Rotating anode x-ray tube with multiple simultaneously emitting focal spots
US6125167A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 25, 1998 |
| Grant date | Sep 26, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 25, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01J2235/086
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An x-ray tube (10) includes a body (16) defining a vacuum envelope. A plurality of anode elements (18) each defining a target face are rotatably disposed within the vacuum envelope. Mounted within the vacuum envelope, a plurality of cathode assemblies (22) are each capable of generating an electron stream (36) toward an associated target face. A filament current supply (32) applies a current to each of the cathode assemblies, and is selectively controlled by a cathode controller (34) which powers sets of the cathodes based on thermal loading conditions and a desired imaging profile. A collimator (C) is adjacent to the body and defines a series of alternating openings (42) and septa (44) for forming a corresponding series of parallel, fan-shaped x-ray beams or slices (46).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.