With Electron Scanning Or Deflecting Means Patents (Class 378/137)
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Publication number: 20140064456Abstract: A motion correction system and method for motion correction for an x-ray tube is presented. One embodiment of the motion correction system includes a sensing unit coupled to an x-ray tube to determine a distance with which an impingement location of an electron beam generated by the x-ray tube deviates from a determined location due to motion of the x-ray tube. The motion correction system further includes a control unit coupled to the sensing unit to generate a control signal corresponding to the distance with which the impingement location of the electron beam deviates. Also, the motion correction system includes a deflection unit coupled to the control unit to steer the electron beam to the determined location based on the generated control signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Yun Zou, Scott Stephen Zelakiewicz, Floribertus P. M. Heukensfeldt Jansen, Jeffrey Wayne Eberhard, Fengfeng Tao, Timothy Powers, Thomas Edmund Sjoberg
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Publication number: 20140056412Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated flying-spot X-ray apparatus comprising a ray generator configured to generate the X-ray, a revolving collimator device provided thereon with at least one aperture and arranged to be rotatable about the ray generator, a frameless torque motor configured to drive the revolving collimator device to rotate about the ray generator, and a cooling device configured to cool the ray generator, wherein the ray generator, the revolving collimator device, the frameless torque motor and the cooling device are mounted on an integrated mounting frame. Compared with the prior art, the integrated flying-spot X-ray apparatus according to the present disclosure has a simple and compact structure and is used as a kernel apparatus for fields of safety inspection and medical treatment.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2013Publication date: February 27, 2014Inventors: Zhiqiang Chen, Ziran Zhao, Wanlong Wu, Xilei Luo, Guangwei Ding, Yingkang Jin, Le Tang, Fuhua Ding, Bin Sang, Shuo Cao, Zhimin Zheng
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Patent number: 8625743Abstract: The present embodiments are directed towards the abatement of eddy currents that develop in a conductive material as a result of rapidly switching the magnitude of a magnetic flux proximate the material. For example, in one embodiment, a system having a controller is provided. The controller is configured to apply voltage pulses to a magnetic coil, the magnetic coil being operable to steer an electron beam within a housing comprising conductive material. The voltage pulses include a first pulse configured to cause the magnetic coil to switch from generating a first magnetic flux to generating a second magnetic flux, and a second pulse configured to induce a first eddy current having substantially the same directional orientation as the first magnetic flux.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2011Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Antonio Caiafa
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Publication number: 20130301805Abstract: A technique for indirectly measuring the degree of alignment of a beam in an electron-optical system including aligning means, focusing means and deflection means. To carry out the measurements, a simple sensor may be used, even a single-element sensor, provided it has a well-defined spatial extent. When practiced in connection with an X-ray source which is operable to produce an X-ray target, further, a technique for determining and controlling a width of an electron-beam at its intersection point with the target.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2011Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: Excillum ABInventors: Oscar Hemberg, Tomi Tuohimaa, Björn Sundman
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Publication number: 20130304254Abstract: An apparatus and a method for sorting scrap metal containing at least two categories of metals are provided. An x-ray beam is directed towards at least a portion of a particle of scrap metal. Backscattered x-rays, forward scattered x-rays, and transmitted x-rays from the particle are measured and input into a classifier, such as a database with a cutoff plane. The scrap metal is sorted into a first category and a second category on the scrap metal by a controller. An x-ray source for a scanning system is provided with an electron beam generator, an electromagnetic beam focusing coil, a pair of saddle shaped beam steering coils, and a target foil to create a scanning x-ray beam along a plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2012Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: HURON VALLEY STEEL CORPORATIONInventors: Paul Torek, Daniel F. Gorzen, Kalyani Chaganti
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Publication number: 20130294571Abstract: Disclosed is an X-ray tube that has a simple configuration and is capable of irradiating multiple different X-rays while switching them at a high rate, as well as an X-ray CT device using the X-ray tube. The X-ray tube comprises first and second electron generators, a deflection means, and a target. The deflection means switches the direction in which first and second electron beams are transmitted between first and second directions. The target comprises first, second, third, and fourth surfaces. The first surface receives a first electron beam transmitted toward the first direction and irradiates a first X-ray toward the irradiation field. The second surface receives a second electron beam transmitted toward the first direction and irradiates a second X-ray toward a direction different from the irradiation field. The third surface receives a first electron beam transmitted toward the second direction and irradiates the first X-ray toward a direction different from the predetermined irradiation field.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2012Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicants: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION, Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Gen Kondo
