Rotary Patents (Class 378/144)
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Publication number: 20090086920Abstract: One or more components of an x-ray target assembly are manufactured using an electroforming process. The electroforming is carried out by providing an electroforming apparatus that includes an electrolyte, a metal anode, and an electrically conductive cathode. The cathode includes an intermediate x-ray target assembly upon which the metal is to be deposited and/or an electrically conductive mold for forming a component of an x-ray target assembly. The x-ray target component (e.g., a substrate or focal track) is formed by submersing the cathode in the electrolyte and applying a voltage across the anode and the cathode to cause the metal from the anode to be electroformed on the intermediate target and/or the mold. The electroforming is continued until a desired thickness of metal is achieved. The electroforming process can be used to manufacture an x-ray target substrate, focal track, stem, barrier, or other metal layer of the target assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2007Publication date: April 2, 2009Inventors: David S.K. Lee, John E. Postman, Dennis Runnoe
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Publication number: 20090080615Abstract: A target for generating x-rays includes a target substrate, a target shaft attached to the target substrate, and a radiation emissive coating applied to at least one of the target substrate and the target shaft, wherein a center-of-gravity of the target is positioned between a front bearing assembly and a rear bearing assembly of an x-ray tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventors: Michael Hebert, Gregory Alan Steinlage, Thomas C. Tiearney, JR.
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Patent number: 7508916Abstract: An anode assembly includes a rotatable hub having a rotation axis and having a cooling passage formed therethrough and a ferrofluid seal attached to the rotatable hub, the ferrofluid seal fluidically separating a first volume containing the target from a second volume. A target is attached to the rotatable hub, the target having a rotation axis coincident with the rotation axis of the rotatable hub and having a chamber formed therein fluidically coupled to the cooling passage, the target having a focal track material attached to an outer face of the target.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2006Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mark A. Frontera, Christopher David Unger
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Patent number: 7505565Abstract: An x-ray anode for use in an x-ray tube is provided. The x-ray anode includes a substrate material, a target material, and one or more graded coefficient of thermal expansion material layers. The target material is coupled to the one or more graded coefficient of thermal expansion material layers and the graded coefficient of thermal expansion material layers are coupled to the substrate material. A method of making the x-ray anode is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2006Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: General Electric Co.Inventors: Thomas C. Tiearney, Jr., Brian D. Lounsberry
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Publication number: 20090060143Abstract: A rotating anticathode X-ray generating apparatus includes: a rotating anticathode; an electron beam source for irradiating an electron beam onto the rotating anticathode so that an irradiating direction of the electron beams is set equal to a direction of a centrifugal force caused by a rotation of the rotating anticathode; and a material for forming a film so as to cover at least an electron beam irradiating portion of the rotating anticathode and to suppress an evaporation of a material making the rotating anticathode from the electron beam irradiating portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicants: NORIYOSHI SAKABE, KIWAKO SAKABE, NAOMI SHIMURAInventor: Noriyoshi Sakabe
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Patent number: 7496179Abstract: An x-ray unit has an x-ray radiator having an anode that emits x-rays upon being struck by electrons, a cathode that thermionically emits electrons upon irradiation thereof by a laser beam, electrical connections for application of a high voltage between the anode and the cathode to accelerate the emitted electrons toward the anode as an electron beam, a vacuum housing that can be rotated around an axis, an insulator that is part of the vacuum housing and that separates the cathode from the anode, a drive that rotates the vacuum housing around its axis, an arrangement for cooling components of the x-ray radiator, and an arrangement that directs the laser beam from a stationary source, arranged outside of the vacuum housing, onto a spatially stationary laser focal spot on the cathode and that focuses the laser beam.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2007Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Joerg Freudenberger, Sven Fritzler, Manfred Fuchs, Matthias Maier, Detlef Mattern, Peter Roehrer, Peter Schardt
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Patent number: 7489763Abstract: A rotary anode x-ray radiator has an anode produced from a first material as well as a cathode. A structure for accommodation of at least one heat conductor element produced from a second material is provided on an external side of the anode facing away from the cathode, in an annular segment situated opposite the anode. The second material exhibits a higher heat conductivity than the first material. The heat conductor elements are accommodated in the structure to form expansion gaps.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2006Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Eberhard Lenz
