Abstract: A method and system for detecting the potential of an x-ray imaging system to create images with scintillator hysteresis artifacts includes examining an x-ray image to measure two signal levels for two areas of interest, then determining a difference between the two signal levels and comparing the difference to a threshold. The signal levels can be measured by determining an amount of electrical charge discharged in photodiodes of the detector. If the difference in signals is greater than the threshold amount, then the possibility exists that scintillator hysteresis artifacts may be produced in images. In addition, the present invention also provides for the elimination or reduction in magnitude of scintillator hysteresis artifacts in images produced by an x-ray imaging system. After the possibility of scintillator hysteresis artifacts is detected, the detector can be irradiated with an x-ray flux to eliminate or reduce the magnitude of the artifacts in images produced by the x-ray imaging system.

Abstract: An encapsulated stator assembly for use in stator-driven devices is disclosed. The encapsulated stator assembly includes a stator and a covering portion that envelops the stator. The purpose of the covering portion is multi-fold: first, the covering portion serves as a means for mounting and securing the stator, such as within the outer housing of an x-ray tube. Second, the covering portion is thermally conductive to enable heat produced by the stator during operation to be dissipated to the outer housing of the x-ray tube thereof. Additionally, the covering portion can include an x-ray absorbent material to reduce x-ray emission from the x-ray tube. Though x-ray tubes represent one advantageous application, the encapsulated stator assembly of the present invention can be used in a variety of motor and stator-driven devices. The encapsulated stator assembly is especially well suited for use in dirty or dusty environments.

Abstract: A nondestructive inspection apparatus with integrated power supply comprises a molded power supply section (14) having a resin-molded high voltage (e.g. 160 kV) generating section (15) secured to the base of a tubular section (2). The durability and handlability are improved by omitting a high voltage cable. Since the high voltage generating section (15) is confined in a molding resin, the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the high voltage generating section (15) within the mold is enhanced significantly. Furthermore, an X-ray generating unit (1) can be installed stably in the nondestructive inspection apparatus (70) by disposing the heavy molded power supply section (14) under a target (10).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a radiographic apparatus that utilizes a single integral housing for providing an evacuated envelope for an anode and cathode assembly. The integral housing provides sufficient radiation blocking and heat transfer characteristics such that an additional external housing is not required. The integral housing is air cooled, and thus does not utilize any coolant. In addition, the integral housing is insulated with a potting material, which electrically insulates the integral housing and its components, and also limits the amount of noise emitted from the housing during operation. In an alternative embodiment, enhanced thermal and electrically insulating properties are achieved through the use of a potting material disposed in selected areas of the tube interior. The potting material cooperates with optimized airflow through the tube assembly to effectively and continuously remove heat therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a radiographic apparatus that utilizes a single integral housing for providing an evacuated envelope for an anode and cathode assembly. The integral housing provides sufficient radiation blocking and heat transfer characteristics such that an additional external housing is not required. The integral housing is air cooled, and thus does not utilize any coolant. In addition, the integral housing is insulated with a dielectric gel material, which electrically insulates the integral housing and its components, and also limits the amount of noise emitted from the housing during operation.

Abstract: A high-voltage generator having components cast in a casting compound is in use flexible and service-friendly. The high-voltage generator has an anode side module and a cathode side module with respective components of these modules at the high-voltage side being cast in a casting compound. The primary windings and the cores are externally arranged.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus includes an X-ray source with an X-ray tube (2) arranged in a protective tube housing (1) and a filament converter which is connected to the cathode (3) of the X-ray tube (2) and accommodated in the protective tube housing (1). Because of its volume, the filament converter usually cannot be accommodated in the protective tube housing (1) of conventional X-ray apparatus unless major structural modifications are made. However, the use of attenuated high-voltage cables at the cathode side is then impossible still. The invention utilizes a filament converter in the form of a coreless filament transformer (14, 15, 16, 17) and the primary coil (14, 16) of the filament transformer is arranged so as to be coaxial with the secondary coil (15, 17) of the filament transformer. Moreover, the two coils are arranged around a carrier (5, 10), which is preferably the high-voltage connection socket (10) or the tube neck (5).

