With Cooling Fluid Patents (Class 378/130)
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Patent number: 11721515Abstract: An X-ray module includes a housing; an electron gun that emits an electron beam inside the housing; a target disposed inside the housing and fixed to the housing, to generate an X-ray when the electron beam is incident on the target; and a deflection unit including a permanent magnet and disposed outside the housing, to deflect the electron beam by means of a magnetic force of the permanent magnet. The deflection unit includes a heat insulating member disposed at least between the permanent magnet and the housing. A thermal conductivity of the heat insulating member is lower than a thermal conductivity of the permanent magnet.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2022Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.Inventors: Atsushi Ishii, Ginji Sugiura, Akihito Kobayashi
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Patent number: 11183356Abstract: A rotary anode unit includes a target formed of a first metal material and a target support body formed of a second metal material, formed in a flat plate shape, and having first and second surfaces. A thermal conductivity of the second metal material is higher than a thermal conductivity of the first metal material. A first recessed portion is formed in the first surface at the outer part of the target support body. The target is disposed in the first recessed portion. A second recessed portion configured to define a flow path for allowing a coolant to flow is formed in the second surface at the inner part of the target support body. A thickness of a first region where the first recessed portion is formed is larger than a thickness of a second region where the second recessed portion is formed.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2020Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignees: ENERGETIQ TECHNOLOGY, INC., HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.Inventors: Matthew M. Besen, Ryosuke Yabushita
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Patent number: 11000246Abstract: A system with a gantry of a computed tomography device and a docking station and method are for cooling a component of the gantry. In an embodiment, the system includes a gantry of a computed tomography device, the gantry including a chassis and a heat store; and a docking station. The gantry is movable via the chassis relative to the docking station. The gantry and the docking station are detachably connectable to one another such that a detachable coolant-exchange connection for exchanging a coolant and/or a detachable heat-conduction connection for heat conduction is formed between the heat store and the docking station.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2019Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbHInventors: Hans-Juergen Mueller, Christoph Dickmann
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Patent number: 10849575Abstract: A computer tomograph (1) for X-ray imaging includes a rotationally fixed gantry (2) that is displaceable at most in the axial direction (z). A plurality of X-ray emitters (3) and X-ray detectors (4) is arranged in the gantry (2) in a fixed manner about a central geometrical axis (z), in each case opposite to one another and offset with respect to each other in the direction of the central axis (z). The X-ray emitters (3) have cathodes (5) as electron emitters, which are separately connected to emitter controls (25) and cooperate with a common extraction grid (26) connected upstream of at least one focusing electrode (27). In comparison to conventional computer tomographs having rotating or rigidly arranged technical X-ray components, the computer tomograph (1) has a light and compact design.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2017Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: ESSPEN GmbHInventor: Zahra Mohammadi
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Patent number: 10720254Abstract: A system and process for the photo-nuclear production of 67Cu using mainly the 71Ga (?, ?)67Cu reaction. The system and process uses a high energy electron beam, with or without a radiator, in order to isotopically convert at least a portion of a liquid 71Ga target to 67Cu.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2017Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: JEFFERSON SCIENCE ASSOCIATES, LLCInventors: Pavel V. Degtiarenko, Giorgi Kharashvili
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Patent number: 10699874Abstract: A vacuum condition controlling apparatus, the top of which is connected with an electron beam generating instrument. The apparatus is rotationally symmetric, comprises the following parts deployed outward from the central axis: the central channel, the first pumping channel, the gas supplying chamber and the at least one pumping chamber. A pressure limiting aperture is deployed near the outlet of the central channel, for keeping the pressure difference between the central channel and the outside environment, and allow the electron beam to go through the central channel; the first pumping channel is connected to the central channel to pump the central channel; the top of the gas supplying chamber is connected to the gas supplying channel to supply gas to the area between the specimen and the apparatus; the top of the second pumping channel is connected to the second pumping channel, to pump the area.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2017Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: Focus-eBeam Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.Inventors: Wei He, Shuai Li
