Rotating housing and anode/stationary cathode x-ray tube with magnetic susceptor for holding the cathode stationary
AssigneePicker International, Inc.
InventorsJames E. Burke, Lester Miller, Salvatore G. Perno
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An x-ray tube includes an anode (A) and envelope (C) which are rotated (D) at a relatively high rate of speed. A cathode assembly (B) is supported in the envelope on a bearing (32). In order to hold the cathode assembly stationary, a magnetic susceptor (40) having periodic projections (44) is disposed with the projections closely adjacent an outer peripheral wall (20) of the envelope. A plurality of permanent magnets (52) are mounted on a stationary keeper (50), each magnet adjacent one of the susceptor projections. Preferably, the magnets have alternating polarity such that magnetic flux lines (54) flow between adjacent magnets through the magnetic susceptor.
Claims17
An x-ray tube comprising:
- an evacuated envelope;
- an anode formed at least along an annular surface adjacent one end of the envelope, the envelope and anode being interconnected;
- a cathode assembly rotatably supported relative to and within the envelope, the cathode assembly including a cathode means for emitting electrons for forming an electron beam which strikes the anode to generate x-rays;
- a means for rotating the envelope and anode;
- a means for holding the cathode assembly stationary as the envelope and anode rotate, the means for holding the cathode assembly stationary including:
- a magnetic susceptor mounted to the cathode assembly and defining a plurality of outward projections which are disposed closely adjacent the envelope, the magnetic susceptor being constructed of a magnetically susceptive material,
- a plurality of magnets mounted to a stationary keeper, the magnets being disposed peripherally around an exterior of and closely adjacent to the envelope with each of the magnets generally opposite to one of the susceptor projections.
An x-ray tube comprising:
- an evacuated envelope;
- an anode formed at least along an annular surface adjacent one end of the envelope, the envelope and anode being interconnected;
- a cathode assembly rotatably supported relative to and within the envelope, the cathode assembly including a cathode means for emitting electrons for forming an electron beam which irradiates the anode to generate x-rays;
- a means for rotating the envelope and anode;
- a means for holding the cathode assembly stationary as the envelope and anode rotate including a magnetic susceptor means and a magnetic means, one of the magnetic susceptor means and magnet means being mounted to the cathode assembly and the other being mounted peripherally around an exterior of and closely adjacent to the envelope in magnetic communication with each other;
- and
- a means for damping oscillation of the cathode assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.