Electron Tube Patents (Class 378/121)
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Patent number: 6181765Abstract: An X-ray tube assembly includes a hermetically-sealed annular frame, spaced apart cathode and anode rings and an electron excitation device. The frame surrounds an exterior central passage for receiving a patient therethrough and has an interior chamber with a vacuum and an X-ray transparent window ring surrounding the central passage. The cathode and anode rings are stationarily mounted to the frame and disposed within the interior chamber. The cathode ring has circumferentially arranged side-by-side filaments each separately excitable by the electron excitation device to cause flow of electrons in an e-beam to a target portion of the anode ring such that an X-ray beam is produced that exits the interior chamber passing through the transparent window ring and that can be moved around the patient disposed within the central passage.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1998Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Rok Sribar, Vlatko Vlatkovic
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Patent number: 6175612Abstract: In order to improve detection efficiency and angular detection characteristics of an in-line X-ray film thickness monitor for monitoring the film thickness of a coated part during production of a product formed using the coated part, the film thickness monitor is provided with an X-ray tube of an end-window type for irradiating an X-ray beam onto the coated part, and an X-ray detector having an annular detecting plane arranged coaxially with the axis of irradiation of the X-ray beam. The X-ray detector detects fluorescent X-rays emitted by the coated part in response to irradiation thereof by the X-ray beam so that the thickness of the coating film can be determined based upon the intensity of the detected fluorescent X-rays.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1999Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventor: Masao Sato
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Patent number: 6157702Abstract: In an X-ray tube target, a shaft is welded to the anode target, the shaft typically being TZM or a molybdenum alloy. This defines a first weld location and creates an integral shaft-target assembly. The shaft-target assembly is then machined. A heat sink material, such as graphite, is brazed to the integral shaft-target assembly. A hub is then welded to the shaft, at an end opposite the target, defining a second weld location and creating a hub-target assembly. The hub can be columbium or columbium alloy. Subsequently, the hub-target assembly can be machined. Having a dual weld procedure, and eliminating the subsequent brazing step to join the hub to the shaft, enables the alloys to maintain their high strength without annealing, thereby allowing the shaft materials to keep their high strength and reducing plastic deformation at the lower (hub) portion of the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1998Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Gregory Reznikov, Christopher A. Metcalf
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Patent number: 6148061Abstract: A miniature x-ray unit includes a first electrical node, a second electrical node and an insulating material. The first and second nodes are separated by a vacuum gap. The first node includes a base portion and a projecting portion, wherein the projecting portion and the second node are surrounded by an x-ray transmissive window through which x-rays exit the unit. The insulating material coaxially surrounds the base portion of the first node such that the insulating material is recessed from the vacuum gap, and the insulator does not extend into the vacuum gap. Recessing the insulating material from the vacuum gap decreases the likelihood that the insulator will electrically break down due to the accumulation of electrical charge, and/or the accumulation of other materials on the surface of the insulator. In a preferred embodiment, the first node is an anode and the second node is a cathode. Alternatively, the first node may be the cathode and the second node may be the anode.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1998Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: Newton Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Ruth Shefer, Robert E. Klinkowstein, Barbara J. Hughey
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Patent number: 6141400Abstract: A fluorescent X-ray emitting source has an unfocused, omni-directionally radiating electron source and an anode target for the generation of X-ray bremsstrahlung, which releases mono-energetic X-rays in a fluorescent target. The electron source and the fluorescent target are arranged in a vacuum housing with an X-ray exit window. The housing has an interior wall surface forming the anode target and the fluorescent target is aligned with the X-ray exit window.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1999Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Peter Schardt, Erich Hell, Detlef Mattern
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Patent number: 6134300Abstract: A miniature x-ray source utilizing a hot filament cathode. The source has a millimeter scale size and is capable of producing broad spectrum x-ray emission over a wide range of x-ray energies. The miniature source consists of a compact vacuum tube assembly containing the hot filament cathode, an anode, a high voltage feedthru for delivering high voltage to the cathode, a getter for maintaining high vacuum, a connector for initial vacuum pump down and crimp-off, and a high voltage connection for attaching a compact high voltage cable to the high voltage feedthru. At least a portion of the vacuum tube wall is fabricated from highly x-ray transparent materials, such as sapphire, diamond, or boron nitride.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1998Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: James E. Trebes, Perry M. Bell, Ronald B. Robinson
