Abstract:
Disclosed is a reusable microfocus X-ray tube adapted to generate a relatively large number of X-rays in a relatively short period of time using a narrowly focused electron beam. The X-ray tube comprises means for producing a dense, narrow electron beam, a target anode, and means for causing relative movement of the electron beam and the target anode such that the electron beam and the target anode are stationary relative to each other during production of the X-rays but a fresh portion of the surface of the target anode is presented to the electron beam each time the X-ray tube is used. The X-ray tube includes (a) means for collecting charged particles boiled off the target anode by the electron beam, (b) means for increasing the quantity of electricity delivered to the heater cathode, (c) means for counting the number of times the X-ray tube is used, and (d) means for generating a signal when the X-ray tube has been used a first predetermined number of times.
Abstract:
A graphite target disk for a rotating anode x-ray tube is adapted for mounting it on a rotor stem in a manner which reduces the probability of the target cracking when it is subjected to high magnitude thermal and rotational shocks. The graphite disk has a counterbore in its front and rear faces which are connected with a smaller central bore so the counterbores define annular shoulders. A washer having a slot which serves as a keyway is brazed concentrically onto the shoulder of the front counterbore. The rotor stem has a threaded end which registers complementarily in the slot to effect a driving connection and the stem has a radially extending shoulder which interfaces with the shoulder in the rear counterbore. A nut on the threaded stem end secures the target to the stem.
Abstract:
In order to reduce stresses which occur during radiation production because of the heating-up of the anode, radial bores are formed in the main body member of the anode which extend under the focus path region. Thus, smooth solder surfaces free from recesses can be obtained for receiving auxiliary material such as graphite for increased heat storage and radiation capability. The disclosed rotating anode is particularly suited for x-ray tubes utilized in medical diagnostics.
Abstract:
Rotary targets for X-ray tubes are provided comprising a molybdenum base body alloyed with a stabilizing proportion of iron, silicon, cobalt, tantalum, niobium, hafnium, stable metal oxide, or a mixture of the preceding.
Abstract:
An X-ray tube in which the electron beam is deflected over the X-ray emissive anti-cathode is provided with an anti-cathode, the surface on which the electrons impinge is corrugated in order to aid in the dissipation of heat.
Abstract:
A rotary anode for an X-ray tube comprising an anode body formed of graphite, a target layer formed of tungsten or alloy thereof, and an intermediate layer containing rhenium and molybdenum, the intermediate layer being interposed between and bonded with the anode body and target layer. This rotary anode may be obtained by forming over a target area of the graphite anode body a paste layer containing rhenium powder and molybdenum powder, laminating over the paste layer a layer formed of tungsten or alloy thereof, and then hot-pressing the resultant laminated body under vacuum or in an inert gas by means of a pressure transmitting powder.
Abstract:
In an electron accelerator having a target which is exposed to an electron beam for the production of x-ray deceleration radiation, a conical compensating member is arranged centrally within a cone pattern of the x-ray radiation. The compensating member has a decreasing conical shape toward the target and merges into a cylinder portion. Beam paths within the cylinder portion which are additional to those in a conventional purely conical compensating member are compensated by a recess positioned in a base of the compensating member having an appropriately selected depth. In another embodiment, a conically shaped compensating member is arranged within the cone-shaped x-ray pattern such that a tip of the compensating member is aligned away from the target and a base is aligned toward the target. A collimator having a conical passageway surrounding the x-ray radiation has a groove for receiving the base of the compensating member so as to mount the same within the conical passageway of the collimator.
Abstract:
Radiographic images of high definition and clarity are produced quickly and with reduced radiation exposure of the subject by utilizing a scanning X-ray source in which a moving point source of X-rays is created by sweeping an electron beam in a raster pattern on a broad anode. A radiation detector having a very small radiation sensitive area is situated on the opposite side of the subject from the source. The output of the detector controls electron beam intensity within a cathode ray type display tube wherein the raster pattern is synchronized with that of the X-ray source to produce an image of internal structure of the subject. In some embodiments of the invention, the small radiation detector is mounted on a probe suitable for insertion into internal regions of a living body or into recesses in mechanical structure to be examined. Stereo images may be produced by employing two spaced apart detectors controlling two separate images which are directed to separate eyes of the observer or by using a single detector alternately controlling each of the two images while the raster pattern at the source is alternately shifted between two at least partially separate areas of the anode. As the detector output is an electronic signal, the image data may be stored on magnetic tape or the like and may also be readily processed by electronic techniques for such purposes as image enhancement, and addition, subtraction or superimposition of images. Automatic brightness control may also be provided to produce uniform contrast in different areas of the image where the corresponding different regions of the subject have different average densities.
Abstract:
An X-ray beam flattener of predetermined symmetrical shape for attenuating the radiation intensity of the beam in decreasing amounts as the angle from the central axis increases. The symmetrical shape is made from a low Z, high density material such as Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 BeO, BeAl.sub.2 O.sub.4, B.sub.4 C or SiC. A further thin layer of high Z material may be coated on the forward end of the symmetrical shape to absorb low energy photons.
Abstract:
A layered pressed and sintered anode body consisting of a support body of a tungsten-molybdenum alloy having a first layer of tungsten or tungsten alloy on the surface which is impinged by electrons and having a second layer of a higher melting point material on the other side whose tensile strength at the elastic limit is greater, at temperatures of 1400.degree. to 1600.degree. C, than the tensile stresses occurring at these temperatures to avoid warping of the anode.