Claims
- 1. An X-ray tube comprising:
- (A) an evacuated tube envelope fabricated primarily of metal, the tube envelope generally comprising a first end wall, a cylindrical side wall and a second end wall;
- (B) an anode rotatably mounted in the tube envelope with its target surface facing the second end wall; and drive means for rotating the anode;
- (C) a cathode mounted within the tube envelope and positioned to cooperate with the anode to produce a beam of x-rays, and conductor means connected to the anode and cathode for applying electrical potential to produce x-rays;
- (D) a heat transfer sleeve within said evacuated tube envelope extending from the first end wall toward the second end wall and beyond the anode and having a free end, the heat transfer sleeve being spaced-apart from the cylindrical side wall of the tube envelope and being disposed exteriorally of the anode to provide an annular vacuum space, the heat transfer sleeve receiving heat emanating from the anode during operation of the tube to produce X-rays and transferring that heat to the first end wall for dispersal, the heat transfer sleeve and cylindrical side wall of the tube envelope including means permitting the passage therethrough of the desired beam of X-rays from within the tube envelope and exteriorally of the tube envelope; and
- (E) air-cooled means for cooling said first end wall.
- 2. An X-ray tube as defined in claim 1 and further comprising a layer of X-ray absorbing material closely surrounding the exterior of the cylindrical side wall and second end wall, except for an area for passing a desired beam of X-rays.
- 3. An X-ray tube as defined in claim 2 wherein the X-ray absorbing material is lead.
- 4. An X-ray tube as defined in claim 1 and further comprising:
- (E) heat transfer cross plate secured to the free end of the heat transfer sleeve and extending substantially across the target face of the anode, the heat transfer cross plate receiving heat emanating from the anode during operation of the X-ray tube to produce X-rays, and transferring that heat via the heat transfer sleeve to the first end wall for dispersal.
- 5. An X-ray tube as defined in claim 4 and further comprising a layer of radiation absorbing material applied to the exterior of the cylindrical side wall and second end wall, except for an area for passing a desired beam of X-rays.
- 6. An X-ray tube as defined in claim 1 and further comprising:
- (F) a cylindrical tube housing surrounding and spaced apart from the metal tube envelope and wherein said air-cooled means includes means for blowing air through the space between the tube envelope and the tube housing, the tube housing acting as a duct directing the air flow over the surface of the tube envelope for cooling the tube envelope.
- 7. An X-ray tube comprising:
- (A) an evacuated tube envelope fabricated primarily of metal, the tube envelope generally comprising a first end wall, a cylindrical side wall and a second end wall;
- (B) an anode rotatably mounted in the tube envelope with its target surface facing the second end wall; and drive means for rotating the anode;
- (C) a cathode mounted within the tube envelope and positioned to cooperate with the anode to produce a beam of x-rays, and conductor means connected to the anode and cathode for applying electrical potential to produce x-rays; and
- (D) a heat transfer sleeve within said evacuated tube envelope extending from the first end wall past the anode, the heat transfer sleeve being spaced-apart from the cylindrical side wall, and the heat transfer sleeve receiving heat emanating from the anode during operation of the tube to produce X-rays and transferring that heat to the first end wall for dispersal, the heat transfer sleeve defining an opening physically and electrically accommodating the cathode, said opening being covered by an auxiliary heat shield, said auxiliary heat shield including a window for passing the beam of X-rays the heat transfer sleeve and cylindrical side wall of the tube envelope including means permitting the passage therethrough of the desired beam of x-rays from within the tube envelope and exteriorally of the tube envelope.
- 8. An X-ray tube as defined in claim 7 wherein the auxiliary heat shield is fabricated of molybdenum.
