General Electric Company

Michael William Gorrilla

Ian Strider Hunt

Edward Emaci

Alexander Ryan

An x-ray device is presented. The x-ray device includes a cathode configured to emit an electron beam. Also, the x-ray device includes an anode configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the x-ray device and positioned to receive the emitted electron beam, where the anode includes a target element disposed on an anode surface of the anode and a track element embedded in the target element, where the track element is configured to generate x-rays in response to the emitted electron beam impinging on a focal spot on the track element, where at least a portion of the track element is configured to transition from a first phase to a second phase based on heat generated in at least a portion of the track element, and where at least the portion of the track element is configured to distribute the generated heat across the anode.

System and method for improving x-ray production in an x-ray device

A hydrodynamic or liquid metal or bearing structure for an x-ray tube and associated process for operating the bearing structure is provided that includes a bearing shaft rotatably disposed in a bearing housing or sleeve. Adjacent but separated by a gap from the portion of the sleeve enclosing the thrust flange is located an electromagnet. The electromagnet can be selectively operated in order to exert a magnetic force upon a permanent magnet disposed within the sleeve on the opposite side of the gap. The force exerted on the permanent magnet in the sleeve causes the sleeve to move axially along the shaft, such that the sleeve can engage one side of the thrust flange, landing the sleeve against the thrust bearing/surface to greatly reduce the wear on the sleeve as the sleeve rotation slows.

Method and apparatus for reducing wear of hydrodynamic bearing

A structure and method of operation of a journal bearing is disclosed that minimizes contact of the shaft with the sleeve during start up and slow down of rotation of the shaft relative to the sleeve, or vice versa. The bearing assembly includes a gravitational load reduction mechanism with magnets disposed on the sleeve and on the shaft in alignment with one another. The magnet(s) on the shaft interacts with the magnet(s) disposed on the sleeve to provide a force against the pressure of the shaft towards the sleeve generated by gravity on the rotating component. The magnets enable centering of the rotating component within the stationary component during low rotation and non-rotation. This prevents rubbing of the rotating journal bearing component surfaces, e.g., sleeve, against the stationary journal bearing component, e.g., shaft, during assembly, ramp-up, and coast-down when the journal bearing fluid provides minimal or no bearing centering capability.

Magnetic support for journal bearing operation at low and zero speeds

An x-ray device is presented. The x-ray device includes a cathode configured to emit an electron beam. Further, the x-ray device includes an anode having an anode surface configured to generate x-rays in response to the emitted electron beam impinging on a focal spot on the anode surface. Also, the x-ray device includes a reciprocating assembly including a drive shaft operatively coupled to the anode and a first bearing unit operatively coupled to the drive shaft, where the first bearing unit is configured to translate the anode via the drive shaft to distribute heat generated in the anode. Moreover, the x-ray device includes a first diaphragm disposed between the anode and the first bearing unit and configured to cease a flow of one or more first lubricants from the first bearing unit towards the anode.

System and method for reciprocating an anode in an X-ray device

A hydrostatic bearing assembly or structure for an x-ray tube and associated process for manufacturing and operating the bearing assembly is provided to reduce and potentially eliminate wear from landing or takeoff of the rotating component of the bearing assembly on the non-rotating component. The shaft and sleeve are separated by a gap in which an amount of a liquid metal is placed in order to provide the sleeve with the ability to rotate about the shaft, or vice versa. The non-rotating component of the hydrostatic bearing assembly is formed with a number of fluid channels extending through the component and in communication with the gap. The liquid metal is pumped into and out of the gap via the channels under pressure supplied by a magnetohydrodynamic pump to maintain the separation of the rotating and non-rotating components of the bearing assembly.

Hydrostatic bearing assembly for an x-ray tube

A magnetic assembly for focusing an electron beam includes one or more quadrupole assemblies, each quadrupole assembly having at least a pair of separate opposing members with angular pole extensions of one opposing member facing angular pole extensions of another opposing member. An X-ray tube includes a magnetic assembly for focusing an electron beam extending from a cathode to an anode of the X-ray tube, the magnetic assembly comprising one or more quadrupole assemblies, each quadrupole assembly having at least a pair of opposing members with angular pole extensions of one opposing member facing angular pole extensions of another opposing member.

Growing community of inventors

West Milwaukee, WI, United States of America

Michael William Gorrilla