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Patent number: 10672585Abstract: In one example, a lift assembly may exert a force on a rotatable anode of an X-ray source. The lift assembly may include a lift shaft and a lift electromagnet. The lift shaft may be coupled to an anode and configured to rotate around an axis of rotation of the anode. The lift electromagnet may be configured to apply a magnetic force to the lift shaft in a radial direction. The lift electromagnet may include a coupling portion extending between an interior of a vacuum envelope and an exterior of the vacuum envelope and a winding portion coupled to the coupling portion. Windings may at least partially surround the winding portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2018Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: VAREX IMAGING CORPORATIONInventors: Vance Scott Robinson, Kasey Otho Greenland, Neil Bostrom, Jonathan Miller
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Patent number: 10270220Abstract: Methods and systems for increased heat removal from devices in which the component design allows for thinner heat removal components.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2014Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: SCIENCE RESEARCH LABORATORY, INC.Inventors: Henry M. Eppich, Jonah H. Jacob
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Patent number: 9911570Abstract: Technology is described for an antiwetting coating attached to a substrate (e.g., metal substate) on a liquid metal container. In one example, the liquid metal container includes a first enclosure member, a second enclosure member, liquid metal, and an antiwetting coating. The first enclosure member includes a first substrate with a first surface. The second enclosure member includes a second substrate with a second surface. The first enclosure member is positioned proximate to the second enclosure member such that a gap is formed between the first surface and the second surface. The liquid metal positioned within the gap. An antiwetting coating attached to the first surface and/or the second surface. The antiwetting coating includes chromium nitride (CrN), dichromium nitride (Cr2N), chromium (III) oxide (Cr2O3), and/or titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN) attached to the first surface and/or the second surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2015Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: VAREX IMAGING CORPORATIONInventors: Santosh K. Tiwari, Kasey Greenland
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Patent number: 9799480Abstract: The embodiments relate to a CT system with a stationary part and a rotatable part, which is supported rotatably in the stationary part. At least one x-ray tube unit cooled by a cooling fluid, an x-ray detector lying opposite the x-ray tube unit, and a cooling device coupled in terms of fluid technology to the x-ray tube unit via a coolant circuit are disposed in the rotatable part. A cooling air channel, through which cooling air is able to be fed into the rotatable part, and an exhaust air channel, through which heated exhaust air is able to be taken away from the rotatable part, are disposed in the stationary part. In accordance with the embodiments, at least one overpressure relief valve is disposed in the coolant circuit, through which the cooling fluid is able to be conveyed away in the exhaust air channel.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2015Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Herbert Gruchatka, Ulrich Kühn, Lothar Werner
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Patent number: 9275822Abstract: Liquid metal containment in an x-ray tube. In one example embodiment, an x-ray tube anode assembly includes a shaft terminated by a head and an anode connected to an anode hub. The anode hub is at least partially surrounding the head of the shaft. The anode hub is configured to contain a volume of a liquid metal and to rotate around the stationary shaft. The anode hub may also define a catch space within the anode hub that is configured to catch the liquid metal in order to contain the liquid metal within the hub while in a non-rotating state and regardless of the orientation of the x-ray tube anode assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2012Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Ward Vincent Coon, Dennis H. Runnoe, Lawrence Wheatley Bawden
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Patent number: 9153408Abstract: An apparatus is provided for a micro focus X-ray tube for a high-resolution X-ray including a housing, an electron beam source for generating an electron beam and a focusing lens for focusing the electron beam on a target. The micro focus X-ray tube includes a substantially rotationally symmetrical, ring-shaped cooling chamber configured to circulate a liquid cooling medium.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2010Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies GmbHInventors: Eberhard Neuser, Andreas Schmitt, Wolfgang Johannes Sperner
