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US 2013/0156161 A1Published application
X-ray tube aperture having expansion joints
AssigneeVarian Medical Systems, Inc.
InventorGregory C. Andrews
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An x-ray tube electron shield is disclosed for interposition between an electron emitter and an anode configured to receive the emitted electrons. The electron shield includes expansion joints to accommodate thermal expansion.
Claims20
In an x-ray tube having a cathode and an anode, an electron shield configured to intercept backscattered electrons from the anode, the electron shield comprising:
- a body defining an aperture between an electron collection surface and a second surface, the aperture configured to allow electrons generated at the cathode to pass to the anode;
- and
- one or more expansion joints formed in the electron collection surface, the one or more expansion joints extending only 10% to 90% of the distance from the electron collection surface to the second surface.
An x-ray tube, comprising:
- an evacuated enclosure;
- a cathode disposed within the evacuated enclosure and configured to emit electrons;
- an anode disposed within the evacuated enclosure and positioned with respect to the cathode to receive the electrons emitted by the cathode;
- and
- an electron shield interposed between the cathode and anode, the electron shield having a body defining an aperture allowing the electrons to pass from the cathode to the anode, the electron shield including:
- an electron collection surface configured to collect electrons that rebound from the anode;
- a plurality of expansion joints formed in the electron collection surface;
- and
- a plurality of cooling fins composed of a thermally conductive material.
6 more elements
An electron shield assembly for use in intercepting backscattered electrons from a target surface of an anode, the electron shield assembly comprising:
- a body defining an aperture having a throat, the body including:
- an electron collection surface comprised of a refractory material;
- means for accommodating thermal expansion within the electron collection surface or the throat or both;
- and
- a plurality of fluid channels that annularly surround at least a portion of the throat and at least a portion of the electron collection surface.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.