Abstract: An anode assembly having multiple target electrodes is disclosed. Each target electrode produces an x-ray fan beam for radiographic data acquisition. The target electrodes are designed to sequentially generate an x-ray fan beam and therefore operate at a proportional duty cycle per scan. Power output capabilities of the anode assembly is increased without an increase in the size or thermal overloading of the anode assembly.

Abstract: A hybrid MR/x-ray scanner is disclosed that allows for the acquisition of x-ray as well as MR data in a single exam without requiring patient repositioning. As an MR scanner, the hybrid system is capable of providing images with soft tissue contrast, excellent 3D visualization, the ability to image in multiple scan planes, as well as the possibility of providing physiological information. The x-ray components of the hybrid scanner include a rotatable anode that rotates during data acquisition and is caused to rotate without introduction of unwanted magnetic flux to the MR magnetic field.

Abstract: An x-ray system with an x-ray generating device having improved heat dissipation capabilities. The x-ray generating device includes an x-ray tube mounted in a casing holding a circulating, cooling medium. According to the present invention, the x-ray generating device includes a support mechanism mounted within the x-ray generating device in a manner for adjustably positioning, relative to the casing, the focal spot alignment path of generated x-rays. Additionally, the x-ray generating device includes a cooling mechanism having an inlet chamber for channeling the cooling medium within the support mechanism. Additionally, a cooling stem may be positioned within the inlet chamber to increase the heat exchange surface area exposed to the cooling medium. Thus, the present invention advantageously increases the heat dissipation capability of the x-ray generating device.

Abstract: An x-ray system comprising an x-ray generating device having improved heat dissipation capabilities is disclosed. The x-ray generating device comprises an x-ray tube mounted in a casing holding a circulating, cooling medium. According to the present invention, the x-ray generating device comprises a support mechanism mounted within said x-ray generating device in a manner for adjustably positioning, relative to the casing, the focal spot alignment path of generated x-rays. Additionally, the x-ray generating device comprises a cooling mechanism comprising an inlet chamber for channeling the cooling medium within said support mechanism. Additionally, a cooling stem may be positioned with the inlet chamber to increase the heat exchange surface area exposed to the cooling medium. Thus, the present invention advantageously increases the heat dissipation capability of the x-ray generating device.

Abstract: An x-ray system with an x-ray generating device having improved heat dissipation capabilities. The x-ray generating device has an x-ray tube mounted in a casing holding a circulating, cooling medium. According to the present invention, the x-ray generating device includes a support mechanism mounted within the x-ray generating device in a manner for adjustably positioning, relative to the casing, the focal spot alignment path of generated x-rays. Additionally, the x-ray generating device includes a cooling mechanism having an inlet chamber for channeling the cooling medium within the support mechanism. Additionally, a cooling stem may be positioned within the inlet chamber to increase the heat exchange surface area exposed to the cooling medium. Thus, the present invention advantageously increases the heat dissipation capability of the x-ray generating device.

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: A method of bonding a metallic target layer and a graphite disk to provide a composite rotating X-ray tube target wherein a high vapor pressure metal is placed between the target layer and the graphite disk and the vapor pressure of the joint is controlled. The vapor pressure is controlled by limiting the thickness of the joint and thereby causing the metallic character of the braze joint in this region to be altered. In a preferred manner, this is effected by interfitting projecting and recessed portions in the graphite disk and metallic target layer. The preferred high vapor pressure metal is titanium. A composite X-ray tube target is produced having a high remelt temperature and thus capable of being employed in X-ray tubes having more aggressive protocols.

Abstract: A method of bonding a metallic target layer and a graphite disk to provide a composite rotating X-ray tube target wherein a layer of vanadium, titanium, or their alloys is placed between the target layer and the graphite disk. The assembly is heated in a rapid manner through a temperature range as provided by a carbon-braze metal eutectic temperature and a braze metal melt temperature with continued heating to a temperature of 75.degree. C. above the melt temperature. The elevated temperature is maintained for about 5 minutes and then the assembly is cooled in a rapid manner through the temperature range. A composite X-ray tube target is produced having a high remelt temperature and bond strength.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing permanent domain refinement continuously and at very high line speeds in grain oriented electrical steel having an aluminum nitride inhibitor system. After the final high temperature anneal, the glass film and insulative coating on the surface is removed in narrow bands (grooves or rows of spots). The steel is electroetched to increase the depth of the bands, coated with aluminum by electrophoresis and given a stress relief anneal to bond the aluminum coating to the base metal by diffusion. A localized stress field is induced during cooling which causes domain refinement due to the differential thermal contraction between the aluminum and the base metal.

Abstract: Permanent domain refinement of grain oriented electrical steel strip is obtained in a high speed two-stage process. The process removes the glass in narrow regions which just expose the base metal. An electrolytic etch is then used to deepen the region into the base metal and minimize damage to the remaining glass film. Control of acid concentration and temperature in the electrolytic bath allows a greater increase in productivity. A further feature of the process is the use of permeability measurements to optimize the depth of the etched regions. The improved core loss produced by the process will survive a stress relief anneal.

Abstract: Oriented silicon steel is heated in a slab furnace at temperatures above 1260.degree. C. prior to hot rolling. The slab surfaces in the furnace are exposed to molten slag, variable atmosphere conditions and refractory interaction from the hearth. The slab surface prior to hot rolling has a major importance for cold rolling and the quality of the glass film.A rapid oxidation treatement of the slab just prior to the scale breaker or first rolling stand corrects a silicon-free iron layer condition which causes streaks in the glass film. The oxidation treatment blows gas having at least 30% oxygen for a sufficient time and velocity to provide a surface which will develop a continuous fayalite layer in subsequent processing and provide for the formation of a continuous glass film.