Abstract: A composite stator is disclosed for use with rotationally driven apparatus, particularly high voltage x-ray tubes. The composite stator generally comprises a core, a plurality of motor windings, and a retaining band. The core is comprised of two or more core sections having slots defined therein for receiving the motor windings. The motor windings are wound through and between the slots of the core sections, after which the core sections are joined together to form the core. The core sections are maintained in an assembled configuration by the retaining band. The motor windings are interconnected to comprise the electromagnetic pole pairs of the composite stator, thereby allowing the stator to induce the rotation of the rotor assembly of the high voltage x-ray tube.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an X-ray source comprising an X-ray source including a high-voltage applying part for generating an X-ray projecting from a bulb part; a power supply including an insulating block molding therein a voltage generating part for supplying a voltage to the high-voltage applying part; and a metallic tubular member accommodating the bulb part and securing the X-ray tube. The metallic tubular member is secured to the outside of the insulating block. The metallic tubular member encapsulates therein an insulating liquid material for the bulb part to be dipped therein.

Abstract: According to a first embodiment of the invention, a dual cathode electrode for generating EUV light is disclosed. The dual cathode electrode may include a first outer cathode, a second inner cathode, and an anode disposed between the inner and outer cathodes. The dual cathode electrode also includes a plasma disposed in between the cathodes that emits EUV photons when it is excited by an arc between the anode and the cathodes. According to a second embodiment of the invention, several Dense Plasma Focus (DPF) electrodes are placed along a circle. The DPF electrodes, when activated, will emit electron photons from the circle in which they are placed thereby avoiding obscuration used to protect UV mirrors against debris.

Abstract: An X-ray diaphragm which forms a pyramidal X-ray beam with use of a simple construction includes four blades which are arranged in a surrounding relation to four sides so as to form a pyramidal X-ray beam with an X-ray focus as a vertex, the four blades having a structure such that the blades are fitted in one another in the form of parallel crosses at portions corresponding to four-corner edges of the pyramid. The blades have respective plural cross beams, the cross beams being formed such that adjacent cross beams are fitted in each other. The distance between mutually opposed blades is variable.

Abstract: An x-ray emitting window is formed at a front end face, and a taper surface tilted with respect to the x-ray emitting direction is formed near the emitting window, whereby an object to be inspected can be prevented from abutting against the front end face even if the object is pivoted about an axis intersecting the emitting direction while the object is disposed closer to the x-ray emitting window. As a consequence, while the object is disposed closer to the x-ray emitting position, the orientation of the object can be changed. Therefore, when inspecting the internal structure of the object and the like by irradiating the object with x-rays and detecting the x-rays transmitted through the object, not only a magnified penetration image of the object with a high magnification rate is obtained, but also the internal structure of the object and the like can be verified in detail by changing the orientation of the object.

Abstract: A rotary piston tube for an x-ray radiator is provided in which the vacuum housing, accommodating an anode and a cathode and displaceable in rotation, comprises a 360° all-around ray exit window. For optimization of the ray exit window, this is produced according to one of the subsequently stated material specifications: a) a high-temperature steel or a high-temperature chromium and/or nickel alloy, listed in the standard EN 10273 and EN 10302, at a wall thickness between 0.1 to 0.4 mm; b) a titanium material at a wall thickness between 0.2 and 2 mm; and c) a ceramic material at a wall thickness between 1 mm and 5 mm.

Abstract: Briefly in accordance with one embodiment, the present technique provides an X-ray source. The X-ray source includes an electron source configured to generate an electron beam. The X-ray source also includes an ultra-violet photon source configured to generate one or more mono-energetic streams of ultra-violet photons. The X-ray source further includes an interaction region configured to facilitate interaction of the electron beam and the one or more mono-energetic streams of ultra-violet photons to generate X-rays having a substantially monochromatic or multimodal distribution.

