Abstract: Pin-based support structures for easily and precisely assembling CT detector components into individual detector modules are described, as are methods of making the same. The pins in these structures serve as the local reference points against which all other detector components (i.e., collimators, scintillator packs, diodes, electronic flex connectors, etc.) are aligned. The pins may also be used to quickly and easily attach the individual detector modules to the local detector reference frame and then to the global reference frame in a CT imaging system. These structures allow CT detector components to be more easily and economically assembled than previously possible. Furthermore, these structures are extensible in the Z-direction, allowing for longer Z-coverage with each rotation of the gantry, thereby allowing for full organ imaging in a single CT scan.

Abstract: A system for controlling a gas load imposed upon a high vacuum chamber includes a first chamber enclosing a high vacuum and positioned within an ambient environment, a second chamber enclosing a gas and positioned within the ambient environment adjacent to the first chamber, and a rotatable shaft having a first portion extending into the first chamber and a second portion extending into the second chamber. A ferrofluid seal is positioned about the rotatable shaft and positioned between the first portion and the second portion and the ferrofluid seal fluidically separates the first chamber from the second chamber. A control unit is attached to the second chamber and configured to control the gas enclosed in the second chamber such that a gas load in the first chamber is reduced.

Abstract: A system for mitigating a gas load imposed upon a high vacuum chamber, thereby reducing the overall pressure, includes a device mounted onto a rotating gantry. The device has a first chamber enclosing a high vacuum and a first region in which anode bearings are positioned. A rotatable shaft has a first portion extending into the first chamber and a second portion extending into the first region. A ferrofluid seal is positioned about the rotatable shaft and positioned between the first portion and the second portion, the ferrofluid seal fluidically separating the first chamber from the first region. At least one pressure-reducing unit is fluidically connected to the first chamber.

Abstract: A system for mitigating a gas load imposed upon a high vacuum chamber, thereby reducing the overall pressure, includes a device mounted onto a rotating gantry. The device has a first chamber enclosing a high vacuum and a first region in which anode bearings are positioned. A rotatable shaft has a first portion extending into the first chamber and a second portion extending into the first region. A ferrofluid seal is positioned about the rotatable shaft and positioned between the first portion and the second portion, the ferrofluid seal fluidically separating the first chamber from the first region. At least one pressure-reducing unit is fluidically connected to the first chamber.

Abstract: An x-ray target assembly is provided comprising a drive shaft and an outer shaft housing element. A primary integral duplex bearing assembly is positioned between the outer shaft housing element and the drive shaft and comprises a primary fixed outer race and a primary dual inner race comprising a first primary inner race element and a second primary race element. A plurality of primary ball elements are positioned therebetween. A secondary integral duplex bearing assembly is positioned between the outer shaft housing element and the drive shaft and comprises a secondary floating outer race comprising a single secondary race element. A secondary dual inner race is comprised of a first secondary inner race element and a second secondary race element. A plurality of secondary ball elements are positioned between the secondary floating outer race and the secondary dual inner race.

Abstract: A system for controlling a gas load imposed upon a high vacuum chamber includes a first chamber enclosing a high vacuum and positioned within an ambient environment, a second chamber enclosing a gas and positioned within the ambient environment adjacent to the first chamber, and a rotatable shaft having a first portion extending into the first chamber and a second portion extending into the second chamber. A ferrofluid seal is positioned about the rotatable shaft and positioned between the first portion and the second portion and the ferrofluid seal fluidically separates the first chamber from the second chamber. A control unit is attached to the second chamber and configured to control the gas enclosed in the second chamber such that a gas load in the first chamber is reduced.

Abstract: A multiple row spiral grooved bearing assembly 26 for use in a rotating anode X ray tube device 10 has an intermediate race 32 having a spiral grooved inner 34 and outer 36 surface placed between an outer housing 28 and an inner bearing shaft 30. A layer of gallium 42, 44 is interposed between the spiral grooved inner surface 34 and the inner bearing shaft 30 and between the spiral grooved outer surface 36 and outer housing 28 to provide lubrication for the surfaces of the intermediate race 32. The intermediate race 32 reduces the relative velocity between moving parts, thereby reducing heat generation of the bearing assembly 26 for a given anode rotation speed. This enables higher target 14 velocities, and hence higher focal spot power, available to the x-ray tube device 10 as compared with traditional ball-type bearing designs.

Abstract: A multiple row spiral grooved bearing assembly 26 for use in a rotating anode X ray tube device 10 has an intermediate race 32 having a spiral grooved inner 34 and outer 36 surface placed between an outer housing 28 and an inner bearing shaft 30. A layer of gallium 42, 44 is interposed between the spiral grooved inner surface 34 and the inner bearing shaft 30 and between the spiral grooved outer surface 36 and outer housing 28 to provide lubrication for the surfaces of the intermediate race 32. The intermediate race 32 reduces the relative velocity between moving parts, thereby reducing heat generation of the bearing assembly 26 for a given anode rotation speed. This enables higher target 14 velocities, and hence higher focal spot power, available to the x-ray tube device 10 as compared with traditional ball-type bearing designs.