High vacuum rotating anode x-ray tube
US4625324A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 10, 1984 |
| Grant date | Nov 25, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 10, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01J35/16
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An all metal and ceramic high vacuum rotary anode x-ray tube adapted for mounting on a gantry of a rotational type CT scanner. The evacuated region where x-rays are generated is maintained at about 10.sup.-7 Torr. Vacuum sealing about the rotating shaft of the anode is provided by a magnetic fluid. No bearings are utilized within the evacuated region. Large, long wearing ball bearings that transmit rotation through the vacuum seal are provided about the shaft outside of the high vacuum region where conventional lubricants may be applied. Circulating coolant is applied internally through the anode assuring continual operation of the tube without the need for frequent cool-down waits. A preferred embodiment discloses a modified path in the rotor for the coolant designed to disturb the conventional laminar type of flow which is heat transfer inefficient to one characterized by high turbulence resulting in approximately an order of magnitude improvement in the coefficient of heat transfer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.