Abstract:
The present invention relates to a rotor for an X-ray tube. In order to provide further possibilities for weight reduction in X-ray tubes for providing an increase of rotation frequency, a rotor (10) for an X-ray tube is provided, comprising a rotational structure (12) with a plurality of electrically conducting elements (14), the ends thereof connected to each other and provided such that an external stator magnetic field generated by a stator induces a current in the electrically conducting elements, which current generates a rotor magnetic field to interact with the stator magnetic field. At least the plurality of electrically conducting elements is made from carbon composite based material.
Abstract:
A cathode assembly including certain features designed to protect the integrity of a filament contained therein is disclosed. In particular, the cathode assembly is configured to prevent damage to the filament should it inadvertently contact another portion of the cathode assembly. In an example embodiment, an x-ray tube incorporating features of the present invention is disclosed. The x-ray tube includes an evacuated enclosure containing a cathode assembly and an anode. The cathode assembly includes a head portion having a head surface. A slot is defined on the head surface and an electron-emitting filament is included in the slot. A protective surface is defined on the head surface proximate to a central portion of the filament. The protective surface in one embodiment is composed of tungsten and is configure to prevent fusing of the filament to the protective surface should the filament inadvertently contact the protective surface.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for an x-ray apparatus. The x-ray apparatus comprises a vacuum tube. A cathode is located in the vacuum tube and capable of emitting electrons. A rotatable magnetic anode located in the vacuum tube, capable of being rotated by a motor located outside of the vacuum tube, and capable of generating an x-ray beam in response to receiving the electrons emitted by the cathode.
Abstract:
Conventional x-ray tubes are designed as stationary or rotating-anode tubes. While the former are restricted in output, the latter are of complicated design. An x-ray tube is provided having an anode comprising a stationary shell and a rotating core mounted therein. Consequently, it is more compact than a rotating-anode tube and permits higher focal spot loads than a stationary-anode tube. The tube can be used for imaging procedures in medical diagnostics and in material testing.
Abstract:
An X-ray tube comprises a generally cylindrical evacuated metal tube envelope having an anode rotatably mounted therein. [The interior of the tube envelope adjacent the anode is provided with ceramic insulation to prevent flashover.] The anode is rotated by an external variable speed DC drive motor magnetically coupled through the tube envelope wall to the rotating anode assembly. [The tube envelope wall includes ferrous segments which minimize the gap in the magnetic coupling while permitting a thick and strong tube envelope wall. A variable speed DC motor or a variable speed air motor may be employed to drive the anode. In preferred embodiments, the anode drive means is electromechanically clutched to the anode, whereby the drive means can be brought up to the desired anode speed and thereafter clutched to the anode, the drive means acting as a flywheel to bring the anode quickly up to speed. Electromagnets operating as clutches are also employed. Additionally, the anode drive means may be operated at high speeds suitable for radiography, and the electromagnetic clutch means may be intermittently operated to maintain the anode rotating during fluroroscopy. When a radiograph is required in the midst of fluoroscopy, the electromagnetic clutch is actuated to bring the anode up to its full speed. Alternate drive means include a DC stator external of the tube envelope acting on an internal rotor mounted to rotate with the anode. The X-ray tube further comprises a cathode rotatably mounted in the tube envelope and incorporating plurality of cathode filaments. Cathode rotation drive means are provided for rotating the cathode to select the desired filament. The cathode drive means is preferably magnetically coupled through the tube wall in order to rotate the cathode. Anode drive means also include]. The DC drive motor includes a DC stator external of the tube envelope operating on a rotor having encapsulated rare earth magnets [and an AC stator operating on a squirrel cage rotor through a laminated segmented tube wall]. A fan is provided for air cooling of the tube envelope.
Abstract:
The invention relates to an active magnetic suspension device of a rotor placed in a sealed enclosure. Each active radial bearing comprises a stator composed of electromagnetic windings associated with a magnetic yoke which has end pole pieces placed at a short distance from the annular armature mounted on the rotor, the electromagnetic windings being arranged outside the sealed enclosure. Each stator magnetic yoke of laminar material is extended at the level of the end pole pieces by a terminal portion of non-laminar material, of small thickness, which constitutes directly a portion of the wall of the sealed enclosure and is attached by welding to the non-magnetic sealed wall portions which are not situated facing the annular armature.
Abstract:
An X-ray tube wherein the anode is driven by an induction motor and is provided with a focal point, the cathode being directed upon the focal point path, the rotor of the motor being connected with the rotary axle of the anode and being located within the vacuum case, while the stator is located outside of the case, and wherein the case in the part between the rotor and the stator consists of metal. The tube is particularly characterized in that this metal part is a poor conductor of electrical current.