X-ray Source Power Supply Patents (Class 378/101)
  • Patent number: 9421399
    Abstract: A multi-mode cone beam computed tomography radiotherapy simulator and treatment machine is disclosed. The radiotherapy simulator and treatment machine both include a rotatable gantry on which is positioned a cone-beam radiation source and a flat panel imager. The flat panel imager captures x-ray image data to generate cone-beam CT volumetric images used to generate a therapy patient position setup and a treatment plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Edward G. Shapiro, Edward J. Seppi, John M. Pavkovich, Stanley W. Johnsen, Richard E. Colbeth
  • Patent number: 9414790
    Abstract: A CT scanning apparatus includes a control apparatus arranged to cause a first rotation of a gantry and trigger an x-ray source to emit x-radiation at a first x-ray energy when an angular encoder reports that the gantry is at each of multiple predetermined angular locations, and cause a second rotation of the gantry and trigger the x-ray source to emit x-radiation at a second x-ray energy differing from the first x-ray energy when the angular encoder reports that the gantry is at each of the same predetermined angular locations. An image processing means receives the projection images and reconstructs them into a volumetric image. A support couch is provided for the patient, and to minimize the likelihood of movement artifacts, the support couch includes a patient immobilisation system such as an evacuatable bead bag, bite post, or stereotactic frames, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Elekta AB (Publ)
    Inventor: Malcolm Williams
  • Patent number: 9412552
    Abstract: In a multi-source radiation generating apparatus including a plurality of combinations of a cathode and a target, an extraction electrode is disposed for a plurality of cathodes in common. When a potential of the extraction electrode is constant, potentials for the cathodes are selectively switched between a cutoff potential which is higher than the potential of the extraction electrode and an emission potential which is lower than the potential of the extraction electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shuji Aoki, Kazuyuki Ueda
  • Patent number: 9349563
    Abstract: In an X-ray radiation source, a lid part is fastened to a main part with screws, so that an X-ray tube is secured to a housing while being pressed against an inner surface of the wall part a by a first circuit board. The X-ray tube can be secured stably within the housing by thus being held between the first circuit board and the wall part. The X-ray radiation source uses the first circuit board incorporated in the housing itself for pressing the X-ray tube. This makes it unnecessary to provide new members for pressing the X-ray tube and can prevent the device structure from becoming complicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Norimasa Kosugi, Naoki Okumura, Tatsuya Nakamura, Toru Fujita, Tomoyuki Okada, Akiomi Ujima
  • Patent number: 9192036
    Abstract: A power system with a power apparatus for an X-ray tube is disclosed. The power system includes an X-ray tube and a power apparatus for the X-ray tube. The X-ray tube has a cathode and an anode. The power apparatus includes a first power conversion unit, a second power conversion unit, and a power switch unit. The first power conversion unit produces a positive voltage and a driving voltage and the second conversion unit produces a negative. When the power switch unit is turned off by the driving voltage, the power apparatus outputs the negative voltage to suppress electron flow energy generated from the cathode of the X-ray tube, whereas the power apparatus outputs the positive voltage to provide electron flow energy to the anode of the X-ray tube when the power switch unit is turned on by the driving voltage, thus producing X-ray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Ming-Whang Wang, Hong-Wen Chen
  • Patent number: 9072155
    Abstract: A transformer network circuit utilizing multiple smaller transformer cores, instead of a single, relatively larger core, for transferring electrical power while maintaining a smaller overall core mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventor: Dongbing Wang
  • Patent number: 9036785
    Abstract: In a high-voltage apparatus according to this invention, a predetermined voltage is applied to a rotating anode after waiting until the number of rotations increases to such an extent that the rotating anode is not damaged. That is, X-rays of desired intensity are already outputted from a point of time when the voltage is applied to the rotating anode. Therefore, diagnosis can be performed immediately after the voltage is applied to the rotating anode. That is, unlike the prior art, there is no need to wait until X-ray intensity becomes suitable for diagnosis after X-ray emission is started, and there is no need to irradiate the patient with unnecessary X-rays. Therefore, the patient can be inhibited from being irradiated with excessive X-rays (with an improvement made in a response from when the operator gives instructions for starting fluoroscopy until emission of X-rays suitable for diagnosis).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tasuku Saito, Hideki Fujii
