With Movable Target Patents (Class 378/125)
  • Patent number: 11610753
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining an offset of a position of a focal point of an X-ray tube is provided. The methods may include obtaining at least one parameter associated with an X-ray tube during a scan of a subject. The methods may further include determining a target offset of a position of a focal point based on the at least one parameter and a target relationship between a plurality of reference parameters associated with the X-ray tube and a plurality of reference offsets of reference positions of the focal point. The methods may further include causing, based on the target offset, a correction on the position of the focal point of the X-ray tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xin Xiao, Tao He, Xi Zhang
  • Patent number: 11309160
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for an x-ray imaging system. In one example, an x-ray tube of the imaging system includes a rotor with a core forming a continuous unit with at least one of a retention sleeve and a bearing assembly sleeve. The rotor further includes one or more magnets disposed in the core and maintained in place by the retention sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: GE Precision Healthcare LLC
    Inventors: Nidhishri Tapadia, Vasile Bogdan Neculaes, Andrew Thomas Cross, Ian Strider Hunt
  • Patent number: 11282668
    Abstract: An X-ray tube including a vacuum vessel, a cathode and an anode fixedly disposed inside the vacuum vessel, and a rotary mechanism that rotates the vacuum vessel, where the cathode is disposed on the circumference with a rotary shaft of the rotary mechanism as its center and includes multiple cathode parts that can individually be turned ON/OFF, and where the anode includes parts opposite to the multiple cathode parts, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: NANO-X IMAGING LTD.
    Inventors: Hidenori Kenmotsu, Hitoshi Masuya
  • Patent number: 11166360
    Abstract: An X-ray generator includes an X-ray tube configured to generate X-rays, an X-ray tube accommodation portion which accommodates at least a part of the X-ray tube and enclosing insulating oil, a second accommodation portion surrounding the X-ray tube accommodation portion when viewed in a tube axis direction of the X-ray tube, a blower fan configured to circulate gas inside a surrounding space defined between the X-ray tube accommodation portion and the second accommodation portion, and an X-ray shielding portion made of a material having a higher X-ray shielding ability than the X-ray tube accommodation portion and the second accommodation portion, and provided on an inner surface of the second accommodation portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventor: Atsushi Ishii
  • Patent number: 11152183
    Abstract: An x-ray source includes an anode assembly having at least one surface configured to rotate about an axis, the at least one surface in a first region. The x-ray source further includes an electron-beam source configured to emit at least one electron beam configured to bombard the at least one surface of the anode assembly. The electron-beam source includes a housing, a cathode assembly, and a window. The housing at least partially bounds a second region and comprises an aperture. The cathode assembly is configured to generate the at least one electron beam within the second region. The window is configured to hermetically seal the aperture, to maintain a pressure differential between the first region and the second region, and to allow the at least one electron beam to propagate from the second region to the first region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Sigray, Inc.
