Abstract: X-ray tubes that have a reduced exposure time for dental X-ray imaging and 3D dental imaging systems using these X-ray tubes are described. The X-ray tubes contain an anode, a filament, a cathode electrically connected to the filament, and a voltage source electrically connected to the cathode. The voltage source provides a high voltage to the anode relative to the cathode and filament control voltage. A low filament control voltage is used to generate electrons using a process of thermionic emission. These electrons are driven by a large electric field generated between the cathode and anode towards the target on the anode. A bias voltage is applied between the cathode and the filament to control the electron flow from the emitting filament to the anode. Such a configuration yields a switching speed ranging from about 1 ms to about 10 ms, allowing a short X-ray exposure time and a quicker overall imaging process for the 3D dental X-ray imaging systems. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the calibration of X-ray devices and systems are described in this application. In particular, this application describes a calibration apparatus for an X-ray imaging system that comprises a housing containing an X-ray sensor and a calibration array having multiple calibration targets located within or on a substrate. Each calibration target comprises an element with an X-ray absorption higher than that of the material of the substrate. The multiple targets are in a fixed spatial relationship relative to each other. The calibration apparatus can be incorporated into an aligner that is used with the X-ray imaging system. That calibration apparatus increases the accuracy of the construction of a three dimensional (3D) image from a series of two dimensional (2D) images taken by the X-ray imaging system. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: This application describes an internal, re-chargeable power source for a portable medical device. The power source contains a removable battery pack comprising a lithium-containing material with 5 to 7 battery cells in series, each individual cell having a current capacity ranging from about 3000 mAh to about 3700 mAh. The power source can have a total energy capacity ranging from about 65 Watt-hour to about 170 Watt-hours. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: This application describes an internal, re-chargeable power source for a portable medical device. The power source contains a removable battery pack comprising a lithium-containing material with 5 to 7 battery cells in series, each individual cell having a current capacity ranging from about 3000 mAh to about 3700 mAh. The power source can have a total energy capacity ranging from about 65 Watt-hour to about 170 Watt-hours. Other embodiments are described.