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Patent number: 7483518Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a radiator housing, an X-ray tube, a source of X-rays and at least one filtration material disposed on the X-ray tube. The X-ray tube is rotatable about a longitudinal axis and is disposed at least partially within the radiator housing. The source of X-rays emits at least one X-ray beam at least partially through the X-ray tube. The X-ray beam exits the X-ray tube at an annular X-ray window. The filtration material at least partially covers a portion of the annular X-ray window. Rotation of the X-ray tube causes the X-ray beam to pass through a plurality of locations in the annular X-ray window and at least a portion of the X-ray beam is filtered by the filtration material.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2006Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventor: James J. Hamill
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Publication number: 20090016493Abstract: Generation of 2 ?W average output power at 13.9 nm from a table-top laser-pumped Ni-like Ag laser operating at 5 Hz repetition rate using a silver-coated helical target which is rotated and advanced such that the target surface is renewed between pulses, is described. Greater than 2×104 soft x-ray laser pulses were obtained using a single target. Similar results were obtained at 13.2 nm for Ni-like Cd using a cadmium-coated target. Uninterrupted operation of laser-pumped soft x-ray lasers at a repetition rates of about 10 Hz for periods of several hours enables the generation of pulsed, high average power soft x-rays for applications. Other embodiments of the renewable laser target are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2007Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicant: COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATIONInventor: Jorge J. Rocca
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Patent number: 7460647Abstract: The invention involves a rotary anode of an x-ray tube with a cooling element of carbon fiber material constructed so as to be rotationally symmetrical around a coaxial rotation axis. In order to achieve a high heat conducting capability, it is recommended that the base of the cooling element (14) be a preform constructed according to the tailored fiber placement process (TFP), that the cooling element have a hollow cylinder and a one-piece construction, that the carbon fibers (22) run parallel along its entire length or basically parallel to the axis (16) and have a heat conductivity ? with ?>/=250 W/m×K, and that the carbon fibers be connected across a matrix containing carbon whose graphite crystallites are aligned along the carbon fibers.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2006Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Schunk Kohlenstofftechnik GmbHInventors: Roland Weiss, Thorsten Scheibel, Marco Ebert, Martin Henrich
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Patent number: 7460648Abstract: A mechanical interface assembly that includes an adjustable element having first and second states such that in the first state, the adjustable element is radially compliant, and in the second state, the adjustable element is substantially non-radially compliant. The adjustable element also includes a mating element configured to interface with a mating component. The mechanical interface assembly further includes an adjustment element configured to interface with the adjustable element such that a first position of the adjustment element corresponds to the first state of the adjustable element, and a second position of the adjustment element corresponds to the second state of the adjustable element.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2007Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.Inventor: Gregory C. Andrews
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Patent number: 7456417Abstract: Target 1 that is arranged in the disc direction is sprayed from nozzle 2 that has a slit-shaped aperture. Target 1 is conveyed on a gas stream. He gas is used in this example. Nozzle 2 may be vibrated by a piezo apparatus to spray disc-shaped target 1. Target 1 that is sprayed from nozzle 2 reaches the irradiation position of laser light with its direction unchanged since the exterior of nozzle 2 is maintained in a high vacuum. Synchronized with delivery of target 1, pulse laser light 5 from Nd:YAG light source 4 is focused by lens 3 and irradiated onto target 1. The spot diameter of the laser is the same 1 mm diameter as that of target 1. The thickness is not more than 1000 nm. Therefore, virtually the entire target is converted into plasma, debris generation is inhibited and the conversion efficiency is elevated.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2006Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventors: Katsuhiko Murakami, Hideya Inoue
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Patent number: 7412033Abstract: An x-ray radiator has a vacuum housing that can rotate around an axis, a cathode that thermionically emits electrons upon irradiation thereof by a laser beam, an anode that emits x-rays upon being struck by the electrons, an insulator that is part of the vacuum housing and that separates the cathode from the anode, electrodes or terminals to apply a high voltage between the anode and the cathode to accelerate the emitted electrons toward the anode to form an electron beam, a drive arrangement for rotation of the vacuum housing around its axis, an arrangement for cooling components of the x-ray radiator, and an arrangement that directs and focuses the laser beam from a stationary source that is arranged outside of the vacuum housing onto a spatially stationary laser focal spot on the cathode.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2006Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Jörg Freudenberger, Sven Fritzler, Manfred Fuchs, Detlef Mattern, Peter Röhrer, Peter Schardt
