Method of fast current modulation in an X-ray tube and apparatus for implementing same

US8396185B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• General Electric Company · US

Inventors

• Yun Zou · Clifton Park, US
• Brian D. Lounsberry · Thiensville, US
• Carey Shawn Rogers · Brookfield, US
• Sergio Lemaitre · Whitefish Bay, US
• Xiaoye Wu · Rexford, US
• Jizhong Chen · Medford, US
• Floribertus Philippus Martinus Heukensfeldt Jansen · Ballston Lake, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 12, 2010
• Grant date: Mar 12, 2013
• Expiry date: Dec 20, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B6/4291
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An X-ray tube includes a target and a cathode assembly. The cathode assembly includes a first filament configured to emit a first beam of electrons toward the target, a first gridding electrode coupled to the first filament, a second filament configured to emit a second beam of electrons toward the target, and a second gridding electrode coupled to the second filament.