Ring seal for liquid metal bearing assembly
US10533608B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 7, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jan 14, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 26, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01J2235/106
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A ring seal is engaged with a liquid metal bearing assembly and operates to contain metal fluid lubricant leaking through the primary compression seals of a liquid metal bearing to prevent the fluid from entering the high voltage space within the x-ray tube and causing high voltage instability. The ring seal engages the existing configuration for the bearing assembly without deforming the bearing, including effects of thermal expansion and inertial body forces, thus maintaining the tight tolerances for the proper operation of the component parts of the bearing structure. The ring seal retains the leaking liquid metal within the ring seal regardless of the operating state and/or condition of the bearing assembly, such as during operating conditions. i.e., rotation of the bearing assembly or gantry, and non-operating conditions, e.g., shipping and stand-by, and regardless of the corresponding pressures and their locations exerted on the ring seal by the liquid metal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.