Abstract: An x-ray tube 10 is provided including an anode mounted to a rotatable shaft positioned within a center bore of a stem element, a bearing assembly positioned between the rotatable shaft and the stem element, and at least one liquid metal shunt in thermal communication with both the rotatable shaft and the stem element, located adjacent to the anode between the anode and the bearing assembly, and directing heat generated at the anode away from the bearing assembly by allowing heat to flow from the rotatable shaft into the stem element prior to heat reaching the bearing assembly.

Abstract: An x-ray tube 10 is provided including an anode mounted to a rotatable shaft positioned within a center bore of a stem element, a bearing assembly positioned between the rotatable shaft and the stem element, and at least one liquid metal shunt in thermal communication with both the rotatable shaft and the stem element, located adjacent to the anode between the anode and the bearing assembly, and directing heat generated at the anode away from the bearing assembly by allowing heat to flow from the rotatable shaft into the stem element prior to heat reaching the bearing assembly.

Abstract: An X-ray tube includes a substantially cylindrical rotor having an anode target fixed thereto, a substantially columnar stationary shaft coaxially arranged inside the rotor with a bearing gap, a dynamic slide bearing having helical grooves and formed between the rotor and the stationary shaft, and a metal lubricant supplied to the grooves and to the gap. An axial bore is formed in the shaft to extend in the longitudinal direction of the shaft, and an insertion rod is inserted into the axial bore such that a space extending in the longitudinal direction of the shaft is formed between an inner circumferential surface of the axial bore and an outer circumferential surface of the insertion rod. The space acts as at least one lubricant reservoir that is configured to store the metal lubricant.

Abstract: A multiple row spiral grooved bearing assembly 26 for use in a rotating anode X ray tube device 10 has an intermediate race 32 having a spiral grooved inner 34 and outer 36 surface placed between an outer housing 28 and an inner bearing shaft 30. A layer of gallium 42, 44 is interposed between the spiral grooved inner surface 34 and the inner bearing shaft 30 and between the spiral grooved outer surface 36 and outer housing 28 to provide lubrication for the surfaces of the intermediate race 32. The intermediate race 32 reduces the relative velocity between moving parts, thereby reducing heat generation of the bearing assembly 26 for a given anode rotation speed. This enables higher target 14 velocities, and hence higher focal spot power, available to the x-ray tube device 10 as compared with traditional ball-type bearing designs.

Abstract: A multiple row spiral grooved bearing assembly 26 for use in a rotating anode X ray tube device 10 has an intermediate race 32 having a spiral grooved inner 34 and outer 36 surface placed between an outer housing 28 and an inner bearing shaft 30. A layer of gallium 42, 44 is interposed between the spiral grooved inner surface 34 and the inner bearing shaft 30 and between the spiral grooved outer surface 36 and outer housing 28 to provide lubrication for the surfaces of the intermediate race 32. The intermediate race 32 reduces the relative velocity between moving parts, thereby reducing heat generation of the bearing assembly 26 for a given anode rotation speed. This enables higher target 14 velocities, and hence higher focal spot power, available to the x-ray tube device 10 as compared with traditional ball-type bearing designs.

Abstract: An x-ray generating device or system includes an anode assembly including a target; a cathode assembly disposed at a distance from the anode assembly, the cathode assembly configured to emit electrons that strike the target of the anode assembly, producing x-rays and residual energy; a heat receptor, positioned between the anode assembly and a bearing assembly supporting the anode assembly, for absorbing an amount of the residual energy; and a heat exchanger, in thermal communication with the heat receptor, for carrying a cooling medium and conducting an amount of the residual energy absorbed by the heat receptor away from the heat receptor.

Abstract: A rotary-anode-type X-ray tube comprising an anode target, a rotary cylinder supporting the target, and a stationary shaft having radial dynamic-pressure slide bearings to which a liquid-metal lubricant is supplied between the rotary cylinder and the stationary shaft and formed partially having a small-diameter portion with an outside diameter smaller than those of the slide bearings. The X-ray tube is provided with a plurality of reservoirs from which ducts extend. All the ducts open in the small-diameter portion.