  • Patent number: 9031198
    Abstract: A power supply operating off a common 110/220 Volt source utilizes a number of capacitors connected in series to form a module. A number of modules are connected in series to form a bus level module. A number of bus level modules are connected in parallel to provide the voltage and power needed by an X-Ray generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventors: Hartog J. Roos, Patrick J. Craney
  • Patent number: 9008275
    Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are provided for varying a voltage applied to a radiation source of an imaging modality to vary an energy of emitted radiation. A power supply comprises at least two rectifiers, with a first rectifier being electrically separated from a second rectifier via a switching component. When the switching component is opened, the first and second rectifiers are effectively arranged in parallel, and when the switching component is closed, the first and second rectifiers are effectively arranged in series. The voltage applied by the power supply may be different based upon whether the rectifiers are arranged in parallel or in series, but the power output by the power supply may remain substantially constant regardless of the rectifier arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Analogic Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Hanlon, Stephen J. Quigley
  • Patent number: 8995621
    Abstract: A compact x-ray source can include a circuit (10) providing reliable voltage isolation between low and high voltage sides (21, 23) of the circuit while allowing AC power transfer between the low and high voltage sides of the circuit to an x-ray tube electron emitter (43). Capacitors (11, 12) can provide the isolation between the low and high voltage sides of the circuit. The x-ray source (110) can utilize capacitors of a high voltage generator (67) to provide the voltage isolation. A compact x-ray source (110) can comprise a single transformer core (101) to transfer alternating current from two alternating current sources (104a, 104b) to an electron emitter (43) and a high voltage generator (107). A compact x-ray source (120) can comprise a high voltage sensing resistor (R1) disposed on a cylinder (41) of an x-ray tube (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventors: Dongbing Wang, Dave Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20150078511
    Abstract: A x-ray apparatus of the present application comprises: a vacuum box which is sealed at its periphery, and the interior thereof is high vacuum; a plurality of electron transmitting units arranged in a linear array and installed on the wall at one end within the vacuum box, each electron transmitting unit is independent to each other; the electron transmitting unit having: a heating filament; a cathode connected to the heating filament; a grid arranged above the cathode opposing the cathode; anode made of metal and installed at the other end of the vacuum box, and in the direction of length, the anode is parallel to the plane of the grid of the electron transmitting unit, and in the direction of width, the anode has a predetermined angle with respect to the plane of the grid of the electron transmitting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Chuanxiang TANG, Huaping TANG, Huaibi CHEN, Wenhui HUANG, Huayi ZHANG, Shuxin ZHENG, Yaohong LIU, Jinsheng LIU
  • Publication number: 20150063525
    Abstract: A CT system includes an x-ray source, a high-voltage (HV) tank coupled to the x-ray source, and an inverter coupled to the HV tank. The inverter includes an H-bridge configuration of switches comprising a first leg and a second leg, wherein the first and second legs include respective upper and lower switches, and at least one additional leg of switches having respective upper and lower switches. The system includes a controller configured to interleave switch operation between the H-bridge configuration and the at least one additional leg of switches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jason Stuart Katcha, Ezana T. Mekonnen
  • Patent number: 8971495
    Abstract: An imaging system can include an imaging capturing portion, an image processing unit, a main power supply and a supplemental power supply. The image capturing portion can include a source that emits an emission signal towards a target to be imaged, and a receiver that receives the emission signal emitted by the source. The image processing unit can receive the received emission signal from the imaging capturing portion and generate image data based on the received emission signal. The main power supply can be coupled to the imaging capturing portion and the imaging processing unit for providing operational power thereto. The supplemental power supply can be coupled to the main power supply and the imaging processing unit. The supplemental power supply can be charged by the main power supply in a first mode and provide operational power to the imaging processing unit in a second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventor: Jigney Shah
  • Publication number: 20150055750
