Abstract: An x-ray tube includes a stationary base and a passage therein. The x-ray tube includes an anode frame having an anode positioned adjacent to a first end and having a neck at a second end, the neck extends into the passage, wherein the anode frame is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the passage. A hermetic seal is positioned about the neck between the neck and the stationary base.

Abstract: An anode assembly (50) includes a thermally conductive bearing encasement (52) covering a portion of a bearing (64). An anode (56) rotates on the bearing (64) and has a target (58) with an associated focal spot (60). The thermally conductive bearing encasement (52) is configured and expansion limited to prevent displacement of the focal spot (60) of greater than a predetermined displacement during operation of the anode (56).

Abstract: A filament circuit resistance adjusting apparatus (36), for a filament circuit (38) having a filament (50) with a first resistance is provided. The filament circuit resistance adjusting apparatus (36) includes a first resistor (70), which has a second resistance and is electrically coupled to the filament (50). The first resistor (70) adjusts the resistance of the filament circuit (38). A method for adjusting the resistance of the filament (50) is also provided.

Abstract: A cathode assembly (43) for a computed tomography scanning system (10) is provided. The cathode assembly (43) includes a one-piece tab assembly (52) for simple and relatively quick installation on a cathode cup (44). In one embodiment, the one-piece tab assembly (52) has two rail portions (56) extending substantially across its length. These rail portions (56) are intended for insertion into channels (50) formed within the cathode cup (44) and for properly locating the one-piece tab assembly (52) in a desired position relative to the filament (46). The assembly (52) further includes two tab portions (58, 58″) located on opposing ends of the rail portions (56). The tab portions (58, 58″) each include a main body portion (62) and a flap portion (54) extending from the main body portion (62). The main body portion (62) extends between the two rail portions (56) and has a mounting surface for attaching the one-piece tab assembly (52) to the cathode cup (44).

Abstract: A cathode assembly (43) for a computed tomography scanning system (10) is provided. The cathode assembly (43) includes a one-piece tab assembly (52) for simple and relatively quick installation on a cathode cup (44). In one embodiment, the one-piece tab assembly (52) has two rail portions (56) extending substantially across its length. These rail portions (56) are intended for insertion into channels (50) formed within the cathode cup (44) and for properly locating the one-piece tab assembly (52) in a desired position relative to the filament (46). The assembly (52) further includes two tab portions (58, 58″) located on opposing ends of the rail portions (56). The tab portions (58, 58″) each include a main body portion (62) and a flap portion (54) extending from the main body portion (62). The main body portion (62) extends between the two rail portions (56) and has a mounting surface for attaching the one-piece tab assembly (52) to the cathode cup (44).

Abstract: A filament circuit resistance adjusting apparatus (36), for a filament circuit (38) having a filament (50) with a first resistance is provided. The filament circuit resistance adjusting apparatus (36) includes a first resistor (70), which has a second resistance and is electrically coupled to the filament (50). The first resistor (70) adjusts the resistance of the filament circuit (38). A method for adjusting the resistance of the filament (50) is also provided.