalize electron production by the filament. The uniformly dense electron stream is preferably directed toward the anode of an x-ray tube, thereby producing a superior x-ray beam for a variety of applications.

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

Abstract: A radiation scanning system comprises a radiation source and a radiation detector that are proximate a crane system that moves objects between the source and the detector for scanning. The source and/or detector may be supported by the crane system or may be near to the crane system. Preferably, the source and detector are supported by the crane system or they are within a profile defined by the crane system. The radiation scanning system is particularly suited to scan cargo conveyances, such as sea cargo conveyances, as they are being removed from or loaded onto a ship. Methods of examining objects are disclosed, as well.

Abstract: A system for determining a position of an object includes a block having a base, and a plurality of elongate members secured to the block. A system for determining a position of an object includes a processor configured to obtain an image of portions of respective elongated members, and determine a position of an object that is coupled to the plurality of elongated members. A method of determining a position of an object includes obtaining a first image of portions of respective elongated members, and determining a first position of an object using the first image.

Abstract: This disclosure is concerned with x-ray tube window bonding using a smooth bonding surface. In one example, an x-ray tube window assembly in the evacuated housing of an x-ray tube includes a window frame with a support flange surrounding an aperture, a window constructed to cover the aperture and overlap an area of the support flange of the window frame; and a bond layer connecting the window to the area of the support flange overlapped by the window. The surface of the bond layer in contact with the window is smooth. The bond layer substantially covers the area of the support flange of the window frame overlapped by the window.

Abstract: A shielded high-voltage cable connector assembly configured and arranged to control the unintended emission of x-rays from certain regions of an x-ray tube. The cable connector assembly includes a body comprising a material that is substantially non-transmissive to x-rays. The body is configured accommodate a plurality of conductive elements and position the plurality of conductive elements to interface with corresponding conductive elements of an x-ray device. The cable connector assembly can also include a connector housing filled with a material that is substantially non-transmissive to x-rays.

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

Abstract: A method of using a radiation system having a multileaf collimator (“MLC”) to adjust for unevenness in the radiation emitted by the system is disclosed. By appropriately controlling the MLC in accordance with the invention the system can be operated without a flattening filter. In addition, the invention allows the system user to vary the radiation beam energy in the course of a single treatment, without the need to use or change flattening filters. A map of the uneven radiation beam intensity in the treatment area is obtained, and the map information is combined with a treatment plan to control movement of the leaves of the MLC such that each area receives the correct radiation dose.

Abstract: An image acquisition device 30 includes a photoconductor 48 to convert an electromagnetic radiation into electrical signals, a first layer 36 or 37 coupled to the photoconductor 48. The first layer 36 or 37 includes an insulator 54 and a plurality of conductors 56 or 57 embedded in the insulator 54 to conduct the electrical signals. A method of making an image acquisition device 30 includes the step of sandwiching a layer including an insulator and a plurality of conductors embedded in the insulator between a photoconductor layer and an electrode.

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

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