    Abstract: An X-ray generator is capable of reducing invalid exposure caused due to wave tails, which do not contribute to the quality of an X-ray image, by preventing the wave tails from being supplied to an X-ray tube. An X-ray imaging apparatus includes the X-ray generator and a method of reducing the invalid exposure is implemented using the X-ray generator. The X-ray generator includes an X-ray tube to generate X-rays, and a high-voltage generator to supply a voltage having a pulse waveform to the X-ray tube. The high-voltage generator includes a high-voltage tank to generate a high voltage, a switch connected to an output terminal of the high-voltage tank and turned on or off, and a resistor located outside the high-voltage tank to receive a wave tail voltage having the pulse waveform and to consume power generated due to wave tails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun TAKAHASHI, Keun Su Chang
  • Patent number: 8964940
    Abstract: An x-ray beam control system includes a feedback control loop circuit having a modulation circuit. The feedback control loop circuit generates a control signal. A x-ray tube, has a filament response profile of tube current versus filament temperature that is non-linear. A compensation circuit receives the control signal and modifies the control signal according to a compensating function that is matched to the filament response profile. The modulation circuit receives the modified control signal and generates a drive signal. The x-ray tube receives the drive signal at a filament thereof, and outputs a tube current signal having a linear response to the control signal. The feedback control loop circuit receives the tube current signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Thermo Scientific Portable Analytical Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Caruso, Mark T. Dinsmore
  • Publication number: 20150043717
    Abstract: Variable pulse frequency during an output session of a betatron device and adjustable energy from pulse to pulse are provided. A different bias magnetic field may be used for different cycles of an output session, thereby providing different pulse energies. In one example, the bias field can be switched from a positive value to zero, with energy stored in a storage device when the bias field is zero. The bias field can also be used to expand electrons from a stable orbit when the bias field is decreased. For variable pulse frequency, when a current in the swing coils decreases to zero, the swing coils can be disengaged from a storage device for an adjustable time before re-engaging for a next cycle, thereby adjusting the frequency. In addition, radiation dose output can be adjusted by varying a length of time for the injection of electrons into a betatron.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gongyin Chen, Robert Drubka
  • Patent number: 8952335
    Abstract: Bias lines are provided for respective columns of pixels, and of a plurality of bias lines, bias lines provided at an interval of 10 mm are connected to a bias power source through a current detector. The remaining bias lines are connected directly to the bias power source without passing through the current detector. In each pixel, if electric charge is generated by a radiation detection element in accordance with the dose of irradiated radiation, a current flows in the bias line in accordance with the generated electric charge. The current detector detects the current flowing in the bias line, and a control unit detects, as the timing of starting irradiation of a radiation, when the detected current (current value) is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and starts radiographing of a radiological image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Keiichiro Sato
  • Publication number: 20150023468
    Abstract: A portable x-ray system includes a light weight x-ray head including an x-ray tube and a high voltage (HV) tank, wherein the HV tank comprises a compact voltage multiplier configured to receive a low voltage signal and generate a high voltage signal based on the received low voltage signal. Also, the portable x-ray system includes a carrying case comprising low voltage power electronics coupled to the light weight x-ray head through a low voltage cable, and configured to send the low voltage signal to the light weight x-ray head. In addition, the low voltage power electronics is distributed in a predefined space in the carrying case in such a way that a weight of the light weight x-ray head is counter weighed by a weight of the low voltage power electronics to stabilize the portable x-ray system when the light weight x-ray head is rotated in one or more directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Yun Zou, Scott Stephen Zelakiewicz, Fengfeng Tao, Xi Zhang, Timothy Powers, Thomas Edmund Sjoberg, Marc Weasler, Denis Perrillat-Amede
  • Patent number: 8929513
    Abstract: A voltage rectifier circuit for a radiation generator is provided. The voltage rectifier circuit comprises at least one ring shaped first printed circuit board and at least one ring shaped second printed circuit board coupled to each other using a plurality of connectors and wherein each of the first and second printed circuit boards comprise, a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal. The first terminal and second terminal are connected via an external diode assemble, and the first and third terminal are connected by a capacitor assembly embedded between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Venugopal Vadivel, Niranjan Kumar