Abstract: A rotating anode x-ray tube has a rotating anode contained in a vacuum-sealed housing with a compartment for a cathode projecting from a cover of the housing opposite the rotating anode. To improve the durability, a transition part connecting the compartment with the cover has high-temperature stability that is greater than that of the cover or of the compartment.

Abstract: An X-ray tube 1 comprises of a bulb 10 joined to an envelope main body 4 at one end side thereof and having an inner cylinder portion 10a extending inwardly at the other end side thereof, a metal tube 11 having an extension portion 11a abutting against the inner cylinder portion 10a on the outer periphery of one end side thereof and projecting to the outside of the bulb 10 through the inner cylinder portion 10a at the other end side thereof, and a target supporter 12 supporting a target T at the one end side thereof and inserted into the metal tube 11 at the other side thereof. The inner cylinder portion 10a of the bulb 10 and the extension portion 11a of the metal tube 11 are fuse-bonded to each other, and the target supporter 12 is welded to the end portion of the metal tube 11 projecting from the bulb 10.

Abstract: A microfocus X-ray tube is provided, and comprises a head that during operation of the X-ray tube faces an object that is to be inspected. The head has an outer surface with a cross-section that tapers toward a free end of the head. A target is disposed on or in the head. A mechanism is provided for forming an electron beam adapted to bombard the target, and forms the electron beam such that the X-ray tube has a focus with a diameter of ?200 ?m. The target has an outer surface with a cross-section that tapers toward an end of the target that during the operation of the X-ray tube faces an object that is to be inspected. A collimator can be provided for the target and also has an outer surface with a cross-section that tapers toward an end of the collimator that during operation of the X-ray tube faces an object that is to be inspected.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an X-ray source comprising an X-ray source including a high-voltage applying part for generating an X-ray projecting from a bulb part; a power supply including an insulating block molding therein a voltage generating part for supplying a voltage to the high-voltage applying part; and a metallic tubular member accommodating the bulb part and securing the X-ray tube. The metallic tubular member is secured to the outside of the insulating block. The metallic tubular member encapsulates therein an insulating liquid material for the bulb part to be dipped therein.

Abstract: A high-capacity x-ray tube particularly for use in medical technology in CT apparatuses, has a vacuum housing containing a cathode and a rotatably mounted anode. The anode plate of the anode is connected by a solder connection to the one end of a load-bearing part, the other end of which is attached to the bearing shaft of a drive for placing the anode in rotation. The mechanical strength of the connection location between the anode plate and the load-bearing part is improved by the connection being formed by a positive fit, designed such that the connection surfaces are subjected substantially only to compression given rotation of the anode.

Abstract: In an X-ray tube having a metallic vacuum housing containing an anode and a cathode which emits an electron beam proceeding from said cathode to said anode, the metallic vacuum housing is improved by providing several notches into the surface of the metallic vacuum housing.

Abstract: A miniature x-ray tube capable of intra vascular use, has a micro cathode preferably formed by MEMS techniques. The very fine wire of the cathode filament is formed on a semiconductor base and draws a current sufficiently low that lead wires in a cathode heater circuit, passing through a probe line connected to the x-ray tube, can be very small wires, which helps maintain sufficient dielectric spacing in the high voltage circuit handled by the same probe line. In a preferred embodiment the probe line comprises a glass fiber, held at a small diameter to allow flexibility for navigating small-radius turns within the vessels. In a preferred embodiment the fiber is overcoated with a high-dielectric polymer to significantly increase the dielectric strength of the overall cable, without adding significantly to stiffness. The high voltage ground conductor is a coaxial sheath on the outside of the polymer. Exterior to the ground conductor is a further flexible layer having paths for coolant.

