Abstract: An improved x-ray tube cooling system is disclosed. The system utilizes a shield structure that is connected between a cathode cylinder and an x-ray tube housing and is disposed between the electron source and the target anode. The shield includes a plurality of cooling fins to improve overall cooling of the x-ray tube and the shield so as to extend the life of the x-ray tube and related components. When immersed in a reservoir of coolant fluid, the fins facilitate improved heat transfer by convection from the shield to the to the coolant fluid. The cooling effect achieved with the cooling fins is further augmented by a convective cooling system provided by a plurality of fluid passageways formed within the shield, which are used to provide a fluid path to the coolant. In particular, a cooling unit takes fluid from the reservoir, cools the fluid, then circulates the cooled fluid through the fluid passageways.

Abstract: A cooling oil circuit (D) circulates cooling oil over an x-ray tube absorbing its waste heat. A refrigeration circuit (E) then cools the cooling oil. A heat buffer (52) absorbing peak heat loads from the cooling fluid when the x-ray tube is generating x-rays. Valves (58, 60) regulate a relative amount of cooling oil entering the heat buffer to increase heat transfer efficiency. The heat buffer enables the system to handle peak heat loads with a smaller, more condensed refrigeration system, by absorbing heat during operation of the x-ray tube and releasing heat between operations.

Abstract: An x-ray system with an x-ray generating device having improved heat dissipation capabilities. The x-ray generating device includes an x-ray tube mounted in a casing holding a circulating, cooling medium. According to the present invention, the x-ray generating device includes a support mechanism mounted within the x-ray generating device in a manner for adjustably positioning, relative to the casing, the focal spot alignment path of generated x-rays. Additionally, the x-ray generating device includes a cooling mechanism having an inlet chamber for channeling the cooling medium within the support mechanism. Additionally, a cooling stem may be positioned within the inlet chamber to increase the heat exchange surface area exposed to the cooling medium. Thus, the present invention advantageously increases the heat dissipation capability of the x-ray generating device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray source that is provided with a liquid metal target and an electron source (3) for the emission of an electron beam (4) through a window (23) of a duct section (51) wherethrough the liquid metal target flows in the operating condition. The X-ray source is notably characterized in that the duct section (51) is formed by a first duct segment (10, 20) that includes the window (23) and wherethrough the liquid metal target flows, and by a second duct segment (30, 40) wherethrough a cooling medium flows and which is connected to the first duct segment in such a manner that the area in which the electron beam acts on the first duct segment is cooled.

Abstract: An x-ray generating device or system include 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 cooling system for use with high-power x-ray tubes. The cooling system includes a dielectric coolant disposed in the x-ray tube housing so as to absorb heat dissipated by the stator and other electrical components, as well as absorbing some heat from the x-ray tube itself. To improve heat absorption from the stator and the x-ray tube, the dielectric coolant is circulated throughout the housing by a circulating pump. The cooling system also includes a coolant circuit employing a pressurized water/glycol solution as a coolant. Pressurization of the water/glycol solution is achieved by way of an accumulator which, by pressurizing the coolant to a desired level, raises its boiling point and capacity to absorb heat.

Abstract: An x-ray tube apparatus includes a housing defining a chamber and an x-ray tube mounted therein. The x-ray tube includes an envelope defining an evacuated void in which an anode assembly is rotatably mounted to a bearing assembly. The anode assembly interacts with a cathode assembly for the production of x-rays. The bearing assembly includes a cooling channel that is defined within the bearing assembly to direct cooling fluid, such as oil, across an inner surface of the bearing housing. A flow director is located in a fluid input port in the housing and has a fluid input aperture for connecting the flow director to the heat removal system. A cavity is defined by the housing of the flow director and two fluid output apertures are in fluid communication with each other and the fluid input opening. One of the fluid output apertures supplies cooling fluid to the cooling channel in the bearing assembly and the other fluid output aperture supplies cooling fluid to the chamber in the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary anode type X-ray comprising a substantially columnar stator, a cylindrical first rotor coupled around the stator, at least one hydrodynamic slide bearing region including a spiral groove, and arranged in the coupled portion between the stator and the first rotor, and a cylindrical second rotor arranged coaxial with and outside the first rotor with a gap for the heat insulation and bonded directly or indirectly to a anode disk, the second rotor being bonded to the first rotor in an open edge region positioned remote from the anode disk in terms of the heat transmission route, wherein a plurality of slits extending substantially along the axis of rotation are formed apart from each other in the circumferential direction in the open edge region in which the second rotor is bonded to the first rotor.

