Abstract: In one example, an assembly comprises a hub and a shaft. The hub defines an axis of rotation and includes first and second flanges that at least partly define a substantially cylindrical hub opening. The shaft is connected to the hub and includes a first end and a shaft cavity. The first end is received within the hub opening. The shaft cavity is formed in the first end and includes a bottom having a substantially curved transition area.

Abstract: A cathode shield can comprise a shield body, a pair of tabs for defining a focal spot length, and a lip for concentrically aligning the cathode shield relative to a mounting element and/or an electron source of a cathode assembly. The tabs may be integral with the shield body and spaced a distance apart from each other. The distance may at least partially define the focal spot length of the electron source associated with the cathode assembly. The lip may also be integral with the shield body and extend from the shield body around at least a portion of a perimeter of the shield body so as to define a recess that is configured to receive the mounting element of the cathode assembly.

Abstract: A cathode shield comprising a shield body and tabs for defining a focal spot length. The tabs can be integral with the shield body and spaced a distance apart from each other. The tabs can at least partially define the focal spot length of an electron source associated with a cathode shield. The cathode shield can further comprise means for positioning the cathode shield relative to a component in a cathode assembly.

Abstract: X-ray tube cooling systems. In one example embodiment, an x-ray tube includes a housing, a window frame attached to the housing, and a window attached to the window frame. The housing defines an aperture through which electrons can pass from a cathode to an anode. The housing also defines an inlet port and an outlet port. The window frame defines an opening through which x-rays can pass. The window covers the opening defined by the window frame. The housing and the window frame are configured such that a liquid can flow from the inlet port to the outlet port through either a first liquid path at least partially defined by the housing or a second liquid path cooperatively defined by the housing and the window frame. The second liquid path is disposed about at least a portion of the opening in the window frame.

Abstract: X-ray tube cooling systems. In one example embodiment, an x-ray tube includes a housing, a window frame attached to the housing, and a window attached to the window frame. The housing defines an aperture through which electrons can pass from a cathode to an anode. The housing also defines an inlet port and an outlet port. The window frame defines an opening through which x-rays can pass. The window covers the opening defined by the window frame. The housing and the window frame are configured such that a liquid can flow from the inlet port to the outlet port through either a first liquid path at least partially defined by the housing or a second liquid path cooperatively defined by the housing and the window frame. The second liquid path is disposed about at least a portion of the opening in the window frame.

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: 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 mechanical interface assembly that includes an adjustable element having first and second states such that in the first state, the adjustable element is radially compliant, and in the second state, the adjustable element is substantially non-radially compliant. The adjustable element also includes a mating element configured to interface with a mating component. The mechanical interface assembly further includes an adjustment element configured to interface with the adjustable element such that a first position of the adjustment element corresponds to the first state of the adjustable element, and a second position of the adjustment element corresponds to the second state of the adjustable element.

Abstract: A mechanical interface assembly that includes an adjustable element having first and second states such that in the first state, the adjustable element is radially compliant, and in the second state, the adjustable element is substantially non-radially compliant. The adjustable element also includes a mating element configured to interface with a mating component. The mechanical interface assembly further includes an adjustment element configured to interface with the adjustable element such that a first position of the adjustment element corresponds to the first state of the adjustable element, and a second position of the adjustment element corresponds to the second state of the adjustable element.

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: 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: A fluid connection assembly is provided for use with x-ray devices. The fluid connection assembly includes an adapter block configured to be attached about an opening in a housing of an x-ray device. The adapter block defines a fluid port and a cylinder in fluid communication with each other. In addition, the fluid connection assembly includes a flow adapter received in a passageway collectively defined by the cylinder of the adapter block and the opening in the housing wall. The flow adapter defines a fluid passageway configured for communication with the fluid port and the interior of the housing of the x-ray device. A sealing element is interposed between the flow adapter and the housing wall. Finally, a resilient element disposed within the cylinder of the adapter block proximate the flow adapter biases the flow adapter into contact with a shield structure inside the housing.

Abstract: An integrated fluid pump for use in circulating a coolant in an x-ray tube is disclosed. The pump includes a pump body, a pump head, and a motor. The pump head defines a pump volume and further includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and an impeller positioned in the pump volume that is rotatably driven by the motor to receive coolant from the fluid inlet and eject the fluid via the fluid outlet. The pump is structurally integrated with an outer housing of the x-ray tube, the outer housing containing the coolant. In one embodiment, the fluid inlet and a portion of the pump volume are defined by a portion of the outer housing of the x-ray tube. This integration makes the structural completeness of the fluid pump dependent on the outer housing or other suitable x-ray tube component.