Abstract: A cathode (38) for an imaging tube (33) is provided. The cathode (38) includes an emitter (74) that emits an electron beam (98) to a focal spot (46) on an anode (44). A backing member (76) is electrically disposed on a second side (78) of the emitter (74) and contributes in formation of the electron beam (98). A deflection electrode (82) is electrically disposed between the backing member (76) and the anode (44) and adjusts position of the focal spot (46) on the anode (44). A non-contact x-ray source component position measuring system (32) is also provided. The position measuring system (32) includes an electromagnetic source (18) having an electromagnetic radiation source component (42) and a probe (50) that directs an emission signal (52) at and receives a return signal from the electromagnetic radiation source component (42). A controller (28) generates the emission signal (52) and determines position of the electromagnetic radiation source component (42) in response to the return signal (54).

Abstract: A therapeutic radiation source includes an in situ radiation detecting system for monitoring in real time an amount of the therapeutic radiation that has been generated. An electron source generates electrons in response to light that is transmitted through a fiber optic cable and impinges upon the electron source. The electrons are accelerated toward the target and strike the target, causing the target to emit therapeutic radiation, such as x-rays. A scintillator is disposed along a path of a portion of the emitted therapeutic radiation, and generates scintillator light corresponding to the intensity of the therapeutic radiation that is incident upon the scintillator. A photodetector in optical communication with the scintillator produces a signal indicative of the intensity of the therapeutic radiation incident upon the scintillator.

Abstract: An imaging tube (52, 52?) includes a vacuum vessel (96) and an atmospheric-side supply line assembly (104, 104?). The vacuum vessel (96) has an internal vacuum (98). The supply line assembly (104, 104?) has an electromagnetic shield (94, 94?). An insulator (106, 106?) separates the internal vacuum (98) from an external atmosphere (126). A cathode post (92, 92?) resides within the vacuum vessel (96). The cathode post (92, 92?) is in conductive proximity with the electromagnetic shield (94, 94?) and prevents the bending of electrostatic field lines within the imaging tube (52, 52?).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for generating extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation, i.e., radiation of high-energy photons in the wavelength range from 11 to 14 nm, based on a gas discharge. The object of the invention, to find a novel possibility for generating EUV radiation in which an extended life of the system is achieved with stable generation of a dense, hot plasma column, is met according to the invention in that a preionization discharge is ignited between two parallel disk-shaped flat electrodes prior to the main discharge by a surface discharge along the superficies surface of a cylindrical insulator with a plasma column generated through the gas discharge with pulsed direct voltage, which preionization discharge carries out an ionization of the working gas in the discharge chamber by means of fast charged particles.

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 compact X-ray source is disclosed, improving controllability and insulation from unwanted high voltage effects. In one aspect, an active variable conductance device (130, 330) connected in series with the cathode is used in a closed loop, feedback arrangement to control the cathode beam current; the current flowing through the device to the cathode being directly sensed and compared with a desired current level. The result of the comparison is used to control the conductance of the device, thereby directly influencing the cathode current. A second aspect provides an extension of a Faraday cage, whereby the secondary winding of a transformer used to supply power to components within the cage is shielded within a coaxial, tubular member connected to the cage and extending outwardly from it.

Abstract: A system and method for providing pulsed power application for an x-ray tube that comprises an x-ray tube having an anode and cathode; and a power supply adapted to provide an anode-to-cathode gap accelerating potential and photons, wherein the gap voltage and photons are pulsed and received by the x-ray tube via a single cable from the power supply resulting in a pulsed x-ray radiation.

Abstract: An x-ray emitting window is formed at a front end face, and a taper surface tilted with respect to the x-ray emitting direction is formed near the emitting window, whereby an object to be inspected can be prevented from abutting against the front end face even if the object is pivoted about an axis intersecting the emitting direction while the object is disposed closer to the x-ray emitting window. As a consequence, while the object is disposed closer to the x-ray emitting position, the orientation of the object can be changed. Therefore, when inspecting the internal structure of the object and the like by irradiating the object with x-rays and detecting the x-rays transmitted through the object, not only a magnified penetration image of the object with a high magnification rate is obtained, but also the internal structure of the object and the like can be verified in detail by changing the orientation of the object.