  • Publication number: 20140369471
    Abstract: A transmissive target includes a target layer configured to include target metal and generate X-ray when receiving electrons and a substrate configured to support the target layer and include carbon as a main component. A carbide region including carbide of the target metal and a non-carbide region including the target metal are disposed in a mixed manner on a boundary surface between the substrate and the target layer on a target layer side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Takao Ogura, Shuji Yamada, Masatoshi Watanabe, Takeo Tsukamoto, Yoichi Ikarashi, Tadayuki Yoshitake
  • Patent number: 8903047
    Abstract: A high voltage circuit with arc protection comprises a circuit board, having a top surface and a bottom surface, and includes at least two electronic components in a circuit. An enclosure substantially surrounds the circuit board. A voltage differential of at least 5000 volts can exist between the enclosure and at least one of the electronic components. At least one electrically conductive plate is disposed between the top surface of the circuit board and the enclosure, disposed between the bottom surface of the circuit board and the enclosure, electrically insulated from the circuit board and the enclosure, and provides arc protection between at least one electronic component on the circuit board and the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventors: Dongbing Wang, Dave Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20140307856
    Abstract: An apparatus is configured for wireless transmission of data and electrical power between a fixed gantry part and a rotatable gantry part. The rotatable gantry part is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation of a computed tomography system. The apparatus includes a first support ring arranged on the rotatable gantry part, and a second support ring arranged on the fixed gantry part. The first support ring and the second support ring are rotationally symmetrical and L-shaped in cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas Luthardt, Helmut Repp
  • Patent number: 8861681
    Abstract: Methods and systems for active resonant voltage switching are provided. One active resonant switching system includes a voltage switching system having one or more active resonant modules to provide a switching voltage output. Each of the resonant modules includes a plurality of switching devices configured to operate in open and closed states to produce first and second voltage level outputs from a voltage input. The resonant modules also include a capacitor connected to the switching devices and configured to receive a discharge energy during a resonant operating cycle when switching an output voltage from the first voltage level to the second voltage level, wherein the capacitor is further configured to restore system energy when switching from the second to first voltage level. The resonant modules further include a resonant inductor configured to transfer energy to and from the capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Antonio Caiafa, Peter Michael Edic, Colin Richard Wilson
  • Publication number: 20140270083
    Abstract: A device for producing x-rays includes: a housing that includes a folded high-voltage multiplier coupled to a filament transformer, the transformer coupled to an x-ray tube for producing the x-rays. A method of fabrication and an x-ray source are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Dinsmore
  • Patent number: 8817950
    Abstract: An x-ray source can include an x-ray tube and a power supply. The x-ray tube can be removably affixed to the power supply in a rigid manner with the x-ray tube movable and holdable along with the power supply when affixed thereto. A releasable coupling between the x-ray tube and the power supply can create an interface defining a potential arc path. A means, such as a non-linear plug and socket junction, a gasket, or an electrically conductive sleeve, can be used for resisting arcing along the potential arc path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Hansen, Brian L. Taylor, Dave Reynolds, Dongbing Wang
  • Patent number: 8804910
    Abstract: A reduced power consumption x-ray source comprising: In one embodiment, an x-ray tube including an infrared heat reflector disposed inside an x-ray tube cylinder between the cathode and the anode and oriented to reflect a substantial portion of infrared heat radiating from a filament back to the filament, thus reducing heat loss from the filament. In another embodiment, an alternating current source for an x-ray tube filament including a switch for allowing power to flow to the filament for a longer or shorter time depending on the desired output x-ray flux. In another embodiment, a neutral grounded, direct current (DC) high voltage, power supply with parallel high voltage multipliers, each supplied by separate alternating current sources, but both the output of one alternating current source connected to ground and the input of another alternating current source connected to ground. The output of both high voltage multipliers are connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventors: Dongbing Wang, Dave Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8798235
