High voltage cable and clamp system for an X-ray tube

An x-ray tube comprising:

• a housing having disposed therein:
• an electron emitting cathode;
• an anode for receiving electrons emitted by the cathode;
• and
• a cathode insulating structure;
• a high-voltage cable for supplying electric power to the cathode, wherein at least a portion of the cable is disposed substantially proximate to the cathode insulating structure;
• a clamp body enclosing at least a portion of the high-voltage cable, the clamp body being affixed to the housing;
• and
• means for exerting a force in a manner so as to maintain the cable in physical contact with at least a portion of the cathode insulating structure.

An x-ray tube having an anode, a cathode, and a cathode insulating structure having an inner surface, the x-ray tube further comprising:

• a high-voltage cable comprising conductive wires and a plug connector for electrically connecting the conductive wires to the cathode, wherein at least a portion of the cable is configured to cooperatively engage the inner surface of the cathode insulating structure when connected to the cathode;
• a cable clamp affixed to a portion of the x-ray tube and enclosing at least the portion of cable;
• a spring assembly at least partially disposed within the clamp body and oriented so as to urge a portion of the cable in said cooperative engagement with the inner surface of the cathode insulating structure;
• and
• a window defined in the clamp body for visually determining the position of the spring assembly within the clamp body.