Abstract: A target cap for preventing the production of contaminating secondary x-rays from a stationary anode x-ray tube is disclosed. The x-ray tube includes an evacuated enclosure in which is disposed a cathode and an anode. The target cap is useful in applications such as x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy for improving the spectral purity of the stream of primary x-rays produced by electron bombardment of the anode target surface by the cathode. In one embodiment, the target cap comprises a top target surface and a side wall covering a portion of the anode substrate. Electrons backscattered from the target surface are attracted to the anode substrate and impact the side wall of the target cap, producing secondary x-rays having characteristic wavelengths that are substantially identical to those of the primary x-rays produced by the target surface and are therefore not contaminating to the primary x-ray stream.

Abstract: A high voltage connector assembly is disclosed for use with high power apparatus including x-ray devices. The present connector is a pancake-style connector, and interconnects a high voltage cable with the cathode of the x-ray tube. The present connector includes a housing, a socket assembly, and insulating material surrounding the socket assembly to insulate it from the housing. The socket assembly comprises a potting-filled conductive sleeve having a continuously shaped, smooth terminal end. The terminal end of the sleeve forms a triple junction with the insulating material and air present near the sleeve. The continuously smooth terminal sleeve end prevents electrical arcing to occur at the triple junction by reducing field strength at the terminal end and urging the electric field of the socket assembly away from the triple junction. The reduction in electrical arcing propensity allows the x-ray device to operate at relatively higher operating voltages.

Abstract: The voltage applied to a first grid electrode 71 of an X-ray tube 11 by a grid voltage control section 110 is controlled with reference to a predetermined negative voltage from a negative voltage generating section 112 when an object 5 to be inspected does not exist in an imaging area (irradiation area of an X-ray from an X-ray source 1) so that the pulse outputted from a pulse generator 105 is in its OFF state, and is controlled with reference to a reference positive voltage from a reference voltage generating section 115 when the object 5 to be inspected exists in the imaging area in the X-ray image intensifier 2 (irradiation area of the X-ray from the X-ray source 1) so that the pulse outputted from the pulse generator 105 is in its ON state, whereby both of the cutoff voltage and grid operating voltage are applied in a stable state.

Abstract: An X-ray anode is produced by scoring at least a region of a surface of the anode, on which electrons are incident, with a number of defined microslits, thereby making the surface, or at least the region thereof, highly thermally stressable.

Abstract: A power source for the operation of a deflection coil for an electron beam of an x-ray tube has a voltage source and a bridge circuit that is connected with each end of the deflection coil, respectively via one power switch in series connection to opposite poles of the voltage source. A current tap taps a coil current signal proportional to the current through the deflection coil. An activation comparator and a deactivation comparator are connected with the current tap to which an activation current signal Imin and a deactivation current signal Imax are supplied. The power switches are connected with the activation comparator and deactivation comparator such that they are closed in the event that the coil current signal undershoots the activation current signal Imin and opened in the event that the coil current signal overshoots the deactivation current signal Imax.

Abstract: A catheter for emitting radiation is disclosed, comprising a catheter shaft and an x-ray unit attached to the distal end of the catheter shaft. The x-ray unit comprises an anode and a cathode coupled to an insulator to define a vacuum chamber. The cathode is preferably a field emission cathode of graphite or graphite coated with titanium carbide, for example. The anode is preferably tungsten and the insulator is preferably pyrolytic boron nitride. The x-ray unit is preferably coupled to a voltage source through a coaxial cable. The anode is preferably a heavy metal such as tungsten. The cathode may also be a ferroelectric material. The x-ray unit can have a diameter less than about 4 mm and a length less than about 15 mm. Methods of use of the catheter are also disclosed. The catheter of the present invention can be used to irradiate the site of an angioplasty procedure to prevent restenosis. It can also be used to treat other conditions in any vessel, lumen or cavity of the body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a radiographic apparatus, and its method of manufacture, that utilizes a single integral housing for providing an evacuated envelope for an anode and cathode assembly. The integral housing is preferably formed from a substrate material, such as Kovar, that has a radiation shielding layer, which is comprised of a powder metal that is deposited with a plasma spray process. The powder metal includes, for example, tungsten and iron, so that the radiation shield layer provides sufficient radiation blocking and heat transfer characteristics such that an additional external housing is not required. In an alternative embodiment, the integral housing is composed of a solidified integrated mixture of metallic powders that function together as both the integral housing wall and the radiation shielding. The integral housing is air cooled, and thus does not utilize any liquid coolant.

