US 4,274,005 AGranted

X-ray apparatus for computed tomography scanner

AssigneeTokyo Shibaura Denki Kabushiki Kaisha

InventorsToshio Yamamura, Takeshi Muraki, Heihachi Miura

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Abstract

In an X-ray apparatus for a computed tomography scanner, a plurality of combined X-ray tube segments are arranged round the central axis of the apparatus on which a subject to be examined is disposed. The X-ray tube segments each include a large number of electron beam generating means to produce an electron beam, a strip-like target having a surface against which the electron beam strikes and extending along a circular arc round the central axis, and an envelope containing these components. Along the surfaces of the X-ray tube segments facing the central axis lie a large number of X-ray detector elements to detect doses of fan-shaped X-ray beams emitted from the target and transmitted through the to-be-examined subject. The electron beam generating means successively produce electron beams, and fan-shaped X-ray beams are applied one after another to the subject from around the same.

Claims24

Dependent claims

An X-ray apparatus for a computed tomography scanner which has a central axis thereof, comprising:

two or more X-ray tube segments each segment including:
means for generating electron beams,
a target substantially extending along a circular arc around the central axis and adapted to be scanned by the electron beams to emit X-rays toward the central axis, and
an airtight envelope receiving said electron beam generating means, said target having a metal member made of good heat conductive material and having an inner surface on which said target is supported and an outer surface,
said X-ray tube segments combinedly arranged along the circular arc and each metal member of an X-ray tube segment being coupled to the adjacent metal members of adjacent X-ray tube segments to provide a circular array of such metal members;
X-ray detecting means comprising a plurality of detector elements for detecting the X-ray beams transmitted through a central region including the central axis;
and
means for cooling said target including a liquid-cooling jacket fitted to said metal members defining a coolant circulating path between the outer surface of the circular array of the metal members and the liquid-cooling jacket.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.