    Inventors: Janos Kirz, William Henry Hansen, Wenbing Yun
  • Patent number: 10840053
    Abstract: A receptacle for receiving a plug connector of a high-voltage cable for a microfocus X-ray tube with a cathode, which has a metal filament and grid cap. The receptacle has a ceramic insulator with three contiguous cavities. The first cavity near the filament includes electrical contacts for the filament and the grid cap. The second cavity includes spring contacts for supplying current to the filament and a center pin for supplying voltage to the grid. The third cavity receives the plug connector. The insulator has a removable grid mounting which is conductively connected to the grid cap of the cathode. The first and second cavities are surrounded in the radial direction by the grid mounting. An air gap extends radially between grid mounting and ceramic body. At the end of the grid mounting remote from the filament is a circumferential groove in the axial direction between the grid mounting and the ceramic insulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: YXLON INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventors: Lothar Schultheis, Bjoern Schrader
  • Patent number: 10825637
    Abstract: A radiation emission device is provided. The radiation emission device may include a cathode configured to emit an electron beam and an anode configured to rotate on a shaft. The anode may be situated to receive the electron beam from the cathode. The radiation emission device may further include a rotor configured to drive the anode to rotate. The rotor may be mechanically connected to the shaft. The radiation emission device may further include a sleeve configured to support the shaft via at least one bearing. The cathode, the anode, and the rotor may be enclosed in an enclosure that is connected to the sleeve. At least a portion of the sleeve may reside outside the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dun Li, Mingchun Zhai, Xiao Fang, Guangzhong Bao
  • Patent number: 10804063
    Abstract: Fabrication of a multi-layer X-ray source is disclosed using bulk structures to fabricate a multi-layer target structure. In one implementation, layers of X-ray generating material, such as tungsten, are interleaved with thermally conductive layers, such as diamond layers. To prevent delamination of the layers, various mechanical, chemical, and/or structural approaches may also be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE Company, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Raber, Vance Scott Robinson, Yong Liang
  • Patent number: 10748735
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for a multi-spectral X-ray target and source are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a disclosed method comprises emitting, by a source of the X-ray generator, electrons towards a section of a multi-spectral X-ray target of the X-ray generator. In one or more embodiments, the multi-spectral X-ray target is rotatable and comprises a plurality of sections, which each comprise an X-ray generating material and at least two of the sections comprise a different X-ray generating material. The method further comprises generating a set of X-rays, when the electrons impinge on the section of the multi-spectral X-ray target. The method further comprises rotating the multi-spectral X-ray target such that the source is in position to project the electrons towards another section of the multi-spectral X-ray target. Further, the method comprises repeating the above method steps for all of the remaining sections of the multi-spectral X-ray target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Morteza Safai, Gary Georgeson, Barry R. Fox
  • Patent number: 10636611
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a rotating anode X-ray tube including a rotating cylinder, a rotating shaft fixed to the inside of the rotating cylinder, an anode fixing body arranged between the rotating cylinder and the rotating shaft, extending in the axial direction, and constituted of one of a magnetic substance member formed of a magnetic substance and a heat-transfer enhancing member heat conductivity of which is higher than surrounding members, ball bearings, and an inner member, connected to the anode fixing body by a connecting member, and constituted of one of the magnetic substance member and the heat-transfer enhancing member, one being different from the member constituting the anode fixing body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Electron Tubes & Devices Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidetaka Nakabayashi, Hiroyuki Kumadaki, Hidero Anno
  • Patent number: 10624195
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an x-ray tube 15 can be used closer to a sample. An angle A1 between an anode axis 02 and an electron-beam axis 01 can be ?10° and ?80° and an angle A2 between the anode axis 02 and an x-ray axis 03 can be ?10° and ?80°. In another embodiment, a cap 20 on an anode 12 can block x-rays emitted in undesired directions. The cap 20 can include an internal cavity 24, an electron-beam hole 21, an anode hole 22, and an x-ray hole 23. In another embodiment, an electrical connection between an x-ray tube 15 and a power supply 18 can be reliable and easy to manufacture. The anode 12 can include a hole 31 at an end of the anode 12 sized and shaped for insertion of an electrical connector 32.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventors: Ricky B. Steck, Brad Harris
  • Patent number: 10586673
    Abstract: The invention relates to a metal jet x-ray tube which is less affected by the problem of the power density at the point of impact of the electron beam on the anode component than conventional tubes. For this purpose the metal jet x-ray tube has a metal jet (6) as anode component (7), which metal jet is so thin that an electron beam (4) impinging on the metal jet (6) is only partially decelerated by the metal jet. Furthermore a blade cathode is provided as a cathode component (3), which blade cathode comprises a cathode blade (10) directed with a slight inclination downwards in the direction of the liquid metal jet (6) of the anode component (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventor: Olivier Heid