Abstract: An X-ray tube comprises a substantially cylindrical rotor having an anode target fixed thereto, a substantially columnar stationary shaft coaxially arranged inside the rotor with a bearing gap, a dynamic slide bearing having helical grooves and formed between the rotor and the stationary shaft, and a metal lubricant supplied to the grooves and to the gap. An axial bore is formed in the shaft in a manner to extend in the longitudinal direction of the shaft, and an insertion rod is inserted into the axial bore such that a space extending in the longitudinal direction of the shaft is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the axial bore and the outer circumferential surface of the insertion rod. The space acts as a lubricant reservoir for storing the metal lubricant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary-anode X-ray tube which includes a sleeve bearing which is composed of an inner and an outer bearing segment, the outer bearing segment including intermediate pieces and a holder on which the intermediate pieces bear so as to transfer the bearing forces. Suitable shaping of the external surfaces of the intermediate pieces and the inner surfaces of the holder which contact these outer surfaces ensures that the intermediate pieces become aligned with the bearing surfaces on the inner bearing segment. This strongly reduces the complexity of manufacture.

Abstract: There is provided a rotating anode X-ray tube capable of efficiently discharging intense heat generated when X-rays are generated and achieving a high output power, a long-time continuous operation and a long operating life of the bearings. A rotating anode X-ray tube is provided with a target, a rotor, a shaft, rolling bearings and a bearing housing for supporting the rolling bearings. An accommodating, section for accommodating Ga or Ga alloy is defined by a center portion of the shaft and an inner surface of the bearing housing between the rolling bearings. Pumping grooves and labyrinth grooves are provided axially outwardly of the accommodating section for preventing the Ga or Ga alloy from leaking.

Abstract: An X-ray tube assembly having bearings rotatably connecting a rotor shaft and a stator. A pair of circumferential protrusions each radially extend from the shaft and are spaced apart a first radial distance from the stator. In a first example, the protrusions are longitudinally outward of, and to one longitudinal side of, the pair of bearings, and one of the protrusions is longitudinally and radially proximate one of the bearings. In a second example, a line may be drawn which is parallel to the axis and which intersects each of the protrusions and each of the bearings. A substance, which includes metal (such as gallium) and which is liquid at the assembly's operating temperature, is located longitudinally between the circumferential protrusions. The substance radially extends a second radial distance between, and in conductive thermal contact with, the shaft and the stator.

Abstract: An X-ray tube assembly having bearings rotatably connecting a rotor shaft and a stator. A pair of circumferential protrusions each radially extend from the shaft and are spaced apart a first radial distance from the stator. A substance, which includes metal (such as gallium) and which is liquid at the assembly's operating temperature, is located longitudinally between the circumferential protrusions. The substance radially extends a second radial distance between, and in conductive thermal contact with, the shaft and the stator. Preferably, the second radial distance is greater than fifty times the first radial distance, and the first radial distance is between twenty and sixty microns.

Abstract: An X-ray tube has a rotating anode and a plain bearing for mounting the rotating anode in a vacuum housing. The plain bearing has an inner bearing part that is stationary in relation to the vacuum housing, and a rotating outer bearing part that is connected with the rotating anode and that rotates with this anode relative to the vacuum housing during the operation of the X-ray tube. Between these inner and outer bearing parts there is a bearing gap filled with lubricant at least in the region provided for the transmission of force. The inner bearing part, which extends through the outer bearing part, is connected to the vacuum housing at both ends. The bearing gap has the same outer diameter at each of its two ends.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary-anode X-ray tube comprising a plain bearing, notably a spiral groove bearing, which comprises a bearing shaft and a bearing shell which encloses the bearing shaft, contains essentially molybdenum and/or tungsten or alloys thereof, and consists of at least two bearing shell portions, a liquid lubricant being present between the bearing shaft and the bearing shell. The material consumption and the manufacturing effort for the bearing shell are reduced in that on the outer side of the bearing portions there are provided connection elements which consist of a weldable material, and that the connection elements are connected to one another by way of a welded joint.