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Patent number: 8571181Abstract: A dual energy X-ray source for use in Homeland Security, Medical, Non-destructive Testing, and other markets includes a power supply, and a single x-ray tube. The X-ray tube includes two cathodes, and a single anode. The electrons from the cathodes travel predominantly along the axis of the x-ray tube, and impact the anode. The grid and/or focus coil direct the electrons so that electrons can pass by the cathode. The cathodes are kept at different potential, such that the tube can rapidly switch energies, and can rapidly switch output flux from each cathode.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: XRSciences LLCInventors: Colin Charette, David Reynolds
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Publication number: 20130259206Abstract: An x-ray generator includes a voltage source and a voltage divider network coupled thereto, a housing, and an insulator carried within the housing. An emitter cathode is carried within the housing and emits electrons and undesirable conductive particles. In addition, there is a shielding electrode carried within the housing downstream of the emitter cathode and coupled to the voltage divider network. A target is carried within the housing downstream of the at least one shielding electrode. The voltage divider is configured so that the emitter cathode and the shielding electrode have a voltage difference therebetween such that an electric field generated in the housing accelerates electrons emitted by the emitter cathode to toward the target. The shielding electrode is shaped to capture the undesirable conductive particles emitted by the emitter cathode that would otherwise strike the insulator.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Inventors: Marc-Andre de Looz, Jani Reijonen
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Patent number: 8548118Abstract: A CT system includes a gantry, an x-ray source configured to project x-rays toward an object, an x-ray detector positioned to receive x-rays from the x-ray source that pass through the object, a generator configured to energize the x-ray source to a first voltage and to a second voltage that is distinct from the first voltage, and a controller configured to cause the gantry to position the source and generator at a circumferential position during an imaging session, pass the object through the opening during the imaging session, cause the generator to energize the x-ray source to the first voltage and to the second voltage, acquire imaging data while the generator energizes the x-ray source to the first voltage and to the second voltage while the rotatable gantry is at the circumferential position, and generate an image using the imaging data.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2009Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jiang Hsieh, Naveen Chandra, Steven J. Woloschek, Robert F. Senzig
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Patent number: 8542801Abstract: The present embodiments relate to off-focal X-ray radiation attenuation within X-ray tubes, for example X-ray tubes used in CT imaging. In one embodiment, an X-ray tube for off-focal X-ray radiation attenuation is provided. The X-ray tube includes a cathode, a target, and a magnetic focal spot control unit having at least one electromagnet encased in a resin loaded with X-ray attenuating material.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2011Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ethan James Westcot, Thomas Dean Schaefer, Kalyan Koppisetty
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Publication number: 20130235977Abstract: An apparatus for generating a scanned beam of penetrating electromagnetic radiation. An electron beam is incident on a succession of specific locations on a concave anode which emits electromagnetic waves in response thereto, in such a way that electromagnetic waves exiting from an aperture scan over a range of angles within a scan plane in response to angular scanning of the electron beam. The x-ray beam is extracted from the apparatus via one or more exit apertures in the back hemisphere, on the side of the anode onto which the electron beam impinges.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2013Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: American Science and Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Lee Grodzins, Peter Rothschild
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Patent number: 8515012Abstract: The present embodiments relate to efficient electron beam steering within X-ray tubes, for example X-ray tubes used in CT imaging. In one embodiment, and X-ray tube with enhanced electron beam steering is provided. The X-ray tube includes an electron beam source, a target configured to generate X-rays when impacted by an electron beam from the electron beam source, and a steering magnet assembly having a plurality of ferrite cores and a plurality of litz wire coils wound on the ferrite cores.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Kalyan Koppisetty, Ethan James Westcot, Carey Shawn Rogers