    Abstract: A radiographic image capturing apparatus has a radiation source device including a radiation source for outputting radiation, a detector device including a radiation detector for detecting radiation that is transmitted through a subject when the subject is irradiated with radiation by the radiation source, and converting the detected radiation into a radiographic image, and an electric power supply limiting unit limiting a route for supply of electric power at least between the radiation source device and the detector device, and supplying electric power between the radiation source device and the detector device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunori Ohta, Naoyuki Nishino, Haruyasu Nakatsugawa
  • Patent number: 8798236
    Abstract: A radiographic image capturing apparatus has a radiation source device including a radiation source, and a detector device including a radiation detector. At least one of the radiation source device and the detector device includes an electric power supply limiting unit for limiting supply of electric power. The electric power supply limiting unit has an activator/deactivator for determining activation or deactivation of supply of electric power between the radiation source device and the detector device, based on a present position of a corresponding one of the radiation source device and the detector device, or based on distance between the radiation source device and the detector device, and an electric power supply activator for enabling supply of electric power between the radiation source device and the detector device, if the activator/deactivator determines activation of supply of electric power between the radiation source device and the detector device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunori Ohta, Naoyuki Nishino, Haruyasu Nakatsugawa
  • Publication number: 20140205070
    Abstract: Various of the disclosed embodiments contemplate systems and methods in an X-ray imaging system, such as a CT system, facilitating more crisp switching between high and low voltages at an X-ray tube. Certain embodiments circuits which store and discharge energy to improve voltage rise and fall times. These circuits may mitigate the effects of losses, hysteresis cycles, and leakage currents. More controlled voltage rise and fall times may improve X-ray emission and detection synchronization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Antonio Caiafa
  • Publication number: 20140161231
    Abstract: A gantry scanner system comprises a radiation source, a plurality of detectors and a support frame supporting the detectors. The support frame includes an elongate support member arranged to support the detectors, cable support means arranged to support power cables or signal cables connected to the detectors, and cover means arranged to cover the support member, the cable support means and the detectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Publication number: 20140140485
    Abstract: A transformer network circuit utilizing multiple smaller transformer cores, instead of a single, relatively larger core, for transferring electrical power while maintaining a smaller overall core mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventor: Moxtek, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20140093042
    Abstract: A radiation generating unit includes a radiation tube that has a vacuum chamber that has a cathode and anode at both ends of an insulating tubular member and is arranged inside a storage container filled with an insulating liquid in a state in which the radiation tube is arranged inside an insulating outer casing tube with a gap from a surrounding, wherein walls which partition the gap between the radiation tube and outer casing tube are provided while allowing a flow of the insulating liquid between the cathode side and anode side of the radiation tube and leaving in the gap a flow path which does not linearly continue to the cathode side and anode side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshio Suzuki, Koichi Tsunoda
  • Patent number: 8675817
    Abstract: An X-ray generator includes a booster circuit formed by sequentially connecting a plurality of boosting steps extending from a low-voltage terminal to a high-voltage terminal of its own. The booster circuit is arranged in a lateral region of the X-ray tube so as to make the low-voltage terminal of its own correspond to the anode of the X-ray tube and the high-voltage terminal of its own correspond to the cathode of the X-ray tube. A lead wire extending from the cathode to the outside of the X-ray tube is connected to the high-voltage terminal of the booster circuit. A molded member containing insulating resin is formed to shield at least a cathode side end part of the X-ray tube, the lead wire outwardly extending from the cathode side end part and a high-voltage terminal side end part of the booster circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Rigaku Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Ogata, Tetsuo Kani, Makoto Kanbe, Yoshihiro Takeda, Takahisa Sato