  • Patent number: 10532223
    Abstract: According to some aspects, a carrier configured for use with a broadband x-ray source comprising an electron source and a primary target arranged to receive electrons from the electron source to produce broadband x-ray radiation in response to electrons impinging on the primary target is provided. The carrier comprising a housing configured to be removeably coupled to the broadband x-ray source and configured to accommodate a secondary target capable of producing monochromatic x-ray radiation in response to incident broadband x-ray radiation, the housing comprising a transmissive portion configured to allow broadband x-ray radiation to be transmitted to the secondary target when present, and a blocking portion configured to absorb broadband x-ray radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Imagine Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric H. Silver
  • Patent number: 10460899
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modification arrangement for an X-ray generating device, a modification method, a computer program element for controlling such device and a computer readable medium having stored such computer program element. The modification arrangement comprises a cathode, an anode (2) and modification means, e.g. a modification device. The cathode is configured to provide an electron beam (15). The anode (2) is configured to rotate under impact of the electron beam (15) and is segmented by slits (21) arranged around the anode's circumference. The modification means are configured to modify the electron beam (15) when the electron beam (15) is hitting one of the anode's rotating slits (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Rolf Karl Otto Behling, Ewald Roessl
  • Patent number: 10381188
    Abstract: A radiographic image diagnostic apparatus according to embodiments includes an X-ray tube, a holding member, and coil control circuitry. The X-ray tube includes: a cathode that emits electrons; coils that generate electromagnetic force; and an anode that rotates about a rotation axis in response to the electromagnetic force and to generate an X-ray by receiving the electrons. The holding member holds the X-ray tube so that the X-ray tube is movable. The coil control circuitry controls a current to be supplied to the coils based on at least one of a position of the X-ray tube, a direction of the X-ray tube, or a velocity of the X-ray tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Hirayama
  • Patent number: 10283312
    Abstract: An X-ray tube is provided. The X-ray tube includes a bearing configured to couple to an anode. The bearing includes a stationary member, a rotary member configured to rotate with respect to the stationary member during operation of the X-ray tube, and a support feature configured to minimize bending moment along a surface of the stationary member to reduce deflection of the stationary member relative to the rotary member due to radial loads during operation of the X-ray tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: John James McCabe, Michael Scott Hebert, Ian Strider Hunt, Andrew Thomas Triscari, Kevin Shane Kruse, Alexander Thomas Ryan, Adolfo Delgado Marquez
  • Patent number: 10217597
    Abstract: An X-ray generator including a cathode, an anode provided with two X-ray generation zones, a casing in which the cathode and anode are accommodated, two air cylinders for causing the anode to move, two linear guides for guiding the movement of the anode, and a bellows serving as a seal member. The air cylinders and the linear guides are provided at different positions on a surface orthogonal to a center axis of the bellows. The air cylinders and the linear guides are provided uniformly in relation to the center axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: RIGAKU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomohiro Chaki, Manabu Noguchi
  • Patent number: 10170271
    Abstract: Provided is an X-ray generator having: an anode that faces a cathode which generates electrons; a plurality of X-ray generation zones; a casing housing the cathode and the anode; an anode support body for supporting the anode; an air cylinder for producing advancing and retreating movement of the anode support body with respect to the casing; and a stopper device that halts the movement of the anode support body when the anode support body moves in a direction approaching the casing. The stopper device has a rotating plate equipped with a section that enters and exits from between the anode support body and the casing due to rotation, a motor for driving the same, and a plurality of stop members provided in a peripheral section of the rotating plate and having mutually different heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: RIGAKU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomohiro Chaki, Manabu Noguchi
  • Patent number: 10102997
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a high-voltage generator for an x-ray source, an x-ray gun, an electron beam apparatus, a rotary vacuum seal, a target assembly for an x-ray source, a rotary x-ray emission target, and an x-ray source. These various aspects may separately and/or together enable the construction of an x-ray source which can operate at energies of up to 500 kV and beyond, which is suitable for use in commercial and research x-ray applications such as computerized tomography. In particular, the high-voltage generator includes a shield electrode electrically connected intermediate of a first voltage multiplier and a second voltage multiplier. The electron beam apparatus includes control photodetectors and photo emitters having a transparent conductive shield arranged therebetween. The rotary vacuum seal includes a pumpable chamber at a position intermediate between high-pressure and low-pressure ends of a bore for a rotating shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: NIKON METROLOGY NV