Abstract: A radiogenic unit includes an X-ray tube having an anode disposed at a first end thereof and a cathode disposed at a second end thereof, a high-voltage supply circuit which supplies power to the X-ray tube in single pole mode and which includes a heating transformer for the cathode, and a casing. The casing includes first and second parts imperviously sealed against fluids and X-rays and hermetically sealed to one another. The first part is made of an electrically insulating material, has a first cavity formed therein in which is housed the X-ray tube, and houses a conductive element for the anode. The second part is made of an electrically insulating material and has additional cavities formed therein in which are housed the high-voltage supply circuit. Preferably, the X-ray tube is shielded by three cylinders of different potentials.

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: An x-ray radiator has an x-ray tube disposed in a protective housing and a fastening means having a portion attached to the x-ray tube inside the housing, and a portion which extends through the housing to the exterior of the housing. The exterior portion serves as a fastener to attach the x-ray radiator to a mount. The x-ray tube, within the housing, thus becomes directly attached to the exterior mount, which improves the precision with which the specified position of the central ray of the x-ray beam emanating from the x-ray tube can be achieved.

Abstract: Noise is reduced in an X-ray tube by inserting a non-glass insert between sections of the glass vacuum tube. The non-glass insert has an impedance which is significantly different than the impedance of the glass tube sections. This impedance mismatch inhibits vibration energy from passing from one glass section to the other. In addition to having a different impedance than the glass sections, the non-glass insert can be made of a heavier material, thus presenting sufficient mass to dissipate vibration energy. The non-glass insert is connected to the glass sections by a pair of connecting members, each of which has a coefficient of thermal expansion closely matching that of the glass sections. Each connecting member has a ring with an annular flange extending perpendicularly therefrom. The ring of each connecting member is attached a respective one of the glass sections and each flange is attached to the insert.

Abstract: A X-ray emissive vacuum tube is fully enclosed in an electrically conductive casing with electrical terminals through which bias potentials are applied to the tube. Occasionally an arc discharge occurs between electrodes within the tube generating a high frequency signal which ordinarily resonates with the conventional casings. However a resistive coating is applied to the inner surface of the case. That coating has a resistivity sufficient to lower the Q of the case to a value at which significant ringing does not result from the discharge.

Abstract: An x-ray scanner for inspecting articles moving therethrough, such as on a conveyor, has a frame on which an x-ray source, a collimator for the x-ray beam, and a radiation detector are mounted. The frame resists flexural and torsional stresses so as to maintain the relative positions of the x-ray source, the collimator, and the radiation receiver in the presence of such stresses. The scanner is mounted in a rack in which the frame is seated by a resilient support. The conveyor which is used to move articles through the x-ray beam between the x-ray source and the radiation receiver is supported by the rack, so that mechanical stresses to the conveyor, such as the placement of heavy articles thereon, are not conveyed to the frame, and therefore do not disturb the alignment of the components mounted on the frame, due to the intervention of the resilient support.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing data for the calibration of the atomic number and density of a test material being scanned in the radiation field of a computerized axial tomographic scanner (CAT). The apparatus comprises a housing which is adapted to be positioned in the X-ray field of the CAT in a predetermined position. The housing has an aperture that is adapted to accommodate the test material, and a plurality of calibration materials which have known atomic numbers and densities are positioned in the housing. In addition, the present invention provides a calibration apparatus that has a surface that is adapted to accommodate the test material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mobile ionization chamber assembly for monitoring the amount of radiation delivered to an X-ray film from an X-ray source. The ionization chamber together with a portable power supply therefor are encased in an insulated housing for reducing electrical hazards to the patient and operator involved in the X-ray procedure.