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Publication number: 20080187106Abstract: An improved rotating anode x-ray tube housing is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment: a single cable, insulated with Ethylene-Propylene Rubber (“EPR”), has an extended Federal Standard terminal or plug mounted within an extended Federal Standard receptacle, attached to an anode end of the housing; the cable is designed to carry up to approximately 150 kV to power the cathode; and insulation of the plug also insulates the 150 kV from a grounded center portion of the x-ray tube and the anode disk area. The longitudinal axes of the anode and high-voltage plug are parallel to one another. This new configuration allows the cathode plug and receptacle to be moved virtually entirely inside the housing. This results in absolute minimal size of the assembly, and a single cable that exits parallel to the rotational axis of the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2007Publication date: August 7, 2008Inventor: John K. Grady
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Publication number: 20080181366Abstract: This invention involves the application of dense, metallurgically bonded deposits of tungsten and tungsten rhenium coatings onto preformed based x-ray anodes to be used as focal tracks. The coatings are applied by low pressure DC plasma spraying. The invention also includes heat treatments that further densify the as-applied coatings improving their suitability for use as focal tracks.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventors: Rajan Bamola, Albert Sickinger
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Patent number: 7406156Abstract: An x-ray tube has a cathode and an anode produced from a first material, the anode having a heat conductor element on the first side thereof facing away from the cathode. To improve the performance of the x-ray tube, the heat conductor element is composed of graphite doped with titanium having a heat conductivity of at least 500 W/mK.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2006Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Eberhard Lenz
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Patent number: 7386094Abstract: A valve is provided to fill a chamber for holding a rotation shaft of a rotating anode in an X-ray tube. The valve has a needle supported on a seat. The needle maintains the vacuum in the tube. A sleeve can engage in the valve. The sleeve is hollow and has a cavity. This cavity can be connected to the vacuum or to a bottle under vacuum filled with a lubricant liquid. The sleeve is used to handle the needle. The sleeve furthermore bears on a rim of the valve by an O-ring joint. This joint maintains the vacuum when the needle is raised and when the tube under vacuum is connected to the cavity of the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2005Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas Saint-Martin, Thierry Godart, Jean-Marie Penato, Frédéric Dahan
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Patent number: 7382864Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments an X-Ray energy target includes composite material that varies spatially in thermal properties, and in some embodiments, the composite material varies spatially in strength properties. In some embodiments, the spatial variance is a continuum and in other embodiments, the spatial variance is a plurality of distinct portions.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2005Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael Scott Hebert, Gregory Alan Steinlage
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Patent number: 7382865Abstract: For reducing of the weight of leakage x-ray radiation shielding for a rotary piston x-ray tube that rotates in a cooling medium in a radiator housing of an x-ray radiator, the rotary piston x-ray tube having a rotary anode and a cathode fixedly connected with the vacuum housing thereof, the vacuum housing has at least one first region of a total shielding and the radiator housing has at least a second region of the total shielding. Only the respective regions of the vacuum housing and the radiator housing has that are irradiated by the leakage x-ray radiation are provided with shielding.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2005Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Thomas Deutscher, Wolfgang Kutschera, Matthias Seufert
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Publication number: 20080107238Abstract: In some embodiments, an X-ray target includes a target cap formed of a substrate material and a focal track layer of emitting material, and at least one of the substrate material and the emitting material has a density greater than about 95.0% of theoretical density. In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing an X-ray target includes forming an intermediate target cap form of substrate material and a focal track layer of emitting material, and compacting the intermediate target cap form by application of gas pressure at elevated temperature to form a final target cap form, and at least the substrate material is dense substrate material having a final density greater than an intermediate density or the emitting material is dense emitting material having a final emitting material density greater than an intermediate emitting material density.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2006Publication date: May 8, 2008Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATIONInventors: Gregory Alan Steinlage, Thomas Carson Tiearney, Michael Scott Hebert, Paul Alfred Siemers, Kirk Alan Rogers, Ray Alden Henrichsen