    Inventor: Roger Hadland
  • Patent number: 10094425
    Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrodynamic bearings, X-ray tubes, X-ray systems, and a method of manufacturing a hydrodynamic bearing for an X-ray tube. The rotor of a hydrodynamic bearing is supported, in steady-state operation, by the pressure of lubricant which is pumped through grooves in the rotor. When the rotor is speeding up or slowing down, the pumping force will not be sufficient to lift the rotor clear of a stationary bushing, and damage, caused by direct contact of the metal surfaces of the bearing, can occur. Providing special coatings on the bearing surfaces can ameliorate this effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Peter Klaus Bachmaan, Anand Kumar Dokania, Wilhelmus Cornelis Keur, Gereon Vogtmeier, Willem Potze, Christian Herbert Blome
  • Patent number: 10068741
    Abstract: In a vacuum chamber (1), an emitter (3) and a target (7) are opposed to each other. A guard electrode (5) is disposed around an outer circumference of an electron generating portion (31) of the emitter (3). A supporting part (4) supports the emitter (3) movably in an end-to-end direction of the vacuum chamber (1). Reforming treatment is performed on the guard electrode (5) by operating the supporting part (4), moving the emitter (3) to an open end (21) side (non-discharge position) and applying a voltage to repeatedly effect discharge on the guard electrode (5) in a state where field emission from the electron generation portion (31) is suppressed. After the reforming treatment, the supporting part (4) is again operated. The emitter (3) is moved to an open end (22) side (discharge position) and placed in a state where field emission from the electron generation portion (31) is allowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: MEIDENSHA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daizo Takahashi, Toshimasa Fukai, Toru Tanimizu
  • Patent number: 9972472
    Abstract: A structure and associated method for forming a liquid metal or spiral groove bearing assembly for an x-ray tube is illustrated that utilizes a unitary sleeve and a thrust ring or seal each formed of a weldable, non-refractory material. The sleeve and the thrust seal are welded to one another to provide an improved construction for minimizing leaks of the liquid metal bearing fluid. The structure of the sleeve and the thrust seal are formed with deformation restricting features that maintain the integrity of the bearing surfaces of the assembly when the thrust seal is secured within the sleeve and welded thereto to form the bearing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ian Strider Hunt, Andrew Thomas Triscari
  • Patent number: 9941090
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a high-voltage generator for an x-ray source, an x-ray gun, an electron beam apparatus, a rotary vacuum seal, a target assembly for an x-ray source, a rotary x-ray emission target, and an x-ray source. These various aspects may separately and/or together enable the construction of an x-ray source which can operate at energies of up to 500 kV and beyond, which is suitable for use in commercial and research x-ray applications such as computerised tomography. In particular, the high-voltage generator includes a shield electrode electrically connected intermediate of a first voltage multiplier and a second voltage multiplier. The electron beam apparatus includes control photodetectors and photo emitters having a transparent conductive shield arranged therebetween. The rotary vacuum seal includes a pumpable chamber at a position intermediate between high-pressure and low-pressure ends of a bore for a rotating shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: NIKON METROLOGY NV
    Inventor: Roger Hadland
  • Patent number: 9870892
    Abstract: In order to provide an increased, i.e. faster, periodic modulation of X-ray intensity, an anode disk (28) for a rotating anode in an X-ray tube includes a circumferential target area (34) with a target surface area (36), a focal track center line (38), and a beam-dump surface area (40). The target surface area when hit by an electron beam generates X-rays. The beam-dump surface area when hit by an electron beam generates no useful X-rays Target portions and beam-dump portions are arranged alternatingly along the focal track center line. A focal spot is centered on the focal track center line. Structures on both sides of the focal track center line are arranged such that same radiation intensities are provided by the both sides when being hit by a homogenous electron beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Rolf Karl Otto Behling
  • Patent number: 9700266
    Abstract: An intraoral radiation device, comprising a biocompatible intraoral receptacle with an X-ray source therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: CMT MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventor: Ehud Nachaliel
  • Patent number: 9671355
    Abstract: A device for providing for electron excited x-ray fluorescence may include means for driving two contacting surfaces against each other in a low fluid pressure environment, such that high energy electrons strike a sample under test and provide for x-ray fluorescence of the sample. The sample under test may be in or on a sample holder, whose position with respect to the contacting surfaces is adjustable. For example, the sample holder may be positionable to be a different distances from the contacting surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Tribogenics, Inc.
