Patent · US Expired

X-ray tubes and x-ray systems having a thermal gradient device

US6377659B1 · kind B1 · utility

27Cited by
19References
47Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 29, 2000
Grant dateApr 23, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 29, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01J2235/1287
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A thermal energy transfer device for use with an x-ray generating device or x-ray system including an anode assembly having a target, a cathode assembly positioned at a distance from the anode assembly configured to emit electrons that strike the target producing x-rays and residual energy in the form of heat, and a rotatable shaft supported by a bearing assembly. The thermal energy transfer device including a thermal gradient device positioned adjacent to and in thermal communication with one end of the shaft, the thermal gradient device operable for transferring heat away from that end of the shaft, and a fin structure positioned adjacent to and in thermal communication with the thermal gradient device, the fin structure operable for convectively cooling the thermal gradient device.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.