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Patent number: 8498378Abstract: A method for controlling emission of a beam of electrons in an X-ray imaging tube. The X-ray imaging tube has an anode and a cathode. The method comprises a step in which at least one emission device included in the cathode emits an accelerated incident beam of electrons onto an impact focal spot on the anode to generate X-rays. An emission device is associated firstly with an assembly of polarizing plates and secondly with a focusing cup. An electric generator simultaneously applies a beam focusing voltage to the assembly and/or to the cup to control a characteristic dimension of the focal spot, and a cut-off voltage to the cup to control the emission of the beam by the device. The invention also concerns a corresponding cathode, tube and imaging system.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2010Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Gwenael Lemarchand, Frederic Dahan, Christelle Gaudin
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Patent number: 8483361Abstract: Anode targets for an x-ray tube and methods for controlling x-ray tubes for x-ray systems are provided. One x-ray system includes a field-generator configured to generate a field, an electron beam generator configured to generate an electron beam directed towards a target and a voltage controller configured to control the electron beam generator to produce an electron beam at a first energy level and an electron beam at a second energy level. The x-ray system also includes a field-generator controller configured to control a field to deflect at least one of the electron beams, wherein the electron beam, at the first energy level, impinges on the target at a first contact position and the electron beam, at the second energy level, impinges on the target at a second contact position. The at the first contact position and at the second contact position is configured to filter x-rays.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Paavana Sainath, Xiaoye Wu, Girijesh K. Yadava
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Patent number: 8477908Abstract: An indirectly heated cathode assembly is presented. The indirectly heated cathode assembly includes at least one electron source for generating a first electron beam, an emitter for producing a second electron beam when heated by the first electron beam and a focusing electrode for controlling, and directing the first electron beam towards the emitter.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2009Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Yun Zou, Vance Scott Robinson, Louis Paul Inzinna, Kenneth Roger Conway, Sergio Lemaitre, Mark Alan Frontera, Xi Zhang, Vasile Bogdan Neculaes
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Publication number: 20130142305Abstract: Compact, dual energy radiation scanning systems are described comprising two particle beam accelerators, each configured to accelerate charged particles to different energies, positioned parallel to a direction of movement of an object to be inspected. The accelerator may be positioned perpendicular to a plane of the conveying system, instead. Bend magnet systems bend each charged particle beam toward a respective target. Alternatively, a single dual energy accelerator capable of accelerating charged particles to at least two different energies is positioned parallel to the direction of movement of the object, or perpendicular to a plane of the conveying system. A single bend magnet system is provided to bend each accelerated charged particle beam toward the same target. The particle beams may be bent through an orbit chamber. Two separate passages may be defined through at least part of the orbit chamber, one for charged particles having each energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2012Publication date: June 6, 2013Inventors: David Whittum, James E. Clayton
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Patent number: 8457282Abstract: An x-ray tube is described that includes components for increasing x-ray image clarity in the presence of a moving x-ray source by modifying focal spot characteristics, including focal spot size and focal spot position. In a first arrangement a static focal spot is moved in a direction contrary to the movement of the x-ray source so that an effective focal spot position is essentially fixed in space relative to one of the imaged object and/or detector during a tomosynthesis exposure. In a second arrangement, the size of the static focal spot is increased, and the resulting increase in tube current reduces the exposure time and concomitant blur effect. The methods may be used alone or in combination; for example an x-ray tube with a larger, moveable static focal spot will result in a system that fully utilizes the x-ray tube generator, provides a high quality image with reduced blur and, due to the decrease in exposure time, may scan the patient more quickly.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2009Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Hologic, Inc.Inventors: Ren Baorui, Jay Stein, Zhenxue Jing, Andrew Smith
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Patent number: 8401151Abstract: An injector for an X-ray tube is presented. The injector includes an emitter to emit an electron beam, at least one focusing electrode disposed around the emitter, wherein the at least one focusing electrode focuses the electron beam and at least one extraction electrode maintained at a positive bias voltage with respect to the emitter, wherein the at least one extraction electrode controls an intensity of the electron beam.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2009Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mark Alan Frontera, Yun Zou, Peter Andras Zavodszky, Sergio Lemaitre, Carey Shawn Rogers