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Patent number: 9058958Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiation generating apparatus which includes an envelope provided with a first window through which radiation is transmitted, a radiation tube housed in the envelope and provided with a second window through which the radiation is transmitted, the second window being located at a position opposite the first window, and an insulating fluid adapted to fill the space between the inner wall of the envelope and the radiation tube. Plural plates are arranged side by side between the first window including its periphery and the second window including its periphery, and overlapping one another with gaps between them. The gaps are formed among the plates, and thereby the withstanding voltage between the first window and second window is made larger.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2012Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shuji Aoki, Koji Yamazaki, Yoshihiro Yanagisawa, Kazuyuki Ueda, Miki Tamura
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Publication number: 20150124936Abstract: According to one embodiment, a rotating-anode X-ray tube assembly includes a rotating-anode X-ray tube, a housing, a coolant, a first shell, an X-ray shielding member, a second shell and an air introduction unit. The first shell is provided apart from the housing and an envelope of the rotating-anode X-ray tube, and surrounds the envelope. The X-ray shielding member is provided between the first shell and the housing and apart from the housing. The second shell is provided apart from the housing to cause an airway to be formed between the second shell and the housing. The air introduction unit produces a flow of air in the airway.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2014Publication date: May 7, 2015Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Electron Tubes & Devices Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hidero ANNO, Masaji KANAGAMI
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Publication number: 20150078531Abstract: According to one embodiment, a rotating-anode X-ray tube assembly includes an X-ray tube, a stator coil, a housing, an X-ray radiation window, and a coolant. The housing includes a first divisional part which includes an X-ray radiation port and to which the X-ray tube is directly or indirectly fixed, and a second divisional part located on a side opposite to an anode target with respect to an anode target rotating mechanism and coupled to the first divisional part. A coupling surface between the first divisional part and the second divisional part is located on one plane, and is inclined to an axis, with exclusion of a direction perpendicular to the axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, Toshiba Electron Tubes & Devices Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshifumi IMAI, Tomonari ISHIHARA
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Patent number: 8855268Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating an inspection system is provided. A housing with an x-ray system located inside of the housing is moved in an environment with water relative to a location on a surface of an object to be inspected. The location on the surface of the object is submerged in the water in the environment. A number of components for the x-ray system are cooled using the water around the housing.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2011Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Morteza Safai, Dallas Steven Scholes
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Publication number: 20140247922Abstract: According to one embodiment, a rotating anode X-ray tube includes a fixed shaft, a rotor, a lubricant, target, and a supporting member. The fixed shaft includes a small-diameter portion provided with a first radial bearing surface including first grooved surfaces, and a large-diameter portion provided with a second radial bearing surface including second grooved surfaces. The rotor includes a third radial bearing surface. The lubricant is filled in a gap between the fixed shaft and the rotor, and drawn by the first and second grooved surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, Toshiba Electron Tubes & Devices Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masataka UEKI, Yasutaka ITO
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Patent number: 8824637Abstract: An X-ray tube is produced by forming a first housing section 20 from sheet metal; forming a second housing section 22 from sheet metal, mounting an electron source 18 in one of the housing sections; mounting an anode 16 in one of the housing sections; and joining the housing sections 20, 22 together to form a housing defining a chamber with the electron source 18 and the anode 16 therein.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2009Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.Inventor: Edward James Morton
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Patent number: 8721177Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an X-ray CT scanner including: a gantry; a revolving body provided inside the gantry; an X-ray tube assembly provided in the revolving body; a heat radiator provided inside the revolving body so as to be connected to the X-ray tube assembly; a heat storage material provided in the heat radiator and capable of accumulating a heat generated by the X-ray tube assembly; and an X-ray detector provided inside the revolving body so as to oppose the X-ray tube assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2010Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Tomohiko Jimbo, Tomonao Takamatsu, Hideo Kitamura, Rika Hosaka, Hitoshi Hattori, Harunobu Fukushima, Hideo Iwasaki