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Patent number: 6134295Abstract: An apparatus dedicated to taking diagnostic quality images to confirm the accuracy of radiotherapy treatments. The apparatus is sufficiently compact to be used in the existing treatment heads of linear accelerators capable of delivering both electron and x-ray radiation. A compact electron drift tube is made long enough to penetrate the substantial shielding of a linear accelerator, thereby obviating the need to locate the entire generating device within the head of the machine. The diameter of the drift tube of the present invention is made small enough to penetrate the shielding without causing undue leakage of radiation.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1998Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: University of New MexicoInventors: Thomas H. Kirby, Donna Siergiej, Edl Schamiloglu
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Patent number: 6134299Abstract: Air cooled x-ray generating apparatus is provided with a unitary vacuum enclosure having a rotating anode target and a cathode assembly for generating x-rays. The cathode assembly may be placed within the vacuum enclosure through an opening in the top wall thereof, and comprises a disk which completely covers this opening. The unitary vacuum enclosure and the disk form a radiation shield. A plurality of fins are disposed on the exterior side wall of the vacuum enclosure, and a shroud is attached to the fins to provide additional protection of ambient against radiation. The cathode assembly may be placed through a side wall of the vacuum enclosure. The additional protection against excessive radiation in this design is provided by a shielding member placed in proximity to the anode target. The shielding member extends from the side wall of the enclosure and is substantially parallel to the top wall.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1998Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: Varian Medical SystemsInventor: Christopher F. Artig
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Patent number: 6128367Abstract: An x-ray tube has a cathode and an anode which are arranged in a vacuum housing, with an electromagnet for deflecting the electron beam traveling from the cathode to the anode. This electromagnet is formed by a C-shaped yoke with two legs that are connected to each other by a base section surrounded by a winding. Respective pole shoes with opposing pole faces are disposed at the ends of the legs. The electron beam passes between the two pole shoes as it propagates from the cathode to the anode. Each pole face has a width which does not exceed the width of its pole shoe.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1998Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Bernhard Foerst, Marion Meusel, Roland Schmidt
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Patent number: 6125167Abstract: An x-ray tube (10) includes a body (16) defining a vacuum envelope. A plurality of anode elements (18) each defining a target face are rotatably disposed within the vacuum envelope. Mounted within the vacuum envelope, a plurality of cathode assemblies (22) are each capable of generating an electron stream (36) toward an associated target face. A filament current supply (32) applies a current to each of the cathode assemblies, and is selectively controlled by a cathode controller (34) which powers sets of the cathodes based on thermal loading conditions and a desired imaging profile. A collimator (C) is adjacent to the body and defines a series of alternating openings (42) and septa (44) for forming a corresponding series of parallel, fan-shaped x-ray beams or slices (46).Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1998Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: Picker International, Inc.Inventor: Hugh T. Morgan
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Patent number: 6115453Abstract: A direct-heated flat emitter for generating a homogenous electron beam, particularly for x-ray tubes, has two terminal lugs for the heating current supply formed at the edge of the perimeter of the emission surface and the emission surface is subdivided into interconnects by slits. The slits have a width no less than 10 .mu.m and no greater than 1% of the length of a diagonal of the smallest rectangle which can circumscribe the emission surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1998Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Erich Hell, Detlef Mattern, Peter Schardt
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Patent number: 6111934Abstract: An x-ray tube has a cathode and an anode arranged in a vacuum housing, wherein an electron beam emanating from the cathode is incident at a focal spot on the anode. An electromagnet is provided for deflecting the electron beam, this electromagnet having a U-shaped yoke with two legs connected by a base section with a winding surrounding the base section. The electron beam passes between the two legs. The yoke is formed by successively layered laminations disposed in respective planes disposed substantially perpendicularly to the propagation direction of the electron beam.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1998Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Bernhard Foerst, Marion Meusel, Roland Schmidt
