Cathode assembly with integral tabs
AssigneeVarian Medical Systems, Inc.
InventorsScott M. Clark, Gregory C. Andrews
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A cathode shield can comprise a shield body, a pair of tabs for defining a focal spot length, and a lip for concentrically aligning the cathode shield relative to a mounting element and/or an electron source of a cathode assembly. The tabs may be integral with the shield body and spaced a distance apart from each other. The distance may at least partially define the focal spot length of the electron source associated with the cathode assembly. The lip may also be integral with the shield body and extend from the shield body around at least a portion of a perimeter of the shield body so as to define a recess that is configured to receive the mounting element of the cathode assembly.
Claims20
A cathode shield comprising:
- a shield body;
- a first pair of tabs integral with the shield body, the first pair of tabs being spaced apart from each other at a first distance that at least partially defines a first focal spot length;
- and
- a lip integral with the shield body for concentrically aligning the cathode shield relative to a mounting element and/or an electron source of a cathode assembly, the lip extending from the shield body around at least a portion of a perimeter of the shield body so as to define a recess, the recess configured to receive the mounting element of the cathode assembly.
A cathode assembly comprising:
- a mounting element;
- an electron source including at least one electron emitter attached to the mounting element;
- and
- a cathode shield connected to the mounting element, the cathode shield comprising:
- a shield body partially enclosing or covering the electron source;
- and
- a plurality of tabs integral with the shield body, the tabs being spaced apart from each other at a distance that at least partially defines a focal spot length of the electron source;
- and
- means for positioning the cathode shield relative to a component of the cathode assembly.
An x-ray tube comprising:
- a cathode assembly comprising:
- a mounting element;
- an electron source at least indirectly attached to the mounting element;
- and
- a cathode shield connected to the mounting element, the cathode shield comprising:
- a shield body partially enclosing the electron source;
- and
- a plurality of tabs integral with the shield body, the tabs being spaced apart from each other at a distance that at least partially defines a focal spot length of the electron source;
- and
- means for receiving the mounting element in a concentric position with respect to the cathode shield;
- an anode assembly including a target with a target surface configured to receive electrons emitted from the cathode assembly to produce x-rays;
- and
- a vacuum enclosure within which the cathode assembly and anode assembly are positioned.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.