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Publication number: 20140105366Abstract: Finned anode. In one example embodiment, an anode suitable for use in an x-ray tube includes a hub, a front side, and a target surface disposed on the front side. The hub is configured to attach to a bearing assembly and the front side substantially faces the bearing assembly. The anode further includes a rear side substantially opposite the front side, as well as two or more annular anode fins extending from the rear side. The annular anode fins are positioned radially outward from the hub to an outer periphery of the rear side.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2012Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Jeffrey Steven Wassom, Dennis H. Runnoe, Robert Clark Treseder
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Patent number: 8675819Abstract: Integral liquid-coolant passageways in an x-ray tube. In one example embodiment, an x-ray tube includes a can at least partially defining an evacuated enclosure, a cathode at least partially positioned within the evacuated enclosure, and an anode at least partially positioned within the evacuated enclosure. The can has first integral liquid-coolant passageways formed therein. The can is configured to have a liquid coolant circulated through the first integral liquid-coolant passageways to thereby cool the can without the can being submersed in a liquid coolant.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2010Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Travis Lee Astle, David Craig Smith, Lawrence Wheatley Bawden, Jeffrey Steven Wassom
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Patent number: 8582722Abstract: A rotary anode X-ray tube apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a stationary shaft, a cooling bath that is provided in the stationary shaft, a rotary cylinder that is rotatably supported to the stationary shaft, a target that is provided in the rotary cylinder, a cathode that is disposed to face the target, and a vacuum enclosure that stores these components. The stationary shaft has a large-diameter portion provided in a portion thereof and is provided with a flow passage through which a cooling fluid flows. The cooling bath is provided by thinning the wall thickness of the large-diameter portion to increase the flow passage diameter of a portion of the flow passage. The rotary cylinder covers an area of the stationary shaft including the large-diameter portion through a liquid metal and is rotatably supported to the stationary shaft. The target has a hollow circular plate shape that is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the rotary cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2010Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Electron Tubes & Devices Co., LtdInventors: Chiharu Tadokoro, Yasutaka Ito, Hitoshi Hattori, Ryoichi Takahashi, Tetsuya Yonezawa, Hironori Nakamuta
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Patent number: 8503615Abstract: The present embodiments relate to active thermal control of X-ray tubes. In one embodiment, a system includes an X-ray tube having an electron beam target, a rotary bearing supporting the target in rotation, and a coolant flow passage, at least a portion of the coolant flow passage being disposed in the center of the rotary bearing, and the coolant flow passage is configured to receive a coolant. The system also includes a coolant circulating system coupled to the coolant flow passage and configured to circulate the coolant thorough the coolant flow passage, and a control circuit coupled to the coolant circulating system and the rotary bearing, the control circuit being configured to control heat flow between components of the X-ray tube by regulating extraction of heat from the X-ray tube via the coolant and by regulating a rotation rate of the rotary bearing.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ron Kent Hockersmith, Michael Hebert, Ian Strider Hunt, David Bateman
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Publication number: 20130051533Abstract: Liquid metal containment in an x-ray tube. In one example embodiment, an x-ray tube anode assembly includes a shaft terminated by a head and an anode connected to an anode hub. The anode hub is at least partially surrounding the head of the shaft. The anode hub is configured to contain a volume of a liquid metal and to rotate around the stationary shaft. The anode hub may also define a catch space within the anode hub that is configured to catch the liquid metal in order to contain the liquid metal within the hub while in a non-rotating state and regardless of the orientation of the x-ray tube anode assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventor: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
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Patent number: 8385505Abstract: In one example, an x-ray tube comprises an evacuated enclosure and a cathode disposed within the evacuated enclosure. An anode is also disposed within the evacuated enclosure opposite the cathode so as to receive electrons emitted by the cathode. A rotor sleeve is coupled to the anode, the rotor sleeve being responsive to applied electromagnetic fields such that a rotational motion is imparted to the anode. A magnetic assist bearing assembly rotatably supports the anode.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Ward Vincent Coon, Dennis Runnoe
