Abstract: The invention relates to a tumble disc bearing (100) to provide an efficient axial bearing for a rotating anode (216) of an X-ray source (212) having a tumble disc (102) for axially bearing the rotating anode (216), and a mounting component (120) for supporting the tumble disc (102). The mounting component (120) comprises an inner mounting face (122) for attaching to a supporting structure (194, 204). The mounting component (120) is supported in the tumble disc (102) at a tumble position (140) in which an inner supporting face (104) of the tumble disc (102) matches an outer supporting face (124) of the mounting component (120) such that the tumble disc (102) is enabled to perform a tumble motion in all directions in relation to the mounting component (120). The mounting component (120) is adapted to be inserted in an inserting position (142) traverse to the tumble position (140) into the tumble disc (102).

Abstract: An X-ray tube for generating two focal spots displaced with respect to each other and a medical device using such X-ray tube are proposed. The X-ray tube (1) comprises a cathode (7) and an anode (9) wherein the cathode (7) comprises a first electron emitter (15) adapted for emitting a first electron beam (17) for generating a first focal spot (25) on the anode (9) and a second electron emitter (19) for emitting a second electron beam (21) for generating a second focal spot (27) on the anode (9). Therein, each electron emitter (15, 19) comprises an associated switchable grid (37, 39) for blocking the respective emitted electron beam (17, 21). In order to realize a desired displacement of the first and second focal spots (25, 27) in a y-direction, the first and second electron emitters (15, 19) may be displaced in the z-direction. Due to the focal spots (25, 27) being displaced in y-direction, an overall resolution of for example a high quality CT scanner may be significantly enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bearing system (1) for a rotary anode (24) of an X-ray tube (23). The bearing system comprises a shaft (2) for supporting the rotary anode (24), the shaft being surrounded by two swash rings (7). Further, a gimbal ring (4) surrounding the shaft (2) and being arranged in between the two swash rings (7) is provided. This gimbal ring (4) is hingeably connected with the shaft (2) such that the gimbal ring (4) is tiltable relative to a longitudinal axis of the shaft (2). Further, the invention relates to an X-ray tube (19) and an imaging system (15) having such a bearing system (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a tumble disc bearing (100) to provide an efficient axial bearing for a rotating anode (216) of an X-ray source (212) having a tumble disc (102) for axially bearing the rotating anode (216), and a mounting component (120) for supporting the tumble disc (102). The mounting component (120) comprises an inner mounting face (122) for attaching to a supporting structure (194, 204). The mounting component (120) is supported in the tumble disc (102) at a tumble position (140) in which an inner supporting face (104) of the tumble disc (102) matches an outer supporting face (124) of the mounting component (120) such that the tumble disc (102) is enabled to perform a tumble motion in all directions in relation to the mounting component (120). The mounting component (120) is adapted to be inserted in an inserting position (142) traverse to the tumble position (140) into the tumble disc (102).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bearing system (1) for a rotary anode (24) of an X-ray tube (23). The bearing system comprises a shaft (2) for supporting the rotary anode (24), the shaft being surrounded by two swash rings (7). Further, a gimbal ring (4) surrounding the shaft (2) and being arranged in between the two swash rings (7) is provided. This gimbal ring (4) is hingeably connected with the shaft (2) such that the gimbal ring (4) is tillable relative to a longitudinal axis of the shaft (2). Further, the invention relates to an X-ray tube (19) and an imaging system (15) having such a bearing system (1).

Abstract: An X-ray tube for generating two focal spots displaced with respect to each other and a medical device using such X-ray tube are proposed. The X-ray tube (1) comprises a cathode (7) and an anode (9) wherein the cathode (7) comprises a first electron emitter (15) adapted for emitting a first electron beam (17) for generating a first focal spot (25) on the anode (9) and a second electron emitter (19) for emitting a second electron beam (21) for generating a second focal spot (27) on the anode (9). Therein, each electron emitter (15, 19) comprises an associated switchable grid (37, 39) for blocking the respective emitted electron beam (17, 21). In order to realize a desired displacement of the first and second focal spots (25, 27) in a y-direction, the first and second electron emitters (15, 19) may be displaced in the z-direction. Due to the focal spots (25, 27) being displaced in y-direction, an overall resolution of for example a high quality CT scanner may be significantly enhanced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting device for mounting a beam manipulating device of an X-ray apparatus to a radiation source of the X-ray apparatus, said mounting device comprising a first mounting flange (10) associated with the radiation source, a second mounting flange (20) associated with the beam manipulating device, and fastening means (60) for fixing the first mounting flange (10) and the second mounting flange (20) to each other. It is an object of the invention to facilitate the alignment of the X-ray beam manipulating device with respect to an X-ray beam path or an X-ray beam focus of the radiation source. To achieve this, the alignment means (30) are adapted to be fastened to the first mounting flange (10), the first mounting flange having a first reference surface (31) which is in a predetermined spaced relationship with respect to the X-ray beam path. The first reference surface (31) corresponds with a second reference surface (34) of the second mounting flange (20).

Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting device for mounting a beam manipulating device of an X-ray apparatus to a radiation source of the X-ray apparatus, said mounting device comprising a first mounting flange (10) associated with the radiation source, a second mounting flange (20) associated with the beam manipulating device, and fastening means (60) for fixing the first mounting flange (10) and the second mounting flange (20) to each other. It is an object of the invention to facilitate the alignment of the X-ray beam manipulating device with respect to an X-ray beam path or an X-ray beam focus of the radiation source. To achieve this, the alignment means (30) are adapted to be fastened to the first mounting flange (10), the first mounting flange having a first reference surface (31) which is in a predetermined spaced relationship with respect to the X-ray beam path. The first reference surface (31) corresponds with a second reference surface (34) of the second mounting flange (20).

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus in which the X-ray source and the image recording device can be detachably interconnected by means of a coupling device. The coupling device includes a coupling rod which slides telescopically in a tube. The coupling device is uncoupled by pressing the supporting arm of the X-ray source downward, thus unblocking a blocking device which connects the coupling rod to the supporting arm. By subsequently raising the supporting arm while latching the blocking device, the coupling rod is left in a storage position. Recoupling of the coupling rod to the arm is effected by releasing the latch of the blocking device and by pressing the supporting arm downward again. It is not necessary to walk around the X-ray apparatus for coupling or uncoupling.