Window Patents (Class 378/161)
  • Patent number: 11393606
    Abstract: There is provided a radiation transmissive window having high radiation transmissivity. The radiation transmissive window includes: an outer frame having an opening; a radiation transmissive film closing off the opening; and a grid member that partitions the opening into a plurality of small opening portions. The grid member has a first portion, a second portion at a smaller distance to the center of the opening than the first portion, and a third portion at a smaller distance to the center of the opening than the second portion. The first portion is greater in width than the second portion. The second portion is greater in width than the third portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: JEOL Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirofumi Nakano
  • Patent number: 10930465
    Abstract: An x-ray window can include a thin film that comprises boron. The thin film can be relatively thin, such as for example ?200 nm. This x-ray window can be strong; can have high x-ray transmissivity; can be impervious to gas, visible light, and infrared light; can be easy of manufacture; can be made of materials with low atomic numbers, or combinations thereof. The thin film can include an aluminum layer. A support structure can provide additional support to the thin film. The support structure can include a support frame encircling an aperture and support ribs extending across the aperture with gaps between the support ribs. The support structure can also include boron ribs aligned with the support ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventors: Jared Sommer, Jonathan Abbott
  • Patent number: 10739284
    Abstract: An X-ray analyzer includes: a detector which detects X-rays generated from a specimen; a cooling element which cools the detector; and a spectrum generating unit which generates a spectrum based on a detection signal of the detector. The spectrum generating unit corrects an attenuation of intensity of a spectrum attributable to contamination of the detector, based on an elapsed time from a reference time until the X-rays are detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: JEOL Ltd.
    Inventor: Takanori Murano
  • Patent number: 10641907
    Abstract: A mounted x-ray window can be strong and transmissive to x-rays, can have a hermetic seal, and can withstand high temperatures. The mounted x-ray window can include a film located on an inner-side of a flange of a housing and can be attached to the flange by a ring of elastic adhesive. The film can comprise silicon nitride. A method of mounting an x-ray window can include placing a ring of elastic adhesive on an inner-side of a flange of a housing, placing a film on the ring of elastic adhesive, and baking the housing, the ring of elastic adhesive, and the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Black, Jonathan Abbott
  • Patent number: 10024811
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is an x-ray florescence (XRF) test system which comprises an XRF test instrument used for testing a test target's responses to X-rays, the instrument including a test window allowing the X-ray and its responsive energy to pass through, and a window protecting film assembly allowing X-rays to pass through and providing protection to the window, the film assembly being configured to be coupled with the window in a fashion to be removed from or applied or reapplied over the window. The corresponding calibration mode can be manually or automatically applied according to the specific film assembly presently in use. An embodiment of the film assembly comprises a thin film fixed with an adhesive layer to a supporting frame having a closely spaced array of apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Olympus Scientific Solutions Americas Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Hardman, Fabrice Cancre
  • Patent number: 9901312
    Abstract: A medical instrument is provided for use with a phase contrast imaging. The medical instrument includes at least one component, which has a strong small angle scattering of x-rays. Furthermore, a corresponding x-ray recording system with phase contrast imaging for recording an examination object may include such a medical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Philipp Bernhardt, Martin Hoheisel, Thomas Mertelmeier, Ralf Nanke, Marcus Radicke
  • Patent number: 9697922
    Abstract: A radiation window foil for an X-ray radiation window comprises a mesh that defines a number of openings (902), said mesh having a first side surface (903) and a second side surface (904). A layer (906) spans said openings. Said layer (906) is on the first side of the mesh but spans said openings at a level closer to the second side surface (904) of the mesh than the first side surface (903) of the mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: HS Foils Oy
    Inventor: Heikki Johannes Sipilä
  • Patent number: 9607723
    Abstract: For manufacturing a radiation window for an X-ray measurement apparatus, and etch stop layer is first produced on a polished surface of a carrier. A thin film deposition technique is used to produce a structural layer on an opposite side of said etch stop layer than said carrier. The combined structure comprising said carrier, said etch stop layer, and said structural layer is attached to a region around an opening in a support structure with said structural layer facing said support structure. The carrier is etched away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: HS FOILS OY