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Publication number: 20120106709Abstract: The present embodiments relate to active thermal control of X-ray tubes, for example X-ray tubes used in CT imaging. In one embodiment, a system for thermal control of an X-ray tube is provided. The system includes an X-ray tube having an electron beam target, a rotary bearing supporting the target in rotation, and a coolant flow passage, at least a portion of the coolant flow passage being disposed in the center of the rotary bearing, and the coolant flow passage is configured to receive a coolant. The system also includes a coolant circulating system coupled to the coolant flow passage and configured to circulate the coolant thorough the coolant flow passage, and a control circuit coupled to the coolant circulating system and the rotary bearing, the control circuit being configured to control heat flow between components of the X-ray tube by regulating extraction of heat from the X-ray tube via the coolant and by regulating a rotation rate of the rotary bearing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Ron Kent Hockersmith, Michael Hebert, Ian Strider Hunt, David Bateman
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Patent number: 8155273Abstract: A radiation source which can emit X-ray flux using electron beam currents from a cathode array formed on the window through which the radiation will exit the source. The source can be made in formats which are compact or flat compared with prior art radiation sources. X-ray flux produced by the source can be used for such purposes as radiation imaging, sterilization, decontamination of biohazards or photolithography.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Stellar Micro DevicesInventors: Mark F. Eaton, Leonid D. Karpov
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Patent number: 8102969Abstract: An x-ray device has a cathode aligned on a target region in a tube housing with a rotating anode unit. The rotating anode unit is borne to rotate around a rotational axis inside the tube housing. The rotating anode unit has a rotating anode plate with the target region and a shaft rotationally connected with the rotating anode plate. A magnetic bearing supports the shaft without contact in the tube housing. The rotating anode plate has an axial extension facing away from the shaft. The axial extension dips into a fluid-filled receptacle space of the tube housing for heat dissipation. Such an x-ray device allows high rotation speeds of the rotating anode unit, and thus a high operational power.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Herbert Bittl
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Patent number: 8009806Abstract: An x-ray tube includes a center shaft having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface forming a portion of a cavity therein, a mount having an inner surface, the mount having an x-ray target attached thereto, and a liquid metal positioned between the outer surface of the center shaft and the inner surface of the mount. The x-ray tube further includes a flow diverter positioned in the cavity, the flow diverter having a wall with an inner surface, and a plurality of jets passing through the wall, wherein the plurality of jets are configured such that when a fluid is flowed into the flow diverter and passes along its inner surface, a portion of the fluid passes through the plurality of jets and is directed toward the inner surface of the center shaft.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2009Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Edwin L. Legall
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Patent number: 8009805Abstract: A rotating union for an X-ray target is provided. The rotating union for the X-ray target comprises a housing, a coolant-slinging device comprising a rotating shaft having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, a proximal end and a distal end, and a bore therein, one or more slingers coupled to a proximal end of the rotating shaft; a drain annulus coupled to the one or more slingers, wherein the one or more slingers are configured to direct a coolant to the drain annulus and the drain annulus is configured to direct the coolant through a primary coolant outlet; and a stationary tube having a first end and a second end, wherein at least a portion of the stationary tube is disposed within the bore of the rotating shaft.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2009Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Walter John Smith, Vance Scott Robinson, Aniruddha Dattatraya Gadre, Mark Alan Frontera
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Patent number: 7974384Abstract: An x-ray tube includes a vacuum enclosure, a shaft having a first end and a second end, a flange attached to the first end of the shaft, the flange having an outer perimeter, and a ferrofluid seal assembly having an inner bore, the inner bore having an outer perimeter smaller than the outer perimeter of the flange. The shaft is inserted through the bore of the ferrofluid seal assembly such that the ferrofluid seal assembly is positioned between the first end of the shaft and the second end of the shaft and such that the first end extends into the vacuum enclosure, and the ferrofluid seal is configured to fluidically seal the vacuum enclosure from an environment into which the second end of the shaft extends.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2009Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Edwin L. Legall, Mark Alan Frontera, Michael Scott Hebert