Abstract: In a rotating anode X-ray tube of this invention, a liquid metal lubricant supplied to bearing portions between a rotary member and a stationary member for instructing rotation of the rotary member is to be filled to a volume having a range of lower limit being an amount to fill bearing gaps, including helical grooves, and as an upper limit being 70% of the capacity of the interior in which the lubricant can flow, measured from the end portion of a helical groove slide bearing portion closest to the interior of a vacuum container. In the rotating anode X-ray tube, leakage of the liquid metal lubricant can be prevented, and a stable bearing operation can be maintained.

Abstract: A liquid metal plain bearing has a rotating and a stationary bearing part between which a bearing gap filled with liquid metal is located. The rotating bearing part has in relation at least one ring groove arranged to the bearing gap so that liquid metal possibly emerging from the bearing becomes located in the ring groove during the operation of the bearing and is held in the ring groove by the effect of centrifugal force.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a plain bearing part for a liquid metal lubricated plain bearing, the plain bearing part having a bearing surface that is in contact with a liquid metal during operation. This bearing surface is provided with a layer of a metal effective as diffusion barrier for the liquid metal and which is well wetted with the liquid metal. The layer is applied according to a PVD process.

Abstract: A plain bearing having a bearing gap filled with liquid metal has two plain bearing parts each having a surface contiguous to the liquid metal, these surfaces delimiting a gap connecting the bearing gap with the surrounding space. At least one of the surfaces is provided, in its area contiguous to the liquid metal, with a layer of a material that is effective as a wetting agent for the liquid metal.

Abstract: A rotary-anode X-ray tube including a sleeve bearing with a stationary and a rotatable bearing portion having facing bearing faces, at least one of which is provided with a groove pattern, has a lubricant which is liquid at least in the operating condition present between the bearing faces. A reduction of bearing wear is achieved by addition of a solid having a low sliding friction to the lubricant.

Abstract: A rotary-anode X-ray tube, include a sleeve bearing which serves to journal the rotary anode which sleeve bearing has a stationary bearing portion and a bearing portion which is rotatable about an axis of rotation. The two bearing portions cooperate with one another via a lubricant and have bearing surfaces which extend perpendicularly to the axis of rotation in order to take up axial bearing forces. The bearing surfaces changes over into external surfaces which form a lubricant gap between the bearing portions and one of which is provided with a groove pattern.

Abstract: A rotary anode type X-ray tube comprises a thin gas passageway extending from a lubricant chamber formed along the axis of a stationary structure and open at a fine gap G effective for preventing a lubricant leakage. In manufacturing the tube, a liquid metal lubricant is supplied to the lubricant chamber and to a slide bearing section, followed by assembling the tube and, then, sealing the assembled tube in a vacuum vessel. In the subsequent exhausting step, an open end of the gas passageway is allowed to face upward. The particular exhausting operation permits completely releasing to the outside the gas impregnated in the bearing-constituting members and the liquid metal lubricant, making it possible to maintain a stable bearing function.

Abstract: A rotary-anode X-ray tube, having a sleeve beating with a stationary bearing portion and a rotatable bearing portion, one of the facing surfaces of which is provided with a groove pattern, in which a bearing gap formed between the two bearing portions is filled with a lubricant at least at the area of the groove pattern. Gas inclusions can be discharged from the area of the bearing in that in at least one of the two bearing portions, in an area outside the groove pattern, there is provided a filter member which cannot be wetted by the lubricant and via which the bearing gap communicates with the vacuum space of the X-ray tube.

Abstract: An X-ray tube rotating anode is cooled with a liquid metal functioning as a recirculated heat exchange fluid and/or a metal film in a gap between the anode and a stationary structure. The liquid metal is confined to the gap by (a) a labyrinth having a coating that is not wetted by the liquid, (b) a magnetic structure, or (c) a wick. The liquid metal recirculated through the anode is cooled in a heat exchanger located either outside the tube or in the tube so it is surrounded by the anode. The heat exchanger in the tube includes a mass of metal in thermal contact with the recirculating liquid metal and including numerous passages for a cooling fluid, e.g. water. A high thermal conductivity path is provided between an anode region bombarded by electrons and a central region of the tube where heat is extracted.