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Patent number: 8360640Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray tube, especially a microfocus X-ray tube (2), comprising means (18) for orienting an electron beam (10) towards a target (4). A control device (20) is used to control the means for orienting the electron beam (10) towards the target (4) in such a way that the electron beam (10) scans the target (4), in addition to a measuring device (22) for measuring the intensity of the target current which flows to different scanning sites when the target (4) is scanned by the electron beam (10), or a measuring variable dependent on the target current, and an evaluation device (24) for associating each measured value of the target flow with the corresponding scanning site. Said X-ray tube enables the easy and economical implementation of a method for checking the operability of the target (4).Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2007Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: YXLON International GmbHInventor: Alfred Reinhold
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Patent number: 8358741Abstract: A device to control an electron beam for the generation of x-ray radiation, has an electron emitter to generate an electron beam, to which emitter an emitter voltage can be applied, a diaphragm, at least two control elements associated with the diaphragm to affect the electron beam, and switching arrangement with which at least two different electrical voltages can be applied to the at least two control elements. The same electrical voltage is applied to each of the at least two control elements. Upon switching the voltage, an electrical circuit that delays the setting of the respective voltage at the one control element is associated with the connection line of the one control element with the switching arrangement to switch over the voltage. The invention moreover concerns an operating method for the device and an x-ray tube provided with the device.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2010Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Michael Grasruck, Andreas Schaller
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Patent number: 8355551Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing motion related imaging artifacts. The method includes determining an internal motion for of two regions of the object, each region having a different level of motion, scanning the first region using a first scan protocol based on the motion, scanning a second region using a second different scan protocol based on the motion, and generating an image of the object based on the first and second regions.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignees: General Electric Company, Hammersmith Imanet Ltd.Inventors: Kris Filip Johan Jules Thielemans, Scott David Wollenweber, Alexander Ganin, Anja Brau, Floribertus P. M. Heukensfeldt Jansen, Evren Asma, Rakesh Mullick, Ravindra Mohan Manjeshwar, Ajit Shankaranarayanan
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Publication number: 20120321049Abstract: The invention provides an X-ray source having a generator for generating an electron beam, an accelerator for accelerating the generated electron beam in a desired direction, one or more magnetic elements for transporting portions of the electron beam in a more than one desired direction, and a shaped target made from a material having an atomic number lying within a predetermined range of values, the transported parts of the electron beam producing a fan beam of X rays upon striking the shaped target.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventors: Willem Gerhardus Johanne Langeveld, Tsahi Gozani, Joseph Bendahan
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Publication number: 20120275562Abstract: An X-ray tube is provided adapted to generate X-ray beams, comprising a first and a second deflection device mounted external or internal to the X-ray tube between a cathode and an anode in a diagonal manner for focal spot deflection in a combined x- and y-direction. The first and second deflection devices are triggered alternately such that only one deflection device is activated at a time. The first and second deflection devices may be triggered according to a predetermined switching sequence, e.g. producing a predetermined deflection pattern of the focal spot. Thereby, an improved x- and z-flying focal spot methodology is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2011Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Allan Kautz, Salvatore Perno, Gary Brooks, George Awad, Jose Angelo Buan
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Publication number: 20120269321Abstract: The present invention relates to X-ray generating technology in general. Providing X-radiation having multiple photon energies may help differentiating tissue structures when generating X-ray images. Consequently, an X-ray generating device that allows the switching of a potential of an electron collecting element versus an electron emitting element for providing different energy modes is presented. According to the present invention, an X-ray generating device is provided, comprising an electron emitting element (16) and electron collecting element (20). The electron emitting element (16) and the electron collecting element (20) are operatively coupled for the generation of X-radiation (14). A potential is arranged between the electron emitting element (16) and the electron collecting element (20) for acceleration of electrons from the electron emitting element 16 to the electron collecting element (20), the electrons constituting an electron beam (7).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2010Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventor: Rolf Karl Otto Behling
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Patent number: 8295442Abstract: An apparatus and method for an electron beam manipulation coil for an x-ray generation system includes the use of a control circuit. The control circuit includes a first low voltage source, a second low voltage source, and a first switching device coupled in series with the first low voltage source and configured to create a first current path with the first low voltage source when in a closed position. The control circuit also includes a second switching device coupled in series with the second low voltage source and configured to create a second current path with the second low voltage source when in a closed position and a capacitor coupled in parallel with an electron beam manipulation coil and positioned along the first and second current paths.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2010Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Antonio Caiafa, Maja Harfman Todorovic, Joseph Leclaire Reynolds