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Patent number: 7961477Abstract: A housing comprising a liquid-tight electric bushing is provided. The housing comprises an opening and a printed circuit board comprising at least first and second layers. The first layer is a top side of the printed circuit board and spans the opening. A first contact element is disposed on the top side and in a blind bore through the first layer that extends to the second layer. The second layer is a conductor track in the interior of the printed circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2004Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Josef Deuringer, Richard Eichhorn, Lars Lauer, Gerd Mörsberger, Paul Ponnath, Roland Rabe
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Publication number: 20110058654Abstract: A rotary anode X-ray tube apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a stationary shaft, a cooling bath that is provided in the stationary shaft, a rotary cylinder that is rotatably supported to the stationary shaft, a target that is provided in the rotary cylinder, a cathode that is disposed to face the target, and a vacuum enclosure that stores these components. The stationary shaft has a large-diameter portion provided in a portion thereof and is provided with a flow passage through which a cooling fluid flows. The cooling bath is provided by thinning the wall thickness of the large-diameter portion to increase the flow passage diameter of a portion of the flow passage. The rotary cylinder covers an area of the stationary shaft including the large-diameter portion through a liquid metal and is rotatably supported to the stationary shaft. The target has a hollow circular plate shape that is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the rotary cylinder.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2010Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA ELECTRON TUBES & DEVICES CO., LTD.Inventors: Chiharu Tadokoro, Yasutaka Ito, Hitoshi Hattori, Ryoichi Takahashi, Tetsuya Yonezawa, Hironori Nakamuta
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Patent number: 7903787Abstract: An x-ray tube includes a rotatable shaft having a first end and a second end, a target coupled to the first end of the rotatable shaft, the target positioned to generate x-rays toward a subject upon impingement of electrons thereon, and an impeller coupled to the second end of the rotatable shaft and positioned to blow a gas into an inlet of an aperture passing into the rotatable shaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2009Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Edwin L. Legall, Mark Alan Frontera, Walter John Smith
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Patent number: 7887236Abstract: Embodiments of an X-ray source for a mobile X-ray diagnostic unit with a C-arm include a generator vessel that may be mounted to a hollow frame of the C-arm. The generator vessel may have a first subregion with a high-voltage generator and a second subregion with an X-ray source. In some embodiments, the first subregion, the second subregion, or both subregions may be at least partially inside a portion of the hollow frame of the C-arm. The generator vessel may be at least partially filled with insulating oil for cooling the high-voltage generator and/or the X-ray source.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2008Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Ziehm Imaging GmbHInventors: Juergen Dehler, Michael Guenther, Klaus Hoerndler
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Patent number: 7852988Abstract: An X-ray tube anode assembly and an X-ray tube assembly are disclosed that include an X-ray target and a drive assembly configured to provide an oscillatory motion to the X-ray target. The drive assembly is configured to provide an oscillatory motion to the target assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2008Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Manoharan Venugopal, Anandraj Sengupta, Mandyam Rangayan Sridhar, Maheshwara Murthy, Rammohan Rao Kalluri, Thangavelu Asokan, Ramasamy Anbarasu, Pramod Kumar Pandey, Clarence Lavere Gordon, III, Mark Alan Frontera, Sunil Srinivasa Murthy, Debasish Mishra, Manoj Kumar Koyithitta Meethal, Munishwar Ahuja, Hombe Gowda
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Publication number: 20100310050Abstract: A rotating union for an X-ray target is provided. The rotating union for the X-ray target comprises a housing, a coolant-slinging device comprising a rotating shaft having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, a proximal end and a distal end, and a bore therein, one or more slingers coupled to a proximal end of the rotating shaft; a drain annulus coupled to the one or more slingers, wherein the one or more slingers are configured to direct a coolant to the drain annulus and the drain annulus is configured to direct the coolant through a primary coolant outlet; and a stationary tube having a first end and a second end, wherein at least a portion of the stationary tube is disposed within the bore of the rotating shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2009Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Walter John Smith, Vance Scott Robinson, Aniruddha Dattatraya Gadre, Mark Alan Frontera