Abstract: A rotary-anode X-ray tube includes a sleeve bearing, notably a helical groove bearing, for journalling the rotary anode. The bearing comprises a stationary and a rotatable bearing portion, a liquid lubricant being present between the two bearing portions and at least one of the bearing, portions being provided with at least one capillary-type lubricant duct. The lubricant duct can be particularly simply formed by imparting to the duct a cross-sectional area which is greater than permissible so as to achieve a capillary effect and by arranging in the lubricant duct a member which can be wetted by the lubricant and which extends over at least a part of the length of the lubricant duct, thus reducing the cross-sectional area of the lubricant duct to such an extent that a capillary effect is achieved.

Abstract: An improved x-ray system/tube comprising an enclosure having oil contained therein, an oil pump, for circulating oil within the system, at least one cooling structure operatively connected to the enclosure and the oil pump, for cooling the oil, an x-ray tube, operatively positioned inside the enclosure for generating and directing x-rays toward a target, the x-ray tube comprising: a glass envelope, a cathode, operatively positioned in the glass envelope, an anode assembly including a rotor and a stator, operatively positioned relative to the rotor, a target, operatively positioned relative to the cathode and operatively connected to the anode assembly, for directing x-rays out of the system, and bearing structure having opposing surfaces and lubricant means having debris therein, operatively connected to the anode assembly, for enabling the target to rotate at a high rate and at a low resistance, the bearing structure including means for capturing the debris such that bearing performance is maintained at or n

Abstract: A housing (A) which has a radiation transmissive window (52) defines a coolant oil reservoir (50). An x-ray tube (B) is mounted within the cooling oil reservoir. The x-ray tube includes a vacuum envelope having a cylindrical wall portion (10). A cylindrical sleeve (70) is mounted around the cylindrical wall (10) defining a narrow coolant oil gap (100). In one embodiment, a motor (16) rotates the vacuum envelope and an anode (14). The cylindrical sleeve (70) and the cylindrical rotating vacuum envelope wall portion (10) with the cooling oil film in the gap define a journal bearing which minimizes the horsepower requirements of the motor (16). A diaphragm (102) is expanded to reduce the thickness of the coolant oil film in the journal bearing gap. The cylindrical sleeve (70) is preferably constructed of a radiation blocking material such that the body of coolant oil (50) is shielded from x-rays (42).

Abstract: An X-ray tube of the rotary anode type including lubricant passages or lubricant housing recesses formed opening at those areas of a fixed or rotary structure where spiral grooves of slide bearings are present so as to allow lubricant to be more reliably supplied to these grooves-provided areas. Even when the rotary structure starts its rotation or it is being rotated, therefore, the liquid metal lubricant can be more reliably interposed between those faces of the fixed and rotary structures on which the slide bearings are formed. This can prevent the bearings from being damaged and the operation of these bearings can be kept more stable.

Abstract: A rotary-anode X-ray tube includes a sleeve bearing having bearing faces which are rotatable relative to one another in a direction of rotation and at least one of which is provided with a pattern of grooves. The service life of such a sleeve bearing can be prolonged by providing the grooves with a recess at their rearmost end, viewed in the direction of rotation.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus is provided with an operation process in which an AC voltage is applied from a power source to a magnetic stator coil so that the components of bearings are heated by magnetic induction to melt a metal lubricant in the bearings. Thus, the lubricant can be efficiently melted before starting rotation without additionally using extra components in an X-ray tube, so that the apparatus can enjoy stable operation.

Abstract: A rotary X-ray tube of the anode type wherein a jacket which serves to prevent lubricant from being scattered into the space in a vacuum envelope is attached to at least one of a rotary structure to which an anode target is fixed and a stationary structure for holding the rotating body, enclosing a clearance opening which forms a border relative to the space in the vacuum envelope.

Abstract: A rotary X-ray tube of the anode type wherein at least one of bearing surfaces which are partly formed on rotary and stationary structures is made of ceramics whose main component is the nitride, boride or carbide of at least one of those deviation metals, except chromium, which belong to a group IVA, VA or VIA element of a period 4, 5 or 6 of the Periodic Table.