- 9. An X-ray tube comprising:
- (A) an evacuated tube envelope fabricated primarily of metal, the tube envelope generally comprising a first end wall, a cylindrical side wall and a second end wall;
- (B) an anode rotatably mounted in the tube envelope with its target surface facing the second end wall; and drive means for rotating the anode;
- (C) a cathode mounted within the tube envelope and positioned to cooperate with the anode to produce a beam of x-rays, and conductor means connected to the anode and cathode for applying an electrical potential;
- (D) a heat transfer sleeve within said evacuated tube envelope extending from the first end wall past the anode, the heat transfer sleeve being spaced-apart from the cylindrical side wall, the heat transfer sleeve receiving heat emanating from the anode during operation of the tube to produce the beam of X-rays and transferring that heat to the first end wall for dispersal, the heat transfer sleeve and cylindrical side wall being constructed to permit passage of the beam of X-rays; and
- (E) a cylindrical tube housing surrounding and spaced apart from the metal tube envelope wherein the cylindrical tube housing includes a cylindrical outer wall and a mounting plate extending across the interior thereof, said mounting plate receiving and mounting the first end wall of the tube envelope for receiving heat transferred from the tube envelope.
- 10. An X-ray tube as defined in claim 9 wherein the tube housing mounting plate has a plurality of fins for dissipating heat transferred from the tube envelope.
- 11. An X-ray tube as defined in claim 10 wherein the fins are in thermal contact with the cylindrical outer wall which receives heat through the fins for dissipation.
- 12. An X-ray tube as defined in claim 10 and further comprising:
- (F) means for blowing air through the space between the tube envelope and the tube housing, the tube housing acting as a duct directing air flow over the surface of the tube envelope for cooling the tube envelope.
- 13. An X-ray tube comprising:
- (A) an evacuated tube envelope fabricated primarily of metal, the tube envelope generally comprising a first end wall, a cylindrical side wall and a second end wall;
- (B) an anode rotatably mounted in the tube envelope with its target surface facing the second end wall; and drive means for rotating the anode;
- (C) a cathode mounted within the tube envelope and positioned to cooperate with the anode to produce a beam of x-rays, and conductor means connected to the anode and cathode for applying an electrical potential;
- (D) a heat transfer sleeve within said evacuated tube envelope extending from the first end wall past the anode and having a free end, the heat transfer sleeve being spaced-apart from the cylindrical side wall, the heat transfer sleeve receiving heat emanating from the anode during operation of the tube to produce the beam of X-rays and transferring that heat to the first end wall for dispersal, the heat transfer sleeve and cylindrical side wall being constructed to permit passage of the beam of X-rays; and
- (E) a heat transfer cross plate secured to the free end of the heat transfer sleeve and extending substantially across the target face of the anode, the heat transfer cross plate receiving heat emanating from the anode during operation of the X-ray tube to produce X-rays, and transferring that heat via the heat transfer sleeve to the first end wall for dispersal; the heat transfer cross plate being notched to physically and electrically accommodate the cathode.
- 14. An X-ray tube comprising:
- (A) an evacuated tube envelope fabricated primarily of metal, the tube envelope generally comprising a first end wall, a cylindrical side wall and a second end wall;
- (B) an anode rotatably mounted in the tube envelope with its target surface facing the second end wall; and drive means for rotating the anode;
- (C) a cathode mounted within the tube envelope and positioned to cooperate with the anode to produce a beam of x-rays, and conductor means connected to the anode and cathode for applying an electrical potential;
- (D) a heat transfer sleeve within said evacuated tube envelope extending from the first end wall past the anode, and having a free end the heat transfer sleeve being spaced-apart from the cylindrical side wall, and the heat transfer sleeve receiving heat emanating from the anode during operation of the tube to produce the beam X-rays and transferring that heat to the first end wall for dispersal, the heat transfer sleeve and cylindrical side wall being constructed to permit passage of the beam of X-rays; and
- (E) a heat transfer cross plate secured to the free end of the heat transfer sleeve and extending substantially across the target face of the anode, the heat transfer cross plate receiving heat emanating from the anode during operation of the X-ray tube to produce X-rays, and transferring that heat via the heat transfer sleeve to the first end wall for dispersal; the anode being mounted on a shaft having both of its ends supported on bearings, and the heat transfer cross plate being also notched to accommodate the shaft.