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Patent number: 6108402Abstract: A device suitable for insertion into a body and for delivery of x-ray radiation, comprising a connector, a diamond vacuum housing coupled to a distal portion of the connector, an anode and cathode, disposed within the vacuum housing and arranged to enable the production of x-ray radiation. Also, a device suitable for insertion into a body and for delivery of x-ray radiation including a vacuum housing coupled to a distal portion of a connector where the vacuum housing has a diameter of less than 2.5 mm. A method of fabricating a miniature x-ray emitter by constructing a structure of diamond that defines a vacuum chamber and encases a cathode and an anode.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1998Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Medtronic Ave, Inc.Inventor: Victor I. Chornenky
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Patent number: 6091799Abstract: An X-ray tube with a cathode and an anode arranged in a vacuum housing has an electromagnet for deflecting the electron beam emanating from the cathode and proceeding to the anode, the electromagnet having a yoke with two legs connected to one another by a base section, with a winding surrounding the base section. The base section with the winding is located outside the vacuum housing. The legs of the yoke of the electromagnet extend into the vacuum housing so that the electron beam proceeds between the two legs.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1998Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Roland Schmidt
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Patent number: 6088426Abstract: An x-ray target assembly is formed by passing a rotary shaft through the center hole of a graphite disk such that the back surface of the disk rests on a flange part of the rotary shaft and the front surface is contacted by a nut which engages with the tip of the rotary shaft. Annular brazing materials are placed adjacent contact areas where the disk contacts the rotary shaft and the nut such that braze joints are made to secure the disk with the nut and the rotary shaft. Grooves may be formed on the surfaces of the nut and the flange part of the rotary shaft which contact the disk such that the brazing material can more efficiently fill the gaps between contacting surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.Inventor: Robert S. Miller
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Patent number: 6064718Abstract: A field emission X-ray tube is provided for use in a mobile X-ray machine. n evacuated ceramic housing having a convoluted interior shape for dissipating sparks surrounds the components of the field emission tube. A cathode and, an anode which emits x-rays, are located within the ceramic housing. A hollow anode tube is connected to the anode at one end and a vacuum pinch off element at the other end. Stray radiation is attenuated by a lead ring positioned inside of the ceramic housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Glenn E. Holland, Craig N. Boyer, John F. Seely
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Patent number: 5987096Abstract: The filament for the emission of the electrons in an X-ray tube inevitably evaporates gradually during operation of the tube. Depending on the location of the filament in the tube, the metal vapor thus released is deposited on the X-ray window of the tube. Consequently, the transmission of the X-ray tube window gradually decreases in the course of the service life of the tube. In order to counteract the deposition of filament material, an edge structure is provided on the inner side of the window; this structure comprises edges which extend perpendicularly to the window surface, and is preferably a honeycomb structure with hexagonal cells. The height of the edges is chosen so that, viewed from the filament, the edge structure forms a shadow zone for the entire X-ray window, so that the metal vapor is deposited on the structure instead of on the window.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1997Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: U.S. Philips CorporationInventors: Johannes Van Der Borst, Johan W. Stolk
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Patent number: 5970117Abstract: An x-ray source of the type used in medical or inspection devices having a first and second housing part which are detachably secured together to define an interior chamber for the housing. A plurality of power feeds is secured to the first housing part wherein each power feed has an elongated conductor extending into the chamber such that the conductors are parallel to each other. A removable cathode assembly includes a mounting plate having a plurality of tubular standoffs constructed of an electrically insulating material. These standoffs, furthermore, are secured to the mounting plate and protrude outwardly therefrom so that one standoff is associated with and registers with the conductor for each power feed.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1998Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Pilot Industries, Inc.Inventor: Thomas J. Basinger
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Patent number: 5949849Abstract: To provide an X-ray generator capable of both being compact and containing an air-cooling mechanism, an X-ray generator according to the present invention houses within a protective case both an X-ray tube containing a cathode for irradiating a target with an electron beam, in which X-ray tube the target having a ground potential is fixed to the inner surface of an output window, which in turn is fixed to an electrically and thermally conductive output window support provided on the end of a bulb; and a power supply for driving the X-ray tube. A flange portion formed on the output window support so as to protrude externally contacts and is fixed to the thermally conductive protective case. As a result, heat near 100.degree. C. generated continuously in the X-ray tube is transferred to the protective case and dissipated externally. The thus configured X-ray generator is best suited when used as an electrostatic remover for removing electrostatic accumulations on an object, such as an integrated circuit.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.Inventors: Masayuki Hirano, Tsutomu Inazuru, Takashi Koike
