Varian Medical Systems, Inc.

Varian Medical Systems Technologies, Inc.

Don Lee Warburton

Gregory C Andrews

Jason W Davies

Mark S Jonaitis

X-ray tube cooling systems. In one example embodiment, an x-ray tube includes a housing, a window frame attached to the housing, and a window attached to the window frame. The housing defines an aperture through which electrons can pass from a cathode to an anode. The housing also defines an inlet port and an outlet port. The window frame defines an opening through which x-rays can pass. The window covers the opening defined by the window frame. The housing and the window frame are configured such that a liquid can flow from the inlet port to the outlet port through either a first liquid path at least partially defined by the housing or a second liquid path cooperatively defined by the housing and the window frame. The second liquid path is disposed about at least a portion of the opening in the window frame.

X-ray tube cooling system

A metal x-ray device component is provided that includes a high emissivity inorganically bonded ceramic coating that can be applied with minimal surface preparation and that provides good resistance to corrosion and oxidation of substrates in high temperature, vacuum environments. The coating has good dielectric properties, is stable in the high temperature, vacuum environment characteristic of x-ray devices, and provides effective and reliable performance over a wide range of operating temperatures.

X-ray device component with emissive inorganic coating

Liquid cooled window assembly for an x-ray tube. In one example embodiment, an x-ray tube window assembly includes an x-ray tube window frame that defines an opening and an x-ray tube window configured to be attached to the x-ray tube window frame. When the x-ray tube window is attached to the x-ray tube window frame, the x-ray tube window substantially covers the opening defined by the x-ray tube window frame, and the x-ray tube window cooperates with the x-ray tube window frame to define a fluid passageway disposed about at least a portion of the opening. The fluid passageway includes an inlet and an outlet.

Liquid cooled window assembly in an x-ray tube

A target cap for preventing the production of contaminating secondary x-rays from a stationary anode x-ray tube is disclosed. The x-ray tube includes an evacuated enclosure in which is disposed a cathode and an anode. The target cap is useful in applications such as x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy for improving the spectral purity of the stream of primary x-rays produced by electron bombardment of the anode target surface by the cathode. In one embodiment, the target cap comprises a top target surface and a side wall covering a portion of the anode substrate. Electrons backscattered from the target surface are attracted to the anode substrate and impact the side wall of the target cap, producing secondary x-rays having characteristic wavelengths that are substantially identical to those of the primary x-rays produced by the target surface and are therefore not contaminating to the primary x-ray stream.

Target for a stationary anode in an x-ray tube

The present invention relates to structures within an x-ray device including an x-ray can, an x-ray can window frame insert, a rotor sleeve, and a bearing support assembly for a rotor structure. The various structures are fabricated from a chromium alloy of copper that is essentially oxygen free copper having a minor amount of chromium, the combination of which imparts desirable qualities to the x-ray device structures, including efficient heat sink and emissivity qualities that are beneficial in an x-ray device environment. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, oxygen free high conductivity (OFHC) copper is melted in an RF furnace in the presence of a minor amount of chromium and is either ingot cast or powder metallurgically cast into a desired article and further fabricated into a finished article.

X-ray tube and method of manufacture

The present invention relates to a rotor shaft and rotor body assembly in an x-ray device, and it method of manufacture, that resists the formation of cracks in the braze joint due to the elimination of horizontal shear planes therein. The inventive structure also comprises an enlarged proximal end of the rotor shaft and an inventive assembly method that prevents the rotor shaft from de-coupling from the rotor body should the braze material entirely fail during field use.

Growing community of inventors

West Jordan, UT, United States of America

Don Lee Warburton