Cardiac Mariners, Inc.

Peter E Loeffler

Brian Skillicorn

Douglas D Elliott

Edward Gerald Solomon

George H Fellingham

William H Hansen

An x-ray system comprising a scanning beam x-ray source configured to projected at least one x-ray beam in a generally upward direction. When the generated x-rays are scattered they are scattered in a direction predominantly away from x-ray sensitive areas of attending staff. The unscattered x-rays are subsequently received at a detector and an image is reconstructed.

X-ray system with scanning beam x-ray source below object table

A compact x-ray source and assembly is disclosed. The x-ray source is configured to operate without the need of a transformer within the x-ray source. Due in part to the elimination of components, and further due to the unique assembly of the x-ray source, the x-ray source is compact and can fit beneath, rather than above an x-ray transparent patient table. Accordingly, the x-ray source projects x-rays in an upwardly direction toward the object to be imaged. As a result of the unique configuration of the x-ray source, scattered x-rays are directed away from upper body areas of attending medical staff and radiation to the sensitive tissue of a patient is reduced.

Scanning beam x-ray source and assembly

An x-ray transmission target assembly is disclosed. According to an aspect of the invention, an x-ray target assembly comprises an x-ray generating layer, a thermal buffer, and a support, wherein the thermal buffer is disposed between the x-ray generating layer and support. Another aspect of the invention is directed to a novel material for use as an x-ray generating layer in an x-ray target assembly.

X-ray target assembly

The x-ray source of the present invention comprises a charged particle beam generator and a vacuum enclosure assembly. The charged particle beam generator includes only a single electrical connection for providing high voltage to the electron gun. The power for the active circuits in the high voltage terminal of the charged particle beam generator is provided by a unique isolation transformer that has minimal losses and generates controlled magnetic flux. The generated charged particle beam is controlled through a series of dynamic and static focus coils and moved across the inner face of the target by a stepping coil assembly comprising x and y deflection coils as well as an x step and preferably a y step coil. Further, to minimize power usage, a control grid pinches off the charged particle beam during the stepping of the beam.

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Los Gatos, CA, United States of America

Peter E Loeffler