Abstract: An X-ray tube is provided adapted to generate X-ray beams, comprising a first and a second deflection device mounted external or internal to the X-ray tube between a cathode and an anode in a diagonal manner for focal spot deflection in a combined x- and y-direction. The first and second deflection devices are triggered alternately such that only one deflection device is activated at a time. The first and second deflection devices may be triggered according to a predetermined switching sequence, e.g. producing a predetermined deflection pattern of the focal spot. Thereby, an improved x- and z-flying focal spot methodology is provided.

Abstract: An X-ray tube (260) is provided which is adapted to generate X-ray beams (258). The X-ray tube may comprise electrostatic grids (256) for focal spot deflection in x-direction, wherein the electrostatic grids are mounted on either side of the cathode (250). Further the X-ray tube may comprise electromagnetic coils (260) for focal spot deflection in y-direction, wherein said electromagnetic coils forming a dipole, are mounted external to the X-ray tube and are positioned between the cathode and the target of the anode (206), so that the electron beam (255) passes between its poles. The electrostatic grids and the electromagnetic coils are arranged separately from each other and provide for a combination of electrostatic x-deflection in tandem with electromagnetic z-deflection.

Abstract: An x-ray tube cathode assembly (28) includes a support arm (36) comprising a first metal. A ceramic insulator (70, 82) has a first metalized surface (72, 86) wherein the metalized surfaces comprise a desired amount of the first metal. A first member of filler material (90) is in contact with the support arm (36) and the first metalized surface (72, 86) of the ceramic insulator (70, 82), the first member of filler material comprising at least a second metal (96a, 96b) wherein a first alloy system (FIG. 5) comprising the first and second metals includes an alloy minimum point percentage composition (P) of the first and second metals having a first alloy system minimum melting point (M) for the alloy minimum point percentage composition that is lower than both of the melting point of the first metal and second metal.

Abstract: An x-ray tube cathode assembly (28) includes a support arm (36) comprising a first metal. A ceramic insulator (70, 82) has a first metalized surface (72, 86) wherein the metalized surfaces comprise a desired amount of the first metal. A first member of filler material (90) is in contact with the support arm (36) and the first metalized surface (72, 86) of the ceramic insulator (70, 82), the first member of filler material comprising at least a second metal (96a, 96b) wherein a first alloy system (FIG. 5) comprising the first and second metals includes an alloy minimum point percentage composition (P) of the first and second metals having a first alloy system minimum melting point (M) for the alloy minimum point percentage composition that is lower than both of the melting point of the first metal and second metal.

Abstract: A dual filament x-ray tube assembly (16) includes an evacuated envelope (52) having an anode (54) disposed at a first end of the evacuated envelope (52) and a cathode assembly (62) disposed at a second end of the evacuated envelope (52). The cathode assembly includes a variable-length filament assembly (72, 74; 100) which emits electron beams for impingement on the anode (54) at focal spots having varying lengths. The cathode assembly (62) further includes a cathode cup (64, 66, 68; 110, 112) which is subdivided into a plurality of electrically insulated deflection electrodes (64, 66, 68; 110, 112). A filament select circuit (80) selectively and individually heats a portion of the variable-length filament assembly (72, 74). Electron beams emitted from the filament assembly (72, 74) are electrostatically focused and controlled by applying potentials to different ones of the deflection electrodes (64, 66, 68; 110, 112).

Abstract: A dual filament x-ray tube assembly (16) includes an evacuated envelope (52) having an anode (54) disposed at a first end of the evacuated envelope (52) and a cathode assembly (62) disposed at a second end of the evacuated envelope (52). The cathode assembly includes a variable-length filament assembly (72, 74; 100) which emits electron beams for impingement on the anode (54) at focal spots having varying lengths. The cathode assembly (62) further includes a cathode cup (64, 66, 68; 110, 112) which is subdivided into a plurality of electrically insulated deflection electrodes (64, 66, 68; 110, 112). A filament select circuit (80) selectively and individually heats a portion of the variable-length filament assembly (72, 74). Electron beams emitted from the filament assembly (72, 74) are electrostatically focused and controlled by applying potentials to different ones of the deflection electrodes (64, 66, 68; 110, 112).

Abstract: An x-ray tube includes an anode (A) and an envelope (C). A cathode assembly (B) which is supported in the envelope on a bearing (32) emits a beam of electrons which strike the anode forming a focal spot. The anode rotates (D) relative to the cathode such that focal spot follows a generally annular path along a beveled track (14). If the axis of the anode and the cathode assembly are screwed or offset, the focal spot path is not circular and wobbles. An adjustment assembly (60) adjusts the relative positions of the anode, the cathode and the envelope to adjust the anode and cathode assembly axes. The adjustment assembly also includes one or more electrodes (102, 108) which adjust the position of the focal spot. An angular position encoder (106) identifies an angular orientation of the anode. A control circuit (110) applies an electrostatic potential to the electrodes to move the focal spot such that it stays on a constant plane of the leveled anode surface.