Abstract: An x-ray tube assembly (16) includes a housing (40) and an insert frame (54) supported within the housing (40), such that the insert frame (54) defines a substantially evacuated envelope in which a cathode assembly (60) and a rotating anode assembly (58) operate to produce x-rays. The rotating anode assembly (58) includes an anode target plate (64) coupled to a rotor (66) and bearing shaft (82), which is rotatably supported within a bearing housing (84), by a plurality of ball bearings (86). A heat barrier (90) substantially surrounds the bearing housing (84) and is coupled, along with the bearing housing (84) to an anode cold plate (100). The anode cold plate (100) includes a grooved cover (102), a basin (110), and a plurality of corrugated fins (120) disposed therein. Coupling both the bearing housing (84) and the heat barrier (90) to the anode cold plate (100) provides an effective means for cooling the bearing assembly (80).

Abstract: An x-ray tube assembly (16) includes a housing (40) and an insert frame (52) supported within the housing (40), such that the insert frame (52) defines a substantially evacuated envelope in which cathode (56) and anode (54) assemblies operate to produce x-rays. An x-ray transmissive window assembly (70) extends between and in a fluid-tight relationship with the housing (40) and the insert frame (52). The window assembly (70) includes an insert window (72) brazed to the insert frame (52), a top plate (76), which is connected to and substantially surrounded by a flange (78), where the flange (78) is fastened to the x-ray tube housing (40). An annular side plate (86) is connected to a fluid-tight relationship with both the insert frame/window interface (74) and the flange (78).

Abstract: An x-ray tube comprising a first electrode and a second electrode. The first and second electrodes are located in operative relationship with one another to generate x-rays when the electrodes are energized at their respective operating potential. An evacuated envelope encloses the first and second electrodes. The evacuated envelope includes a first envelope wall portion, a second envelope wall portion and an envelope weld member comprising an electrical conductor. The envelope weld member is in electrical communication so as to be at operating potential of one of the first and second electrodes when the x-ray tube is energized. The envelope weld member is adapted for vacuum tight joining to the first envelope wall portion and to the second envelope wall portion. The envelope weld member has an integral corona shield portion.