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Patent number: 5909479Abstract: A vacuum housing is provided for an electron tube having an anode and a cathode, the vacuum housing having a region containing a volume for the acceptance of the anode that is connected to a chamber for the acceptance of the cathode via a shaft-shaped housing section made of weldable material. A first part of the shaft-shaped housing section is integrally formed with a portion of housing which contains the volume for the acceptance of the anode. A second part of the shaft-shaped housing section is integrally formed with the chamber for the acceptance of the cathode. A laser weld connects the first and second parts of the shaft-shaped housing section together vacuum-tight.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1997Date of Patent: June 1, 1999Assignee: Siemens AkiengesellschaftInventor: Peter Rother
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Patent number: 5898754Abstract: An end mounting (2) for pivotally mounting a housing (5) of a ram (1) to a structure (3) is formed from a single solid piece of material. The end mounting (2) comprises a mounting block (9) which is secured to the structure (3), an end cap (10) which is sealably secured to the housing (5), and a connecting portion (14) which extends between the mounting block (9) and the end cap (10). The connecting portion (14) is of hour-glass shape, cross-section and extends the width of the mounting block (9) to form a plastic hinge. The connection portion (14) defines a pivot axis (18) at the waist (19) of the hour-glass shape about which the end cap (10) and the mounting block (9) are pivotal relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1997Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Assignee: X-Ray and Specialty Instruments, Inc.Inventor: Daniel F. Gorzen
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Patent number: 5878110Abstract: An X-ray generation apparatus has an anticathode which includes a high thermal conductive substrate and a target for generating X-rays by irradiation with electrons. The target penetrates the high heat conductive substrate. Improved cooling efficiency and durability of the anticathode is obtained as well as miniaturization and simplification of the X-ray generation apparatus is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiyuki Yamamoto, Keiichiro Tanabe, Naoji Fujimori, Nobuhiro Ota
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Patent number: 5848124Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a bonding method for brazing an amorphous carbon (AC) material to a metal material or a ceramic material, and to provide an electron tube device having an input/output window made of the amorphous carbon material. The surface of the amorphous carbon (AC) material is roughened to form an irregularity. A brazing material is sandwiched between the amorphous carbon material and a metal material or ceramic material. The resultant structure is heated to braze the amorphous carbon material to the metal material or ceramic material. The electron tube device includes a sealed vessel having an opening portion, a peripheral portion of which is made of a metal material or a ceramic material. The electron tube device further includes a window, made of an amorphous carbon material and bonded to the peripheral portion of the opening portion with a brazing material, and having irregularity on a surface around the opening portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1995Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.Inventor: Tutomu Inazuru
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Patent number: 5828727Abstract: An X-ray tube has a vacuum housing that accepts a cathode and an anode and that is provided with an electrically conductive beam exit window. During operation of the X-ray tube, the beam exit window lies at a negative potential and is electrically conductively connected via a resistance to a potential that is positive relative to the negative potential, this resistance being dimensioned such that, during operation of the X-ray tube, the difference in potential between the negative potential of the beam exit window and the positive potential lies on the order of magnitude of a few kilovolts.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1997Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Markus Schild
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Patent number: 5822395Abstract: An x-ray tube with vario-focus has an evacuated housing in which are arranged, rigidly connected thereto, an electron-emitting cathode and an anode dish which is struck by the electron beam, accelerated with an electrical field. An electromagnetic system for deflecting and focusing the electron beam is provided, and has a number of current-permeated coil elements. A lateral x-ray beam exit window is provided in the housing for the x-rays, which emerge at substantially a right angle relative to the longitudinal middle axis. The x-rays are picked up by an image receiver following a subject table. At least the anode dish is tiltable relative to the connecting axis to the image receiver, and the electromagnetic system at least partially surrounds a cathode-side neck section of the housing, and generates a quadrupole field for modifying the electron beam cross-section, corresponding to the tilt angle.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1997Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Peter Schardt, Erich Hell