    Inventor: Heikki Johannes Sipilä
  • Patent number: 9424965
    Abstract: An electrical conductor includes a base substrate of at least one of copper, copper alloy, nickel or nickel alloy and a layered structure applied to the base substrate. The layered structure includes a foil and a graphene layer deposited on the foil. The layered structure is applied to the base substrate after the graphene layer is deposited on the foil. A method of manufacturing the electrical conductor includes providing a base substrate, providing a foil, depositing a graphene layer on the foil to define a layered structure, and depositing the layered structure on the base substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney I. Martens
  • Patent number: 9410906
    Abstract: An X-ray fluorescence spectrometer includes: an X-ray source which irradiates a sample with primary X-rays; a light condensing device which condenses the primary X-rays to reduce an irradiation area on the sample; a detector which detects fluorescent X-rays produced from the sample irradiated with the primary X-rays; a housing which accommodates the X-ray source and the light condensing device; a temperature sensor which is disposed in at least one of the X-ray source and the periphery of the X-ray source; at least one external-air fan which is disposed on the housing, and which can exchange internal air with external air; and a control section which drives the external-air fan based on temperature information detected by the temperature sensor, to adjust the ambient temperature around the X-ray source to a constant temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Tech Science Corporation
    Inventors: Ryusuke Hirose, Haruo Takahashi, Yoshiki Matoba, Koichi Tamura
  • Patent number: 9408769
    Abstract: An extension device includes a patient support surface and an extension beam (16) that can be connected via an interface (14) to the patient support surface and that has a holder for a feed rod arrangement. The patient support surface has at least two longitudinal beams (10) parallel to each other that carry a pelvic support plate. The interface (14) includes a coupling part (36) on the support surface side and a coupling part (38) on the beam side rigidly connected to the extension beam (16). The coupling part (36) on the support surface side on one of the longitudinal beams (10) is supported such that it can pivot about an axis perpendicular to the pelvic support plate, and whereby the coupling part (36) on the support surface side can be locked by a locking device, which may be actuated by remote actuation, against a rotation about its pivot axis relative to the longitudinal beam (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: MAQUET GMBH
    Inventor: Guido Koch
  • Patent number: 9372164
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is an x-ray florescence (XRF) test system which comprises an XRF test instrument used for testing a test target's responses to X-rays, the instrument including a test window allowing the X-ray and its responsive energy to pass through, and at least one window protecting film allowing X-rays to pass through and providing protections to the window, the film being configured to be coupled with the window in a fashion to be removed from or applied or reapplied over the window. The corresponding calibration mode can be manually or automatically applied according to the specific film presently in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: OLYMPUS SCIENTIFIC SOLUTIONS AMERICAS INC.
    Inventors: Fabrice Cancre, Ted Michael Shields, Jiawei Tan
  • Patent number: 9182362
    Abstract: A radiation detector assembly and a method for using the same are provided. The radiation detector assembly includes an aperture, a window covering the aperture, the window is configured to permit radiation to pass through, the window is configured to prevent the passage of fluids and particles through the aperture, and a protective device covers the window. The protective device includes a plurality of holes at least partially aligned with the aperture, is configured to permit at least some radiation to pass through the holes, is configured to prevent objects larger than the holes to contact the window and is configured to withstand external forces and prevent those forces from damaging the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: BRUKER AXS HANDHELD, INC.
    Inventors: Esko Juhani Kantonen, Erkki Tapani Puusaari, Heikki Johannes Sipila
  • Patent number: 9159518
    Abstract: The invention concerns a radiation entry window (10) for a radiation detector (2), in particular for a semiconductor drift detector (2), with a flat window element (11), which is at least partially permeable for the radiation to be detected by the radiation detector (2), as well as with a window frame (12), which laterally frames the window element (11), wherein the window frame (12) consists of a semiconductor material and is considerably thicker than the window element (11). (FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignees: PNSensor GMBH, Max-Planck-Gesellschaft Zur Foerderung Der Wissenschaften E.V.