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Apparatus and method for improved transient response in an electromagnetically controlled x-ray tube
Patent number: 8284901Abstract: An x-ray tube assembly includes a vacuum enclosure that includes a cathode portion, a target portion, and a throat portion having a plurality of recesses formed therein to break up eddy currents generated in the throat portion. The throat portion has an upstream end coupled to the cathode portion and a downstream end coupled to the target portion. The x-ray tube assembly also includes a target positioned within the target portion of the vacuum enclosure, and a cathode positioned within the cathode portion of the vacuum enclosure. The cathode is configured to emit a stream of electrons through the throat portion toward the target.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2010Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Carey Shawn Rogers, Mark Alan Frontera, Ethan James Westcot, Peter Andras Zavodszky -
Apparatus and method for improved transient response in an electromagnetically controlled X-ray tube
Patent number: 8284900Abstract: An x-ray tube assembly includes a vacuum enclosure including a cathode portion, a target portion, and a throat portion. The throat portion includes a magnetic field section, upstream section, and downstream section. The magnetic field section has a first susceptibility to generate eddy currents in the presence of a magnetic field intensity. The upstream section is coupled to the cathode portion and the magnetic field section and has a second susceptibility to generate eddy currents in the presence of the magnetic field intensity. The downstream section is coupled to the magnetic field section and has a third susceptibility to generate eddy currents in the presence of the magnetic field intensity. The first susceptibility to generate eddy currents is less than the second and third susceptibilities to generate eddy currents. The assembly includes a target within the target portion, and a cathode within the cathode portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2010Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Carey Shawn Rogers, Mark Alan Frontera, Ethan James Westcot, Aparna Chakrapani Sheila-Vadde, Peter Andras Zavodszky -
Apparatus and method for improved transient response in an electromagnetically controlled X-ray tube
Patent number: 8280007Abstract: An x-ray tube assembly includes a vacuum enclosure having a cathode portion, a target portion, and a throat portion comprising a non-electrically conductive tube. The throat portion has an upstream end coupled to the cathode portion and a downstream end coupled to the target portion. The x-ray tube assembly also includes a target positioned within the target portion of the vacuum enclosure, and a cathode positioned within the cathode portion of the vacuum enclosure. The cathode is configured to emit a stream of electrons through the throat portion toward the target.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2010Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Carey Shawn Rogers, Mark Alan Frontera, Ethan James Westcot, Aparna Chakrapani Sheila-Vadde, Peter Andras Zavodszky -
Publication number: 20120207269Abstract: The present invention relates to X-ray generating technology in general. Providing X-ray generating device internal voltage sources or potentials may help reduce necessary feed-throughs into an evacuated envelope of an X-ray generating device. Consequently, an X-ray generating device comprising an electron scattering element is presented. According to the present invention, an X-ray generating device is provided, comprising an electron emitting element 16, an electron collecting element 20 and an electron scattering element 42. A primary electron beam 17a is arrangeable between the electron emitting element 16 and the electron collecting element 20. The electron emitting element 16 and the electron collecting element 20 are operatively coupled for generating X-radiation 14.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2010Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventor: Rolf Karl Otto Behling
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Patent number: 8232536Abstract: There is provided a particle beam irradiation system so as to provide the dose distribution having more accuracy.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2010Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventor: Hisashi Harada
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Patent number: 8229072Abstract: The system uses an X-ray imaging system having an elongated lifetime. Further, the system uses an X-ray beam that lies in substantially the same path as a charged particle beam path of a particle beam cancer therapy system. The system creates an electron beam that strikes an X-ray generation source located proximate to the charged particle beam path. By generating the X-rays near the charged particle beam path, an X-ray path running collinear, in parallel with, and/or substantially in contact with the charged particle beam path is created. The system then collects X-ray images of localized body tissue region about a cancerous tumor. Since, the X-ray path is essentially the charged particle beam path, the generated image is usable for precisely target the tumor with a charged particle beam.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2011Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Inventor: Vladimir Balakin