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Patent number: 5802140Abstract: An X-ray generating apparatus is provided with a unitary vacuum enclosure having a rotating anode target and a cathode assembly for generating X-rays transmitted through an X-ray window. The cathode assembly is placed within the vacuum enclosure through an opening in the top wall thereof, and comprises a disk which completely covers this opening. The unitary vacuum enclosure and the disk form a radiation shield. For increasing a thermal capacity of the unitary vacuum enclosure and installing the X-ray generating apparatus into a gantry it further comprises a mounting block which may be coupled to or encompass the unitary vacuum enclosure. The X-ray window is placed within the mounting block. A window adaptor may be utilized for the X-ray window installation.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1997Date of Patent: September 1, 1998Assignee: Varian Associates, Inc.Inventors: Gary F. Virshup, Christopher F. Artig, John E. Richardson
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Patent number: 5737384Abstract: Electrons moving in a first direction are concentrated (e.g. magnetically) in a beam within a first tube. A converter converts the electrons to x-rays for movement to a particular position (e.g. tumor) in a patient. A fluid (e.g. water) flowing past the converter through a second tube co-axial with the first tube cools the converter. Microwave energy passes in the first direction through a third tube co-axial with the first tube. The third tube is open at the end near the converter so that the microwave energy will pass to the particular position in the patient. A second fluid (e.g. air) passing through a fourth tube coaxial with the first tube cools the tissue in direct contact with the x-ray needle. The second, third and fourth tubes may respectively have diameters of approximately 2, 3 and 4 millimeters. The microwave energy may pass into the third tube from a fifth tube transverse to the third tube. The microwave energy impedance may be approximately 50 .OMEGA.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1996Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventor: Alan J. Fenn
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Patent number: 5696808Abstract: An X-ray tube has a vacuum housing, on which is provided a high-voltage terminal connected to the anode. An electrical damping resistor, through which the tube current flows and which is connected between the high-voltage terminal and the anode, is arranged within the vacuum housing. This resistor can be constructed as a component through which the tube current flows, and which connects the anode plate with its mount, such as a rotor in case of a rotating anode X-ray tube. The component has a low electrical conchannelivity so that the connection of the anode plate with the mount has a resistance of at least 250 ohms and at most 15 kiloohms.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1996Date of Patent: December 9, 1997Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Eberhard Lenz
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Patent number: 5680431Abstract: An x-ray generator including a light source; a high temperature photocathode arranged so as to be illuminated by light from the light source; an accelerator for accelerating electrons emitted by the photocathode; and a target onto which accelerated electrons impinge so as to produce x-rays, the target being held at substantially ground potential. The accelerator is arranged so that the photocathode is at a low voltage end of a voltage multiplier, typically held at about -100 kV, and the target is at the high voltage end at ground potential. The voltage multiplier can include a bank of nested tubular capacitor members which surround the photocathode and accelerator section and are arranged such that the outer surface is at ground potential, the same as the target.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1996Date of Patent: October 21, 1997Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Joseph Steven Pietras, III, Kenneth Stephenson
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Patent number: 5680432Abstract: In an apparatus and a method for generating an x-ray beam circulating through a polar angle .phi. of 2.pi. that enables fast computed-tomographic scans is to be generated, an electron beam is generated with a predetermined energy and is injected into a beam guide that guides the electron beam on a spiral path in a plane by means of an axial magnetic field. At a location selectable in the .phi.-direction, the electron beam is deflected perpendicularly to the plane and onto an essentially annular anode arrangement, so that, proceeding from the point of incidence of the electron beam, x-rays directed onto the center of the anode arrangement are generated. For a scan, the selectable location at which the electron beam is deflected out of the plane is advanced along the spiral path, so that the point of incidence of the electron beam onto the anode arrangement advances correspondingly.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1996Date of Patent: October 21, 1997Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Gustav-Adolf Voss
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Patent number: 5657365Abstract: An X-ray generation apparatus has an anticathode which includes a high thermal conductive substrate and a target of generating X-ray by irradiation of electron. The target penetrates the high heat conductive substrate. Improved cooling efficiency and durability of the anticathode is obtained as well as miniaturization and simplification of the X-ray generation apparatus is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1995Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiyuki Yamamoto, Keiichiro Tanabe, Naoji Fujimori, Nobuhiro Ota