Abstract: In a rotary-anode type X-ray tube, a rotary-anode is fixed to a cylindrical rotary structure, and a columnar stationary shaft is fitted in the rotary structure. A gap is formed between the rotary structure and the stationary shaft. The gap is filled with a liquid metal lubricant. Spiral grooves are formed in part of the outer surface of the stationary shaft to form a radial sliding bearing between the stationary shaft and the rotary structure. Spiral grooves are formed in the end faces of the stationary shaft to form a thrust sliding bearing between the stationary shaft and the rotary structure. A recess is formed in the stationary shaft to communicate with gaps in the radial sliding bearing. A lubricant storage chamber for storing the liquid metal lubricant is formed in the stationary shaft along the center axis. The storage chamber communicates with communicating holes which radially extend to be open to an outer surface region, of the stationary shaft, in which no spiral grooves are formed.

Abstract: A rotary-anode type X-ray tube wherein bubbles produced in the gap of a sliding bearing are securely and easily replaced with liquid metal lubricant, and the metal lubricant is prevented from leaking. The rotary anode is secured to a cylindrical rotary structure. A columnar fixed structure is secured to the rotary structure forming a gap between the rotary structure and fixed structure. A liquid metal lubricant fills the gap. Spiral grooves are formed on a part of the outer surface of the fixed structure and the sliding bearing is installed between the fixed structure and the rotary structure. The rotary structure and fixed structure are housed in a vacuum envelope. The gap of the sliding bearing is connected to the space inside the vacuum envelope through an annular space. A gap is formed between a ring block for blocking the opening of the rotary structure and the fixed structure.

Abstract: In a rotary-anode type X-ray tube, a rotary anode is fixed to a cylindrical rotary structure, and a columnar stationary shaft is fit in the rotary structure. A gap is formed between the rotary structure and the stationary shaft, and the gap is filled with a liquid metal lubricant. Spiral grooves are formed in portions of the outer surface of the stationary shaft to form a sliding bearing between the stationary shaft and the rotary structure. Base members of molybdenum, tungsten, niobium, or tantalum, as surface portions, are formed on the inner surface of the rotary structure and the outer surface of the stationary shaft, and reaction layers containing the material for the base member and gallium are respectively formed on the surface portions to a thickness of 1 .mu.m or more.

Abstract: A rotary anode X-ray tube comprises a cathode for emitting electrons in a vacuum vessel, an anode target with which the electrons emitted from the cathode collide to generate X-rays, a rotor fixed integrally with the anode target, and a plurality of bearings for rotatably supporting the anode target. Frictional surfaces of at least one of the bearings that is located in the vicinity of the anode target are coated with lubricant that demonstrates low vapor pressure at high temperatures. Main component of the lubricant is one of tin, aluminum and indium. Mother material of at least one of the bearings is ceramics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary-anode X-ray tube comprising a bearing arrangement for the rotary anode having at least two spiral groove bearings. A lubricant decoupling of the bearings adjoining each other is achieved in that the distance between the surfaces of the rotating part and the stationary part in the boundary region between the spiral groove bearings is enlarged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary anode X-ray tube with a sliding bearing, in particular a spiral flute bearing. In the case of such an X-ray tube, the passing of lubricant into the vacuum space of the X-ray tube, filled with a strong electric field in the operating state, is prevented by the surfaces, over which the lubricant reaches the space mentioned, being provided with a coating which can be wetted by the lubricant and forms an alloy with the latter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary-anode X-ray tube comprising a sleeve bearing, notably a helical-groove bearing, for journalling the rotary anode in the axial direction, which bearing comprises at least two pairs of bearing surfaces for taking up axial forces acting in opposite directions, each pair comprising two bearing surfaces which are present on bearing portions which are rotatable with respect to one another and which bearing surfaces cooperate via a lubricant, the helical-groove bearing communicating with the vacuum space of the X-ray tube via at least opening. Because at the area between the pairs of bearing surfaces there is provided a lubricant reservoir which communicates with the lubricant in the pairs of bearing surfaces and in the stationary bearing portion there is provided a duct which connects the lubricant reservoir to the vacuum space of the X-ray tube, it is achieved that the bearing will not be damaged in the case of loss of lubricant.

