X-ray tube and method of manufacture
AssigneeVarian Medical Systems, Inc.
InventorDon Warburton
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention relates to structures within an x-ray device including an x-ray can, an x-ray can window frame insert, a rotor sleeve, and a bearing support assembly for a rotor structure. The various structures are fabricated from a chromium alloy of copper that is essentially oxygen free copper having a minor amount of chromium, the combination of which imparts desirable qualities to the x-ray device structures, including efficient heat sink and emissivity qualities that are beneficial in an x-ray device environment. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, oxygen free high conductivity (OFHC) copper is melted in an RF furnace in the presence of a minor amount of chromium and is either ingot cast or powder metallurgically cast into a desired article and further fabricated into a finished article.
Claims16
A method of forming a composite structure for use in an x-ray tube assembly, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a substrate formed substantially in the shade of a component of an x-ray tube, the substrate comprising oxygen free copper;
- depositing a coating on the substrate, the coating comprising oxygen free copper as a major component, and chromium as a minor component;
- and
- forming a layer on the coating by converting at least some of the chromium to an oxide thereof.
A method of making a chromium alloy of copper for use in an x-ray tube, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing essentially oxygen free copper as a major component;
- providing chromium as a minor component;
- placing the copper and the chromium into a container having an inert atmosphere;
- heating the copper and the chromium to achieve a chromium alloy of copper solution;
- and
- forming the chromium alloy of copper solution into an x-ray tube component.
A method of making a chromium alloy of copper for use in an x-ray tube, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing essentially oxygen free copper as a major component;
- providing chromium as a minor component;
- placing the copper and the chromium into a container having an inert atmosphere;
- heating the copper and the chromium to achieve a chromium alloy of copper solution;
- and
- atomizing the chromium alloy of copper solution to obtain a solid solution powder.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.