    Inventor: Carlos Camara
  • Patent number: 9659738
    Abstract: An x-ray source comprising a housing, in which a target in the form of an ionized cloud based on metal vapor is provided. The ionized cloud can be excited by means of an electron beam for emitting monochromatic x-rays. The low atom density advantageously produces only a little braking radiation. The robustness of the plasma with respect to the inevitable thermal energy input is also advantageous with respect to the solid target materials. The cloud can be filled at any time with target material which can be vaporized by means of an electric arc. A method for producing x-rays with the above-mentioned x-ray source is also provided. The use of an x-ray source for emitting monochromatic x-rays for x-raying a body is further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Oliver Heid, Timothy Hughes, Jennifer Sirtl
  • Patent number: 9583302
    Abstract: A piece of scientific/technological equipment is presented for the generation of a convergent photon beam for radiotherapy or other applications. This equipment consists of adequately modifying the trajectory of an electron beam from a linear accelerator (LINAC) by applying magnetic and/or electric fields. These electrons perpendicularly impact the surface of a curved material that has a particular curvature ratio (anode), thus generating X-rays. The interaction of the electrons with the atoms of the anode's material generate X-rays with a non-isotropic angular-spatial distribution, with a greater concentration in the focal direction, which is defined by the geometry of the anode. A curved collimator with an adequate curvature ratio is attached to the back of the anode. The collimator is made up of an array of a great number of small holes that point toward the focal point. This device transmits X-rays solely in the focal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignees: UNIVERSIDAD DE LA FRONTERA, UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL DE CORDOBA
    Inventors: Rodolfo Figueroa Saavedra, Mauro Valente
  • Patent number: 9564284
    Abstract: An anode with a linear main direction of extent for an x-ray device, has an anode body and a focal track layer, which is connected to the anode body in a material-bonding manner on a focal track layer volume portion of the anode body. At least one cooling channel for the cooling of the anode body and the focal track layer is arranged in the interior of the anode body and at least the focal track layer volume portion is formed of a material with at least a basic matrix of refractory metal. The focal track layer volume portion extends as far as to the cooling channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Plansee SE
    Inventors: Stefan Gerzoskovitz, Hannes Lorenz, Jürgen Schatte, Hannes Wagner, Andreas Wucherpfennig
  • Patent number: 9552956
    Abstract: A radiation generating apparatus includes: an envelope 1 having a first window 2 through which a radiation is transmitted; and a radiation tube 10 being held within the envelope 1, and having a second window 15 which is arranged in opposition to the first window 2, and through which the radiation is transmitted; and a radiation shielding member 16 thermally connected to the second window 15, having a radiation transmitting hole 21 arranged in communication with the second window 15, and having a protruding portion protruding from the second window 15 toward the first window 2. A thermally conductive member 17 having a higher thermal conductivity rather than that of the radiation shielding member 16 is connected to the protruding portion of the radiation shielding member 16. The radiation generating apparatus can shield an unnecessary radiation and cool a target with a simple structure and is entirely reduced in weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Yanagisawa, Shuji Aoki, Miki Tamura, Kazuyuki Ueda, Ichiro Nomura
  • Patent number: 9543108
    Abstract: A rotating x-ray anode has an annular focal track. The surface of the focal track has a directed ground structure. Over the circumference of the annular focal track and over the radial extent of the focal track, the alignment of the ground structure is inclined relative to a tangential reference direction in the respective surface portion in each case by an angle that lies in the range from 15°, including, up to and including 90°. A corresponding method for producing a rotating x-ray anode is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Plansee SE
    Inventors: Peter Roedhammer, Juergen Schatte, Wolfgang Glatz, Thomas Mueller
  • Patent number: 9504438