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Publication number: 20120177185Abstract: The present embodiments relate to efficient electron beam steering within X-ray tubes, for example X-ray tubes used in CT imaging. In one embodiment, and X-ray tube with enhanced electron beam steering is provided. The X-ray tube includes an electron beam source, a target configured to generate X-rays when impacted by an electron beam from the electron beam source, and a steering magnet assembly having a plurality of ferrite cores and a plurality of litz wire coils wound on the ferrite cores.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Kalyan Koppisetty, Ethan James Westcot, Carey Shawn Rogers
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Publication number: 20120177186Abstract: The present embodiments relate to off-focal X-ray radiation attenuation within X-ray tubes, for example X-ray tubes used in CT imaging. In one embodiment, an X-ray tube for off-focal X-ray radiation attenuation is provided. The X-ray tube includes a cathode, a target, and a magnetic focal spot control unit having at least one electromagnet encased in a resin loaded with X-ray attenuating material.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ethan James Westcot, Thomas Dean Schaefer, Kalyan Koppisetty
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Patent number: 8213576Abstract: Conventionally, the magnetic field generator was arranged perpendicularly to the axis of the electron beam. The magnetic field generator of this invention is arranged so as to be inclined relative to the plane perpendicular to the axis of the electron beam. Specifically, the magnetic field generator is arranged so as to be inclined relative to the plane perpendicular to the axis of the electron beam within the range in the cathode side from the focused and deflected electron beam. Inclination up to the anode side opposite to the cathode side will lead to a possibility of increasing the reduced X-ray source diameter. Thus, arranging the magnetic field generator so as to be inclined within the range in the cathode side from the electron beam may reduce the X-ray source diameter.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2007Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventors: Sadamu Tomita, Shigeki Hayashi
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Publication number: 20120163530Abstract: Anode targets for an x-ray tube and methods for controlling x-ray tubes for x-ray systems are provided. One x-ray system includes a field-generator configured to generate a field, an electron beam generator configured to generate an electron beam directed towards a target and a voltage controller configured to control the electron beam generator to produce an electron beam at a first energy level and an electron beam at a second energy level. The x-ray system also includes a field-generator controller configured to control a field to deflect at least one of the electron beams, wherein the electron beam, at the first energy level, impinges on the target at a first contact position and the electron beam, at the second energy level, impinges on the target at a second contact position. The at the first contact position and at the second contact position is configured to filter x-rays.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2010Publication date: June 28, 2012Inventors: Paavana Sainath, Xiaoye Wu, Girijesh K. Yadava
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Patent number: 8203289Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for fast-switching operating of a standing wave linear accelerator (LINAC) for use in generating x-rays of at least two different energy ranges with advantageously low heating of electronic switches. In certain embodiments, the heating of electronic switches during a fast-switching operation of the LINAC can be kept advantageously low through the controlled, timed activation of multiple electronic switches located in respective side cavities of the standing wave LINAC, or through the use of a modified a side cavity that includes an electronic switch.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2009Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Accuray, Inc.Inventors: Ching-Hung Ho, Stephen Wah-Kwan Cheung, Roger Heering Miller, Juwen Wang
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Patent number: 8189742Abstract: A fast dose modulation using a z-deflection in a rotating anode or a rotating frame tube, where the electron beam is deflected from a first focal spot region to a second focal spot region being formed on the anode, wherein only the electromagnetic beam generated in the first focal spot region contributes to the useful electromagnetic exposure beam, wherein the second focal spot region is designed to avoid emission of electromagnetic beams into the direction of a useful electromagnetic beam direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2008Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics NVInventor: Rolf Karl Otto Behling
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Publication number: 20120128122Abstract: An X-ray tube (260) is provided which is adapted to generate X-ray beams (258). The X-ray tube may comprise electrostatic grids (256) for focal spot deflection in x-direction, wherein the electrostatic grids are mounted on either side of the cathode (250). Further the X-ray tube may comprise electromagnetic coils (260) for focal spot deflection in y-direction, wherein said electromagnetic coils forming a dipole, are mounted external to the X-ray tube and are positioned between the cathode and the target of the anode (206), so that the electron beam (255) passes between its poles. The electrostatic grids and the electromagnetic coils are arranged separately from each other and provide for a combination of electrostatic x-deflection in tandem with electromagnetic z-deflection.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2010Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Allan Kautz, Salvatore Perno, Gary Brooks, George Awad, Jose Angelo Buan