  • Publication number: 20140003583
    Abstract: Among other things, one or more rotating members of a radiation imaging modality, such as a CT system, are described herein. The rotating member may be configured to support at least one of a radiation source or a detector array and comprises at least one element configured to facilitate the transfer of power to the rotating member and at least one element configured to facilitate the transfer of information between the rotating member and a stator. The rotating member may also comprise one or more positioning elements that are formed within the rotating member and are configured to facilitate determining a rotation angle of the rotating member. The rotating member may further comprise, among other things, a bearing structure, antenna assembly for transferring image data, and/or a drive mechanism for facilitating rotation of the rotating member, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Analogic Corporation
    Inventors: Libor Krupica, John Hickey, Chris Hardy
  • Publication number: 20130308754
    Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission type radiation generating target which can suppress the exfoliation or the crack of a target layer in an interface between a supporting substrate and the target layer, even when the density of incident electrons has been enhanced or the potential of the target has been enhanced. The transmission type radiation generating target includes a supporting substrate, and a target layer which is arranged on the supporting substrate and generates radiation in response to irradiation with an electron beam, wherein the target layer has an opening through which the supporting substrate is exposed, and the opening overlaps with a position at which the density of the irradiation with the electron beam is maximum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Yamazaki, Miki Tamura
  • Publication number: 20130308757
    Abstract: A high voltage device includes a circuit board 12 surrounded by an enclosure 11, potting 13 to provide electrical insulation between the circuit board 12 and the enclosure 11, and a layer of material 14, having a different resistivity than a resistivity of the potting 13, dividing the potting into separate and discrete sections. The layer of material 14 can be multiple layers. Each layer 14 can have a voltage applied, and a voltage of any layer 14 closer to the circuit board 12 can have a higher absolute value than any layer 14 farther from the circuit board 12.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Moxtex, Inc.
    Inventor: Dongbing Wang
  • Patent number: 8588371
    Abstract: An inverter circuit allowing a single drive circuit to perform both tracking control for tracking resonance frequency fluctuations caused by load fluctuations, and power control, thereby reducing switching loss. An inverter drive circuit part obtains a phase difference between output current and output voltage directed to a load circuit connected to a midpoint of two arm circuits of the inverter circuit, and controls a phase of the driving signal directed to each semiconductor switch such that the phase difference becomes zero or a predetermined value, enabling an operating frequency of the inverter circuit part to track a resonance frequency of the load circuit, and enabling a current phase to be delayed with respect to a voltage phase, thereby achieving ZCS. Since the phase difference is used, an auxiliary circuit is not necessary for measuring a current value in proximity to the semiconductor switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignees: Hitachi Medical Corporation, Institute of National College of Technology, National University Cooperation Nagaoka University of Technology
    Inventors: Mina Ogawa, Itaru Ando, Kiyoshi Ohishi, Shoutaro Shindo
  • Patent number: 8576987
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes X-ray generators, X-ray detectors, high voltage generators, a switching device, an abnormality detection unit and a control unit. The high voltage generators are configured to apply voltages to the X-ray generators. The switching device is configured to switch outputs from the high voltage generators to the X-ray generators. The abnormality detection unit is configured to detect an abnormality in the high voltage generators. The control unit is configured to control the switching device to switch from an output from a high voltage generator of which abnormality has been detected by the abnormality detection unit toward a corresponding X-ray generator to an output from another high voltage generator toward the corresponding X-ray generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Manabu Fukuwara, Mitsuru Sakata, Katsuie Ikawa
  • Patent number: 8571179
