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: An X-ray CT system includes a fixed frame portion and a rotating frame portion. Being provided with X-ray tubes, the rotating frame portion is arranged so as to rotate with respect to the fixed frame portion. Vane members for feeding air are secured on the rotating frame portion. In operation, with the rotation of the vane members together with the rotating frame portion, cool air is introduced into the rotating frame portion. Consequently, heated instruments, such as the X-ray tubes, in the rotating frame can be cooled down effectively.

Abstract: A method and system for extending the service life of an x-ray tube wherein the coolant fluid which is circulated through a closed circulation system to remove heat generated by the x-ray tube and provide electrical insulation between anode connections and ground (and/or cathode connections) is regularly filtered and/or changed based on predetermined criteria. Provided for performing the filtering and/or changing is a cart which, preferably, is mobile, portable or otherwise easy and convenient to operate. The cart includes a new oil reservoir, an old oil container, various valves and a bidirectional pump for performing various functions. For example, the cart allows a technician or other skilled individual to connect the cart to a source of new oil for the purpose of filling its new oil reservoir container, this being known as the FILL mode.

Abstract: X-radiator with an X-ray tube with a vacuum housing to which an anode and a cathode are firmly connected, has a coolant container that surrounds the X-ray tube and is filled with a coolant, and a radiation protection housing that surrounds the coolant container. The X-ray tube and the coolant container are rotatably seated relative to the radiation protection housing, with the drive of the X-ray tube and/or the coolant container operating such that the X-ray tube and the coolant container rotate around a rotational axis during operation of the X-radiator. An electron beam deflection system that is stationary with respect to the radiation protection housing is arranged inside the radiation protection housing.

Abstract: A CT scanner includes a stationary gantry (C) having an examination region (12) centrally therein. A rotating frame or gantry (C) which is mounted for rotation about the examination region carries an x-ray tube assembly (B), a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger (34), and a liquid-to-air heat exchanger (48) around a peripheral edge thereof. A first closed loop (30) carries a first cooling fluid, particularly oil, between a housing (22) which surrounds an x-ray tube (68) and the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger to remove heat from the x-ray tube. A second closed loop (40) conveys a second cooling fluid, particularly water, between the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger and the peripheral liquid-to-air heat exchanger. The second closed loop includes a reservoir (44) for storing a substantial volume of water such that a significant portion of the heat generated during an x-ray examination can be stored by the water in the reservoir.

Abstract: A method and system for extending the service life of an x-ray tube wherein the coolant fluid which is circulated through a closed circulation system to remove heat generated by the x-ray tube and provide electrical insulation between anode connections and ground (and/or cathode connections) is regularly filtered and/or changed based on predetermined criteria. In addition to the fluid change, an on-line fluoroscopy is also regularly performed based on a separate set of predetermined criteria. Provided for performing the filtering and/or changing is a cart which, preferably, is mobile, portable or otherwise easy and convenient to operate. The cart includes a new oil reservoir, an old oil container, various valves and a bidirectional pump for performing various functions. For example, the cart allows a technician or other skilled individual to connect the cart to a source of new oil for the purpose of filling its new oil reservoir container, this being known as the FILL mode.

Abstract: A high-voltage plug for an X-ray tube plugs onto a high-voltage terminal provided at the vacuum housing of the X-ray tube. The high-voltage plug contains a cooling channel for a coolant. An improved are over protection results by use of the coolant.

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

Abstract: A system for the cooling of a fixed anode for an X-ray tube placed in a radiogenic unit comprising a cooling fluid circuit that passes into the anode and extends along the surfaces of the mount that are adjacent to the radiogenic unit, such as the yoke bearing said unit. Application to single-pole and two-pole X-ray tubes.

Abstract: An X-ray diffraction device comprises a water-cooled X-ray tube which exhibits a line focus as well as, after rotation through 90.degree., a point focus. Contrary to customary X-ray tubes, the cooling water is not supplied via the housing (12) in which the X-ray tube is mounted, but the cooling water connections (52, 54) are provided directly on the X-ray tube at the same side of the robe where the high-voltage connector (16) is provided. As a result, rotation of the robe upon changing over from a line focus to a point focus is not hampered by cooling water connections inside the housing of the tube. An additional advantage of this method of supplying the cooling water resides in the fact that the robe base (56) can also be cooled via these ducts. The base would otherwise become inadmissibly hot due to the loss heat from the filament (60).