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Publication number: 20080095316Abstract: The present application discloses an anode assembly for an x-ray device. The anode assembly includes an anode and an anode shaft mounted to the anode. The anode assembly additionally includes a plurality of ceramic bearing balls adapted to rotatably support the anode shaft. In an embodiment, a plurality of metallic bearing balls are also provided to rotatably support the anode shaft. In another embodiment, the plurality of ceramic bearing balls and the plurality of metallic bearing balls have a solid lubricant coating.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Liangheng Qiu, Carey Shawn Rogers, Michael J. Danyluk, Thomas Dean Schaefer
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Patent number: 7356122Abstract: A focal track region of an x-ray anode in an example is electrochemically etched. In a further example, an x-ray anode comprises a thermally-compliant focal track region for impingement of electrons from an x-ray cathode to create an x-ray source. The thermally-compliant focal track region comprises a pattern of discrete relative expanses and gaps.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2006Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas Raber, Bernard Bewlay, Andrew Trimmer, Bin Wei, Colin R. Wilson, Mark Benz, Ernest Balch
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Publication number: 20080063145Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a radiator housing, an X-ray tube, a source of X-rays and at least one filtration material disposed on the X-ray tube. The X-ray tube is rotatable about a longitudinal axis and is disposed at least partially within the radiator housing. The source of X-rays emits at least one X-ray beam at least partially through the X-ray tube. The X-ray beam exits the X-ray tube at an annular X-ray window. The filtration material at least partially covers a portion of the annular X-ray window. Rotation of the X-ray tube causes the X-ray beam to pass through a plurality of locations in the annular X-ray window and at least a portion of the X-ray beam is filtered by the filtration material.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2006Publication date: March 13, 2008Inventor: James J. Hamill
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Publication number: 20080043921Abstract: An x-ray anode has an emission layer and a carrier with carrier material to support the emission layer. The carrier material is a metallized carbon fiber material with a portion in which the fibers are specifically directed. A high heat dissipation from the emission layer and a coefficient of heat expansion of the carrier that is advantageous for bonding with the emission layer are achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2007Publication date: February 21, 2008Inventors: Joerg Freudenberger, Eberhard Lenz
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Patent number: 7321653Abstract: An x-ray target assembly is provided comprising a center hub element affixed to a drive shaft and an outer disc including a plurality of tab extensions removably engaging the periphery of the center hub element. A target element is mounted on an upper outer disc surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: General Electric Co.Inventors: Ron K. Hockersmith, Michael Scott Hebert
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Patent number: 7313226Abstract: A plurality of high atomic number wires are sintered together to form a porous rod that is parted into porous disks which will be used as x-ray targets. A thermally conductive material is introduced into the pores of the rod, and when a stream of electrons impinges on the sintered wire target and generates x-rays, the heat generated by the impinging x-rays is removed by the thermally conductive material interspersed in the pores of the wires.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2005Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Calabazas Creek Research, Inc.Inventors: Louis R. Falce, R. Lawrence Ives
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Patent number: 7302044Abstract: The field of the invention is that of X-ray generator tubes. The invention relates more specifically to the arrangement of the emitting surfaces which are the source of the X-ray radiation. It is known that the inclination of the emitting surface known as the target to the electron beam governs the intensity of X-ray emission and the resolution of the tube. The target carrier assembly according to the invention allows this inclination to be set according to the desired application. For high-energy applications requiring a cooling circuit, the arrangement of the component also allows an appreciable improvement to the geometry of said cooling circuit so as to appreciably improve its efficiency. Several layouts of cooling circuit are presented, together with methods for producing them.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: ThalesInventor: André Gabioud
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Patent number: 7286643Abstract: An x-ray assembly is provided comprising a target shaft and an x-ray target element mounted to the target shaft. A circumferential feature is formed in the x-ray target element. At least one weight element is adapted to be securable in a plurality of positions within the circumferential feature such that the x-ray target element can be balanced around the target shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael Scott Hebert, Gregory A. Steinlage, Ryan Paul August
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Patent number: 7280639Abstract: A rotary piston x-ray tube has a piston formed by a case wall and support such that it can rotate around a rotational axis. The piston contains a cathode and an anode. To improve cooling, the anode of the rotary piston x-ray tube forms a radially-rotating section of the shell wall.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2005Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Mathias Hörnig