    Inventors: Heike Soltau, Bianca Schweinfest, Gerhard Lutz, Ladislav Andricek, Lothar Strueder
  • Publication number: 20150146866
    Abstract: An X-ray window includes a primary and a secondary window element. In order to evaporate debris by ohmic heating, current flows through the secondary (upstream) window element. Meanwhile, electric charge originating from electron irradiation and/or depositing charged particles is to be drained off the secondary window element via a charge-drain layer. To prevent large debris particles from short-circuiting the secondary window element, the current for heating the window element flows through heating circuitry which is electrically insulated from the charge-drain layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: EXCILLUM AB
    Inventors: Tomi Tuohimaa, Oscar Hemberg
  • Publication number: 20150092909
    Abstract: An acquisition window for a medical apparatus (in particular for a computer tomography apparatus) has an element made of a suitable material and at least one attachment element for attachment to the medical apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Kathrin Friederike Hamilton, Hans-Juergen Mueller, Dominik Trautner
  • Patent number: 8989354
    Abstract: A support structure for x-ray windows including carbon composite ribs, comprising carbon fibers in a matrix. The support structure can comprise a support frame defining a perimeter and an aperture, a plurality of ribs comprising a carbon composite material extending across the aperture of the support frame and carried by the support frame, and openings between the plurality of ribs. A film can be disposed over, carried by, and span the plurality of ribs and disposed over and span the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignees: Brigham Young University, Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Davis, Jason Mathew Lund, Andrew L. Davis, Steven D. Liddiard, Mike Zappe, Charles R. Jensen
  • Patent number: 8964943
    Abstract: An x-ray window includes a mount with a support frame and an aperture. A window film has a stack of layers including: a thin film layer comprising a material selected from the group consisting of diamond, graphene, diamond-like carbon, beryllium, and combinations thereof; a boron hydride layer; and a polymer layer. The window film, including the thin film layer, the boron hydride layer, and the polymer layer, extends across the aperture and is supported by the support frame. The window film is attached to the support frame, defining a sealed joint. The layers are capable of withstanding a differential pressure of at least 1 atmosphere. The window film is substantially transmissive to x-rays having an energy in the range of 100-20,000 electronvolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Liddiard, Brian Taylor, Keith Decker, Jason Maynard
  • Publication number: 20150016593
    Abstract: An improved radiation window comprises a film permeable to radiation disposed on a support structure. The support structure comprises a primary transmissive area comprising a plurality of support members defining a plurality of apertures for radiation to pass through; a flange disposed around the periphery of the primary transmissive area having generally greater mechanical rigidity than the primary transmissive area; and a transition region disposed between, and contiguous with, the primary transmissive area and the flange; the transition region having generally greater mechanical rigidity than the primary transmissive area and generally lesser mechanical rigidity than the flange, thereby providing an intermediate rigidity transition between the dissimilar rigidities of the primary transmissive area and the flange. A radiation detection system comprises a sensor configured to detect radiation, disposed behind such an improved radiation window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Mark LARSON, Michael LINES, Erik BARD
  • Patent number: 8929515
    Abstract: An x-ray window including a support frame with a perimeter and an aperture. A plurality of ribs can extend across the aperture of the support frame and can be supported or carried by the support frame. Openings exist between ribs to allow transmission of x-rays through such openings with no attenuation of x-rays by the ribs. A film can be disposed over and span the ribs and openings. The ribs can have at least two different cross-sectional sizes including at least one larger sized rib with a cross-sectional area that is at least 5% larger than a cross-sectional area of at least one smaller sized rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven D. Liddiard
  • Patent number: 8916245
    Abstract: A fracture-safe viewport for a pressure system having a pressure port which is pumped by said pressure system to a pressure above or below atmospheric pressure, comprising a plurality of panes each capable of passing electromagnetic radiation therethrough, each pane being mounted inside a tubular structure and being hermetically sealed to the wall of the pressure chamber. Each of the panes may be a different material or any combination of materials may be used from the group comprising sapphire, glass and quartz or any other material through which a high powered laser or other electromagnetic beam may be directed without adverse consequences. Highly pure, defect-free, ultra-polished, single-crystal sapphire is preferred. Spacing between the panes is used in most embodiments to avoid shrapnel damage in case of catastrophic failure of a pane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph Alexander Mansour, II