Abstract: A method and system for extending the service life of an x-ray tube wherein the coolant fluid which is circulated through a closed circulation system to remove heat generated by the x-ray tube and provide electrical insulation between anode connections and ground (and/or cathode connections) is regularly changed based on predetermined criteria. In addition to the fluid change, an on-line fluoroscopy is also regularly performed based on a separate set of predetermined criteria.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for operating an x-ray installation having an x-ray radiator, which comprises an x-ray tube accepted in a housing filled with an electrically insulating liquid. The electrically insulating liquid is thereby degasified at intervals in order to prevent gases arising as a consequence of the decomposition of the electrically insulating liquid caused by the generated x-ray radiation from deteriorating the high-voltage strength of the x-ray radiator.

Abstract: An X-ray tube device capable of reducing an amount of work required in the operation of its replacement, and of eliminating a wasteful replacement of a still operational part of the device. The device includes an X-ray tube; at least one heat exchanger for cooling the X-ray tube by using a circulation of insulating oil; a plurality of oil hoses for transmitting the insulating oil between the X-ray tube and the heat exchanger; and at least one coupler for connecting the X-ray tube and the heat exchanger through the oil hoses by being in a coupled state, and for disconnecting the X-ray tube and the heat exchanger through the oil hoses by being in a decoupled state.

Abstract: An X-ray tube is enclosed in a casing containing a cooling fluid. At least one terminal part of the casing is elongated to house a high-voltage power supply device comprising a high-voltage output terminal connected to the anode and/or the cathode and low-voltage input terminals connected to low-voltage contact elements for connection to a low-voltage supply source that is located outside the casing.

Abstract: A CT scanner has an x-ray tube (B) which is carried by a rotating gantry portion around a patient receiving region (12). A large diameter, annular radiator (30) is connected to the rotating gantry for rotation with the x-ray tube. A cooling oil is circulated around the x-ray tube and through passages (32, 74, 100) of the rotating radiator. An annular stationary member is mounted to a stationary gantry portion (A) of the CT scanner. In the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the stationary member is an annular tube (36) which substantially surrounds the rotating radiator except for an annular access aperture (38). Spray jets (40) spray the rotating radiator with water which is drained (42), circulated to a remote heat exchange or cooling apparatus (D), and recirculated to the spray nozzles. Baffles (52, 54), gutters (58), lip and baffle arrangements (54, 56), and the like, inhibit the sprayed water from escaping from the tube (36). In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the water is sprayed on a wick member (76).

Abstract: A safety device for an X-ray unit comprises an X-ray tube protected by a casing and cooled by a fluid circulating between the tube and the casing. This device is aimed at preventing any excess pressure of the cooling fluid in the casing. It comprises a rigid, hermetically sealed and vacuum-tight cavity connected to the circuit of the fluid by a hydraulic connector with a high flow rate, designed to open mechanically and automatically under the effect of the fluid, by a pressure that exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An x-ray radiator has a protective housing filled with liquid in which an x-ray tube is contained. Due to the interaction of the x-rays passing through the liquid from the x-ray tube out of the housing, gas is created in solution in the liquid. A degasifier is therefore provided within the protective housing, which includes a gas volume, a space accepting the liquid to be degasified, a liquid-impermeable wall separating the space from the gas volume, and which generates, in the space which accepts the liquid to be degasified, a partial gas pressure which is lower than the partial gas pressure of the gas to be eliminated.

Abstract: A coolant oil from an x-ray tube (14) is circulated through a heat exchanger (18) to reduce its temperature. More specifically, at least one hot coolant fluid receiving aperture (30) is defined adajcent an end of a suction tube 32) in an upper most portion of a horn portion (16) surrounding a cathode termination assembly. Bubblers (42) of gas in the fluid which could be ionized by electrical fields inside the x-ray tube housing causing x-ray tube current irregularities and corresponding x-ray tube output irregularities are drawn into the suction tube aperture. A debubbler (38) removes bubbles from the cooled coolant fluid before it is returned into an anode horn portion (20) of the x-ray tube. Alternately, the bubbles may be reabsorbed, dissolved, or homogenized by the action of the heat exchanger and pump. The coolant fluid passes through a central portion (24) of the x-ray tube absorbing heat and back to the cathode horn portion.

Abstract: A radiator has an x-ray tube disposed in a coolant-filled housing formed by a tank and an insertable closure for the tank. The x-ray tube is provided with an asymmetrical cooling member disposed in the region of a heat exchanger. Guides are provided which effect circulation of the coolant heated at the cooling member and cooled in the heat exchanger. The coolant circulation is promoted by superimposing thermal convection in the coolant, thermal conduction in the asymmetrical cooling member, and heat flow induced by the electrical fields which are present during the normal operation of the radiator. The result is that the surface temperature of the entire x-ray radiator is substantially the same, independently of the orientation of the radiator.

Abstract: There is disclosed a unitized rotating shaft assembly comprising an outer alignment sleeve within which are mounted a rotating ferrofluid seal, a first bearing, a stator a second bearing and a rotating union; there being a first follow shaft affixed to the inner races of the first and second bearing, the hollow shaft having stators mounted opposing the rotor and there being a second hollow shaft concentric with the first hollow shaft to provide separate conduits for the input and discharge of coolant.

