Method and apparatus for setting X-ray tube filaments

A fixture for using a mandril to set a filament on an electrode, the fixture comprising:

• a generally c-shaped body defining a recess;
• a bore extending through the body for receiving a securing member to attach the fixture to the electrode in a desired location;
• and
• a pair of cavities located opposite one another across the recess formed by the c-shaped body, each cavity for retaining one end of the mandril when the mandril is extending across the recess.

A fixture for setting a filament on an associated electrode, the fixture comprising:

• a body having a central portion, a first arm at one end of the central portion and a second arm at the opposite end of the central portion, the arms extending away from the central portion forming a recess;
• means for aligning the body in a desired position on the associated electrode;
• and
• means for receiving an end of a mandril in each of the arms wherein the mandril extends across the recess in a desired position with respect to the associated electrode when the mandril is received in the arms and the body is aligned on the associated electrode.

A method of positioning an electrode filament on an electrode, the method comprising the steps of:

• passing a mandril through a first cavity in a filament setting fixture;
• threading the electrode filament on the mandril;
• placing an end of the mandril in a second cavity in the filament setting fixture, the mandril extending across a recess formed by the fixture;
• positioning the filament setting fixture on the electrode at a desired location;
• and
• securing the filament setting fixture to the electrode.

A fixture for using a mandril to set a filament on an electrode, the fixture comprising:

• a generally c-shaped body defining a recess, the c-shaped body includes a plurality of portions and at least one portion is electrically non-conductive;
• a key extending from the body for engaging a surface of the electrode to assist in aligning the fixture in a desired location;
• a bore extending through the body for receiving a securing member to attach the fixture to the electrode in the desired location;
• and
• a pair of cavities located opposite one another across the recess formed by the c-shaped body, each cavity for retaining one end of the mandril when the mandril is extending across the recess.