  • Patent number: 8907554
    Abstract: An assembly of a support plate and an exit window foil for use in an electron beam generating device. The support plate is designed to reduce wrinkles in the foil. The foil is bonded to the support plate along a closed bonding line bounding an area in which the support plate is provided with a pattern of apertures and foil support portions alternately. When vacuum is created in the housing the pattern is adapted to form a topographical profile of the foil substantially absorbing any surplus foil. Another aspect involves a method in a filling machine for sterilizing a packaging material web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Ulrika Linné, Werner Haag, Toni Waber, Mattias Henriksson, Kurt Holm, Krister Kristiansson
  • Publication number: 20140307849
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is an x-ray florescence (XRF) test system which comprises an XRF test instrument used for testing a test target's responses to X-rays, the instrument including a test window allowing the X-ray and its responsive energy to pass through, and at least one window protecting film allowing X-rays to pass through and providing protections to the window, the film being configured to be coupled with the window in a fashion to be removed from or applied or reapplied over the window. The corresponding calibration mode can be manually or automatically applied according to the specific film presently in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: OLYMPUS SCIENTIFIC SOLUTIONS AMERICAS, INC
    Inventors: Fabrice Cancre, Ted Michael Shields, Jiawei Tan
  • Publication number: 20140140487
    Abstract: An x-ray window including at least one aluminum layer and at least one amorphous carbon layer. At least one polymer layer may also be included. Aluminum layer(s) can provide improved gas impermeability to the window. Amorphous carbon layer(s) can provide corrosion resistance. Polymer layer(s) can provide improved structural strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicants: Moxtek, Inc., Brigham Young University
    Inventors: Brigham Young University, Moxtek, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8670524
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement of a measuring window in a continuously operated X-ray analyzer (1), said analyzer being is used particularly for analyzing elemental contents in solid, liquid or slurry-like materials; which measuring window (2) separates the sampling space (3) containing the sample material to be measured and the measurement space (4) containing the measuring probe (11), and is sealed by a lid structure (6) arranged in the sampling space, said lid structure defining the measurement aperture (7) of the sampling space, in which case the lid structure defining the measurement aperture of the sampling space is provided with a sealing surface (8) of the measuring window, so that said surface is at least partly planar and at least partly curved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Kari Mann, Christian Von Alfthan
  • Publication number: 20140056413
    Abstract: Composite x-ray transmissive windows. In one example embodiment, an x-ray transmissive window is configured to be positioned in an outer housing of an x-ray device. The x-ray transmissive window includes a composite material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Travis Lee Astle
  • Publication number: 20140044240
    Abstract: X-Ray Radiation Passage Window for a Radiation Detector An X-ray radiation passage window can be used for a radiation detector. The X-ray radiation passage window for a radiation detector includes a radiation-transmissive window element. The radiation-transmissive window element contains graphene. Furthermore, a radiation detector including an X-ray radiation passage window, a method for producing an X-ray radiation passage window and a use of graphene are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Andreas Pahlke, Reinhard Fojt, Natsuki Miyakawa
  • Publication number: 20140037052
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the examination and inspection of integrated devices such as integrated circuits. X-rays are transmitted through the integrated device, and are incident on a photoemissive structure that absorbs x-rays and emits electrons. The electrons emitted by the photoemissive structure are shaped by an electron optical system to form a magnified image of the emitted electrons on a detector. This magnified image is then recorded and processed. In some embodiments, the integrated device and photoemissive structure are independently mounted and controlled. In other embodiments, the photoemissive device is deposited directly onto the integrated device. In some embodiments, the incidence angle of the x-rays is varied to allow internal three-dimensional structures of the integrated device to be determined. In other embodiments, the recorded image is compared with a reference data to enable inspection for manufacturing quality control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: David L. Adler
