With Cooling Fluid Patents (Class 378/130)
  • Patent number: 11721515
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Atsushi Ishii, Ginji Sugiura, Akihito Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 11183356
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignees: ENERGETIQ TECHNOLOGY, INC., HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Matthew M. Besen, Ryosuke Yabushita
  • Patent number: 11000246
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Juergen Mueller, Christoph Dickmann
  • Patent number: 10849575
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: ESSPEN GmbH
    Inventor: Zahra Mohammadi
  • Patent number: 10720254
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: JEFFERSON SCIENCE ASSOCIATES, LLC
    Inventors: Pavel V. Degtiarenko, Giorgi Kharashvili
  • Patent number: 10699874
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Focus-eBeam Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei He, Shuai Li
  • Patent number: 10672585
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: VAREX IMAGING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vance Scott Robinson, Kasey Otho Greenland, Neil Bostrom, Jonathan Miller
  • Patent number: 10270220
    Abstract: Methods and systems for increased heat removal from devices in which the component design allows for thinner heat removal components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: SCIENCE RESEARCH LABORATORY, INC.
    Inventors: Henry M. Eppich, Jonah H. Jacob
  • Patent number: 9911570
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: VAREX IMAGING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Santosh K. Tiwari, Kasey Greenland
  • Patent number: 9799480
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Herbert Gruchatka, Ulrich Kühn, Lothar Werner
  • Patent number: 9275822
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Ward Vincent Coon, Dennis H. Runnoe, Lawrence Wheatley Bawden
  • Patent number: 9153408
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Eberhard Neuser, Andreas Schmitt, Wolfgang Johannes Sperner
  • Patent number: 9058958
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shuji Aoki, Koji Yamazaki, Yoshihiro Yanagisawa, Kazuyuki Ueda, Miki Tamura
  • Publication number: 20150124936
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Electron Tubes & Devices Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidero ANNO, Masaji KANAGAMI
  • Publication number: 20150078531
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, Toshiba Electron Tubes & Devices Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshifumi IMAI, Tomonari ISHIHARA
  • Patent number: 8855268
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Morteza Safai, Dallas Steven Scholes
  • Publication number: 20140247922
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, Toshiba Electron Tubes & Devices Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masataka UEKI, Yasutaka ITO
  • Patent number: 8824637
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Patent number: 8721177
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Tomohiko Jimbo, Tomonao Takamatsu, Hideo Kitamura, Rika Hosaka, Hitoshi Hattori, Harunobu Fukushima, Hideo Iwasaki
  • Publication number: 20140105366
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Steven Wassom, Dennis H. Runnoe, Robert Clark Treseder
  • Patent number: 8675819
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis Lee Astle, David Craig Smith, Lawrence Wheatley Bawden, Jeffrey Steven Wassom
  • Patent number: 8582722
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Electron Tubes & Devices Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Chiharu Tadokoro, Yasutaka Ito, Hitoshi Hattori, Ryoichi Takahashi, Tetsuya Yonezawa, Hironori Nakamuta
  • Patent number: 8503615
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ron Kent Hockersmith, Michael Hebert, Ian Strider Hunt, David Bateman
  • Publication number: 20130051533
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8385505
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ward Vincent Coon, Dennis Runnoe
  • Publication number: 20120106709
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Ron Kent Hockersmith, Michael Hebert, Ian Strider Hunt, David Bateman
  • Patent number: 8155273
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Stellar Micro Devices
    Inventors: Mark F. Eaton, Leonid D. Karpov
  • Patent number: 8102969
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Herbert Bittl
  • Patent number: 8009806
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Edwin L. Legall
  • Patent number: 8009805
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Walter John Smith, Vance Scott Robinson, Aniruddha Dattatraya Gadre, Mark Alan Frontera
  • Patent number: 7974384
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Edwin L. Legall, Mark Alan Frontera, Michael Scott Hebert
  • Patent number: 7961477
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Josef Deuringer, Richard Eichhorn, Lars Lauer, Gerd Mörsberger, Paul Ponnath, Roland Rabe
  • Publication number: 20110058654
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA ELECTRON TUBES & DEVICES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chiharu Tadokoro, Yasutaka Ito, Hitoshi Hattori, Ryoichi Takahashi, Tetsuya Yonezawa, Hironori Nakamuta
  • Patent number: 7903787
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Edwin L. Legall, Mark Alan Frontera, Walter John Smith
  • Patent number: 7887236
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Ziehm Imaging GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Dehler, Michael Guenther, Klaus Hoerndler
  • Patent number: 7852988
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20100310050
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Walter John Smith, Vance Scott Robinson, Aniruddha Dattatraya Gadre, Mark Alan Frontera
  • Publication number: 20100260324
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: Edwin L. Legall, Mark Alan Frontera, Walter John Smith
  • Publication number: 20100150313
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: MARRESEARCH GMBH
    Inventor: Jules Hendrix
  • Publication number: 20100150314
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Herbert Bittl
  • Patent number: 7697665
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Electron Tubes & Devices Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Yonezawa, Hironori Nakamuta, Ryoichi Takahashi, Yasuo Yoshii, Hitoshi Hattori, Yasutaka Ito
  • Patent number: 7693264
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Aniruddha Gadre, Darren Lee Hallman, Paul M. Ratzmann, Richard Michael Roffers, John Scott Price
  • Publication number: 20100027753
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 7558376
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Electron Tubes & Devices Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidero Anno
  • Patent number: 7522706
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Qing Kelvin Lu, Allan D. Kautz, Xiaopo Ma
  • Patent number: 7515687
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Roland Bernard, Benoit Barthod
  • Patent number: 7508916
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark A. Frontera, Christopher David Unger
  • Patent number: 7499525
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Ziehm Imaging GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Hörndler, Peter Schwarzbauer, Michael Gunther
  • Patent number: 7484888
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Tark, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph H. McCarthy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7443957
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jörg Freudenberger, Ernst Neumeier, Peter Röhrer, Matthias Seufert