X-ray tube window heat shield
US6005918A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 19, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 21, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 19, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01J2235/168
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An x-ray tube includes an envelope defining an evacuated chamber and having a window transmissive to x-rays. An anode assembly and a cathode assembly operate within the envelope to produce x-rays which travel through the window transmissive to x-rays towards a patient or subject under examination. A shield transmissive to x-rays is coupled to the envelope and positioned such that x-rays traveling through the window transmissive to x-rays must first travel through the shield. The shield prevents substantially all secondary electrons created during the production of x-rays from coming into contact with the window transmissive to x-rays thereby preventing excessive heating of the window transmissive to x-rays. An electrode defined by the envelope in a region proximate the window transmissive to x-rays may additionally or alternatively be used to prevent secondary electrons from reaching the window transmissive to x-rays.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.