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Patent number: 7250208Abstract: In a material bond for a composite product composed of a fiber-reinforced material and a further material, such as an anode for an x-ray tube, wherein the fibers of the fiber-reinforced material exhibit a preferred orientation, and wherein the magnitude of the coefficient of thermal expansion of the fiber-reinforced material is direction dependent and depends on the preferred orientation of the fibers, the preferred orientation of the fibers is aligned, at least in a boundary region between the fiber-reinforced material and the further material, such that the coefficient of thermal expansion of the fiber-reinforced material and the coefficient thermal expansion of the further material are approximately equal along this boundary region, in which the bond is formed.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2004Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Eberhard Lenz
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Patent number: 7248673Abstract: An integrated component mounting system that includes a component mounted to a shaft and secured in place by a nut. The component and the nut each define respective annular shaped surfaces. The shaped surfaces are each inclined at a similar angle and are arranged for sliding contact with respect to each other. As the nut is tightened on the shaft, the shaped surface of the nut exerts both radial and axial forces on the shaped surface of the component, thereby automatically centering the component radially on the shaft as well as securing the component at a desired location along the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Varian Medical Systems Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Robert Steven Miller
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Patent number: 7224771Abstract: An x-ray tube (16) suitable for use in a computed tomography (CT) scanner (10) includes an envelope (42) which defines an evacuated chamber. An anode (40) and a cathode assembly (70) are disposed within the chamber. The anode defines a target area (56) which is struck by electrons (52) emitted by a filament (54) of the cathode assembly and emits x-rays (46). The target area lies partially on a first annular portion (80) which is disposed at first angle (a) relative to a plane perpendicular to an axis of rotation (R) of the anode, and partially on a second portion (82,120) which is radially spaced from the first portion and disposed at a second angle (?), relative to the plane. The second angle is greater than the first angle. The portions of different slope allow the x-ray tube to take advantage of a shallow angle, while minimizing the heel effect.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2004Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Simha Levene, Gabriel Malamud, Altman Ami
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Patent number: 7197114Abstract: An X-ray emitter and an X-ray apparatus and method of manufacturing an x-ray emitter. The emitter has an anode, a cathode, and a vacuum evacuated body in which the anode and the cathode are placed. The body has an opening and a high-voltage connector placed in the opening, the connector closing off the opening in a vacuum-tight manner, thereby subjecting the connector to a vacuum on one side of the cathode and to ambient air on an opposite side.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2003Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Caroline Le-Pierrard, Yves Serughetti, Joel Beudard
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Patent number: 7197115Abstract: An imaging tube assembly (11) for a computed tomography (CT) system (10) includes an insert (60) that has a vacuum chamber (72). An anode (58) resides within the vacuum chamber (72) and rotates on a shaft (66) via one or more bearing (70). In one embodiment, a seal (52) resides between the insert (60) and the shaft (66). The seal (52) prevents the passage of a gas (80) into the vacuum chamber (72). In another embodiment, a pressure transition chamber (104) is coupled to an insert (60?) and a shaft (66?). The pressure transition chamber (104) has an associated middle fluid pressure that is between an internal fluid pressure of the vacuum chamber (104) and an external fluid pressure of said insert (60?).Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Christopher D. Unger, Darren L. Hallman, Walter Smith, James E. Simpson
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Patent number: 7197119Abstract: A high-performance anode plate for a directly cooled rotary piston x-ray tube is formed of a high-temperature-resistant material such as tungsten, molybdenum or a combination of both materials. In the region of the focal spot path, the underside of the anode plate is shaped, and/or in this region a different highly heat-conductive material is inserted or applied, such that an improved heat dissipation and thus a lower temperature gradient results.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Jörg Freudenberger, Peter Röhrer, Peter Schardt
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Patent number: 7194066Abstract: An x-ray anode for use in an x-ray tube is provided. The x-ray anode includes a substrate material, a target material, and one or more graded coefficient of thermal expansion material layers. The target material is coupled to the one or more graded coefficient of thermal expansion material layers and the graded coefficient of thermal expansion material layers are coupled to the substrate material. A method of making the x-ray anode is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2004Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas C. Tiearney, Jr., Brian D. Lounsberry
