Abstract: A cathode assembly including certain features designed to protect the integrity of a filament contained therein is disclosed. In particular, the cathode assembly is configured to prevent damage to the filament should it inadvertently contact another portion of the cathode assembly. In an example embodiment, an x-ray tube incorporating features of the present invention is disclosed. The x-ray tube includes an evacuated enclosure containing a cathode assembly and an anode. The cathode assembly includes a head portion having a head surface. A slot is defined on the head surface and an electron-emitting filament is included in the slot. A protective surface is defined on the head surface proximate to a central portion of the filament. The protective surface in one embodiment is composed of tungsten and is configure to prevent fusing of the filament to the protective surface should the filament inadvertently contact the protective surface.

Abstract: A cable terminal and clamp system particularly suited for use in an x-ray tube environment. The cable terminal and clamp system includes a cable socket having cable and terminal ports, each of which defines an axis. The cable terminal and clamp system includes a cable clamp that receives at least a portion of the cable socket. The cable clamp and cable socket are configured so that motion of the cable socket, relative to the cable clamp, along the axis defined by the terminal port is unimpaired, while motion of the cable socket, relative to the cable clamp, along the axis defined by the cable port is precluded. A spring interposed between the cable socket and cable clamp biases the cable socket away from the cable clamp along the axis defined by the terminal port. The cable terminal and clamp system thus accommodates thermal expansion of the terminal, while retaining the terminal in an associated receptacle and maintaining alignment of the cable clamp and cable socket.

Abstract: A high voltage cable assembly is provided that is configured to mate with a corresponding receptacle, and that includes a cable, fitting and terminal element attached to each other so as to define a joint. The cable includes two or more electrical conductors. The terminal element is composed of a resilient, non-electrically conductive material and is connected at one end to the fitting. The other end of the terminal element includes electrical contacts, each of which is in electrical communication with a corresponding electrical conductor of the cable. Additionally, the terminal element defines an annular groove that is situated near the joint cooperatively defined by the fitting and terminal, and aids in the control of diametric expansion of the terminal element, so as to facilitate reduction or elimination of arcing and other problems associated with uncontrolled deformation of the terminal element.