Varian Medical Systems, Inc.

Ward Vincent Coon

Dennis H Runnoe

Lawrence Wheatley Bawden

Liquid metal containment in an x-ray tube. In one example embodiment, an x-ray tube anode assembly includes a shaft terminated by a head and an anode connected to an anode hub. The anode hub is at least partially surrounding the head of the shaft. The anode hub is configured to contain a volume of a liquid metal and to rotate around the stationary shaft. The anode hub may also define a catch space within the anode hub that is configured to catch the liquid metal in order to contain the liquid metal within the hub while in a non-rotating state and regardless of the orientation of the x-ray tube anode assembly.

Liquid metal containment in an X-ray tube

In one example, an x-ray tube comprises an evacuated enclosure and a cathode disposed within the evacuated enclosure. An anode is also disposed within the evacuated enclosure opposite the cathode so as to receive electrons emitted by the cathode. A rotor sleeve is coupled to the anode, the rotor sleeve being responsive to applied electromagnetic fields such that a rotational motion is imparted to the anode. A magnetic assist bearing assembly rotatably supports the anode.

X-ray tube bearing assembly

Liquid metal containment in an x-ray tube. In one example embodiment, an x-ray tube anode assembly includes a stationary shaft terminated by a head and an anode connected to an anode hub. The anode hub is at least partially surrounding the head of the stationary shaft. The anode hub defines a hub opening through which the stationary shaft extends. The anode hub is configured to contain a volume of a liquid metal and to rotate around the stationary shaft. The anode hub also defines a catch space within the anode hub that is configured to catch the liquid metal in order to contain the liquid metal within the hub regardless of the orientation of the x-ray tube anode assembly.

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Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America

Ward Vincent Coon