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Patent number: 7187756Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus capable of imaging a subject based on X-rays of multiple energy levels while using an ordinary X-ray detector includes an X-ray tube which generates X-rays from multiple focal points of different 3-dimensional positions sequentially on a time-division basis, a plurality of filters which implement the filtering individually for the X-rays generated individually from the focal points, a collimator which equalizes the irradiation range of the X-rays generated individually from the focal points, collection means which collects projection data of multiple views of a subject of imaging for the X-rays generated individually from the focal points, and reconstruction means which reconstructs an image based on the projection data. The anode of the X-ray tube has multiple impingement portions where electrons released by the cathode impinge at multiple positions on the trajectory of electrons sequentially on a time-division basis.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Makoto Gohno, Akira Hagiwara
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Patent number: 7184514Abstract: An X-ray tube comprises a cathode configured to emit a heat electron, a target, including a plurality of areas where target angles are different in a rotation direction, which the heat electron collides with, and a rotation mechanism configured to rotate the target in the rotation direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2004Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventor: Hidetoshi Kudo
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Patent number: 7184520Abstract: A component mounting system that includes a rotor stem, nut, and mechanical interface. The mechanical interface defines a shaped surface and is integral with the component. An axial opening in the component permits the component to be mounted on the rotor stem. The nut defines a second shaped surface and one or more annular slots. As the nut is advanced along a threaded portion of the rotor stem, the shaped surfaces contact each other and serve to automatically center the component on the rotor stem. The annular slot defined by the nut permits the nut to elastically deform under the influence of various operating conditions, and thereby alleviate forces that are exerted on the elements of the component mounting system.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2003Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Varian Medical Systems Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Richard R. Sano
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Patent number: 7164751Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for generating X-rays having a source for emitting electrons, a carrier which is provided with a material which generates X-rays as a result of the incidence of electrons, and a bearing by means of which the carrier is journalled so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation, the device further having a chamber that is bounded by a heat transferring surface of the carrier and by a heat transferring surface of the first bearing member, and that is at least partially filled with a heat transferring material, the material being urged, during operation, towards both heat transferring surfaces so that a relatively high rate of heat transfer is obtained between the heat transferring surfaces and the transferring material, which is not affected when the transferring surfaces thermally deform at relatively high temperatures because the transferring material will follow deformations of the heat tranferring surfaces such that the reduction of the overall rate of heat transferType: GrantFiled: January 27, 2003Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.Inventor: Lothar Weil
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Patent number: 7127035Abstract: An anode target is roratably supported by a rotating mechanism having a rotary body and a staionary body. A fitted portion between the rotary body and the stationary body is formed of bearing areas having dynamic pressure type sliding bearings and a non-bearing area having a clearance between the rotary body and the stationary body larger than that in the bearing areas. The rotary body facing the non-bearing area is positioned where a time for heat transfer from the anode target is shorter than the rotary body facing the bearing areas. Thus, the characteristics of heat radiation from the anode target can be improved, and a stable bearing operation can be maintained.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2002Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Hidero Anno, Shin Saito
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Patent number: 7079625Abstract: An X-ray anode is produced by scoring at least a region of a surface of the anode, on which electrons are incident, with a number of defined microslits, thereby making the surface, or at least the region thereof, highly thermally stressable.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2004Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Eberhard Lenz
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Patent number: 7065178Abstract: A rotating anode x-ray tube has a rotating anode contained in a vacuum-sealed housing with a compartment for a cathode projecting from a cover of the housing opposite the rotating anode. To improve the durability, a transition part connecting the compartment with the cover has high-temperature stability that is greater than that of the cover or of the compartment.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2004Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Jutta Rother, legal representative, Peter Rother, deceased
