Mobile miniature X-ray source
US6661876B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 29, 2002 |
| Grant date | Dec 9, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 11, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01J2235/163
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A mobile, miniature x-ray source includes a low-power consumption cathode element for mobility, and an anode optic creating a field free region to prolong the life of the cathode element. An electric field is applied to an anode and a cathode that are disposed on opposite sides of an evacuated tube. The anode includes a target material to produce x-rays in response to impact of electrons. The cathode includes a cathode element to produce electrons that are accelerated towards the anode in response to the electric field between the anode and the cathode. The tube can have a length less than approximately 3 inches, and a diameter or width less than approximately 1 inch. The cathode element can include a low-power consumption cathode element with a low power consumption less than approximately 1 watt. The power source can include a battery power source. A field-free region can be positioned at the anode to resist positive ion acceleration back towards the cathode element. An anode tube can be disposed at the anode between the anode and the cathode, and electrically coupled to the anode so that the anode and the anode tube have the same electrical potential, to form the field-free regi…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.