Abstract: A metal x-ray device component is provided that includes a high emissivity inorganically bonded ceramic coating that can be applied with minimal surface preparation and that provides good resistance to corrosion and oxidation of substrates in high temperature, vacuum environments. The coating has good dielectric properties, is stable in the high temperature, vacuum environment characteristic of x-ray devices, and provides effective and reliable performance over a wide range of operating temperatures.

Abstract: A method for bonding components of a device, such as an x-ray tube, is disclosed. The method enables a secure bond to be formed between two or more components without the use of fusion welding or furnace heating techniques, which input excessive quantities of heat into the components to be joined, resulting in heat-related component failure. In one embodiment, surfaces defining an interface between first and second components are cleaned to remove any oxidation. The interface is then locally heated by an electric arc provided by an arc welding torch. Heat that is input by the arc into the interface region is not sufficient to melt the components. Then, a braze material is introduced into the interface. Heat absorbed by the components in the interface region is then transferred to the braze material, which melts and fills the interface region to bond the first and second components together.

Abstract: A metal x-ray device component is provided that includes a high emissivity inorganically bonded ceramic coating that can be applied with minimal surface preparation and that provides good resistance to corrosion and oxidation of substrates in high temperature, vacuum environments. The coating has good dielectric properties, is stable in the high temperature, vacuum environment characteristic of x-ray devices, and provides effective and reliable performance over a wide range of operating temperatures.

Abstract: A target cap for preventing the production of contaminating secondary x-rays from a stationary anode x-ray tube is disclosed. The x-ray tube includes an evacuated enclosure in which is disposed a cathode and an anode. The target cap is useful in applications such as x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy for improving the spectral purity of the stream of primary x-rays produced by electron bombardment of the anode target surface by the cathode. In one embodiment, the target cap comprises a top target surface and a side wall covering a portion of the anode substrate. Electrons backscattered from the target surface are attracted to the anode substrate and impact the side wall of the target cap, producing secondary x-rays having characteristic wavelengths that are substantially identical to those of the primary x-rays produced by the target surface and are therefore not contaminating to the primary x-ray stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to structures within an x-ray device including an x-ray can, an x-ray can window frame insert, a rotor sleeve, and a bearing support assembly for a rotor structure. The various structures are fabricated from a chromium alloy of copper that is essentially oxygen free copper having a minor amount of chromium, the combination of which imparts desirable qualities to the x-ray device structures, including efficient heat sink and emissivity qualities that are beneficial in an x-ray device environment. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, oxygen free high conductivity (OFHC) copper is melted in an RF furnace in the presence of a minor amount of chromium and is either ingot cast or powder metallurgically cast into a desired article and further fabricated into a finished article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to structures within an x-ray device including an x-ray can, an x-ray can window frame insert, a rotor sleeve, and a bearing support assembly for a rotor structure. The various structures are fabricated from a chromium alloy of copper that is essentially oxygen free copper having a minor amount of chromium, the combination of which imparts desirable qualities to the x-ray device structures, including efficient heat sink and emissivity qualities that are beneficial in an x-ray device environment. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, oxygen free high conductivity (OFHC) copper is melted in an RF furnace in the presence of a minor amount of chromium and is either ingot cast or powder metallurgically cast into a desired article and further fabricated into a finished article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotor shaft and rotor body assembly in an x-ray device, and it method of manufacture, that resists the formation of cracks in the braze joint due to the elimination of horizontal shear planes therein. The inventive structure also comprises an enlarged proximal end of the rotor shaft and an inventive assembly method that prevents the rotor shaft from de-coupling from the rotor body should the braze material entirely fail during field use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to structures within an x-ray device including an x-ray can, an x-ray can window frame insert, a rotor sleeve, and a bearing support assembly for a rotor structure. The various structures are fabricated from a chromium alloy of copper that is essentially oxygen free copper having a minor amount of chromium, the combination of which imparts desirable qualities to the x-ray device structures, including efficient heat sink and emissivity qualities that are beneficial in an x-ray device environment. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, oxygen free high conductivity (OFHC) copper is melted in an RF furnace in the presence of a minor amount of chromium and is either ingot cast or powder metallurgically cast into a desired article and further fabricated into a finished article.