Abstract: The invention relates to high-voltage power supplies for X-ray tubes in radiological apparatuses. The invention lies in the fact that the secondary windings of the transformer, the capacitors, and the diodes of the rectifier and voltage-doubler circuits, are all disposed in an enclosure made from two half-shells, whereas the primary winding and the magnetic circuit are disposed outside the enclosure.

Abstract: A patient receiving region (12) is defined within a stationary CT scanner frame (A). An x-ray tube (B) is mounted on a rotating frame portion (40) for rotation about the patient receiving region on an annular bearing (44, 46, 48). A fluidic slip ring (60) is mounted between the rotating and stationary frames adjacent the bearing for conveying cooling fluid between the x-ray tube and a stationarily mounted, preferably off-site, chiller (D). The fluidic slip ring enables large amounts of heat to be removed from the x-ray tube to maintain the x-ray tube at proper operating temperatures without overheating the interior of the CT scanner, the CT scanner room, or the like.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns X-ray tubes that are placed in a sealed casing and filled with a cooling liquid. The disclosed safety device is constituted by a thermostat and/or a pressure-sentitive switch, series connected in the power supply circuit of the filament of the cathode. In the case of a cathod with two filaments, the thermostat and/or the pressure-sensitive switch is or are connected to the common conductor. Thus, should a temperature or pressure threshold be exceeded, the supply to the filament is cut off, thus cutting-off the X-radiation.

Abstract: An alternating-current voltage of a commercial power supply is converted to a direct-current voltage by a rectifier and the output direct-current voltage of the rectifier is converted to an alternating-current voltage again by a DC/AC inverter. The alternating-current voltage is boosted by a transformer up to an intermediate voltage (e.g., 1-20 KV). The output voltage of the transformer is supplied through the slip-ring provided between a frame stationary section and a frame rotating section of a voltage multiplier provided within the rotating section to be multiplied to a high voltage (e.g., .+-.60-.+-.70 KV). Outputs of the voltage multiplier are supplied to the anode and cathode of an X-ray tube. A voltage multiplier for producing an anode supply voltage and a voltage multiplier for producing a cathode supply voltage are constructed in separate units.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns X-ray tubes. To obtain greater temperature stability of an X-ray tube, a substance is placed in the circulation space of the cooling fluid of the tube. The latent heat of fusion of this substance is used so that it melts during the examination stage in absorbing heat, and gets solidified during the resting stage. The disclosure is applicable to X-ray tubes.

Abstract: Cooling oil for an X-ray tube head assembly is contained within a resilient elastomeric envelope together with a high voltage assembly.

Abstract: An X-ray generating tube with improved thermal performance comprises a stationary disc within a hollow rotating target disc. The target operates at the target metal temperatures limit. The stationary disc is cooled by forced convection with a dielectric liquid. Heat is transferred from the target inwardly and outwardly.

Abstract: An X-ray emitting device of the X-ray unit type is disclosed, the arrangement of which simplifies maintenance problems. The emitting device has a metallic casing containing an X-ray tube and supply means. According to a feature of the invention, the X-ray tube and the supply means are contained in a first and second imperviously sealed chamber, filled with oil.

Abstract: A radiographic apparatus (10) includes an x-ray tube (16), an off-focal radiation collimator (20), a shutter (22), and a primary beam defining collimator (24) between the x-ray tube and patient receiving region (14). The off-focal collimator is mounted within a collar (48) which surrounds an x-ray port (36) of the x-ray tube. The tube port is sealed from the atmosphere by an aluminum window (46). A plate (62) of a radiation blocking material is rotatably mounted by a bearing (70) within the collar closely adjacent the aluminum window. By rotating the moveable plate, aperture or radiation passing slots or portions (62, 64) of different sizes are selectively brought into alignment between a focal spot (34) of the x-ray tube and a radiation passing region or slot (52) of a stationary plate (50) at the distal end of the collar. The aligned slots block the passage of off-focal radiation. Moreover, rotating slots of different sizes into alignment changes the size or angle of the x-ray fan beam.

Abstract: An x-radiator has a housing filled with electrically insulating fluid and having a radiation exit window, an x-ray tube disposed in the housing surrounded by the fluid and directing x-radiation through the exit window. During operation, the x-ray tube generates heat, causing an increase in pressure of the fluid in the housing. A protection circuit is provided which discontinues operation of the x-ray tube when the pressure of the fluid in the housing reaches a limit value. In order to prevent the protection circuit from unexpectedly discontinuing operation of the x-ray tube during a patient examination, the x-radiator also includes a warning circuit which generates a signal when the pressure of the fluid in the housing reaches a threshold level, the threshold level being below the limit value.

