Abstract: A high energy x-ray tube includes an evacuated chamber (12) containing a rotor (34) which rotates an anode (10) through a stream of electrons (A) in order to generate an x-ray beam (B). The rotor includes a bearing assembly (C) having a hollow bearing shaft (52) centrally aligned with a longitudinal axis (Z) of the rotor. The bearing shaft includes an interior annular wall (54) having an inner surface which defines a central bore (58). The bearing shaft has an outer surface (60), which with an inner surface of the bearing shaft, defines an annular chamber (62). An opening (64) is provided at the forward end of the annular wall to provide access from the central bore to the annular chamber. During exhaust processing, baking cycles, and normal operation of the x-ray tube, a pump (104) forces a cooling medium through the central bore, through the opening of the annular wall, and into the annular chamber. The cooling medium exits through channels (66).

Abstract: A high energy x-ray tube includes an evacuated chamber (12) containing a rotor (34) which rotates an anode (10) through a stream of electrons (A) in order to generate an x-ray beam (B). The rotor includes an outer cylindrical armature (38) made from a thermally and electrically conductive material. An intermediate cylindrical member (40) circumferentially engages the inside diameter of the armature. The rotor also includes a bearing assembly (C) having a bearing shaft (52) centrally aligned with a longitudinal axis (Z) of the rotor. An inner bearing member (42) is concentrically spaced from the bearing shaft and defines forward and rearward bearing grooves (46F, 46R). Forward and rearward bearing races (70F, 70R) are positioned between the inner bearing member and the bearing shaft. A plurality of forward and rearward bearings (48F, 48R) are dimensioned to be received between the forward and rearward bearing races and bearing grooves, respectively.

Abstract: An x-ray tube includes an envelope defining an evacuated chamber in which an anode assembly is rotatably mounted to a bearing assembly and interacts with a cathode assembly for production of x-rays. The bearing assembly includes a bearing housing and a plurality of bearings disposed on an outer surface of the bearing housing. A cooling channel is defined within the bearing assembly and directs cooling fluid such as oil across an inner surface of the bearing housing. As the cooling fluid flows adjacent the inner surface of the bearing housing, heat from the bearing housing is absorbed by the cooling fluid thereby reducing the heat transferred to the bearings.

Abstract: An x-ray beam limiter includes a compressible disc 18 containing an aperture 20 and a slot 22 extending from the aperture to the outer edge 28 of the disc. The outer edge 28 of the disc 18 is covered with a bearing material and is retained within a groove 36 in a bearing retaining race 32 such that the disc 18 is rotatable within the retaining race 32. A beam limiter 54 is mounted to the disc 18. The disc 18 and beam limiter 54 are rotatable between at least two different positions.