- 15. An X-ray tube comprising:
- (A) an evacuated tube envelope fabricated primarily of metal, the tube envelope generally comprising a first end wall, a cylindrical side wall and a second end wall;
- (B) an anode rotatably mounted in the tube envelope with its target surface facing the second end wall; and drive means for rotating the anode;
- (C) a cathode mounted within the tube envelope and positioned to cooperate with the anode to produce a beam of x-rays, and conductor means connected to the anode and cathode for applying an electrical potential;
- (D) a heat transfer sleeve within said evacuated tube envelope extending from the first end wall past the anode and having a free end, the heat transfer sleeve being spaced-apart from the cylindrical side wall, and the heat transfer sleeve receiving heat emanating from the anode during operation of the tube to produce the beam of X-rays and transferring that heat to the first end wall for dispersal; the heat transfer sleeve and cylindrical side wall being constructed to permit passage of the beam of X-rays; and
- (E) a heat transfer cross plate secured to the free end of the heat transfer sleeve and extending substantially across the target face of the anode, the heat transfer cross plate receiving heat emanating from the anode during operation of the X-ray tube to produce the beam of X-rays, and transferring that heat via the heat transfer sleeve to the first end wall for dispersal; the anode being mounted on a shaft having both of its ends supported on bearings, and the heat transfer cross plate being also notched to accommodate the shaft, and further comprising a layer of radiation absorbing material applied to the exterior of the cylindrical side wall and second end wall, except for an area for passing a desired beam of X-rays, the heat transfer sleeve defining an opening physically and electrically accommodating the cathode, said opening being covered by an auxiliary heat shield, said auxiliary heat shield including a window for passing the beam of X-rays.
- 16. An X-ray tube comprising:
- (A) an evacuated tube envelope fabricated primarily of metal, the tube envelope generally comprising a first end wall, a cylindrical side wall and a second end wall;
- (B) an anode rotatably mounted in the tube envelope with its target surface facing the second end wall; and drive means for rotating the anode;
- (C) a cathode mounted within the tube envelope and positioned to cooperate with the anode to produce a beam of x-rays, and conductor means connected to the anode and cathode for applying an electrical potential;
- (D) a heat transfer sleeve within said evacuated tube envelope extending from the first end wall past the anode and having a free end, the heat transfer sleeve being spaced-apart from the cylindrical side wall, the heat transfer sleeve receiving heat emanating from the anode during operation of the tube to produce X-rays and transferring that heat to the first end wall for dispersal, wherein the heat transfer sleeve defines an opening physically and electrically accommodating the cathode, and said opening is covered by an auxiliary heat shield including a window means for passing a desired beam of x-rays and,
- (E) the heat transfer sleeve and cylindrical side wall of the tube envelope including means permitting the passage therethrough of the desired beam of X-rays from within the tube envelope and exteriorally of the tube envelope; and
- (F) a heat transfer cross plate secured to the free end of the heat transfer sleeve and extending substantially across the target face of the anode, the heat transfer cross plate receiving heat emanating from the anode during operation of the X-ray tube to produce X-rays, and transferring that heat via the heat transfer sleeve to the first end wall for dispersal, the heat transfer cross plate being notched to physically and electrically accommodate the cathode.
- 17. An X-ray tube comprising:
- (A) an evacuated tube envelope fabricated primarily of metal, the tube envelope generally comprising a first end wall, a cylindrical side wall and a second end wall;
- (B) an anode rotatably mounted in the tube envelope with its target surface facing the second end wall; and drive means for rotating the anode;
- (C) a cathode mounted within the tube envelope and positioned to cooperate with the anode to produce a beam of x-rays, and conductor means connected to the anode and cathode for applying an electrical potential;
- (D) a heat transfer sleeve within said evacuated tube envelope extending from the first end wall past the anode, the heat transfer sleeve being spaced-apart from the cylindrical side wall to provide an annular evacuated space within the vacuum of the evacuated tube envelope, and the heat transfer sleeve receiving heat emanating from the anode during operation of the tube and transferring that heat to the first end wall for dispersal, the heat transfer sleeve and cylindrical side wall being constructed to permit passage of the beam of X-rays produced by the X-ray tube,
- (E) the heat transfer sleeve and cylindrical side wall of the tube envelope including means permitting the passage therethrough of the beam of X-rays from within the tube envelope and exteriorally of the tube envelope; and
- F. an off-axis X-ray shield surrounding the beam of X-rays and wherein the heat transfer sleeve defines an opening physically and electrically accommodating the cathode, and said opening is covered by an auxiliary heat shield including a window means for passing a desired beam of x-rays.