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APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IMPROVED TRANSIENT RESPONSE IN AN ELECTROMAGNETICALLY CONTROLLED X-RAY TUBE
Publication number: 20120099700Abstract: An x-ray tube assembly includes a vacuum enclosure including a cathode portion, a target portion, and a throat portion. The throat portion includes a magnetic field section, upstream section, and downstream section. The magnetic field section has a first susceptibility to generate eddy currents in the presence of a magnetic field intensity. The upstream section is coupled to the cathode portion and the magnetic field section and has a second susceptibility to generate eddy currents in the presence of the magnetic field intensity. The downstream section is coupled to the magnetic field section and has a third susceptibility to generate eddy currents in the presence of the magnetic field intensity. The first susceptibility to generate eddy currents is less than the second and third susceptibilities to generate eddy currents. The assembly includes a target within the target portion, and a cathode within the cathode portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Inventors: Carey Shawn Rogers, Mark Alan Frontera, Ethan James Westcot, Aparna Chakrapani Sheila-Vadde, Peter Andras Zavodszky -
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IMPROVED TRANSIENT RESPONSE IN AN ELECTROMAGNETICALLY CONTROLLED X-RAY TUBE
Publication number: 20120099701Abstract: An x-ray tube assembly includes a vacuum enclosure having a cathode portion, a target portion, and a throat portion comprising a non-electrically conductive tube. The throat portion has an upstream end coupled to the cathode portion and a downstream end coupled to the target portion. The x-ray tube assembly also includes a target positioned within the target portion of the vacuum enclosure, and a cathode positioned within the cathode portion of the vacuum enclosure. The cathode is configured to emit a stream of electrons through the throat portion toward the target.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Inventors: Carey Shawn Rogers, Mark Alan Frontera, Ethan James Westcot, Aparna Chakrapani Sheila-Vadde, Peter Andras Zavodszky -
Patent number: 8155272Abstract: In one aspect, an x-ray scanning device is provided. The x-ray scanning device comprises a target adapted to convert electron-beam (e-beam) energy into x-ray energy, a detector array positioned to detect at least some x-rays emitted from the target, and a conveyer mechanism adapted to convey items to be inspected through an inspection region formed by the target and the detector array, wherein the target and the detector array are rotated out of alignment with each other such that x-rays emitted from the target impinge on diametrically positioned detectors of the detector array without passing through near-side detectors of the detector array.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems Inc.Inventors: Richard Franklin Eilbert, Boris Oreper, Nikolay Rolshud
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Publication number: 20120057669Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray source (100) with an electron-beam-generator (120) for generating electron beams (B, B?) that converge towards a target (110). Thus the spatial distribution of X-ray focal spots (T, T?) on the target (110) can be made denser than the distribution of electron sources (121), wherein the latter is usually dictated by hardware limitations. The electron-beam-generator (120) may particularly comprise a curved emitter device (140) with a matrix of CNT based electron emitters (141) and an associated electrode device (130).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2010Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Gereon Vogtmeier, Wolfgang Chrost
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Patent number: 8130899Abstract: An assembly for electron beam tomography affords continuous and simultaneous recording of two-dimensional slice images of an object in different irradiation planes with a high temporal and spatial resolution. Targets are penetrated by openings of a given width and with a regular arrangement in the circumferential direction. The openings in the targets are respectively situated on a path formed by the cross section of the shell of the electron beam cone with the respective target. The successive targets in the beam direction respectively are arranged with a small angular offset with respect to the optical axis to the respective target situated in front, and so an electron beam circulating along the shell of the electron beam cone successively irradiates the material webs between the openings of all targets with at least part of its cross section and an X-ray detector arc is arranged for each target in coplanar radial fashion in front of or behind the respective target.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2010Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf E.V.Inventor: Uwe Hampel
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Patent number: 8126117Abstract: A multi-beam x-ray system includes an x-ray source which emits x-rays and a housing with a first part and a second part. The second part is moveable relative to the first part and includes a plurality of optics of different performance characteristics. Each optic, through the movement of the second part relative to the first part, is positioned to a working position so that the optic receives the x-rays from the x-ray source and directs the x-rays with the desired performance attributes to a desired location.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2010Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Rigaku Innovative Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Boris Verman, Michael Young, Licai Jiang