  • Publication number: 20140023176
    Abstract: Provided is a radiation generating apparatus, including: a radiation generating unit for emitting radiation; and a movable diaphragm unit including a light projecting/sighting system for making a simulation display of a radiation field with visible light. The light projecting/sighting system includes: a light source of the visible light; a light guiding plate that is provided across a radiation axis, and causes the visible light from the light source to exit from a front surface of the light guiding plate; and a louver that gives directivity to the visible light exiting from the front surface of the light guiding plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Yasuo Ohashi, Yoichi Ikarashi, Yoichi Ando
  • Publication number: 20140010348
    Abstract: Provided is a radiation generating apparatus, including a radiation generating unit for emitting radiation through a transmission window, and a light projecting/sighting device including a light source for emitting visible light and a reflection mirror. At least one of the transmission window and the reflection mirror has variations in thickness for reducing shading of radiation which irradiates a radiation irradiation field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Kazuya Tsujino
  • Publication number: 20140008538
    Abstract: The invention concerns a radiation entry window (10) for a radiation detector (2), in particular for a semiconductor drift detector (2), with a flat window element (11), which is at least partially permeable for the radiation to be detected by the radiation detector (2), as well as with a window frame (12), which laterally frames the window element (11), wherein the window frame (12) consists of a semiconductor material and is considerably thicker than the window element (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicants: MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN, E.V., PNSENSOR GMBH
    Inventors: Heike Soltau, Bianca Schweinfest, Gerhard Lutz, Ladislav Andricek, Lothar Strueder
  • Publication number: 20130315380
    Abstract: A high strength carbon fiber composite (CFC) wafer, and method of making such wafer, with low surface roughness comprising at least one sheet of CFC including carbon fibers embedded in a matrix. The wafer can have a thickness of between 10-500 micrometers. The wafer can have a root mean square surface roughness Rq, on at least one side, of less than 300 nm in an area of 100 micrometers by 100 micrometers and less than 500 nm along a line of 2 millimeter length. The wafer may be cut to form x-ray window support structures, MEMS, or other micrometer sized structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Robert C. Davis, Richard Vanfleet, Kyle Zufeldt, Andrew L. Davis, Steven D. Liddiard
  • Publication number: 20130315373
    Abstract: The present invention relates to X-ray differential phase-contrast imaging, in particular to a deflection device for X-ray differential phase-contrast imaging. In order to provide differential phase-contrast imaging with improved dose efficiency, a deflection device (28) for X-ray differential phase-contrast imaging is provided, comprising a deflection structure (41) with a first plurality (44) of first areas (46), and a second plurality (48) of second areas (50). The first areas are provided to change the phase and/or amplitude of an X-ray radiation; and wherein the second areas are X-ray transparent. The first and second areas are arranged periodically such that, in the cross section, the deflection structure is provided with a profile arranged such that the second areas are provided in form of groove-like recesses (54) formed between first areas provided as projections (56). The adjacent projections form respective side surfaces (58) partly enclosing the respective recess arranged in between.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Ewald Rössl, Thomas Koehler
  • Publication number: 20130279654
    Abstract: A radiation detector assembly and a method for using the same are provided. The radiation detector assembly includes an aperture, a window covering the aperture, the window is configured to permit radiation to pass through, the window is configured to prevent the passage of fluids and particles through the aperture, and a protective device covers the window. The protective device includes a plurality of holes at least partially aligned with the aperture, is configured to permit at least some radiation to pass through the holes, is configured to prevent objects larger than the holes to contact the window and is configured to withstand external forces and prevent those forces from damaging the window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Bruker AXS Handheld, Inc.