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Patent number: 5633907Abstract: X-ray tube electron beam focusing utilizing a cathode having a large cavity therein in which an electron cloud is generated and which is shielded from the primary electric field between the cathode and the anode. The electron cloud flows from the cavity through a small narrow passage and into the primary electric field. An opposed spaced apart pair of electrical grids each comprising an array of individual electrode segments have selected opposed segments electronegatively biased to change the cross-section of the passing electron stream therebetween. The altered cross-section of the electron stream determines the size of the focal spot of the electron beam impacting the target anode.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1996Date of Patent: May 27, 1997Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Stephen W. Gravelle, Steven D. Hansen, Karl F. Sherwin
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Patent number: 5627871Abstract: A compact x-ray tube assembly comprises an evacuated chamber enclosed by a ceramic tubular envelope, an attached power supply at one end connected to an emitter inside the chamber, electrostatic means for focusing a beam of electrons on a metal foil target, an end window at the other end comprising said target, the thickness and composition of the metal foil target and the e-beam energy being selected to generate a microfocused bright beam of x rays of a preselected energy. The compact assembly is useful in a method for aligning or positioning layers used in the production of microelectronics components.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1995Date of Patent: May 6, 1997Assignee: Nanodynamics, Inc.Inventor: Chia-Gee Wang
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Patent number: 5592525Abstract: A method for making a rotating X-ray tube provides a rotating anode having an integral stem. Initially, a cathode which emits electrons is provided. Next, a preheated anode target which radiates x-ray in response to bombardment by the electrons is provided. The method further comprises the steps of providing an anode stem and inertia welding the preheated anode target to the anode stem to form a rotating anode with an integral stem.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1994Date of Patent: January 7, 1997Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Gregory Reznikov, Peter Eloff, Thomas Tiearney
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Patent number: 5576549Abstract: An electron generating assembly for an x-ray tube has a thermionic cathode and an electrode system for accelerating electrons emitted by the thermionic cathode, and an electron multiplier disposed in the electron path. In order to achieve a given electron beam density, the electron beam current emitted by the cathode can be reduced dependent on the multiplication factor of the electron multiplier, thereby extending the service life of the overall assembly. The electron multiplier can be controllable.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1995Date of Patent: November 19, 1996Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Erich Hell, Manfred Fuchs
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Patent number: 5561697Abstract: Disclosed is a microtron electron accelerator having an accelerating cavity accepting microwave electric power for generating a high-frequency accelerating electric field E disposed within a uniform magnetic field B and adapted such that electrons are accelerated and caused to move in a circular trajectory under action of the magnetic field B and the electric field E, comprising an electron source formed of a cathode and an anode, which has a minute slit allowing an electron beam extracted from the cathode to pass therethrough, disposed on the outer side of the wall of the accelerating cavity, a first electron beam through-hole and a second electron beam through-hole formed in the wall of the accelerating cavity in two positions, with the electron source therebetween, along the decreasing or increasing direction of the strength of the electric field E in the accelerating cavity, and a third electron beam through-hole formed in the wall of the accelerating cavity in a position in confrontation with the first eType: GrantFiled: January 13, 1995Date of Patent: October 1, 1996Assignee: Hitachi MedicalInventors: Atsuko Takafuji, Katsuya Sugiyama, Katsuhiro Kuroda, Keiji Koyanagi, Ichiro Miura, Masatoshi Nishimura
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Patent number: 5550889Abstract: Precise alignment of the focal spot position on an x-ray CT system is achieved using a deflection coil that produces a magnetic field which acts on the electron beam path in the x-ray tube. A variable current power supply drives the deflection coil and is controlled by input signals to align the focal spot at a static reference position, to correct for focal spot drift between scans, and to wobble the focal spot position during a scan or between scans.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 1994Date of Patent: August 27, 1996Assignee: General ElectricInventors: Michael F. Gard, Stephen W. Gravelle, Jiang Hsieh, Quan N. Lu, John W. Newman, Thomas L. Toth, Michael A. Wu
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Patent number: 5548630Abstract: According to the invention, at least one magnet element is provided for generating a guide magnetic field such that the electrons are guided at a spacing from the elongated anode. At least one kicker magnet is provided for generating a kicker magnetic field such that the electrons are steered onto the elongated anode in the region of the kicker magnetic field. The kicker magnet is implemented as a permanent magnet.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1995Date of Patent: August 20, 1996Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Erich Hell, Manfred Fuchs
