Abstract: A sealed electron beam source (12) for an imaging tube (16) is provided. The beam source (12) includes a source housing (50) with a source window (54) having a first voltage potential and a source electrode (52) having a second voltage potential. The source electrode (52) generates electrons and emits the electrons through the source window (54) to a target (32) that is external to the source housing (50). A method of supplying and directing electrons on the target (32) within the imaging tube (16) is also provided. The method includes forming the source housing (50) over the source electrode (52) and sealing the source housing (50). The electrons are generated and emitted from the source electrode (52) and directed through the source window (54) to the target (32).

Abstract: An anode assembly having multiple target electrodes is disclosed. Each target electrode produces an x-ray fan beam for radiographic data acquisition. The target electrodes are designed to sequentially generate an x-ray fan beam and therefore operate at a proportional duty cycle per scan. Power output capabilities of the anode assembly is increased without an increase in the size or thermal overloading of the anode assembly.

Abstract: A hybrid MR/x-ray scanner is disclosed that allows for the acquisition of x-ray as well as MR data in a single exam without requiring patient repositioning. As an MR scanner, the hybrid system is capable of providing images with soft tissue contrast, excellent 3D visualization, the ability to image in multiple scan planes, as well as the possibility of providing physiological information. The x-ray components of the hybrid scanner include a rotatable anode that rotates during data acquisition and is caused to rotate without introduction of unwanted magnetic flux to the MR magnetic field.

Abstract: An X-ray source comprises a cold cathode and an anode. The cold cathode has a curved emission surface capable of emitting electrons. The anode is spaced apart from the cathode. The anode is capable of emitting X-rays in response to being bombarded with electrons emitted from the curved emission surface of the cathode.

Abstract: An X-ray source comprises a cold cathode and an anode. The cold cathode has a curved emission surface capable of emitting electrons. The anode is spaced apart from the cathode. The anode is capable of emitting X-rays in response to being bombarded with electrons emitted from the curved emission surface of the cathode.

Abstract: A cathode assembly (43) for a computed tomography scanning system (10) is provided. The cathode assembly (43) includes a one-piece tab assembly (52) for simple and relatively quick installation on a cathode cup (44). In one embodiment, the one-piece tab assembly (52) has two rail portions (56) extending substantially across its length. These rail portions (56) are intended for insertion into channels (50) formed within the cathode cup (44) and for properly locating the one-piece tab assembly (52) in a desired position relative to the filament (46). The assembly (52) further includes two tab portions (58, 58″) located on opposing ends of the rail portions (56). The tab portions (58, 58″) each include a main body portion (62) and a flap portion (54) extending from the main body portion (62). The main body portion (62) extends between the two rail portions (56) and has a mounting surface for attaching the one-piece tab assembly (52) to the cathode cup (44).

Abstract: An X-ray source comprises a cold cathode and an anode. The cold cathode has a curved emission surface capable of emitting electrons. The anode is spaced apart from the cathode. The anode is capable of emitting X-rays in response to being bombarded with electrons emitted from the curved emission surface of the cathode.

Abstract: A cathode assembly (43) for a computed tomography scanning system (10) is provided. The cathode assembly (43) includes a one-piece tab assembly (52) for simple and relatively quick installation on a cathode cup (44). In one embodiment, the one-piece tab assembly (52) has two rail portions (56) extending substantially across its length. These rail portions (56) are intended for insertion into channels (50) formed within the cathode cup (44) and for properly locating the one-piece tab assembly (52) in a desired position relative to the filament (46). The assembly (52) further includes two tab portions (58, 58″) located on opposing ends of the rail portions (56). The tab portions (58, 58″) each include a main body portion (62) and a flap portion (54) extending from the main body portion (62). The main body portion (62) extends between the two rail portions (56) and has a mounting surface for attaching the one-piece tab assembly (52) to the cathode cup (44).

Abstract: An X-ray source comprises a cold cathode and an anode. The cold cathode has a curved emission surface capable of emitting electrons. The anode is spaced apart from the cathode. The anode is capable of emitting X-rays in response to being bombarded with electrons emitted from the curved emission surface of the cathode.