Abstract: A rotary component support system for positioning and securing an anode of x-ray tube. The rotary component support system includes a shaft, to which the anode is indirectly mounted, that includes a tapered end and defines a threaded hole. The tapered end of the shaft is engaged by a tapered cavity defined by a mounting piece that is disposed in an aperture defined by the vacuum enclosure of the x-ray tube. The mounting piece defines a hole through which a bolt passes. The bolt engages the threaded hole defined by the support shaft so that as the bolt is tightened, the tapered end of the support shaft is drawn into the tapered cavity of the mounting piece. Due to the tapered geometries, the support shaft self-aligns itself with respect to the mounting piece. A weld at the interface between the bolt and the mounting piece seals the vacuum enclosure.

Abstract: A microfocus X-ray tube is provided, and comprises a head that during operation of the X-ray tube faces an object that is to be inspected. The head has an outer surface with a cross-section that tapers toward a free end of the head. A target is disposed on or in the head. A mechanism is provided for forming an electron beam adapted to bombard the target, and forms the electron beam such that the X-ray tube has a focus with a diameter of ≦200 &mgr;m. The target has an outer surface with a cross-section that tapers toward an end of the target that during the operation of the X-ray tube faces an object that is to be inspected. A collimator can be provided for the target and also has an outer surface with a cross-section that tapers toward an end of the collimator that during operation of the X-ray tube faces an object that is to be inspected.

Abstract: An X-ray tube 1 includes spacer 8 which is cylindrical so it does not block electrons 80 directed from a grid electrode 72 toward a focusing electrode 25, and which has one end 8b fixed to the grid electrode 72 and the other end 8c abutting against the focusing electrode 25. The distance between the grid electrode 72 and focusing electrode 25 is set to a predetermined distance by the spacer 8.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wave energy emitter including a generally cylindrical probe including generally coaxial first and second electrodes, each of the electrodes having an at least partially cylindrical shape, one of the electrodes being energizable to emit electrons and the other of the electrodes being adapted to receive the electrons and generate electromagnetic wave energy. A grid element may be placed between the first and second electrodes. A controller may be in communication with the grid element, adapted to control a potential of the grid element. The grid element may have an at least partially cylindrical shape. The grid element may be placed concentrically or non-concentrically with respect to the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A system and method for providing pulsed power application for an x-ray tube that comprises an x-ray tube having an anode and cathode; and a power supply adapted to provide an anode-to-cathode gap accelerating potential and photons, wherein the gap voltage and photons are pulsed and received by the x-ray tube via a single cable from the power supply resulting in a pulsed x-ray radiation.