Abstract: A bearing retainer for mounting for a bearing in an X-ray tube, the X-ray tube having a rotating anode supported on an anode shaft held within a hollow anode stem, the retainer being slidably fitted into a hollow anode stem to hold one bearing coaxially with the anode shaft and to permit axial motion of the bearing so held, where the sliding surface of the bearing retainer is coated with a solid lubricant, and wherein the bearing retainer includes a bearing flange not coated with lubricant which may be swaged around the outer race of the bearing to hold the bearing.

Abstract: A method of applying solid lubricant to a bearing with rolling surfaces which comprises the steps of sputter cleaning the bearing substrate and implanting ions of the solid lubricant to a shallow depth in the surface of the substrate to improve the bonding of the solid lubricant plating which is subsequently deposited by plasma-assisted ion plating in a thin layer of approximately 1000 .ANG. directly over the implanted substrate and wherein the plating is applied to the bearing substrate at high temperature and in the presence of low pressure inert gas ions to improve surface structure and wherein the bearing element is then cooled in a vacuum.

Abstract: A rotating anode type X-ray tube device comprises a bearing assembly for supporting a rotating member. The bearing assembly includes a first member having a cylindrical configuration, and a second member having at least a portion concentrically disposed in said first member and at least one separation-type ball bearing is interposed between the first and the second member for supporting a relative rotating motion therebetween. The separation-type ball bearing has an inner race and an outer race with one of the inner and the outer race being open at an axial end thereof. A through-hole serves as a ball-introduction passageway when assembling the separation-type ball bearing from a position near the open end of the one race to a radially outer surface of the first member.

Abstract: A bearing retainer for mounting for a bearing in an X-ray tube, the X-ray tube having a rotating anode supported on an anode shaft held within a hollow anode stem, the retainer being slidably fitted into a hollow anode stem to hold one bearing coaxially with the anode shaft and to permit axial motion of the bearing so held, where the sliding surface of the bearing retainer is coated with titanium carbide, and wherein the bearing retainer includes a bearing flange not coated with titanium carbide which may be swaged around the outer race of the bearing to hold the bearing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray tube having a rotary anode which is rotatably supported in a vacuum-tight housing by at least one metal-lubricated sliding bearing of which at least the cooperating bearing surfaces consist of a W-alloy and in which the lubricant is Ga or a Ga-alloy.In order to extend the life of the X-ray tube, in particular at operating temperatures of the bearing above 400.degree. C., a mechanically readily machinable W-alloy is used which comprises from 2 to 27% by weight of Re.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary anode X-ray tube having a sliding bearing and a further bearing system. The further bearing system, preferably a magnetic bearing, is constructed so that it can absorb substantially entirely the axial and radial bearing forces, while the sliding bearing, which is preferably constructed as a spiral groove bearing with liquid metal lubrication, is shaped so that it absorbs the bearing forces only for a small fraction. It therefore has only a low friction, but it permits the supply of the anode current and especially an effective cooling of the anode disk.

Abstract: An X-ray tube comprising a rotary anode which is journalled in a helical-groove bearing is constructed so that the axial median plane of the rotary anode system is approximately coincident with the axial center of the helical-groove bearing. The bearing block for the anode system is connected to the tube base preferably via a connection whose rigidity is adapted to the weight, the geometry and the weight distribution of the anode system. The connection allows for cooling of the bearing block by means of a cooling liquid.

Abstract: The bearing in an X-ray tube comprising a liquid metal lubricated helical-groove bearing is provided with a push-pull bearing at one or both end faces of a bearing member. Consequently, the bearing member need not be further secured so that, notably in the case of suitable cooling of the anode disc and the bearing, extremely precise positioning of the radiation object point in the tube can be achieved.

Abstract: An X-ray tube having a rotary anode which is accommodated in a vacuum-tight housing so as to be rotatable by means of at least one spirally grooved bearing. The mutually cooperating surfaces of the bearing consist essentially of Mo or of an alloy of Mo and W and are effectively wetted by a Ga-alloy serving as a bearing lubricant. In order to extend the life of the X-ray tube, 1 to 4% by weight of Ag and/or Cu are added to the Ga-alloy, as a result of which the formation of crystalline compounds is inhibited.