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiographic imaging apparatus and a corresponding radiographic imaging method. The proposed apparatus comprises an X-ray source (20, 108) and a photon counting X-ray detector (40, 110). The X-ray source (20, 108) comprises a rotary X-ray anode (23) having a number of radial slits and a target layer provided on a surface of said rotary X-ray anode in between said radial slits for emitting X-ray radiation when hit by said electron beam. The said photon counting X-ray detector (40, 110) comprises a persistent current sensing and correction unit (70) for sensing a persistent output current in a blanking interval during which no X-ray radiation is emitted by said X-ray source and for using the sensed persistent output current to correct a detector signal in a subsequent measurement interval during which X-ray radiation is emitted by said X-ray source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Roland Proksa
  • Patent number: 9449783
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards the prevention of high voltage instabilities within X-ray tubes. For example, in one embodiment, an X-ray tube is provided. The X-ray tube generally includes a stationary member, and a rotary member configured to rotate with respect to the stationary member during operation of the X-ray tube. The X-ray tube also includes a liquid metal bearing material disposed in a space between the shaft and the sleeve, a seal disposed adjacent to the space to seal the liquid metal bearing material in the space, and an enhanced surface area material disposed on a side of the seal axially opposite the space and configured to trap within the enhanced surface area material liquid metal bearing material that escapes the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Ian Strider Hunt, Donald Robert Allen, Kenwood Dayton, Andrew Triscari
  • Patent number: 9437390
    Abstract: An X-ray tube device according to the present invention includes a cathode generating an electron beam, an anode generating an X-ray by collision of the electron beam from the cathode, an envelope internally housing the cathode and the anode, a magnetic field generator including a magnetic pole arranged to be opposed to the envelope, generating a magnetic field for focusing and deflecting the electron beam from the cathode to the anode, and an electric field relaxing electrode arranged between the magnetic pole and the envelope, having an outer surface having a rounded shape. Thus, the magnetic field generator can be placed closer to the envelope while a tip end of the magnetic field generator is suppressed from being a discharge start point, and hence the effect of being capable of downsizing the X-ray tube device is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sadamu Tomita, Masaaki Ukita
  • Patent number: 9261136
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tumble disc bearing (100) to provide an efficient axial bearing for a rotating anode (216) of an X-ray source (212) having a tumble disc (102) for axially bearing the rotating anode (216), and a mounting component (120) for supporting the tumble disc (102). The mounting component (120) comprises an inner mounting face (122) for attaching to a supporting structure (194, 204). The mounting component (120) is supported in the tumble disc (102) at a tumble position (140) in which an inner supporting face (104) of the tumble disc (102) matches an outer supporting face (124) of the mounting component (120) such that the tumble disc (102) is enabled to perform a tumble motion in all directions in relation to the mounting component (120). The mounting component (120) is adapted to be inserted in an inserting position (142) traverse to the tumble position (140) into the tumble disc (102).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Volker Onken, Willem Potze, Bernardus Wilhelmus Johannes Wassink
  • Patent number: 9173279
    Abstract: An x-ray transmitter, which may be compact, may be in the form of a housing with an x-ray transparent window sputtered with a metal on one wall, and tribocharging electron source on another wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Tribogenics, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos G. Camara, Benjamin A. Lucas, Zachary J. Gamlieli
  • Patent number: 9153407
    Abstract: An X-ray tube is provided. The X-ray tube includes a first housing including an X-ray window formed therein, a second housing being rotatable about a rotational shaft installed within the first housing, an anode installed on the rotational shaft within the second housing and positioned in one side of the rotational shaft in an extending direction of the rotational shaft, an emitter installed on the rotational shaft within the second housing, positioned in the other side of the rotational shaft in the extending direction of the rotational shaft, and emitting electron beams, a lens unit installed between the anode and the emitter and focusing the electron beams emitted from the emitter to the anode, and an electron beam deflection unit installed on the rotational shaft to deflect an angle of electron beams moving toward the anode from the lens unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Jin Woo Jeong, Yoon-Ho Song, Sungyoul Choi, Jun Tae Kang, Jae-woo Kim
  • Patent number: 9119281