    Inventors: Esko Juhani Kantonen, Erkki Tapani Puusaari, Heikki Johannes Sipila
  • Publication number: 20130235979
    Abstract: An X-ray window including a primary and a secondary window element. In order to evaporate debris by ohmic heating, current flows through the secondary (upstream) window element. Meanwhile, electric charge originating from electron irradiation and/or depositing charged particles is to be drained off the window element. To prevent large debris particles from short-circuiting the window element and changing the desired heating pattern, the current for heating the window element flows through a layer which is insulated from the charge-drain layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: EXCILLUM AB
    Inventors: Oscar Hemberg, Tomi Tuohimaa
  • Patent number: 8498381
    Abstract: An x-ray window comprising a plurality of thin film layers stacked together, including a thin film layer and a polymer layer. The thin film layer can be diamond, graphene, diamond-like carbon, beryllium, and combinations thereof. The polymer layer can be a polyimide. A boron hydride layer may also be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Liddiard, Brian Taylor, Keith Decker, Jason Maynard
  • Patent number: 8494119
    Abstract: A radiation window membrane and for covering an opening in an X-ray device is presented, as well a method for its manufacturing. Said openings are such through which X-rays are to pass. The membrane comprises a window base layer and a pinhole-blocking layer on a surface of said window base layer. Said pinhole-blocking layer comprises graphene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Oxford Instruments Analytical Oy
    Inventor: Hans Andersson
  • Publication number: 20130094629
    Abstract: An x-ray window includes a mount with a support frame and an aperture. A window film has a stack of layers including: a thin film layer comprising a material selected from the group consisting of diamond, graphene, diamond-like carbon, beryllium, and combinations thereof; a boron hydride layer; and a polymer layer. The window film, including the thin film layer, the boron hydride layer, and the polymer layer, extends across the aperture and is supported by the support frame. The window film is attached to the support frame, defining a sealed joint. The layers are capable of withstanding a differential pressure of at least 1 atmosphere. The window film is substantially transmissive to x-rays having an energy in the range of 100-20,000 electronvolts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventor: Moxtek, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130089184
    Abstract: A radiation window foil for an X-ray radiation window comprises a mesh that defines a number of openings (902), said mesh having a first side surface (903) and a second side surface (904). A layer (906) spans said openings. Said layer (906) is on the first side of the mesh but spans said openings at a level closer to the second side surface (904) of the mesh than the first side surface (903) of the mesh.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: HS Foils OY
    Inventor: Heikki Johannes Sipilä
  • Publication number: 20130077761
    Abstract: For manufacturing a radiation window for an X-ray measurement apparatus, and etch stop layer is first produced on a polished surface of a carrier. A thin film deposition technique is used to produce a structural layer on an opposite side of said etch stop layer than said carrier. The combined structure comprising said carrier, said etch stop layer, and said structural layer is attached to a region around an opening in a support structure with said structural layer facing said support structure. The carrier is etched away.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: HS FOILS OY
    Inventor: Heikki Johannes Sipilä
  • Publication number: 20130051535
    Abstract: A support structure for x-ray windows including carbon composite ribs, comprising carbon fibers in a matrix. The support structure can comprise a support frame defining a perimeter and an aperture, a plurality of ribs comprising a carbon composite material extending across the aperture of the support frame and carried by the support frame, and openings between the plurality of ribs. A film can be disposed over, carried by, and span the plurality of ribs and disposed over and span the openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Robert C. Davis, Jason Mathew Lund, Andrew L. Davis, Steven D. Liddiard, Mike Zappe, Charles R. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20120213336
    Abstract: An x-ray window including a support frame with a perimeter and an aperture. A plurality of ribs can extend across the aperture of the support frame and can be supported or carried by the support frame. Openings exist between ribs to allow transmission of x-rays through such openings with no attenuation of x-rays by the ribs. A film can be disposed over and span the ribs and openings. The ribs can have at least two different cross-sectional sizes including at least one larger sized rib with a cross-sectional area that is at least 5% larger than a cross-sectional area of at least one smaller sized rib.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Steven Liddiard
  • Publication number: 20120087476
