Abstract: The present invention relates to X-ray generating technology in general, in particular, it relates to an anode disk element (1) for an X-ray generating device (21). The generation of electromagnetic radiation may be considered to be quite inefficient, since a substantial part of energy applied to a focal track is converted to heat rather than X-radiation. Thus, a limiting factor in the operation of X-ray tubes is the cooling of the anode element and more specifically the focal track. In the present invention, an anode disk element is provided, with an improved dissipation of heat from the focal track. Thus, the anode disk element may sustain increased heat while maintaining structural integrity. The anode disk element (1) comprises at least a first surface (2) and a second surface (3), with the first surface (2) comprising a focal track (4) and the second surface (3) comprising a conductive coating (5).

Abstract: An anode disk element for the generation of X-rays that provides improved dissipation of heat from a focal track includes an anisotropic thermal conductivity. The anode disk element includes a focal track and at least one heat dissipating element. The anode disk element is rotatable about a rotational axis with the focal track being rotationally symmetrical to the rotational axis. The at least one heat dissipating element is configured for heat dissipation from the focal track in the direction of reduced thermal conductivity of the anode disk element.

Abstract: An alloy comprising at least two refractory metals and a method for forming such alloy are proposed. In the alloy, a first refractory metal such as tantalum forming a minor portion of the alloy is completely dissolved in a second refractory metal such as tungsten forming a major portion of the alloy. The alloy may be formed by providing the two refractory metals in a common crucible (step S1), melting both refractory metals by application of an electron beam (step S2), mixing the molten refractory metals (step S3) and solidifying the melt (step S4). Due to the possible complete mixing of the refractory metal components in a molten state, improved material properties of the solidified alloy may be achieved. Furthermore, due to the use of tantalum instead of rhenium together with tungsten, a cheap and resistant refractory metal alloy may be produced, which alloy may be used for example for forming a focal track region of an X-ray anode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to X-ray tube technology in general. Most of the energy applied to the focal spot via electron bombardment is converted to heat; the generation of electromagnetic radiation may be considered to be quite inefficient. One of the central limitations of X-ray tubes is the cooling, thus the dissipation of heat, of the anode element, in particular the focal track. Consequently, an anode disk element that may sustain increased heat while still maintaining structural integrity and furthermore that may provide improved dissipation of heat from the focal track is presented. According to the present invention, an anode disk element (1), comprising an anisotropic thermal conductivity, for the generation of X-rays is provided. The anode disk element (1) comprises a focal track (4) and at least one heat dissipating element (5). The anode disk element (1) is rotatable about a rotational axis (6) with the focal track (4) being rotationally symmetrical to the rotational axis (6).

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray tube with a rotatable anode, an X-ray imaging system and a method for adjusting the focal track of an X-ray tube with a rotatable anode. In order to improve the accuracy of X-ray tubes with rotating anodes and the run out characteristics of rotatable anodes, an X-ray tube with an envelope housing a cathode and an anode assembly is provided, wherein the anode assembly comprises a rotatable disk provided with an annular target forming a focal track, which focal track is rotationally symmetric around a symmetry axis, and a rotor stem for supporting the disk, which stem is rotatably supported around a primary axis of rotation. The stem is provided with a mounting surface to support the disk and the disk is provided with an abutment surface to be mounted to the mounting surface. According to the invention, correction means are arranged between the mounting surface and the abutment surface such that a run-out of the focal track in relation to the axis of rotation is adjustable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to X-ray generating technology in general, in particular, it relates to an anode disk element (1) for an X-ray generating device (21). The generation of electromagnetic radiation may be considered to be quite inefficient, since a substantial part of energy applied to a focal track is converted to heat rather than X-radiation. Thus, a limiting factor in the operation of X-ray tubes is the cooling of the anode element and more specifically the focal track. In the present invention, an anode disk element is provided, with an improved dissipation of heat from the focal track. Thus, the anode disk element may sustain increased heat while maintaining structural integrity. The anode disk element (1) comprises at least a first surface (2) and a second surface (3), with the first surface (2) comprising a focal track (4) and the second surface (3) comprising a conductive coating (5).

Abstract: A housing (30) surrounds at least a portion of an x-ray tube (1) . A cooling system (32, 32?) supplies a cooling liquid through the housing. The cooling system includes a pump (40, 40?) and a flow sensor system (60, 60?) which measures a pressure difference across the pump. A processor (80, 80?, 82, 82?) determines a cooling fluid flow rate from the pressure difference. A controller (81, 81?, 82, 82?, 107) limits operation of the x-ray tube based on the cooling fluid flow rate and a measured temperature of the cooling fluid to prevent x-ray tube overheating while minimizing cooling time between x-ray tube operations.

Abstract: A cooling system (12) for an x-ray tube assembly (10) includes a heat exchanger (14, 16) which receives cooling fluid from a housing (40) of the x-ray tube assembly and transfers the heat to a flow of air. A fan (90), such as an axial fan, directs the flow of air through the heat exchanger. The fan is positioned within a duct (78). A contoured air flux director (110) is positioned to intercept the flow of air from the duct and to redirect the flow of air in a direction which is generally perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the fan.