Abstract: A high energy x-ray tube includes an evacuated chamber (12) containing a rotor (34) which rotates an anode (10) through a stream of electrons (A) in order to generate an x-ray beam (B). The rotor includes a bearing assembly (C) having a hollow bearing shaft (52) centrally aligned with a longitudinal axis (Z) of the rotor. The bearing shaft includes an interior annular wall (54) having an inner surface which defines a central bore (58). The bearing shaft has an outer surface (60), which with an inner surface of the bearing shaft, defines an annular chamber (62). An opening (64) is provided at the forward end of the annular wall to provide access from the central bore to the annular chamber. During exhaust processing, baking cycles, and normal operation of the x-ray tube, a pump (104) forces a cooling medium through the central bore, through the opening of the annular wall, and into the annular chamber. The cooling medium exits through channels (66).

Abstract: An anode target for use within an x-ray generating device including a target frame having an inner surface and an outer surface and a thermal energy transfer device. The thermal energy transfer device including a heat exchanger having an inner surface and an outer surface, at least a portion of the outer surface of the heat exchanger positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the inner surface of the target frame; a cooling medium circulating through the heat exchanger for convectively cooling the anode target; and a thermal coupling medium disposed between the inner surface of the target frame and the outer surface of the heat exchanger, the thermal coupling medium thermally coupling the target frame with the heat exchanger while permitting relative motion between the target frame and the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A multi-region target that is configured to selectively generate two different energy distributions when exposed to an excitation electron beam is described. The multi-region target includes multiple regions with different x-ray generating characteristics. Thus, the interaction between an excitation electron beam and the target generates an x-ray beam with an energy distribution that depends upon which target region is exposed to the excitation electron beam. The different x-ray spectra may be used to produce an enhanced contrast x-ray image. A method of detecting the rotational position of the multi-region target based upon the contrast level of the resulting images also is described.

Abstract: An x-ray radiator has a housing containing a fluid coolant wherein a rotating bulb x-ray tube is rotatably seated, the rotating bulb x-ray tube having an evacuated vacuum housing containing a cathode and an anode, with the anode forming a wall of the vacuum housing and having an exterior charged by the coolant. The anode has a profiling at its exterior that enlarges the surface area contact between the exterior of the anode and the coolant. The profiling can be in the form of at least one channel proceeding from as a spiral from a central region of the anode toward its periphery.

Abstract: In a rotary anode type X-ray tube apparatus, a rotary anode target model X-ray pipe is received in housing. Housing is coupled by cooler device to supply a coolant in the housing. Anode target is fixed to a rotary cylinder, which is rotatably supported by a stationary shaft. The stationary shaft is provided with an inner hollow space for guiding the coolant. The coolant guided in the housing is split into two flowing streams, and one of the streams is introduced into the space for cooling of stationary shaft.

Abstract: An x-ray generating system has an x-ray source arranged in a coolant-filled housing, and a phase change store which contains a phase change material disposed in the coolant in the housing.

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: The invention relates to an X-ray source that is provided with a liquid metal target and an electron source (3) for the emission of an electron beam (4) through a window (23) of a duct section (51) wherethrough the liquid metal target flows in the operating condition. The X-ray source is notably characterized in that the duct section (51) is formed by a first duct segment (10, 20) that includes the window (23) and wherethrough the liquid metal target flows, and by a second duct segment (30, 40) wherethrough a cooling medium flows and which is connected to the first duct segment in such a manner that the area in which the electron beam acts on the first duct segment is cooled.

