Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for a biased cathode assembly of an X-ray tube with improved thermal management and a method of manufacturing same. In one example, a cathode assembly of an X-ray tube comprises an emitter assembly including an emitter coupled to an emitter support structure, and an electrode assembly including an electrode stack and a plurality of bias electrodes. The emitter assembly including a plurality of independent components that are coupled together. The electrode assembly including a plurality of independent components that are coupled together, and the emitter assembly being coupled to the electrode assembly.

Abstract: Upon discharge from a coke oven, highly heated coke is cooled by charging the hot coke to a shaft cooler wherein it is contacted with an inert cooling gas to a temperature of between 600.degree.-800.degree.F, the coke then being discharged through a pressure retention device and to a quench bunker by means of a feeding device, with the coke further cooled to a temperature of below 300.degree.F by water sprays, while preventing entrance of steam into the shaft cooler. The feed means and quench bunker are enclosed so as to prevent discharge to the atmosphere of steam produced on contact of the spray with the coke as well as particulate material carried thereby. The coke at below 300.degree.F is then fed to a conveyor for removal from the cooling area.