Abstract: A method for associating a field replaceable unit with a medical diagnostic system includes querying for information on a field replaceable unit to be associated with a medical diagnostic system by sending a query to an electronic device associated with the field replaceable unit, receiving information on the field replaceable unit, and configuring the medical diagnostic system in accordance with the information. A corresponding apparatus includes a storage medium physically coupled to the field replaceable unit and a programmed digital processing circuit coupled to the storage medium. The storage medium contains identification information for a field replaceable unit. The processing circuit responds to requests for identification information from the medical diagnostic system.

Abstract: A method for communicating operational data for a system unit in a medical diagnostic system includes communicating identification information from an electronic device coupled to the system unit in the medical diagnostic system to an imaging unit in said medical diagnostic system, operating the medical diagnostic system in accordance with the identification information and generating operational data, and communicating the operational data to the system unit in order to establish a record of operational data for the system unit in the electronic device. The operational data includes information relating to the operation of the system unit in the medical diagnostic system. A corresponding apparatus includes a storage medium, a communication interface, and a programmed digital processing circuit coupled to the storage medium and the communication interface.

Abstract: A process for producing a poly(arylene ether) resins includes oxidatively coupling a monohydric phenol in the presence of a solvent and a catalyst to form a soluble poly (arylene ether) and an insoluble poly(arylene ether), separating the soluble poly (arylene ether) and the insoluble poly(arylene ether), and recycling the soluble poly (arylene ether). The process is particularly useful for synthesizing poly(arylene ether) copolymers in which the monomer compositions of soluble and insoluble copolymers may vary.

Abstract: A method for configuring and monitoring a system unit in a medical diagnostic system includes establishing a communication connection between the medical diagnostic system and a remote facility, communicating characteristic information regarding operation of the system unit in the medical diagnostic system from the remote facility to the medical diagnostic system, configuring the medical diagnostic system in accordance with the characteristic information regarding operation of the system unit, and monitoring the operation information of the system unit in the medical diagnostic system using an operator workstation at the medical diagnostic system. A corresponding apparatus includes a storage medium coupled to the system unit which stores information for the system unit in the medical diagnostic system and a communication interface configured to allow communications between the medical diagnostic system and a remote facility.

Abstract: A method for remotely configuring and servicing a field replaceable unit associated with a medical diagnostic system includes establishing a communication connection between the medical diagnostic system and a remote facility, communicating identification information from an electronic device coupled to the field replaceable unit to the remote facility, communicating configuration information from the remote facility to the medical diagnostic system, and configuring the medical diagnostic system in accordance with the configuration information from the remote facility. A corresponding apparatus includes a memory unit configured to store identification indicia associated with the field replaceable unit and a communication interface configured to communicate identification information from the identification indicia to a remote facility via a network.

Abstract: A rotating x-ray tube comprises an anode assembly having an anode target for distributing heat generated at a focal spot. The x-ray tube further comprises a cathode assembly for producing X-rays upon impact with the anode. A target angle matching cathode cup structure is associated with the cathode assembly. The angled cathode cup structure creates a parallel surface between the cathode and the target to provide a focused electron beam.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the quality of X-ray tubes by analyzing filmed images of the focal spots produced by the tubes. In an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus, a slide scanner receives a filmed focal spot from an X-ray tube and scans it to produce a digital version of the focal spot. The digital focal spot is then analyzed by a personal computer to determine parameters relating to the focal spot such as its background and peak optical density, line spread function, modulation transfer function, skew, and loading. These parameters are then compared to parameter standards to determine whether the X-ray tube should be accepted or rejected under current quality standards.

Abstract: An X-ray tube comprises an anode assembly having an associated anode and a cathode assembly for providing a focused electron beam directed to the anode. An anode target, associated with the anode assembly, accelerates the electron beam and produces X-rays upon electron impact with the anode target. Off-focal radiation tends to be most intensely emitted by the top surface of the target. In conventional X-ray tubes, the off-focal radiation as seen by the detector encompasses almost the entire top surface of the target assembly. In accordance with the present invention, the anode target comprises a cut-out top surface for reducing off-focal radiation, by blocking the off-focal radiation from the top surface from reaching the detector. Blocking the radiation produced at the top surface becomes more important as the ratio of the track area visible at the detector decreases with respect to the top surface area.

Abstract: X-ray tube electron beam focusing utilizing a cathode having a large cavity therein in which an electron cloud is generated and which is shielded from the primary electric field between the cathode and the anode. The electron cloud flows from the cavity through a small narrow passage and into the primary electric field. An opposed spaced apart pair of electrical grids each comprising an array of individual electrode segments have selected opposed segments electronegatively biased to change the cross-section of the passing electron stream therebetween. The altered cross-section of the electron stream determines the size of the focal spot of the electron beam impacting the target anode.

Abstract: Precise alignment of the focal spot position on an x-ray CT system is achieved using a deflection coil that produces a magnetic field which acts on the electron beam path in the x-ray tube. A variable current power supply drives the deflection coil and is controlled by input signals to align the focal spot at a static reference position, to correct for focal spot drift between scans, and to wobble the focal spot position during a scan or between scans.