Abstract: A method of imaging an object by generating laser pulses with a short-pulse, high-power laser. When the laser pulse strikes a conductive target, bremsstrahlung radiation is generated such that hard ballistic high-energy electrons are formed to penetrate an object. A detector on the opposite side of the object detects these electrons. Since laser pulses are used to form the hard x-rays, multiple pulses can be used to image an object in motion, such as an exploding or compressing object, by using time gated detectors. Furthermore, the laser pulses can be directed down different tubes using mirrors and filters so that each laser pulse will image a different portion of the object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for reducing variation in a spot size of an electron beam at a target due to multipole aberrations in an electron beam tomography (EBT) scanner. A magnitude of a DC voltage applied to a positive ion electrode (PIE) within the EBT scanner is adjusted and an orientation of a non-circular aperture of the PIE is aligned with respect to the electron beam. A profile of the spot size is monitored while adjusting the magnitude of the DC voltage and while aligning the orientation of the non-circular aperture of the PIE until the variation in the spot size is sufficiently reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter having an x-ray generator unit at its tip which generates x-ray radiation having a wavelength in a range effective for treating biological tissue. In one embodiment, the x-ray generator unit includes a miniature x-ray generator and a miniature transformer that form, in combination, a monolithic device. The transformer includes a primary winding that receives an input voltage in a range of 100 V to 4 kV from a power source, via a flexible cable that runs from the proximal end of the catheter body to its distal end. The transformer further includes a secondary winding that up-converts the input voltage to generate an output voltage in a range of 10 kV to 40 kV to be applied to a cathode of the x-ray generator. The cathode emits electrons in response to the applied voltage, and an extraction electrode guides the emitted electrons to an anode, which is preferably formed of a high-Z refractory metal.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wave energy emitter including a generally cylindrical probe including generally coaxial first and second electrodes, each of the electrodes having an at least partially cylindrical shape, one of the electrodes being energizable to emit electrons and the other of the electrodes being adapted to receive the electrons and generate electromagnetic wave energy. A grid element may be placed between the first and second electrodes. A controller may be in communication with the grid element, adapted to control a potential of the grid element. The grid element may have an at least partially cylindrical shape. The grid element may be placed concentrically or non-concentrically with respect to the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A dental x-ray tube head having a housing with an x-ray tube mounted in it, with improved shielding for preventing stray radiation from emanating outside of the path of the primary x-ray beam. The shielding includes an inner hollow element encasing the x-ray tube and having an aperture through which the primary beam projects, with an open end for connecting wires to the x-ray tube. The shielding further includes an outer hollow element which fits over the inner element in such a way as to cover the open end, with clearance for the wires connected to the tube. Both the inner element and the outer element are comprised of a mixture of polypropylene and barium sulfate. The combination of the inner element and the outer element completely surrounds the x-ray tube with the barium sulfate impregnated material, eliminating the use of lead within the tube head, and thereby providing excellent electrical insulation characteristics besides the x-ray attenuation.

Abstract: An imaging tube (51) is provided including a cathode (58) and an anode (60). The cathode (58) includes an emission surface (99), which emits a plurality of electrons along an emission axis (56). The anode (60) includes a body (76) having a track (58) on a peripheral section (78) of the body (76). The plurality of electrons are directed to impinge on the track (58) at an impingement angle &agr; approximately equal to or between 15° and 25° relative to the emission axis (56) and are converted into x-rays. A method of generating x-rays within the imaging tube is also provided.

Abstract: An x-ray tube (10) includes an evacuated envelope (14), a cathode assembly (20) located in the evacuated envelope and a disk shaped anode assembly (18) located in the evacuated envelope in operative relationship with the cathode assembly for generating x-rays (40). The anode assembly includes an axis of rotation (26) and a target substrate (28) facing the cathode assembly. A heat pipe (33) is located within the anode assembly (18). The heat pipe is comprised of an evacuated shell (60) and is vacuum sealed at a first end (70) of the shell and at a second end (72). A material (80, 82) within the shell is a working fluid for the heat pipe at x-ray tube operating conditions. A porous wick (62) is located within the shell and the wick has a length extending from the first end (70) of the shell to the second end (72) of the shell. A shield (64) is attached to the wick to reduce working fluid loss out of the wick during x-ray tube operation.

