Bradley Dee Canfield (Orem, UT) ·
James R. Boye (Salt Lake City, UT)
Appl. No.
11/460581
Assignee
Varian Medical Systems, Inc. (Palo Alto, CA)
International Classification
H01J 35/16
U.S. Classification
378203, 378 9
Abstract
A multiple energy x-ray source device is disclosed. Embodiments include a dual x-ray source comprised of two x-ray tubes mounted in separate housings. Each x-ray tube operates at a different power level, and each produces a characteristic x-ray signal. The x-ray sources are mounted on a common support structure, and are adjustable with respect to one another and with respect to the support structure so as to provide the ability to precisely align the focal spot of the x-ray signal emitted by each. Interconnection of the x-ray sources is provided by way of interlocking beam shields affixed to each source.
Electronic Calibration Of Focal Spot Position In An X-Ray Tube
Technology is described for calibrating a deflected position of a central ray of an x-ray tube to a radiation imager. An x-ray system includes an x-ray tube and a tube control unit (TCU). The x-ray tube includes a cathode that includes an electron emitter configured to emit an electron beam, an anode configured to receive the electron beam and generate x-rays with a central ray from electrons of the electron beam colliding on a focal spot of the anode, and a steering magnetic multipole between the cathode and the anode that is configured to produce a steering magnetic field from a steering signal. At least two poles of the steering magnetic multipole are on opposite sides of the electron beam. The TCU includes at least one steering driver configured to generate the steering signal. The TCU is configured to convert a position correction value to the steering signal.
Semi-Permeable Diaphragm Sealing System
Application
#7236570 Jun 26, 2007
Filed
Sep 29, 2004
Inventor
Bradley Dee Canfield (Orem, UT)
Appl. No.
10/953232
Assignee
Varian Medical Systems Technologies, Inc. (Palo Alto, CA)
International Classification
H01J 35/10
U.S. Classification
378141, 378200
Abstract
A sealing system is disclosed for preventing liquid escape from the reservoir of an apparatus, such as an x-ray tube, that utilizes a diaphragm for maintaining constant liquid pressure in the reservoir. The sealing system of embodiments of the present invention contains liquid that leaks from the reservoir as a result of rupture or other failure of the diaphragm. In one embodiment, a diaphragm cooperates with an outer housing of an x-ray tube to define a reservoir for containing a cooling liquid. The diaphragm sealing system surrounds the diaphragm and includes a semi-permeable membrane that enables air to pass through to the diaphragm to expose it to atmospheric pressure for proper operation thereof. Upon diaphragm failure, the membrane has hydrophobic and oleophobic properties to prevent cooling liquid from escaping the diaphragm sealing system, and hence, the x-ray tube, thereby preventing the cooling liquid from presenting a health or safety hazard.
X-Ray Tube Having A Dual Grid And Dual Filament Cathode
Application
#2016021 Jul 28, 2016
Filed
Jan 28, 2015
Inventor
Bradley D. Canfield (Orem, UT)
Appl. No.
14/607942
Assignee
Bradley D. Canfield (Orem, UT)
International Classification
H01J 35/04, H01J 9/18, H01J 35/06, H01J 9/04
Abstract
A cathode head can include: a first electron emitter filament having a first size; a first grid pair defining walls of a first filament slot having the first filament therein, each grid member of the first grid pair being electronically coupled to different voltage sources; a second electron emitter filament; and a second grid pair defining walls of a second filament slot having the first electron emitter therein, each grid member of the second grid pair being electronically coupled to different voltage sources. The first grid pair can have a first and second grid members; and the second grid pair can have the second grid member and a third grid member. The first grid member and third grid member are electronically coupled to the same voltage source and the second grid member being electronically coupled to a different voltage source.
Cathode Assembly For An X-Ray Tube
Application
#8451976 May 28, 2013
Filed
Jul 30, 2010
Inventor
Bradley D. Canfield (Orem, UT) ·
Bradley D. Canfield (Orem, UT)
Appl. No.
12/847947
Assignee
Varian Medical Systems, Inc. (Palo Alto, CA)
International Classification
H01J 35/06
U.S. Classification
378136, 378138
Abstract
A cathode assembly for an x-ray tube. In one example embodiment, a cathode assembly includes a cathode head, a filament, and first and second focusing tabs. The cathode head defines a recess having first and second open ends, a slot within the recess, and first and second tab stops within the recess. The filament is positioned within the slot. The first focusing tab is positioned in the first open end of the recess abutting the first tab stop. The second focusing tab is positioned in the second open end of the recess abutting the second tab stop.
X-Ray Tube Having Magnetic Quadrupoles For Focusing And Steering
Application
#2015018 Jul 2, 2015
Filed
Mar 17, 2015
Inventor
Bradley D. Canfield (Orem, UT)
Appl. No.
14/660625
Assignee
Bradley D. Canfield (Orem, UT)
International Classification
H01J 35/14, H05G 1/10
Abstract
An X-ray tube comprising: a cathode including an emitter; an anode; a first magnetic quadrupole formed on a first yoke and having a magnetic quadrupole gradient for focusing an electron beam in a first direction and defocusing the beam in a second direction; a second magnetic quadrupole formed on a second yoke and having a magnetic quadrupole gradient for focusing the electron beam in the second direction and defocusing the electron beam in the first direction; wherein a combination of the first and second magnetic quadrupoles provides a net focusing effect in both first and second directions of a focal spot of the electron beam; and a pair of opposing quadrupole electromagnetic coils having alternating current offset being configured to deflect the electron beam in order to shift the focal spot of the electron beam on a target.
Integral X-Ray Tube Shielding For High-Voltage X-Ray Tube Cables
Application
#2007029 Dec 20, 2007
Filed
Jun 15, 2006
Inventor
Bradley D. Canfield (Orem, UT)
Appl. No.
11/424439
Assignee
VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (Palo Alto, CA)
International Classification
H05G 1/06
U.S. Classification
378194
Abstract
A shielded high-voltage cable connector assembly configured and arranged to control the unintended emission of x-rays from certain regions of an x-ray tube. The cable connector assembly includes a body comprising a material that is substantially non-transmissive to x-rays. The body is configured accommodate a plurality of conductive elements and position the plurality of conductive elements to interface with corresponding conductive elements of an x-ray device. The cable connector assembly can also include a connector housing filled with a material that is substantially non-transmissive to x-rays.
An integrated fluid pump for use in circulating a coolant in an x-ray tube is disclosed. The pump includes a pump body, a pump head, and a motor. The pump head defines a pump volume and further includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and an impeller positioned in the pump volume that is rotatably driven by the motor to receive coolant from the fluid inlet and eject the fluid via the fluid outlet. The pump is structurally integrated with an outer housing of the x-ray tube, the outer housing containing the coolant. In one embodiment, the fluid inlet and a portion of the pump volume are defined by a portion of the outer housing of the x-ray tube. This integration makes the structural completeness of the fluid pump dependent on the outer housing or other suitable x-ray tube component.