Abstract: An improved x-ray tube cooling system is disclosed. The system utilizes a shield structure that is connected between a cathode cylinder and an x-ray tube housing and is disposed between the electron source and the target anode. The shield a plurality of cooling fins to improve overall cooling of the x-ray tube and the shield so as to extend the life of the x-ray tube and related components. When immersed in a reservoir of coolant fluid, the fins facilitate improved heat transfer by convection from the shield to the to the coolant fluid. The cooling effect achieved with the cooling fins is further augmented by a convective cooling system provided by a plurality of passageways formed within the shield, which are used to provide a fluid path to the coolant. In particular, a cooling unit takes fluid from the reservoir, cools the fluid, then circulates the cooled fluid through cooling passages. The coolant is then output from the passageway and directed over the cooling fins.

Abstract: An X-ray source is proposed having a rotating piston tube (2) which is mounted such that it can rotate, in which a stationary guide body (12), which at least partially surrounds the tube, is provided for cooling the anode plate (4). The guide body (12) is designed such that a liquid coolant, which is supplied to the tube (2) from a reservoir (15) concentrically with respect to the anode-bearing shaft (17), is initially positively guided along the tube outside of the anode plate (4) and along the beam outlet window (20) of the tube forming narrow gaps (18, 19), and is then passed out radially via at least one baffle plate (21) which is arranged on the tube (2) and engages in a correspondingly designed gap in the guide body (12). The high-voltage parts have an insulating gas applied to them, which is physically not separated from the liquid coolant in the source housing (1).

Abstract: A rotating bulb x-ray radiator has an x-ray tube accepted in a housing filled with a coolant, the x-ray tube being torsionally connected to the housing and being mounted so as to be rotatable together therewith. The housing is at least partially formed of a material that is highly attenuating for x-rays.

Abstract: A cooling system for use in conjunction with rotating anode and stationary anode x-ray tubes. The cooling system includes a reservoir containing a volume of coolant in which a portion of the x-ray tube is immersed. A bladder incorporated in the reservoir and in communication with the atmosphere automatically permits thermal expansion of the coolant while maintaining the coolant at atmospheric pressure. An external cooling unit directs a flow of coolant through a pressure drop device proximate to the x-ray tube so that the flowing coolant removes heat from the x-ray tube. Upon exiting the pressure drop device, the heated coolant is directed to the reservoir and ultimately returned to the external cooling unit where heat is removed from the coolant and the coolant then redirected back to the pressure drop device to repeat the cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary anode type X-ray comprising a substantially columnar stator, a cylindrical first rotor coupled around the stator, at least one hydrodynamic slide bearing region including a spiral groove, and arranged in the coupled portion between the stator and the first rotor, and a cylindrical second rotor arranged coaxial with and outside the first rotor with a gap for the heat insulation and bonded directly or indirectly to a anode disk, the second rotor being bonded to the first rotor in an open edge region positioned remote from the anode disk in terms of the heat transmission route, wherein a plurality of slits extending substantially along the axis of rotation are formed apart from each other in the circumferential direction in the open edge region in which the second rotor is bonded to the first rotor.

Abstract: An x-ray tube for emitting x-rays which includes an anode assembly and a cathode assembly is disclosed herein. The x-ray tube includes a vacuum vessel, an anode assembly disposed in the vacuum vessel and including a target, a cathode assembly disposed in the vacuum vessel at a distance from the anode assembly, and a heat pipe is supported relative to the anode assembly. The cathode assembly is configured to emit electrons which hit the target of the anode assembly and produce x-rays. The heat pipe transfers thermal energy away from the target through the vacuum vessel. The heat pipe provides for greater thermal transfer down the bearing shaft of the anode assembly, thereby providing greater cooling of the anode assembly.