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Publication number: 20100260324Abstract: An x-ray tube includes a rotatable shaft having a first end and a second end, a target coupled to the first end of the rotatable shaft, the target positioned to generate x-rays toward a subject upon impingement of electrons thereon, and an impeller coupled to the second end of the rotatable shaft and positioned to blow a gas into an inlet of an aperture passing into the rotatable shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2009Publication date: October 14, 2010Inventors: Edwin L. Legall, Mark Alan Frontera, Walter John Smith
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Publication number: 20100150314Abstract: An x-ray device has a cathode aligned on a target region in a tube housing with a rotating anode unit. The rotating anode unit is borne to rotate around a rotational axis inside the tube housing. The rotating anode unit has a rotating anode plate with the target region and a shaft rotationally connected with the rotating anode plate. A magnetic bearing supports the shaft without contact in the tube housing. The rotating anode plate has an axial extension facing away from the shaft. The axial extension dips into a fluid-filled receptacle space of the tube housing for heat dissipation. Such an x-ray device allows high rotation speeds of the rotating anode unit, and thus a high operational power.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2009Publication date: June 17, 2010Inventor: Herbert Bittl
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Publication number: 20100150313Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling device (100) for a rotatable anode (10) which is used for producing X-rays in an X-ray tube comprising a focal path (11), on which an electron stream is projected, and supporting elements (15). In order to efficiently cool the rotatable anode, a liquid (13) is located between the focal path (11) and the supporting elements (15), said supporting elements (15) simultaneously form condensation surfaces (16) and a vaporisation surface is formed on the focal path (11), the liquid is evaporated on the evaporation surface (19) and appears on the condensation surfaces (16) in the form of a vapour (18), wherein it is condensed for returning to the focal path (11) in the form of a condensate (22) by the action of centrifugal forces applied on the rotatable anode (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2006Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: MARRESEARCH GMBHInventor: Jules Hendrix
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Patent number: 7697665Abstract: A rotating anode X-ray tube includes a fixed body having a radial sliding bearing surface and a channel therein through which a coolant flows, a rotor including a discoid large-diameter portion, which has a recess fitted with one end portion of the fixed body with a clearance therebetween and constitutes an anode target, and a small-diameter portion, which has on an inner surface thereof a radial sliding bearing surface which faces the aforesaid radial sliding bearing surface with a clearance, and is united with the large-diameter portion at one end portion thereof, a lubricant filling the clearances, a cathode arranged opposite to the anode target, and a vacuum envelope which contains the fixed body, the rotor, the lubricant and the cathode, and fixes the fixed body at another end portion of the fixed body situated opposite the one end portion of the fixed body fitted in the recess.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2009Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Electron Tubes & Devices Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuya Yonezawa, Hironori Nakamuta, Ryoichi Takahashi, Yasuo Yoshii, Hitoshi Hattori, Yasutaka Ito
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Patent number: 7693264Abstract: A system for controlling a gas load imposed upon a high vacuum chamber includes a first chamber enclosing a high vacuum and positioned within an ambient environment, a second chamber enclosing a gas and positioned within the ambient environment adjacent to the first chamber, and a rotatable shaft having a first portion extending into the first chamber and a second portion extending into the second chamber. A ferrofluid seal is positioned about the rotatable shaft and positioned between the first portion and the second portion and the ferrofluid seal fluidically separates the first chamber from the second chamber. A control unit is attached to the second chamber and configured to control the gas enclosed in the second chamber such that a gas load in the first chamber is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Aniruddha Gadre, Darren Lee Hallman, Paul M. Ratzmann, Richard Michael Roffers, John Scott Price
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Publication number: 20100027753Abstract: An X-ray tube anode assembly and an X-ray tube assembly are disclosed that include an X-ray target and a drive assembly configured to provide an oscillatory motion to the X-ray target. The drive assembly is configured to provide an oscillatory motion to the target assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2008Publication date: February 4, 2010Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Manoharan Venugpal, Anandraj Sengupta, Mandyam Rangayam Sridhar, Maheshwara Murthy, Rammohan Rao Kalluri, Thangavelu Asokan, Ramasamy Anbarusu, Pramod Kumar Pandey, Clarence Lavere Gordon, III, Mark Alan Frontera, Sunil Srinivasa Murthy, Debasish Mishra, Manoj Kumar Koyithitta Meethal, Munishwar Ahuja, Hombe Gowda