    Abstract: A method of operating an acceleration system comprises injecting charged particles into an RF accelerator, providing RF power to the accelerator, and accelerating the injected charged particles. The accelerated charged particles may impact a target to generate radiation. The RF power is based, at least in part, on past performance of the system, to compensate, at least partially, for dose and/or energy instability. A controller may provide a compensated control voltage (“CCV”) to an electric power source based on the past performance, to provide compensated electric power to the RF source. A decreasing CCV, such as an exponentially decreasing CCV, may be provided to the electric power source during beam on time periods. The CCV to be provided may be increased, such as exponentially increased toward a maximum value, during beam off time periods. The controller may be configured by a compensation circuit and/or software. Systems are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gongyin Chen, Kenneth Todd Romriell, David Alan Howell
  • Patent number: 9099279
    Abstract: An x-ray tube for generating a sweeping x-ray beam. A cathode is disposed within a vacuum enclosure and emits a beam of electrons attracted toward an anode. The anode is adapted for rotation with respect to the vacuum enclosure about an axis of rotation. At least one collimator opening corotates with the anode within the vacuum enclosure, such that a swept x-ray beam is emitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: American Science and Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Rommel, Peter Rothschild
  • Patent number: 9042518
    Abstract: A method for asynchronous operation of a rotary anode of an x-ray emitter, where a torque is exerted onto the rotary anode by an electromagnetic alternating field of a stator with a first frequency is provided. The method includes increasing the first frequency to a second frequency. The second frequency is a whole number multiple of an x-ray trigger frequency. The method also includes simultaneously changing an output of the alternating field such that a rotational frequency of the rotary anode remains unchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jens Fürst, Andreas Körner, Johannes Walk
  • Publication number: 20150139402
    Abstract: X-ray sources and production of X-rays, in particular, producing monochromatic x-rays is provided. More specifically, a method for producing X-rays and the use of the X-ray source for x-raying bodies (for example human bodies). An aerogel, for example in the form of a rod, may be provided in a housing as a target. Said target may be bombarded with an electron beam, the aerogel being vaporized due to the extreme low density and the high energy. As a result, the target is guided by means of a roller such that an unused target for producing, in particular, the monochromatic X-rays, is always available.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELL SCHAFT
    Inventors: Oliver Heid, Timothy Hughes, Jennifer Sirtl
  • Publication number: 20150098548
    Abstract: An apparatus (210) and method for total or partial blanking of an electron beam (e) during a jump between the 2 or more positions of a dynamic focal spot (FP) movement in circumferential direction of the electron beam impinging on the focal track (FPTR) of a rotating target disk (230) of a X-ray tube (110). Alternatively the focal spot size can be increased during this short time interval. Overheating of the anode at the focal spot can be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHLIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Christoph Helmut Bathe, Thorben Repenning
  • Patent number: 8953746
    Abstract: A source of X-rays including at least two cathodes and at least one common anode configured and arranged so as to generate at least two spaced apart beams of X-rays emanating from respectively different locations of the anode, and separately controlled so as to be generated independently of one another. The staggered focal spots can be generated simultaneously or alternately as required. An X-ray imaging system comprising such an X-rays source, and a method utilizing such a source are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Analogic Corporation
    Inventors: Aleksander Roshi, Ram Naidu, David Schafer
  • Patent number: 8923484
    Abstract: A motion correction system and method for motion correction for an x-ray tube is presented. One embodiment of the motion correction system includes a sensing unit coupled to an x-ray tube to determine a distance with which an impingement location of an electron beam generated by the x-ray tube deviates from a determined location due to motion of the x-ray tube. The motion correction system further includes a control unit coupled to the sensing unit to generate a control signal corresponding to the distance with which the impingement location of the electron beam deviates. Also, the motion correction system includes a deflection unit coupled to the control unit to steer the electron beam to the determined location based on the generated control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Yun Zou, Scott Stephen Zelakiewicz, Floribertus P. M. Heukensfeldt Jansen, Jeffrey Wayne Eberhard, Fengfeng Tao, Timothy Powers, Thomas Edmund Sjoberg