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Patent number: 5528658Abstract: An x-ray tube has an annular vacuum housing through which an electron beam passes in an annular path, an annular target from which x-radiation emanates during operation of the x-ray tube when the electron beam strikes it at a point of incidence, and a beam deflector which is movable along the circumference of the vacuum housing and which deflects the electron beam such that it is incident onto the target at a point of incidence that is dependent on the position of the deflector along the circumference of the vacuum housing. An x-ray beam emanating from the target is thus caused to move around the interior of the vacuum housing in the manner necessary for producing computed tomograms of a subject disposed in the interior of the vacuum housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1995Date of Patent: June 18, 1996Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Erich Hell
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Patent number: 5526396Abstract: An X-ray tube, comprising a cathode arrangement which includes an electron emitter connected to supporting pins which in turn are connected to the cathode structure via a respective fixing element. Particularly simple adjustment of the position of the filament is achieved in that the fixing elements are connected to the cathode structure in a first region and to the associated supporting pin in a second region which is remote from the first region, and that the fixing elements comprise a deformation zone between the first and the second region, deformation of said zone enabling adjustment of the position of the electron emitter relative to the cathode structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1994Date of Patent: June 11, 1996Assignee: U.S. Philips CorporationInventor: Heinz-Jurgen Jacob
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Patent number: 5515412Abstract: A frit-sealed x-ray tube includes a glass bulb that supports metallic parts including an anode with a target and a beryllium window. Joint materials are provided of metal with thermal expansion coefficients that approximate the thermal expansion coefficient of the glass bulb. Frit materials having compositions of primarily zinc oxide and lead oxide are used and also have a thermal expansion coefficient that approximates the thermal expansion coefficients of the glass bulb and the joint materials. The frit materials allow a heat resistant and vacuum resistant welding between the glass bulb and the joint materials.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1994Date of Patent: May 7, 1996Inventor: Yusuke Shida
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Patent number: 5509045Abstract: An x-ray tube (14) has an evacuated envelope (30) in which an anode (32), a cathode (34), and a getter shield (60) are disposed. The shield includes a sleeve (62) and a cap (64). The cap defines an annular groove (70). A getter material (72) is deposited in the groove and sintered to define a porous volume. The getter material is activated during normal exhaustion of the x-ray tube during manufacture. During operation of the tube to generate x-rays, the waste heat is absorbed by the cap passively raising the getter material to its pumping temperature.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1995Date of Patent: April 16, 1996Assignee: Picker International, Inc.Inventor: Allan D. Kautz
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Patent number: 5504799Abstract: An X-ray generation tube capable of providing ionization to ambient atmosphere in a wide area by radiating X-rays in various directions. The X-ray generation tube includes a container body formed of an X-ray transmittable material. The container body has one open end. A target membrane is formed at an inner surface of the container body for receiving electrons and emitting X-rays. A base plugs the open end of the container body and has pins. A cathode is supported by the pins and is disposed at a central portion of the container body for generating the electrons. If the container body has an elongated cylindrical shape, the cathode is positioned at and extends along a central axis of the cylinder. If the container body has a spherical shape, the cathode is positioned adjacent to a spherical center.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1994Date of Patent: April 2, 1996Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.Inventor: Kenji Suzuki
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Patent number: 5504798Abstract: An X-ray generation tube capable of providing gas ionization to ambient atmosphere in a wide area by radiating X-rays in various directions. The X-ray generation tube includes a container body formed of an X-ray transmittable material. The container body has a linear cylindrical shape or a circular shape. A target membrane is formed at an entire inner surface of the container body for receiving electrons and emitting X-rays. Bases are provided at both ends of the container body and have pins. A cathode is supported by the pins and is disposed at a central axis of the container body for generating the electrons. Since the distances between any one of the points on the target membrane and the cathode are equal with respect to a cross-section or the radial direction of the container body, and since the target membrane is provided at the entire inner surface of the container body, X-rays can be radiated from the entire outer surface of the container body in a uniform manner, resulting in uniform radiation.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1994Date of Patent: April 2, 1996Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K. K.Inventor: Kenji Suzuki
