Varian Medical Systems, Inc.

Varian Medical Systems Technologies, Inc.

Deborah L Salmon

Christopher F Artig

Robert Steven Miller

The present invention is directed to methods of manufacturing an x-ray tube component, such as an evacuated housing and the like. The component has a radiation shielding layer, which is comprised of a plurality of powder metals, at least one of which is comprised of powder metal component that is substantially non-transmissive to x-radiation. The powder metal includes, for example, tungsten.

X-ray tube and method of manufacture

The present invention is directed to an air-cooled radiographic apparatus, and its method of manufacture, that utilizes a single integral housing for providing an evacuated envelope for an anode and cathode assembly. The integral housing is preferably formed from a substrate material that has a radiation shielding layer comprising a powder metal that is deposited with a plasma spray process. The powder metal includes, for example, tungsten and iron, so that the radiation shield layer provides sufficient radiation blocking and heat transfer characteristics such that an additional external housing is not required. In one alternative embodiment, the integral housing is composed of a solidified, integrated mixture of metallic powders that function together as both the integral housing wall and the radiation shielding. In another alternative embodiment, chromium is intermixed into the mixture of metallic powders to form a thermally emissive surface upon firing the housing in a wet hydrogen environment.

X-Ray tube and method of manufacture

The present invention is directed to a radiographic apparatus, and its method of manufacture, that utilizes a single integral housing for providing an evacuated envelope for an anode and cathode assembly. The integral housing is formed from a substrate material, such as Kovar, that has a radiation shielding layer, which is comprised of a powder metal that is deposited with a plasma spray process. The powder metal includes, for example, tungsten and iron, so that the radiation shield layer 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 liquid coolant. In addition, the assembly utilizes a dielectric gel polymer material to electrically insulate electrical connections on the housing.

Method of manufacturing x-ray tube components

The present invention is directed to a radiographic apparatus, and its method of manufacture, that utilizes a single integral housing for providing an evacuated envelope for an anode and cathode assembly. The integral housing is preferably formed from a substrate material, such as Kovar, that has a radiation shielding layer, which is comprised of a powder metal that is deposited with a plasma spray process. The powder metal includes, for example, tungsten and iron, so that the radiation shield layer provides sufficient radiation blocking and heat transfer characteristics such that an additional external housing is not required. In an alternative embodiment, the integral housing is composed of a solidified integrated mixture of metallic powders that function together as both the integral housing wall and the radiation shielding. The integral housing is air cooled, and thus does not utilize any liquid coolant. In addition, the assembly utilizes a dielectric gel polymer material to electrically insulate electrical connections on the housing.

&ldquo;An x-ray device component is provided that includes a substrate material upon which is deposited a bond layer, comprising a material such as copper or copper alloy, that acts to secure a powder metal shield material, comprising tungsten and iron, to the x-ray device component. The bond layer and the powder metal shield material possess thermal characteristics compatible with those of the substrate material and the powder metal shield material acts to control radiation emissions from the x-ray device.&rdquo;

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Holladay, UT, United States of America

Deborah L Salmon