Abstract: In one example, an x-ray tube comprises an evacuated enclosure and a cathode disposed within the evacuated enclosure. An anode is also disposed within the evacuated enclosure opposite the cathode so as to receive electrons emitted by the cathode. A rotor sleeve is coupled to the anode, the rotor sleeve being responsive to applied electromagnetic fields such that a rotational motion is imparted to the anode. A magnetic assist bearing assembly rotatably supports the anode.

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.

Abstract: In one example, an x-ray tube comprises an evacuated enclosure and a cathode disposed within the evacuated enclosure. An anode is also disposed within the evacuated enclosure opposite the cathode so as to receive electrons emitted by the cathode. A rotor sleeve is coupled to the anode, the rotor sleeve being responsive to applied electromagnetic fields such that a rotational motion is imparted to the anode. A magnetic assist bearing assembly rotatably supports the anode.

Abstract: A filament assembly for use in an x-ray emitting device or other filament-containing device is disclosed. In one embodiment, an x-ray tube is disclosed, including a vacuum enclosure that houses both an anode having a target surface, and a cathode positioned with respect to the anode. The cathode includes a filament assembly for emitting a beam of electrons during tube operation. The filament assembly comprises a heat sink and a plurality of filament segments. The filament segments are configured for simultaneous emission of an electron beam for impingement on the target surface of the anode, and are electrically connected in series. Each filament segment includes first and second end portions that are thermally connected to the heat sink, and a central portion that can be configured with a modified work function for preferential electron emission.

Abstract: A filament assembly for use in an x-ray emitting device or other filament-containing device is disclosed. In one embodiment, an x-ray tube is disclosed, including a vacuum enclosure that houses both an anode having a target surface, and a cathode positioned with respect to the anode. The cathode includes a filament assembly for emitting a beam of electrons during tube operation. The filament assembly comprises a heat sink and a plurality of filament segments. The filament segments are configured for simultaneous emission of an electron beam for impingement on the target surface of the anode, and are electrically connected in series. Each filament segment includes first and second end portions that are thermally connected to the heat sink, and a central portion that can be configured with a modified work function for preferential electron emission.

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.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cooling system and apparatus for use in x-ray tubes. In operation x-ray tubes generate large amounts of heat. The disclosed device includes a liquid metal cooling system applied to the anode of the x-ray tube and a contactless magnetic bearing. The magnetic bearing suspends the anode. The anode is connected thermally through the liquid metal cooling system.