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Patent number: 8126118Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray tube with a cathode, generating an electron beam, and an ion-deflecting and collecting setup (IDC), consisting of a single pair of electrodes, wherein the first electrode has a positive supply and the second electrode has either an actively or a passively generated negative voltage, compared to ground potential. Further, the invention relates to a method of voltage supplying of a deflecting and collecting setup (IDC) consisting of a single pair of electrode, wherein the first electrode has a positive voltage potential and the second electrode has either an actively or a passively generated negative voltage, compared to ground potential.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2007Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Stefan Hauttmann
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Publication number: 20120027164Abstract: An apparatus and method for an electron beam manipulation coil for an x-ray generation system includes the use of a control circuit. The control circuit includes a first low voltage source, a second low voltage source, and a first switching device coupled in series with the first low voltage source and configured to create a first current path with the first low voltage source when in a closed position. The control circuit also includes a second switching device coupled in series with the second low voltage source and configured to create a second current path with the second low voltage source when in a closed position and a capacitor coupled in parallel with an electron beam manipulation coil and positioned along the first and second current paths.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2010Publication date: February 2, 2012Inventors: Antonio Caiafa, Maja Harfman Todorovic, Joseph Leclaire Reynolds
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Publication number: 20110216886Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for interleaving operation of a standing wave linear accelerator (LINAC) for use in providing electrons of at least two different energy ranges, which can be contacted with x-ray targets to generate x-rays of at least two different energy ranges. The LINAC can be operated to output electrons at different energies by varying the power of the electromagnetic wave input to the LINAC, or by using a detunable side cavity which includes an activatable window.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2010Publication date: September 8, 2011Inventors: Ching-Hung Ho, Stephen Wah-Kwan Cheung, Roger Heering Miller, Juwen Wang
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Patent number: 8000922Abstract: Methods and systems for generating information to be used for selecting values for parameter(s) of a detection algorithm are provided. One method includes without user intervention performing a scan of an area of a wafer using an inspection system and default values for parameter(s) of a detection algorithm to detect defects on the wafer. The method also includes selecting a portion of the defects from results of the scan based on a predetermined maximum number of total defects to be used for selecting values for the parameter(s) of the detection algorithm. The method further includes storing information, which includes values for the parameter(s) of the detection algorithm determined for the defects in the portion. The information can be used to select the values for the parameter(s) of the detection algorithm to be used for the inspection recipe without performing an additional scan of the wafer subsequent to the scan.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: KLA-Tencor Corp.Inventors: Hong Chen, Michael J. Van Riet, Chien-Huei (Adam) Chen, Jason Z. Lin, Chris Maher, Michal Kowalski, Barry Becker, Stephanie Chen, Subramanian Balakrishnan, Suryanarayana Tummala
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Publication number: 20110188638Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for interleaving operation of a linear accelerator that use a magnetron as the source of electromagnetic waves for use in accelerating electrons to at least two different ranges of energies. The accelerated electrons can be used to generate x-rays of at least two different energy ranges. In certain embodiments, the accelerated electrons can be used to generate x-rays of at least two different energy ranges. The systems and methods are applicable to traveling wave linear accelerators.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2010Publication date: August 4, 2011Inventors: Paul Dennis Treas, Roger Heering Miller
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Publication number: 20110188634Abstract: An x-ray generation device and a cathode thereof are provided. The x-ray generation device comprises the cathode, a focusing device, an anode target, and a glass container. The cathode comprises a container and an electron beam generator. The container has a base and a side wall surrounding the base, and both of them define a trench. The electron beam generator comprises at least one metal unit, each of the at least one metal unit is chemical-vapor-deposited a carbon layer, and each of the at least one metal unit is disposed on a bottom of the trench. The at least one metal unit is electrically connected to an outer metal unit of the x-ray generation device. The glass container contains the cathode, the focusing device, and the anode target in sequence. Each of the at least one carbon layer faces the anode target. The glass container has a valve for evacuating and a window for emitting an x-ray.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2010Publication date: August 4, 2011Applicants: ENERGY RESOURCES INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Pu-Jen LEE, Wen-How LAN