Abstract: An x-ray tube for emitting x-rays includes a housing, an anode assembly disposed in the housing and including a target surface, a cathode assembly mounted in the housing at a distance from the anode assembly, and a target body extending from the target surface of the anode assembly. The cathode assembly includes an electron emitter which emits electrons. The electrons hit the target surface of the anode assembly and produce x-rays. The target body has a cavity containing a working fluid and is configured to transfer thermal energy away from the target surface.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage and transfer assembly is disclosed for use in electron beam generating devices that generate residual energy. The residual energy comprises radiant thermal energy and kinetic energy of back scattered electrons. The thermal energy storage and transfer assembly absorbs and stores an amount of the residual energy to reduce the heat load on other components in the electron beam generating device. The thermal energy storage and transfer device comprises a body portion of a sufficient thermal capacity to permit the rate of transfer of the amount of the residual energy absorbed into the assembly to substantially exceed the rate of transfer of the amount of the residual energy out of the assembly. The assembly also comprises a heat exchange chamber filled with a circulating fluid that transfers the thermal energy out of the assembly.

Abstract: An x-ray tube for emitting x-rays through an x-ray transmissive window is disclosed herein. The x-ray tube includes a casing, an x-ray tube insert which generates x-rays, an x-ray transmissive window disposed in the x-ray tube insert, and at least one heat pipe thermally coupled to the x-ray transmissive window. The x-ray transmissive window provides an area through which the x-rays pass. The heat pipe transfers thermal energy away from the x-ray transmissive window, providing intense, localized cooling of the x-ray window.

Abstract: The present invention teaches methods and apparatus for extending the life of an x-ray tube. An x-ray tube typically contains an insert for generating x-rays. The insert is housed in a housing wherein an insulating fluid circulates around the insert in the housing to provide thermal and electrical insulation. The present invention includes methods and apparatus for removing water from insulating oil. One embodiment of the invention includes a processor containing a coalescing element for removing water as a vapor from the oil. Other embodiments include methods and devices for drying the interior of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention teaches methods and apparatus for extending the life of an x-ray tube. An x-ray tube typically contains an insert for generating x-rays. The insert is housed in a housing wherein an insulating fluid circulates around the insert in the housing to provide thermal and electrical insulation. The present invention includes methods and apparatus for removing water from insulating oil. One embodiment of the invention includes a processor containing a coalescing element for removing water as a vapor from the oil. Other embodiments include methods and devices for drying the interior of the housing.

Abstract: An x-ray system comprising an x-ray generating device having improved heat dissipation capabilities is disclosed. The x-ray generating device comprises an x-ray tube mounted in a casing holding a circulating, cooling medium. According to the present invention, the x-ray generating device comprises a support mechanism mounted within said x-ray generating device in a manner for adjustably positioning, relative to the casing, the focal spot alignment path of generated x-rays. Additionally, the x-ray generating device comprises a cooling mechanism comprising an inlet chamber for channeling the cooling medium within said support mechanism. Additionally, a cooling stem may be positioned with the inlet chamber to increase the heat exchange surface area exposed to the cooling medium. Thus, the present invention advantageously increases the heat dissipation capability of the x-ray generating device.

Abstract: An x-ray tube for emitting x-rays through an x-ray transmissive window is disclosed herein. The x-ray tube includes a casing, an x-ray tube insert which generates x-rays, an x-ray transmissive window disposed in the x-ray tube insert, and at least one heat pipe thermally coupled to the x-ray transmissive window. The x-ray transmissive window provides an area through which the x-rays pass. The heat pipe transfers thermal energy away from the x-ray transmissive window, providing intense, localized cooling of the x-ray window.

Abstract: In order to enhance the dissipation of heat, a metal structure is provided between an anode target layer and a support for the anode target layer in an X-ray tube. In the case of a target transmission tube, notably the dissipation of heat to the window wall is enhanced, whereas in the case of an anode target layer provided on a suitably thermally conductive anode body, the dissipation of heat to said body is enhanced.

