Varex Imaging Corporation

Michael Meiler

Inwoo Yoon

Bradley Dee Canfield

Colton Bridger Woodman

Michelle Richmond

Steven E Hebeler

Steven Emmett Hebeler

Christopher J Lewis

Christopher David Ginzton

Lori Fry

Bradley Canfield

Christopher Lewis

Embodiments include a method, comprising: receiving from a first device at a second device, a request for a system identifier (ID) stored on the second device; and determining, by the second device, if the system ID stored on the second device has an empty value; when the system ID stored on the second device does not have the empty value, transmitting, by the second device to the first device, a response based on the system ID stored on the second device.

Detection of unauthorized components

A method of communicating between imaging components of an X-ray imaging system may include determining, by an initiator imaging component, whether a target imaging component is a primary manufacturer imaging component (PMIC). Responsive to the target imaging component not being the PMIC, the method may include generating a communication message including a communication packet according to a packet protocol. Responsive to the target imaging component not being the PMIC, the method may also include sending the communication message to the target imaging component as a secondary manufacturer imaging component. Responsive to the target imaging component being the PMIC, the method may include generating a message including a header packet and one or more data packets according to a message protocol. Responsive to the target imaging component being the PMIC, the method may also include sending the message to the target imaging component as the primary manufacturer imaging component.

X-ray imaging component communication system and protocol

Technology is described for calibrating a deflected position of a central ray of an x-ray tube to a radiation imager. An x-ray system includes an x-ray tube and a tube control unit (TCU). The x-ray tube includes a cathode that includes an electron emitter configured to emit an electron beam, an anode configured to receive the electron beam and generate x-rays with a central ray from electrons of the electron beam colliding on a focal spot of the anode, and a steering magnetic multipole between the cathode and the anode that is configured to produce a steering magnetic field from a steering signal. At least two poles of the steering magnetic multipole are on opposite sides of the electron beam. The TCU includes at least one steering driver configured to generate the steering signal. The TCU is configured to convert a position correction value to the steering signal.

Electronic calibration of focal spot position in an X-ray tube

Technology is described for electronically aligning a central ray of an x-ray tube to a radiation detector. In an example, an x-ray system includes an x-ray tube and a tube control unit (TCU). The x-ray tube includes a cathode that includes an electron emitter configured to emit an electron beam, an anode configured to receive the electron beam and generate x-rays with a central ray from electrons of the electron beam colliding on a focal spot of the anode, and a steering magnetic multipole between the cathode and the anode that is configured to produce a steering magnetic field from a steering signal. At least two poles of the steering magnetic multipole are on opposite sides of the electron beam. The TCU includes at least one steering driver configured to generate the steering signal. The TCU is configured to convert an offset value to the steering signal.

Electronic focal spot alignment of an x-ray tube

A communication channel for an X-ray imaging system may operatively couple a first imaging component to a second imaging component. The communication channel may include a first connector configured to couple to the first imaging component, a second connector configured to couple to the second imaging component, and a first authentication module configured to authenticate with the second imaging component.

Authentication for X-ray imaging components

An X-ray tube may include a housing, a cathode, an anode, and a tube auxiliary unit or an authentication module. The cathode and the anode are positioned within the housing. The cathode and the anode are spaced apart such that a target surface of the anode is positioned to receive electrons emitted by the cathode. The tube auxiliary unit may be coupled to the housing. The tube auxiliary unit may include X-ray tube data including tube calibration data based on parameters of the X-ray tube. The authentication module may be configured to authenticate the X-ray tube with a tube control unit.

Growing community of inventors

Draper, UT, United States of America

Michael Meiler