Abstract: An x-ray anode for use in an x-ray tube is provided. The x-ray anode includes a substrate material, a target material, and one or more graded coefficient of thermal expansion material layers. The target material is coupled to the one or more graded coefficient of thermal expansion material layers and the graded coefficient of thermal expansion material layers are coupled to the substrate material. A method of making the x-ray anode is also provided.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a gantry rotating around an object on a table. A cathode emitter is coupled to the gantry and generates an electron beam. An anode, also coupled to the gantry, is stationary with respect to the cathode emitter and generates an x-ray flux in response to the electron beam. A detector is coupled to the gantry and is adapted to receive the x-ray flux and generate therefrom a detector signal.

Abstract: An x-ray anode for use in an x-ray tube is provided. The x-ray anode includes a substrate material, a target material, and one or more graded coefficient of thermal expansion material layers. The target material is coupled to the one or more graded coefficient of thermal expansion material layers and the graded coefficient of thermal expansion material layers are coupled to the substrate material. A method of making the x-ray anode is also provided.

Abstract: A method for associating a field replaceable unit with a medical diagnostic system includes querying for information on a field replaceable unit to be associated with a medical diagnostic system by sending a query to an electronic device associated with the field replaceable unit, receiving information on the field replaceable unit, and configuring the medical diagnostic system in accordance with the information. A corresponding apparatus includes a storage medium physically coupled to the field replaceable unit and a programmed digital processing circuit coupled to the storage medium. The storage medium contains identification information for a field replaceable unit. The processing circuit responds to requests for identification information from the medical diagnostic system.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a gantry rotating around an object on a table. A cathode emitter is coupled to the gantry and generates an electron beam. An anode, also coupled to the gantry, is stationary with respect to the cathode emitter and generates an x-ray flux in response to the electron beam. A detector is coupled to the gantry and is adapted to receive the x-ray flux and generate therefrom a detector signal.

Abstract: A method for communicating operational data for a system unit in a medical diagnostic system includes communicating identification information from an electronic device coupled to the system unit in the medical diagnostic system to an imaging unit in said medical diagnostic system, operating the medical diagnostic system in accordance with the identification information and generating operational data, and communicating the operational data to the system unit in order to establish a record of operational data for the system unit in the electronic device. The operational data includes information relating to the operation of the system unit in the medical diagnostic system. A corresponding apparatus includes a storage medium, a communication interface, and a programmed digital processing circuit coupled to the storage medium and the communication interface.

Abstract: A method for configuring and monitoring a system unit in a medical diagnostic system includes establishing a communication connection between the medical diagnostic system and a remote facility, communicating characteristic information regarding operation of the system unit in the medical diagnostic system from the remote facility to the medical diagnostic system, configuring the medical diagnostic system in accordance with the characteristic information regarding operation of the system unit, and monitoring the operation information of the system unit in the medical diagnostic system using an operator workstation at the medical diagnostic system. A corresponding apparatus includes a storage medium coupled to the system unit which stores information for the system unit in the medical diagnostic system and a communication interface configured to allow communications between the medical diagnostic system and a remote facility.

Abstract: A method for remotely configuring and servicing a field replaceable unit associated with a medical diagnostic system includes establishing a communication connection between the medical diagnostic system and a remote facility, communicating identification information from an electronic device coupled to the field replaceable unit to the remote facility, communicating configuration information from the remote facility to the medical diagnostic system, and configuring the medical diagnostic system in accordance with the configuration information from the remote facility. A corresponding apparatus includes a memory unit configured to store identification indicia associated with the field replaceable unit and a communication interface configured to communicate identification information from the identification indicia to a remote facility via a network.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage and transfer assembly is disclosed for use in electron beam generating devices that generate residual energy. The residual energy comprises radiant thermal energy and kinetic energy of back scattered electrons. The thermal energy storage and transfer assembly absorbs and stores an amount of the residual energy to reduce the heat load on other components in the electron beam generating device. The thermal energy storage and transfer device comprises a body portion of a sufficient thermal capacity to permit the rate of transfer of the amount of the residual energy absorbed into the assembly to substantially exceed the rate of transfer of the amount of the residual energy out of the assembly. The assembly also comprises a heat exchange chamber filled with a circulating fluid that transfers the thermal energy out of the assembly.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage and transfer assembly is disclosed for use in electron beam generating devices that generate residual energy. The residual energy comprises radiant thermal energy and kinetic energy of back scattered electrons. The thermal energy storage and transfer assembly absorbs and stores an amount of the residual energy to reduce the heat load on other components in the electron beam generating device. The thermal energy storage and transfer device comprises a body portion of a sufficient thermal capacity to permit the rate of transfer of the amount of the residual energy absorbed into the assembly to substantially exceed the rate of transfer of the amount of the residual energy out of the assembly. The assembly also comprises a heat exchange chamber filled with a circulating fluid that transfers the thermal energy out of the assembly.

Abstract: An x-ray tube includes a cathode which supplies electrons that bombard a target material to produce x-rays. The target is supported on a rotating anode that includes fins covered with a high emissivity material. An envelope surrounds these elements and provides a vacuum chamber in which they operate. A receptor is mounted to the envelope and includes fins which mate with the anode fins to enhance the radiation of heat from the rotating anode. A cooling liquid is pumped through the receptor.

Abstract: A tungsten focal track is placed on a graphite substrate in such a manner as to reduce off focal spot radiation while maintaining a fixed focal spot size. The radial width of the focal tract is made smaller than that of the electron beam from the cathode such that the electron beam overlap will allow for misalignments between the electron beam and the focal track without affecting the focal spot size or location.