Abstract: Air cooled x-ray generating apparatus is provided with a unitary vacuum enclosure having a rotating anode target and a cathode assembly for generating x-rays. The cathode assembly may be placed within the vacuum enclosure through an opening in the top wall thereof, and comprises a disk which completely covers this opening. The unitary vacuum enclosure and the disk form a radiation shield. A plurality of fins are disposed on the exterior side wall of the vacuum enclosure, and a shroud is attached to the fins to provide additional protection of ambient against radiation. The cathode assembly may be placed through a side wall of the vacuum enclosure. The additional protection against excessive radiation in this design is provided by a shielding member placed in proximity to the anode target. The shielding member extends from the side wall of the enclosure and is substantially parallel to the top wall.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus and method for cooling a structure using boiling fluid acted upon by centrifugal force. The cooling apparatus has an actuator with a shaft, a heat transfer member with a heat transfer surface and a fluid passageway connected to the shaft and in thermal communication with the structure. The cooling apparatus can be used to cool the anode of an x-ray tube.

Abstract: An x-ray tube for emitting x-rays which includes an anode and a cathode is disclosed herein. The x-ray tube includes a housing, an anode disposed in the housing and including a target, a cathode disposed in the housing at a distance from the anode, and a heat pipe thermally coupled to the cathode and extending away from the electron emitter. The cathode includes an electron emitter which is configured to emit electrons which hit the target of the anode and produce x-rays. The heat pipe provides transfer of thermal energy away from the electron emitter and into a heat sink.

Abstract: An x-ray system with an x-ray generating device having improved heat dissipation capabilities. The x-ray generating device has an x-ray tube mounted in a casing holding a circulating, cooling medium. According to the present invention, the x-ray generating device includes a support mechanism mounted within the x-ray generating device in a manner for adjustably positioning, relative to the casing, the focal spot alignment path of generated x-rays. Additionally, the x-ray generating device includes a cooling mechanism having an inlet chamber for channeling the cooling medium within the support mechanism. Additionally, a cooling stem may be positioned within the inlet chamber to increase the heat exchange surface area exposed to the cooling medium. Thus, the present invention advantageously increases the heat dissipation capability of the x-ray generating device.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage and transfer assembly is disclosed for use in electron beam generating devices that generate residual energy. The residual energy comprises radiant thermal energy and kinetic energy of back scattered electrons. The thermal energy storage and transfer assembly absorbs and stores an amount of the residual energy to reduce the heat load on other components in the electron beam generating device. The thermal energy storage and transfer device comprises a body portion of a sufficient thermal capacity to permit the rate of transfer of the amount of the residual energy absorbed into the assembly to substantially exceed the rate of transfer of the amount of the residual energy out of the assembly. The assembly also comprises a heat exchange chamber filled with a circulating fluid that transfers the thermal energy out of the assembly.

Abstract: An x-ray tube (10) includes an anode (14) connected to a mechanical drive (36). The mechanical drive oscillates the anode in a gyrating motion relative to a body of the x-ray tube. The mechanical drive is operatively connected to the anode via a bellows assembly (16) and is capable of rocking the anode in two axes simultaneously. The preferred anode is shaped in a shperical section (28) providing a fixed focal distance between the anode and a cathode (20) regardless of relative position of the anode within the body. An electron shield (40) is disposed between the cathode and the anode and has an opening along a preferred path for electron travel. Improved heat exchange is provided by applying a heat transfer agent to an obverse side of the anode which is preferably located outside of a vacuum envelope (18) defined by the x-ray tube body, the anode, and the bellows.

