Liquid metal gasket in x-ray tubes
US6891928B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 7, 2003 |
| Grant date | May 10, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 11, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01J35/1024
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Liquid metal gaskets for use in vacuum tubes are provided. Such liquid metal gaskets are ideal for use in x-ray tubes in x-ray imaging systems. These liquid metal gaskets comprise an internal plug incorporating a liquid metal filling, a first seal connected to a first end of the internal plug so as to isolate a bearing assembly from a vacuum vessel portion of the vacuum tube, and a second seal connected to a second end of the internal plug so as to prevent particles and vapors in a cavity of the bearing assembly from migrating into a vacuum area of the x-ray tube. The liquid metal gaskets incorporate any suitable liquid metal, such as mercury, gallium, or a gallium alloy. The liquid metal gaskets allow any suitable type of bearing assembly lubricant to be used, such as oils, powders, liquids, solids, wetting metals, and the like.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.