    Abstract: A power delivery system for computed tomography includes at least one transformer (e.g., an isolation transformer, a coupling transformer, an adaptation transformer), a rotary transformer, and at least two power inverters. The rotary transformer includes a stationary winding disposed on a stationary side and a rotational winding disposed on a rotating side. The isolation or adaptation transformer is coupled to the stationary winding or the rotating winding of the rotary transformer. At least two power inverters are constructed and arranged to provide power to the primary winding of the rotary transformer. The high-voltage unit is disposed on the rotating side and connected to receive power from the rotational winding and constructed to provide power to an X-ray source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Beland
  • Patent number: 8526574
    Abstract: A circuit providing reliable voltage isolation between a low and high voltage sides of a circuit while allowing AC power transfer between the low and high voltage sides of the circuit to an x-ray tube filament. Capacitors provide the isolation between the low and high voltage sides of the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventors: Dongbing Wang, Dave Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8519721
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for compensation of system tolerances in an inductive coupler which includes a power generator that feeds an alternating current into a series resonance circuit formed by a resonance capacitor and an inductive rotating transmission device. First, a brief sequence of at least one period of an alternating current is fed by the power generator into the series resonance circuit. Then the series resonance circuit is short-circuited. A first resonance frequency is measured. Then a longer sequence having a plurality of periods of an alternating-current voltage is generated by the power generator, so that a given small voltage is built up at the load. Now a second resonance frequency is measured while the resonance circuit is short-circuited. Then at least one correcting variable for the power generator is determined from the two resonance frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Schleifring und Apparatebau GmbH
    Inventors: Nils Krumme, Arno Zimpfer, Stefan Fischer
  • Publication number: 20130195251
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus comprises: a wireless communication unit configured to communicate with a control apparatus; a measurement unit configured to measure first and second wireless parameters representing a wireless communication environment; a movement stop detection unit configured to detect a movement stop of the X-ray imaging apparatus based on a temporal variation in the first wireless parameter; a wireless environment determination unit configured to determine one of stability and instability of the wireless communication environment based on a temporal variation in the second wireless parameter; and an output unit configured to output, to the control apparatus, a signal to prohibit an X-ray generation apparatus connected to the control apparatus from performing exposure based on a detection result of the movement stop detection unit and a determination result of the wireless environment determination unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
  • Publication number: 20130177137
    Abstract: An X-ray tube includes a vacuum-filled housing and an anode contained in the vacuum-filled housing. The anode is operable to produce an X-ray beam based on electrons emitted from a cathode and attracted by a high voltage applied to the anode. The X-ray tube also includes a high-voltage power line introduced from an external side of the housing for supplying the anode with a high-voltage potential. The X-ray tube includes an electrical feed for electrically insulating the high-voltage power line from the housing. The electrical feed in the X-ray tube includes at least two insulating layers radially between the high-voltage power line and the housing. The at least two insulating layers are separated from one another by a metallic coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventors: Richard Eichhorn, Christian Hoffmann, Jan Matschulla, Gia Khanh Pham
  • Publication number: 20130163725
    Abstract: An x-ray source can include an x-ray tube and a power supply. The x-ray tube can be removably affixed to the power supply in a rigid manner with the x-ray tube movable and holdable along with the power supply when affixed thereto. A releasable coupling between the x-ray tube and the power supply can create an interface defining a potential arc path. A means, such as a non-linear plug and socket junction, a gasket, or an electrically conductive sleeve, can be used for resisting arcing along the potential arc path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: William H. Hansen, Brian L. Taylor, Dave Reynolds, Dongbing Wang
  • Patent number: 8385504