Abstract: Air cooled x-ray generating apparatus is provided with a unitary vacuum enclosure having a rotating anode target and a cathode assembly for generating x-rays. The cathode assembly may be placed within the vacuum enclosure through an opening in the top wall thereof, and comprises a disk which completely covers this opening. The unitary vacuum enclosure and the disk form a radiation shield. A plurality of fins are disposed on the exterior side wall of the vacuum enclosure, and a shroud is attached to the fins to provide additional protection of ambient against radiation. The cathode assembly may be placed through a side wall of the vacuum enclosure. The additional protection against excessive radiation in this design is provided by a shielding member placed in proximity to the anode target. The shielding member extends from the side wall of the enclosure and is substantially parallel to the top wall.

Abstract: An X-ray generation apparatus has a housing comprising an evacuated envelope with a rotatable anode target surrounded by an all metal grounded exterior structure and a cooling system. The cooling system comprises a coolant circulating system with heat exchanger and means for circulating a fluid coolant through an interior of the X-ray generating apparatus; a hollow shield structure with center aperture for passing and electron beam; and a cooling block which is disposed proximate to the rotatable anode target and comprises a disk with a plurality of concentric annular channels formed by concentric annular partitions. The shield structure and the disk of the cooling block are made of thermally conductive material. An interior of the shield structure is filled with structures such as pins, fins or pack bed which are made of thermally conductive materials.

Abstract: An x-ray tube has a rotating anode and a high-voltage plug for attachment at a high-voltage terminal at a vacuum housing of the x-ray tube. The high-voltage plug contains a cooling channel for coolant which opens up into a channel provided in the shaft of the rotating anode. The cooling channel extends through the high-voltage plug substantially in the direction of the center axis (axis of rotation) of the rotating anode.

Abstract: A focal spot having an annular shape is often formed on the an (4) of an X-ray tube for analytic purposes. For the cooling of an anode it is known to force the cooling water to impinge on the anode with a flow profile having the same shape as the focal spot. In order to achieve this effect in the case of an annular focal spot, a circular delivery opening (36) is provided. In order to break up the steady boundary layer on the surface to be cooled, the impinging cooling water is forcibly split so as to flow into two directions. This is achieved by making the water flow via a distribution member 30 in which the circular delivery opening 36 is provided and by discharging the water via a discharge opening 40 which is situated within the circular delivery opening 40 and also via a return opening which is defined by the outer surface 42 of the distribution member 30 and the inner side of the discharge tube 16.

Abstract: An x-ray radiator has a rotating bulb tube whose vacuum housing rotates within the radiator housing filled with a fluid coolant, as well as with an external heat exchanger for the cooling of the coolant, with the coolant admission connector and the coolant discharge connector for the coolant conducted through the external heat exchanger without a circulating pump arranged at respective positions of the radiator housing at which a lower pressure and a higher pressure are generated by the rotation of the rotating bulb.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cooling system and apparatus for use in radiographic devices having high output x-ray tubes. In operation, the x-ray tube generates large amounts of heat that must be removed so as to prevent damage to the tube. In the present invention, the x-ray tube is disposed within an x-ray tube housing that is connected within a closed fluid circuit through which circulates a coolant fluid. The fluid circulates through the x-ray tube housing and absorbs heat dissipated by the x-ray tube. Also connected within the closed fluid circuit is a heat exchange which cools the coolant fluid before it is recirculated back to the x-ray tube housing. Also connected within the closed fluid circuit is a centrifugal pump which continuously circulates the coolant fluid between the x-ray tube housing and the heat exchange device. The pump includes as an integral part a deformable bellows that accomodates any volume changes with the closed fluid system due to increases in temperature.

Abstract: An x-ray tube is disposed within an x-ray tube housing defining a chamber filled with oil or other cooling medium for cooling the x-ray tube. The x-ray tube includes an envelope enclosing an evacuated chamber in which an anode assembly is rotatably mounted to a bearing assembly and interacts with a cathode assembly for production of x-rays. The bearing assembly includes a bearing housing and a plurality of bearings disposed on a surface of the bearing housing. A heat sink is coupled to the bearing assembly and provides a thermally conductive path between the bearing assembly and the cooling medium in the x-ray tube housing for providing direct cooling of the bearing assembly during operation.

