X-ray tube with bearing slip ring
US5241577A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 6, 1992 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 6, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01J2235/162
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An anode (A) closes one end of an evacuated envelope (C) and a cathode end plate (22) closes the other. A cathode assembly (B) is mounted on a bearing (40) in the evacuated envelope such that the envelope and cathode can undergo relative rotation. A motor (38) rotates the anode and envelope while a pair of magnets (44, 46) hold the cathode assembly stationary. Bearing (40) functions as a current path from a current source (72) to the primary windings of a transformer (58). Another bearing (94) provides a return current path from the transformer to the current source. The secondary windings of the transformer are connected with a cathode filament (52). The transformer enables a relatively low ampere current to pass through the bearings to limit cathodic damage to the bearings, yet provides sufficient amperage to the filament to cause thermionic emission. The bearings provide a direct transfer of current which does not degrade the vacuum in the envelope in such a manner that the current through the cathode filament can be measured directly from outside the envelope.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.