    Abstract: An x-ray window comprising a plurality of thin film layers stacked together, including a thin film layer and a polymer layer. The thin film layer can be diamond, graphene, diamond-like carbon, beryllium, and combinations thereof. The polymer layer can be a polyimide. A boron hydride layer may also be included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Steven Liddiard, Brian Taylor, Keith Decker, Jason Maynard
  • Patent number: 8130910
    Abstract: A liquid-cooled aperture body in an x-ray tube. In one example embodiment, an x-ray tube is configured to be at least partially submerged in a liquid coolant. The x-ray tube includes a cathode at least partially positioned within a cathode housing, an anode at least partially positioned within a can, and an aperture body coupling the cathode housing to the can. The can is formed from a first material and the aperture body is formed from a second material. The aperture body defines an aperture through which electrons may pass between the cathode and the anode. The aperture body further defines at least two exterior surfaces that are each configured to be exposed to the liquid coolant in which the x-ray tube is at least partially submerged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason W. Davies, Gregory C. Andrews, George Benjamin Naseath, Lincoln Curtis Jolley, Richard Alma Keyes, Ricky Burnett Smith
  • Publication number: 20110317818
    Abstract: A self-cleaning X-ray window arrangement is provided that includes a primary X-ray-transparent window element, separating an ambient pressure region from an intermediate region, and a secondary X-ray-transparent window element, separating the intermediate region from a reduced pressure region. A contaminant is expected to deposit on a side of the secondary element facing the reduced pressure region. A heat source is adapted to heat a portion of the secondary window element thereby evaporating contaminant. The secondary element shields the primary element from the reduced pressure region, in which contaminant is present, whereas the pressure-tight primary window element carries most of the differential pressure between the ambient pressure region and the reduced pressure region. Several features help to decrease the rate at which contaminant enters the intermediate region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: Excillum AB
    Inventors: Hans Hertz, Oscar Hemberg, Tomi Tuohimaa, Mikaél Otendal
  • Publication number: 20110311029
    Abstract: A radiation window membrane and for covering an opening in an X-ray device is presented, as well a method for its manufacturing. Said openings are such through which X-rays are to pass. The membrane comprises a window base layer and a pinhole-blocking layer on a surface of said window base layer. Said pinhole-blocking layer comprises graphene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Hans Andersson
  • Patent number: 8073108
    Abstract: An X-ray generator having a housing and having components located inside the housing for generating one or more X-ray beams, wherein the housing is composed of a tube body that is made of ceramic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Smiths Heimann GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Kilian, Joerg Bermuth, Georg Geus
  • Patent number: 8054945
    Abstract: In one example, an x-ray tube includes an evacuated enclosure and an anode disposed with the evacuated enclosure. The anode is configured to receive electrons emitted by an electron emitter. The x-ray tube also includes an evacuated enclosure window disposed within a port of the evacuated enclosure. The evacuated enclosure window includes first and second axes, the first axis being relatively shorter than the second axis. The x-ray tube also includes means for directing coolant flow. The means for directing coolant flow causes coolant to flow across an exterior surface of the evacuated enclosure window in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory C. Andrews
  • Patent number: 8019048
    Abstract: A window arrangement on a pressure pipe, with a casing in the train or at the end of the pressure pipe, said casing featuring flanges on diametrically opposing sides having radially directed passages, whose axes are standing perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pressure pipe and are located in a measurement plane for an x-ray measurement device, an x-ray source being associated to the one passage on the outer side and a receiver sensitive to X-rays to the other passage, and with window plates that are transmissive for X-rays which are sealingly arranged in the associated passage and are fixed in the passage with the aid of a fastening member and which consist of a material which is resistant against high temperatures and process-due etchings by chemically aggressive substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Sikora AG
    Inventors: Harald Sikora, Ralf Seidel
  • Patent number: 7869572
    Abstract: An x-ray tube includes a vacuum chamber, a cathode positioned within the vacuum chamber and configured to emit electrons, and an anode positioned within the vacuum chamber to receive the electrons emitted from the cathode and configured to generate a beam of x-rays from the electrons. The x-ray tube further includes a window positioned to pass the beam of x-rays therethrough, an electron collector structure having an aperture formed therein to allow passage of x-rays therethrough, and a layer attached to the electron collector structure and configured to at least partially absorb or reduce diffraction of x-rays that contact the layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Donald Robert Allen, Brian Lounsberry, James J. VanBogart