  • Patent number: 8908833
    Abstract: Provided is an X-ray generator comprising a cathode for generating electrons; a rotating anode having a cylindrical electron impingement surface, an X-ray focal point being formed by a region in which the electrons impinge upon the electron impingement surface; and a Wehnelt electrode for imparting an electric field to the electrons emitted from the cathode. The Wehnelt electrode has a field formation surface for forming the electric field, and an electron passage aperture formed by the field formation surface. The field formation surface of the Wehnelt electrode is inclined with respect to a plane tangent to an outer circumferential surface of the rotating anode at the center of the X-ray focal point. The center of the cathode is in a plane orthogonal to the field formation surface and aligned with the center of the electron passage aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Rigaku Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Nonoguchi, Masashi Kageyama, Tomohiro Chaki, Masaaki Yamakata, Koichi Kato, Masaru Kuribayashi
  • Publication number: 20140348301
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of acquiring a plurality of focal spots for X-rays. The method includes radiating an electron beam from a cathode of a magnetic field generating apparatus toward a movable anode of the magnetic field generating apparatus, and irradiating a target with an X-ray that is produced from the radiated electron beam by the anode. The anode comprises an inclined side in which a part of the inclined side protrudes, and the plurality of focal spots for X-rays are acquired based on the radiated electron beam and the inclined side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Jae-sung Lee, Ki-yeo Kim, Ja-woo Lee, Min-kook Cho, Byung-sun Choi
  • Publication number: 20140348302
    Abstract: Closed-loop circulation for providing liquid metal to an interaction region at which an electron beam is to impact upon the liquid metal to produce X-rays is presented. In a method, the pressure of the liquid metal is raised to at least 10 bar using a high-pressure pump. The pressurized liquid metal is then conducted to a nozzle and ejected into a vacuum chamber in the form of a spatially continuous jet. After passage through the vacuum chamber, the liquid metal is collected in a collection reservoir, and the pressure of the liquid metal is raised to an inlet pressure, e.g. using a primer pump, suitable for the inlet of the high-pressure pump. Also, a corresponding circulation system and an X-ray source provided with such circulation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: EXCILLUM AB
    Inventors: Oscar HEMBERG, Tomi TUOHIMAA, Mikael OTENDAL
  • Patent number: 8897420
    Abstract: An x-ray tube includes a cathode adapted to emit electrons, a bearing assembly comprising a rotatable shaft having a rotor hub, a target assembly attached to the rotatable shaft and positioned to receive the emitted electrons in order to generate x-rays therefrom, a rotor attached to the rotor hub at an attachment face, wherein the attachment face comprises a first material compressed against a second material, and a first anti-wear coating attached to one of the first material and the second material and positioned between the first material and the second material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ian Strider Hunt, Andrew Thomas Triscari
  • Patent number: 8867706
    Abstract: An asymmetric x-ray tube. In one example embodiment, an x-ray tube includes an evacuated enclosure, a cathode assembly at least partially positioned within the evacuated enclosure and defining a first axis, and an anode assembly at least partially positioned within the evacuated enclosure and defining a second axis. The anode assembly includes a rotating anode having a focal spot. The focal spot and the second axis define a plane. The first axis is positioned beneath the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Clark Treseder, James E. Burke
  • Publication number: 20140307853
    Abstract: The present invention relates to modulating a generated X-ray beam. In order to provide an increased, i.e. faster, periodic modulation of the X-ray intensity, an anode disk (28) for a rotating anode in an X-ray tube for modulating a generated X-ray beam is provided, the anode disk comprising a circumferential target area (34) with a target surface area, a focal track centre line (38), and a beam-dump surface area. The target surface area is provided such that, when being hit by an electron beam, X-rays for X-ray imaging can be generated; and the beam-dump surface area is provided such that, when being hit by an electron beam, no useful X-rays for X-ray imaging can be generated. The target surface area comprises a plurality of target portions (80,82), and the beam-dump surface area comprises a plurality of beam-dump portions (88).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Rolf Karl Otto Behling