- 18. Apparatus comprising an X-ray tube as defined in claim 2 wherein the conductor means connected to the anode and cathode extend to the exterior of the tube envelope through two insulating members mounted through the second end wall, said apparatus further comprising:
- (E) two electrical supply cables for the anode and cathode, respectively, each supply cable having at least one conductor surrounded by an elongated, flexible insulating sheath with the conductor extending from the end thereof and having a connector connected to the conductor; and
- (F) terminations for attaching the electrical supply cables to the tube envelope, each termination having:
- (1) a mass of electrically insulating material:
- (a) configured to matingly conform to the insulating member extending through the second end wall;
- (b) receiving and holding the end of the electrical supply cable at an angle with respect to the tube envelope such that radiation cannot escape along the electrical supply cable;
- (c) receiving and holding the conductor and connector means for connection to the conductive means extending through the insulating members, and
- (2) radiation absorbing material deployed to block the escape of radiation passing through the insulating members of the second tube wall and the mass of insulation of the terminations.
- 19. An X-ray tube as defined in claim 18 wherein the radiation absorbing material is lead.
- 20. An X-ray tube as defined in claim 19 and further comprising:
- (G) heat transfer cross plate secured to the free end of the heat transfer sleeve and extending substantially across the target face of the anode, the heat transfer cross plate receiving heat emanating from the anode during operation of the X-ray tube to produce X-rays, and transferring that heat via the heat transfer sleeve to the first end wall for dispersal.
- 21. An X-ray apparatus comprising:
- (A) an evacuated tube envelope fabricated primarily of metal, the tube envelope generally comprising a first end wall, a cylindrical side wall and a second end wall;
- (B) an anode rotatably mounted in the tube envelope with its target surface facing the second end wall; and drive means for rotating the anode;
- (C) a cathode mounted within the tube envelope and positioned to cooperate with the anode to produce X-rays;
- (D) two insulating members extending through the second end wall, and conductive means extending from the anode to the exterior of the tube envelope through one of the insulating members and from the cathode to the exterior of the tube envelope through the other of the insulating members;
- (E) two electrical supply cables for the anode and cathode, respectively, each supply cable having at least one conductor surrounded by an elongated, flexible insulating sheath with the conductor extending from the end thereof and having connector means for connecting with the conductive means extending through the insulating members;
- (F) terminations for attaching the electrical supply cables to the tube envelope, each termination having:
- (1) a shell and a mass of formed electrically insulating compound filling said shell, said compound:
- (a) being configured to matingly conform to the insulating member extending through the second end wall;
- (b) receiving and holding the end of the electrical supply cable at an angle with respect to the tube envelope such that radiation cannot escape along the electrical supply cable;
- (c) receiving and holding the conductor and connector means for connection to the conductive means extending through the insulating members, and
- (2) radiation absorbing material covering said shell and deployed to block the escape of radiation passing through the insulating members of the second tube wall and the mass of electrically insulating compound of the terminations.
Parent Case Info
This patent application is a continuation-in-part of my application Ser. No. 326,752, filed Dec. 2, 1981, abandoned, which was a continuation-in-part of my application Ser. No. 090,501 filed Nov. 1, 1979, abandoned which was a continuation-in-part of my application Ser. No. 071,192 filed Aug. 30, 1979 abandoned.
US Referenced Citations (9)
Foreign Referenced Citations (1)
Number |
Date |
Country |
656005 |
Jan 1938 |
DE2 |
Continuation in Parts (3)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
Parent |
326752 |
Dec 1981 |
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Parent |
90501 |
Nov 1979 |
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Parent |
71192 |
Aug 1979 |
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