Abstract: An x-radiator has heat-producing components therein which are enclosed in a housing filled with an insulating fluid surrounding the components. A circulating pump is in fluid communication with the interior of the housing and has respective ports through which the fluid is circulated through the pump between the ports for aiding in dissipating heat from the components. The pump may be integrated within the housing, or attached to an exterior of the housing, with only its ports being in communication with the housing interior. The pump may be a squirrel-cage induction motor with a fluid conveying element, such as a ship's propellor forming a unit with the rotor and being arranged in a protective housing together with the stator.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for the cooling of an X-ray tube contained in a casing, using a fluid put into forced circulation in a cooling circuit comprising a heat exchanger. The device of the invention can be used to obtain efficient cooling while, at the same time, using a small volume of fluid and a heat exchanger of smaller size than in the prior art. To this end, the cooling circuit comprises means to, firstly, store a quantity of heat accumulated by the fluid when the latter reaches a pre-determined temperature during an examination period and, secondly, to restore this quantity of heat during an idle period which follows the examination period.

Abstract: An equipped forced-convection housing unit for a rotating-anode X-ray tube comprises a flow-initiating device which is integrated in the housing unit and has the function of circulating the coolant fluid surrounding the X-ray tube. This arrangement simplifies the problems relating to supply of electric power to the motor which drives the flow-initiating device and the motor which drives the anode of the X-ray tube in rotation.

Abstract: A cooling system for relatively movable components, such as a rotor seated for rotation with respect to a stationary component, includes a sealed channel in the stationary component disposed between the stationary component and the movable component, and an evaporator disposed within the sealed channel. The channel is filled with coolant, such as alcohol or oil, which is circulated by a pump in a closed circulation path. Heat is thereby conveyed from the system components to be cooled to the evaporator, and from the evaporator to a location where the heat can be dissipated without disturbing operation of the device. The cooling system is suitable for use, for example, in a computer tomograph for cooling the radiation detector.

Abstract: An x-ray source having a cathode and a disc-shaped anode with a peripheral surface at constant radius from the anode axis opposed to the cathode. The anode has stub axle sections rotatably carried in heat conducting bearing plates which are mounted by thermoelectric coolers to bellows which normally bias the bearing plates to a retracted position spaced from opposing anode side faces. The bellows cooperate with the x-ray source mounting structure for forming closed passages for heat transport fluid. Flow of such fluid under pressure expands the bellows and brings the bearing plates into heat conducting contact with the anode side faces. A worm gear is mounted on a shaft and engages serrations in the anode periphery for rotating the anode when flow of coolant is terminated between x-ray emission events.

Abstract: A tomographic apparatus has a rotatable part mounted for rotation in a track of a stationary part. The apparatus has a radiation field generating element which requires cooling, and has a coolant circulator for that purpose. As a further part of the cooling system, the coolant is circulated around the exterior of the rotatable part in the vicinity of the track, and a number of cooling fins in heat-transferring communication with the coolant project into the track for dissipating heat from the coolant. An additional coolant may be circulated within the track for assisting in removal of heat from the cooling fins. The rotatable part may be further provided with a transmitting antenna, and the stationary part provided with a receiving antenna, for transmitting signals between those parts relating to examination of a subject.

Abstract: In an x-ray source having a cathode emitting electron beams (15, 16) bombarding inner surfaces of an inverted conical anode target cooled by flowing water on its exterior, providing in place of the apex (14b) of the conical anode (34) a rearwardly facing upstream cylindrical extension (34b) which insures against apex tip burn-out by extending the cooling structure, area and mass to an upstream position to further dissipate heat energy flux generated by impingement of the electron beam. Portions functioning to effectively cool the anode target extend into non-beam illuminating regions of the target anode.

Abstract: A unitary portable X-ray apparatus including a high voltage section, an X-ray generator section and a cooled anode section. Preferably the sections are cylindrical and arranged end to end with at least the X-ray section being separated from the high voltage section by generally conically shaped bushings extending into the X-ray generator section. A cathode mounted in the extending end of the bushings and connected to a high voltage generator in the high voltage generator section contains a filament to which an AC voltage is applied by electromagnetic induction. A shielded anode mounted in the anode section and having a target therein has an open end extending into the X-ray section for axially aligning the target with the filament. Alternatively, the outer end sections may both be high voltage sections each separated from the X-ray generator section by generally conically shaped bushings extending into the X-ray generator section.

Abstract: A x-ray tube housing assembly is disclosed which includes a manifold for distributing incoming coolant within the housing in the area adjacent the hot zone of the x-ray tube. The manifold preferably comprises a generally tubular conductor circumferentially disposed about a first axis which is generally parallel to the axis of the tube housing.