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Patent number: 5504796Abstract: A portable x-ray tube 68 for producing x-rays, the tube 68 having an energy source 74 which directs energetic particles or photons at an electron multiplier 80 coupled to the energy source 74. A voltage source 84 applies a multiplier voltage across the electron multiplier 80. When triggered by the energy source 74, the electron multiplier 80 creates a multitude of electrons 28 directed towards a target anode 90 that receives the electrons and produces x-rays 30. The target anode 90 is coupled at a voltage difference of at least 3 kV relative to the electron multiplier 80 so as to define an electron acceleration region 32 between the electron multiplier 80 and the target anode 90. The target anode 90 contains an element having an atomic number greater than 11. A low pressure enclosure 70 contains the electron multiplier 80 and the target anode 90. The low pressure enclosure 70 includes a window 92 for allowing the x-rays 30 to pass through substantially unchanged.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1994Date of Patent: April 2, 1996Inventors: Enio F. Da Silveira, Kevin B. Ray, Emile A. Schweikert, Melvin A. Park, William D. James
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Patent number: 5495515Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing high-intensity X-rays or .gamma.-rays by accumulating a laser beam in an optical resonator having ultra-high reflectivity mirrors. With this arrangement, it is possible to produce powerful X-rays or .gamma.-rays even if the laser beam used is not powerful enough. A laser beam from a laser is injected into an optical resonator and accumulated therein. The optical resonator has an opposed pair of mirrors having a reflectivity of more than 0.999%. An electron beam may be introduced obliquely into the optical resonator and collided against the laser beam. In the interaction area thus created, X-rays or .gamma.-rays are produced due to the Compton scattering and propagated out of the optical resonator.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1994Date of Patent: February 27, 1996Assignee: Institute for Laser TechnologyInventor: Kazuo Imasaki
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Patent number: 5489817Abstract: A cold cathode (3) in the form of a solid thin film component is the basis for electron-optical terminal image devices. The thin-film structure is made up of a base electrode (5), e.g., in the form of a bundle of parallel strips, an insulating film (6), a semiconductor film (7) and a covering electrode (8), e.g., also a bundle of parallel strips but running perpendicularly to the base electrode (5) bundle. This set of layers borne on a substrate plate (4), is in an evacuated casing (2) and is opposite a fluorescent screen (12) or a light emitter (15), the metalized coating (11) of which forms the counter-pole for the electron acceleration chamber (9). The main applications of such electron-optical terminal image devices are embodiments as matrix-addressed flat displays, image converters or write/read lines.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1994Date of Patent: February 6, 1996Assignee: Scitex Corporation Ltd.Inventors: Gerd O. Muller, Regina Muller-Mach
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Patent number: 5473661Abstract: Apparatus for the production of short-wave electromagnetic radiaion, especially in the x-ray and gamma-ray region, by means of the interaction between accelerated charged particles, especially electrons or positrons, and a crystal lattice, with a charged-particle source for the production of a beam of energetic charged particles and with a crystal arrangement which is so arranged in the path of the charged particle radiation beam that the charged particles traverse the crystal lattice of the crystal arrangement parallel to a predetermined lattice direction ("channeling-condition"). In order to produce an electromagnetic radiation beam with predetermined convergence or divergence, there are used a correspondingly convergent or divergent charged particle radiation beam (212) as well as a crystal arrangement (214) which is so bent that the channeling condition is at least approximately fulfilled for all charged particle paths in the crystal. (FIG.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1994Date of Patent: December 5, 1995Assignee: Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Wissenschaften e.V. BerlinInventor: Gerd Buschhorn
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Patent number: 5446778Abstract: A mounting part for mounting an end of an axle on a projection of a housing, such as an axle in a vacuum-tight housing of a rotatable anode, is characterized by a sleeve section which can have radial play during assembly and engages a clamp arrangement to remove the radial play at the end of assembly of the section on either the end of the axle or the projection of the housing. The clamp arrangement is a bevel provided on the member being telescopically received in the section or on a ring which is telescopically received on the member being received in the section.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1994Date of Patent: August 29, 1995Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Roland Schmidt, Hans Stroehlein, Thomas Weller
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Patent number: 5442678Abstract: This invention is directed to an x-ray source comprising a housing, an elongated tubular probe, a target assembly, and a beam steering assembly. The housing encloses an electron beam source, and has elements for generating an electron beam along a beam path. The elongated tubular probe extends along a central axis from the housing about the beam path. The target assembly extends along the central axis and is adapted for coupling to the end of the probe distal form the housing. The target assembly includes a target element positioned along the beam path, wherein the target element is adapted to emit x-rays in a predetermined spectral range in response to incident electrons. The beam steering assembly includes a deflection element, a feedback network, and a deflection controller. The deflection element deflects the beam from a nominal axis to a selected surface region on the target element in response to a deflection control signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1994Date of Patent: August 15, 1995Assignee: Photoelectron CorporationInventors: Mark T. Dinsmore, Donald O. Smith