Abstract: An adjustable collimator for reducing the emission of off-focus radiation and for use in selectively altering the size of an x-ray beam produced by an x-ray tube is disclosed. The collimator comprises a base member supporting a collimator plate that defines a first x-ray passing region. A radiation blocking member is operably attached to a moveable block that is disposed in the base member such that selective movement of the block causes the blocking member to obstruct and thereby reduce the size of the first region and create a smaller-dimensioned second region through which x-rays can pass.

Abstract: A rotor assembly capable of augmented heat transfer within an x-ray tube is disclosed for preventing heat damage to sensitive tube components. The rotor assembly generally comprises a shaft assembly for supporting the anode, a bearing assembly including a bearing housing and bearing sets for enabling rotation of the shaft assembly, and a magnetic sleeve. The shaft assembly includes a rotor sleeve that receives heat emitted by the anode during tube operation. The rotor sleeve radiates the heat to the magnetic sleeve, which is concentrically disposed within the rotor sleeve. A coolant-filled gap is defined adjacent the inner surface of the magnetic sleeve to receive the heat absorbed by the magnetic sleeve. The inner periphery of the gap is defined by the outer surface of the bearing housing. Emissive and absorptive coatings are disposed on the various surfaces of the rotor sleeve and magnetic sleeve to enhance heat transfer therebetween.

Abstract: A rotor assembly capable of augmented heat transfer within an x-ray tube is disclosed for preventing heat damage to sensitive tube components. The rotor assembly generally comprises a shaft assembly for supporting the anode, a bearing assembly including a bearing housing and bearing sets for enabling rotation of the shaft assembly, and a magnetic sleeve. The shaft assembly includes a rotor sleeve that receives heat emitted by the anode during tube operation. The rotor sleeve radiates the heat to the magnetic sleeve, which is concentrically disposed within the rotor sleeve. A coolant-filled gap is defined adjacent the inner surface of the magnetic sleeve to receive the heat absorbed by the magnetic sleeve. The inner periphery of the gap is defined by the outer surface of the bearing housing. Emissive and absorptive coatings are disposed on the various surfaces of the rotor sleeve and magnetic sleeve to enhance heat transfer therebetween.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for a rotating anode x-ray device. The bearing assembly includes a shaft having a flange at one end for attachment of the anode thereto. The shaft defines front and rear inner races and includes a plurality of extended surfaces. Front and rear outer race elements define front and rear outer races, respectively, corresponding to the front and rear inner races, respectively, defined by the shaft. The front and rear outer race elements cooperate with the shaft to confine front and rear ball sets which facilitate rotary motion of the shaft. A spacer including extended surfaces assists in the positioning of the front and rear outer race elements in a bearing housing. The extended surfaces of the shaft and spacer, in conjunction with emissive coatings provided on various portions of selected components of the bearing assembly, facilitate a relative improvement in heat transfer out of the bearing assembly.

Abstract: An improved x-ray tube cooling system is disclosed. The system utilizes a shield structure that is connected between a cathode cylinder and an x-ray tube housing and is disposed between the electron source and the target anode. The shield includes a plurality of cooling fins to improve overall cooling of the x-ray tube and the shield so as to extend the life of the x-ray tube and related components. When immersed in a reservoir of coolant fluid, the fins facilitate improved heat transfer by convection from the shield to the to the coolant fluid. The cooling effect achieved with the cooling fins is further augmented by a convective cooling system provided by a plurality of fluid passageways formed within the shield, which are used to provide a fluid path to the coolant. In particular, a cooling unit takes fluid from the reservoir, cools the fluid, then circulates the cooled fluid through the fluid passageways.

Abstract: A cooling system for use with high-power x-ray tubes. The cooling system includes a dielectric coolant disposed in the x-ray tube housing so as to absorb heat dissipated by the stator and other electrical components, as well as absorbing some heat from the x-ray tube itself. The cooling system also includes a coolant circuit employing a pressurized water/glycol solution as a coolant. Pressurization of the water/glycol solution is achieved by way of an accumulator which, by pressurizing the coolant to a desired level, raises its boiling point and capacity to absorb heat. A coolant pump circulates the pressurized coolant through a fluid passageway defined in an aperture of the x-ray tube and through a target cooling block disposed proximate to the x-ray tube in the x-ray tube housing, so as to position the coolant to absorb some of the heat generated at the aperture by secondary electrons, and the heat generated in the target cooling block by the target anode of the x-ray tube.

Abstract: An anode drive assembly for use in an x-ray tube having a rotating anode is disclosed. The anode drive assembly is comprised of a bearing assembly that provides rotational support to a rotor assembly. The rotor assembly is connected to the rotating anode, and rotation is induced in the rotor by way of an inductive motor. The bearing assembly is interconnected with the rotor assembly via a bearing hub. The bearing hub is comprised of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that is intermediate to that of the components connected directly to the anode, and to the bearing shaft component. This provides a gradual transition in CTE along the conductive path between the anode and the bearing shaft so as to reduce the occurrence of thermal expansion rate disparities between adjacent components.