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Patent number: 7558376Abstract: There is disclosed a rotating anode X-ray tube assembly includes a vacuum envelope integrated with an anode target, a housing receiving at least the vacuum envelope, and rotatably holding it, a circulation path circulating a cooling medium in a state of closing to at least anode target of the vacuum envelope, a cathode received and arranged in the vacuum envelope, a cathode support member supporting the cathode, a bearing mechanism and a vacuum sealing mechanism interposed between the vacuum envelope, and the housing or a stationary member direct or indirectly fixed to the housing, and a driver unit for rotating the vacuum envelope.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2007Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Electron Tubes & Devices Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hidero Anno
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Patent number: 7522706Abstract: An x-ray tube assembly (1) includes a cathode housing (30) which has a neck connected to a frame (14) of the x-ray tube assembly. An anode (10) is positioned within an evacuated chamber defined by the frame. To reduce overheating of the neck by backscattered electrons, a cooling collar (70, 70?, 70?) is positioned around the neck of the cathode housing. Cooling fluid enters the collar through a fluid inlet tube (72, 72?, 72?). A cover member (110, 110?, 110?) of the collar includes a wall (118, 118?, 118?) which defines an aperture (126, 126?, 126?) sized for receiving the neck of the cathode housing. Cooling fluid flows around an interior annular flow path (152, 152?) defined within the cover member and leaves the cover member through the aperture or associated notches. In this way, stagnation of the flow is minimized.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2005Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Qing Kelvin Lu, Allan D. Kautz, Xiaopo Ma
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Patent number: 7515687Abstract: Provided is a device for the emission of X-rays. The device includes a vacuum pump including a sealed peripheral casing containing a cathode which emits a flux of electrons, a rotary anode mounted at the end of the shaft of the vacuum pump, a collection device for collecting an emitted electron beam and at least one cooling element, disposed opposite one of the main radial faces of the rotary anode, which is fixed to one of the vacuum pump stator or to the sealed peripheral casing.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Alcatel LucentInventors: Roland Bernard, Benoit Barthod
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Patent number: 7508916Abstract: An anode assembly includes a rotatable hub having a rotation axis and having a cooling passage formed therethrough and a ferrofluid seal attached to the rotatable hub, the ferrofluid seal fluidically separating a first volume containing the target from a second volume. A target is attached to the rotatable hub, the target having a rotation axis coincident with the rotation axis of the rotatable hub and having a chamber formed therein fluidically coupled to the cooling passage, the target having a focal track material attached to an outer face of the target.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2006Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mark A. Frontera, Christopher David Unger
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Patent number: 7499525Abstract: A heat exchanger system for a single-tank x-ray generator of an x-ray diagnostic device with a rotating anode tube with a glass jacket is provided. The system provides for the thermal radiation emitted by the anode plate of the rotating anode tube, which glows during load operation, to be absorbed in very close proximity to the tube by a heat exchanger with a window for the exiting x-ray radiation beam, without causing other components inside the generator tank to be heated by the thermal radiation. The heat exchanger preferably includes the lead shield required to shield against x-ray back-radiation and has a cooling agent flowing through it. The layer of insulating oil present in the space between the rotating anode tube and the heat exchanger is exchanged by means of a pump against insulating oil from other areas of the tank so as to prevent local overheating of the insulating oil in the gap.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2006Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Ziehm Imaging GmbHInventors: Klaus Hörndler, Peter Schwarzbauer, Michael Gunther
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Patent number: 7484888Abstract: A system and method for reducing or eliminating pump cavitation in a closed system having at least one or a plurality of fluid phase changes. The system comprises a venturi having a throat which is coupled to a reservoir tank.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2006Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Tark, Inc.Inventor: Joseph H. McCarthy, Jr.
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Patent number: 7443957Abstract: An x-ray apparatus has a cooling device for cooling of the anode, through which cooling device cooling fluid flows. To improve the cooling effect, the coolant is water and a pressure generation device is provided for generation of a water pressure of more than 1.1 bar acting at least in a region of the anode to be cooled.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2006Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Jörg Freudenberger, Ernst Neumeier, Peter Röhrer, Matthias Seufert