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Patent number: 7046766Abstract: A device for generating X-rays includes source for emitting electrons; a carrier having a material that generates X-rays in response to the electrons; and dynamic groove bearing configured to rotate the carrier. The dynamic groove bearing has a portion with grooves. The carrier includes a member that extends away from the carrier to cover at least the portion having the grooves. The carrier and the member are a single piece.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2002Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.Inventor: Christoph Helmut Bathe
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Patent number: 7042975Abstract: A computed tomography imaging scanner (10) acquires helical cone beam projection data for a volume of interest (46) using at least two source trajectory helices. A reconstruction processor (62) reconstructs the projection data for each helix to generate a corresponding time skewed image representation. A voxel time processor (66) computes an acquisition time for each voxel in each time skewed image representation. A voxel interpolator (68) computes an interpolated voxel value for each voxel based on values of the voxel in the time skewed image representations and corresponding voxel acquisition times. In an electronic embodiment, the computed tomography scanner (10) includes an x-ray source (12) with an axially oriented cylindrical anode (92), an electron source (961, 962) irradiating the cylindrical anode (92) to produce an x-ray beam (120, 122, 124, 126), and an electron beam deflector (98, 100) that deflects the electron beam along the anode (92) to axially sweep the x-ray beam.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2002Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Dominic J. Heuscher
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Patent number: 7027559Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating x-ray beams are described. In one embodiment, the method includes operating a cathode to operating a cathode to generate an electron beam, directing the electron beam from the cathode through a selectable shaped aperture in an accelerating electrode, and impinging the electron beam at a low angle on an anode surface to form a focal spot on the anode surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Colin Richard Wilson, Amy Linsebigler Smentkowski, Lembit Salasoo
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Patent number: 7012989Abstract: An X-ray tube has a metal-ceramic envelope having rotatably mounted therein an anode disk, which may be axially translatable and provided with a peripheral rim surface wherein a focal track spiral groove (or multiple annular grooves) is disposed. The groove(s) include a focal spot(s) area spaced from an electron emitting cathode(s), which is associated with a beam-forming structure and an X-ray transparent window mounted within an insulating structure aligned with the focal spot area. The insulating structure incorporates a multiplicity of imbedded annular electrodes which control an accelerating electric field, and which are structurally and operationally integrated into a power-control assembly that provides the electrical power and control signals necessary for the functioning of the X-ray tube.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2003Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Parker Medical, Inc.Inventors: William P. Holland, Timothy Holland, Joseph Suffredini
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Patent number: 7010093Abstract: A high-capacity x-ray tube particularly for use in medical technology in CT apparatuses, has a vacuum housing containing a cathode and a rotatably mounted anode. The anode plate of the anode is connected by a solder connection to the one end of a load-bearing part, the other end of which is attached to the bearing shaft of a drive for placing the anode in rotation. The mechanical strength of the connection location between the anode plate and the load-bearing part is improved by the connection being formed by a positive fit, designed such that the connection surfaces are subjected substantially only to compression given rotation of the anode.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2004Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Eberhard Lenz, Jutta Rother, legal representative, Peter Rother, deceased
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Patent number: 7005774Abstract: A rotary current-collecting device includes a rotary slip ring and brushes coming into sliding contact with the outer peripheral surface of the slip ring. The brush-holding ring has an inner surface to which three brush-holding springs are fixed by screws. Each of the brushes is fixed to the tip end of the brush-holding spring and is pushed against the outer surface of the slip ring under the resilient restoration force of the brush-holding spring. When the slip ring revolves, the brushes come into sliding contact with the outer peripheral surface of the slip ring. The brush is made of a metal-graphite compound consisting of 70 weight percent copper and 30 weight percent graphite. The slip ring is entirely made of glassy carbon, so that the brush abrasion can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2004Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Rigaku CorporationInventors: Masaru Kuribayashi, Tomohiro Chaki
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Patent number: 7003077Abstract: The present invention is an x-ray tube anode with two targets oriented back-to-back. The targets have separate and opposing cathodes. The targets are a fixed distance apart and rotate together on the same bearing shaft. The cathodes are mounted at either end of the vacuum tube. The cathodes may operate simultaneously or independent of each other based on the CT application.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2003Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Sherman Chih-Yee Jen, Mark Ernest Vermilyea