    Abstract: A DC/AC power inverter control unit of a resonant-type power converter circuit (400), in particular a DC/DC converter, for supplying an output power for use in a high-voltage generator circuitry of an X-ray radiographic imaging system, a 3D rotational angiography device, or X-ray computed tomography device, comprises an interphase transformer (406) connected in series to at least one series resonant tank circuit (403a and 403a? or 403b and 403b?) at the output of two DC/AC power inverter stages (402a+b) supplying a multi-primary winding high-voltage transformer (404). The interphase transformer (406) removes a difference (?I) in resonant output currents and (I1 and I2) of the DC/AC power inverter stages (402a+b). In addition, a control method is disclosed which assures that the interphase transformer (406) is not saturated. Furthermore, the control method ensures zero current operation and provides for minimized input power losses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Christian Hattrup, Thomas Scheel, Peter Luerkens
  • Publication number: 20130044866
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the generation of X-ray-radiation (10), in particular to an X-ray generating device (2) adapted for interventional imaging. Brachytherapy requires for miniaturized X-ray generating devices (2) suitable for in vivo operation. In particular, an X-ray generating device (2) arranged within a patient's body requires dedicated cabling for providing both a high voltage and/or cooling to the X-ray source. Accordingly, an X-ray generating device (2) is provided that employs a mechanical energy source for local generation of a high voltage within the X-ray generating device (2) and further employing the mechanical energy source for cooling of the X-ray source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Gereon Vogtmeier
  • Patent number: 8331533
    Abstract: Provided is an X-ray irradiator which reduces the occurrence of discharge resulting from the difference in electric potential in the X-ray irradiator, and which concurrently achieves reduction in size and weight. In an X-ray irradiator (1), an X-ray tube (11) and a high-voltage generator (2) are installed inside a casing (18), and an insulation oil (13) is filled in the casing (18). The high-voltage generator (2) is configured by arranging and electrically connecting together multiple ring-shaped voltage amplifying units (21). An anode (14) and a cathode (15) of the X-ray tube (11) are fitted in and thus installed in hollow portions of the voltage amplifying units (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Job Corporation
    Inventor: Keiichiro Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20120307971
    Abstract: An imaging system can include an imaging capturing portion, an image processing unit, a main power supply and a supplemental power supply. The image capturing portion can include a source that emits an emission signal towards a target to be imaged, and a receiver that receives the emission signal emitted by the source. The image processing unit can receive the received emission signal from the imaging capturing portion and generate image data based on the received emission signal. The main power supply can be coupled to the imaging capturing portion and the imaging processing unit for providing operational power thereto. The supplemental power supply can be coupled to the main power supply and the imaging processing unit. The supplemental power supply can be charged by the main power supply in a first mode and provide operational power to the imaging processing unit in a second mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventor: Jigney Shah
  • Patent number: 8270570
    Abstract: An X-ray image diagnosis apparatus which can accept operations from a plurality of operation panels can ensure convenience for operators while avoiding the risk of excessively exposing an object to X-rays. This invention is a control method in an X-ray image diagnosis apparatus which irradiates an object with X-rays and processes a captured image obtained by imaging the object. This method includes the steps of receiving information associated with an imaging condition at the time of X-ray irradiation which is input via an operation panel, discriminating, when the information associated with the imaging condition is received, an operation panel from which the information associated with the imaging condition has been input, and restricting, when the information associated with the imaging condition is received, the reception of a specific instruction input via an operation panel other than the discriminated operation panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinichi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8249217
    Abstract: There is provided an inverter device that can detect short-circuit of a switching element of an inverter circuit even under a load condition that a PWM driving signal is very small. The inverter device is provided with means for independently supplying a short-circuit detecting PWM driving signal to respective switching elements S1 to S4 at different timings before the inverter circuit 21 supplies a PWM driving signal for supplying power to a high voltage generating device 31, successively turning on the respective switching elements S1 to S4 with the short-circuit detecting PWM driving signal, detecting on-voltages of the switching elements S1 to S4 which are connected to the turned-on switching elements S1 to S4 in series, and detecting overcurrent or short-circuit states of the switching elements S1 to S4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Hirokazu Iijima, Takuya Domoto, Takayuki Masaki