Abstract: A metal frame x-ray tube (1), includes a gettering system (90) which, when activated, provides a layer (147) of gettering material (98) on a grounded conductive portion (72, 74) of a metal frame or envelope (14). The envelope defines an evacuated chamber (12), which houses an anode (10) and a cathode (18). Moving the gettering material to larger diameter portions of the frame enables substantially larger amounts of gettering material to be provided than in a conventional gettering system, which is typically housed in the cathode assembly (26). Moreover, multiple independently controllable gettering wires (92, 94) facilitate reactivating the gettering material plural times both during the manufacturing process and in the field. This ability to rejuvenate vacuum pumping capability in an x-ray tube that is starting to arc in the field allows for extended x-ray tube life.

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.

Abstract: An x-ray tube (20) includes an evacuated envelope (26). Mounted within the evacuated envelope are a cathode (23) and a rotatbly supported anode (30). A rotor (70) is included for rotatably driving the anode. The rotor (70) is electrically insulated from the anode (30) by a disk (76) comprised of an insulating material.

Abstract: A vacuum casing for a vacuum tube has an X-ray window which is formed of vitreous carbon and is joined to the vacuum enclosure by an active brazing alloy.

Abstract: A high voltage device housing assembly includes a housing and a high voltage assembly arranged in combination with an improved insulation system. The high voltage assembly is disposed within the enclosure defined by the housing, and the outer surface of the high voltage device, such as a vacuum tube, bears an insulator including a first portion generally continuously covering the side surface of the high voltage and an integral second portion comprising a plurality of spaced apart projections extending around the side surface and between the first portion and the inner wall of the housing. Air gaps are present between the respective projections, and the spacing of the ribs is established in a manner that inhibits ionic conduction from occurring between the housing and the high voltage device, which otherwise could lead to high voltage breakdowns.

Abstract: It is an X-ray generating apparatus having an X-ray shielding means superior in thermal conductivity. The X-ray generating apparatus comprises an X-ray tube, an X-ray tube container, and a support member which is constructed of an electrically insulating material and which supports the X-ray tube within the X-ray tube container, the X-ray tube container being constituted by a combination of copper alloy plates with lead incorporated therein and a plate of a composite material, the composite material being formed by laminating lead and epoxy laminated glass cloth sheets so as to include an intermediate layer of lead, the X-ray tube container having an aperture (for X-ray emission and containing the X-ray tube so as to prevent the emission of X-ray from any other portion than the aperture.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging apparatus having an anode stem assembly with explosion-bonded joints is provided. Explosion-bonding the components of an anode stem assembly to one another provides a hermetic seal with increased reliability as well as reducing the anode stem's susceptibility to thermal and/or mechanical induced fracture. By eliminating the need for brazing and/or welding material within the anode stem, the present invention also provides an anode stem with increased heat transfer capabilities. Further, providing explosion-bonded joints creates a simple joint microstructure absent any voids and temperature-induced phases not previously present in the anode stem materials.

Abstract: An X-ray tube 1 includes spacer 8 which is cylindrical so it does not block electrons 80 directed from a grid electrode 72 toward a focusing electrode 25, and which has one end 8b fixed to the grid electrode 72 and the other end 8c abutting against the focusing electrode 25. The distance between the grid electrode 72 and focusing electrode 25 is set to a predetermined distance by the spacer 8.

Abstract: An improved x-ray tube cooling system is disclosed. The system utilizes a shield structure that is connected between a cathode cylinder and an x-ray tube housing and is disposed between the electron source and the target anode. The shield includes a plurality of cooling fins to improve overall cooling of the x-ray tube and the shield so as to extend the life of the x-ray tube and related components. When immersed in a reservoir of coolant fluid, the fins facilitate improved heat transfer by convection from the shield to the to the coolant fluid. The cooling effect achieved with the cooling fins is further augmented by a convective cooling system provided by a plurality of fluid passageways formed within the shield, which are used to provide a fluid path to the coolant. In particular, a cooling unit takes fluid from the reservoir, cools the fluid, then circulates the cooled fluid through the fluid passageways.