Systems and methods for improved x-ray tube life
AssigneeHologic, Inc.
InventorGuoyun Ru
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An x-ray tube having at least one focusing cup and an anode. The x-ray tube may have a first filament positioned in a first location between the focusing cup and the anode, the first filament having a first size, and a second filament positioned in a second location between the focusing cup and anode, the second filament having a second size that is substantially the same as the first size. The x-ray tube may also include a switching mechanism configured to engage the second filament upon failure of the first filament.
Claims20
An x-ray tube comprising:
- a focusing cup;
- an anode;
- a first filament positioned in a first location between the focusing cup and the anode, the first filament having a first size;
- a second filament positioned in a second location between the focusing cup and anode, the second filament having a second size that is substantially the same as the first size;
- and
- a switching mechanism configured to engage the second filament upon failure of the first filament.
An x-ray tube comprising:
- a first focusing cup;
- a second focusing cup;
- an anode;
- a first filament located between the first focusing cup and the anode;
- a second filament positioned between the second focusing cup and the anode;
- and
- a switching mechanism configured to engage the second filament upon failure of the first filament.
A method for producing x-rays from an x-ray tube, the method comprising:
- receiving a first activation request for the x-ray tube;
- activating a first filament in the x-ray tube to generate a first x-ray imaging beam;
- receiving an indication that the first filament has failed;
- based on the indication that the first filament has failed, engaging a second filament in the x-ray tube;
- receiving a second activation request for the x-ray tube;
- and
- activating a second filament in the x-ray tube to generate a second x-ray imaging beam that is substantially similar the first x-ray imaging beam.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.