Abstract: An x-ray tube includes an envelope defining an evacuated chamber in which an anode assembly is rotatably mounted to a bearing assembly and interacts with a cathode assembly for production of x-rays. The bearing assembly includes a bearing housing and a plurality of bearings disposed on an outer surface of the bearing housing. A cooling channel is defined within the bearing assembly and directs cooling fluid such as oil across an inner surface of the bearing housing. As the cooling fluid flows adjacent the inner surface of the bearing housing, heat from the bearing housing is absorbed by the cooling fluid thereby reducing the heat transferred to the bearings.

Abstract: An X-ray tube assembly having a cathode, an anode, and an electrode surrounded by a vacuum-enclosing frame. Electrons from the cathode strike a target surface on the anode. Some electrons produce X-rays which exit an X-ray transparent window portion of the frame. Other electrons are backscattered and go on to strike and heat the frame including the window region. The non-electron-emifting electrode typically has a negative electrical potential and is positioned to deflect the backscattered electrons away from the window region which reduces heating thereto and hence minimizes tube failure.

Abstract: A high temperature warning device for an x-ray source has a housing that can be attached to the exterior of the housing wall of an x-ray generator housing. The device has an integrated signaling alarm which is activated depending on the detection result of at least one temperature sensor communicating with the x-ray generator housing.

Abstract: In an arrangement for cooling an X-ray tube mounted on the gantry of a CT system, a path of flow is established by means of conduits or the like for circulating a cooling fluid between the tube and a heat exchanger. As fluid passes through the heat exchanger, a stream of air is applied to the path of flow, by means of a radial fan, to carry heat away from the fluid. The axis of the fan is maintained in parallel relationship with the axis of the gantry, to prevent gyroscopic loading of the fan as the fan rotates about the gantry axis with the gantry. The fan comprises a device for exhausting air heated by the exchange process radially, with respect to the fan axis, to minimize fan-generated acoustic noise while maintaining good thermal performance. Fan support structure lying in the path of the exhausted air is selectively shaped to reduce air flow turbulence, and to thereby further reduce fan noise.

Abstract: To provide an X-ray generator capable of both being compact and containing an air-cooling mechanism, an X-ray generator according to the present invention houses within a protective case both an X-ray tube containing a cathode for irradiating a target with an electron beam, in which X-ray tube the target having a ground potential is fixed to the inner surface of an output window, which in turn is fixed to an electrically and thermally conductive output window support provided on the end of a bulb; and a power supply for driving the X-ray tube. A flange portion formed on the output window support so as to protrude externally contacts and is fixed to the thermally conductive protective case. As a result, heat near 100.degree. C. generated continuously in the X-ray tube is transferred to the protective case and dissipated externally. The thus configured X-ray generator is best suited when used as an electrostatic remover for removing electrostatic accumulations on an object, such as an integrated circuit.

Abstract: An X-ray generation apparatus has an anticathode which includes a high thermal conductive substrate and a target for generating X-rays by irradiation with electrons. The target penetrates the high heat conductive substrate. Improved cooling efficiency and durability of the anticathode is obtained as well as miniaturization and simplification of the X-ray generation apparatus is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention provides an X-ray generating apparatus with a shield structure having an electron beam collimating aperture and heat transfer device. The shield structure is made of thermally conductive material and placed in the discharge space between an electron source and rotating anode target. The shield structure is formed by a concave top surface facing the electron source, a flat top surface facing the anode target, and inner and outer walls wherein a linear dimension of the inner wall is substantially smaller than the linear dimension of the outer wall. The inner wall surrounds the beam collecting aperture. The heat transfer device is placed in a beveled portion of the shield structure. The heat transfer device includes an extended coiled wire formed from thermally conductive material and conductively attached to the knurled interior of the shield structure to transfer heat to the cooling liquid passing through inflow and outflow chambers of the shield structure.