X-ray or gamma ray systems or devices – Source – Electron tube
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-24
2001-02-20
Church, Craig E. (Department: 2876)
X-ray or gamma ray systems or devices
Source
Electron tube
C378S125000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06192107
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to X-ray tubes and particularly to a liquid metal cooled anode concept for X-ray tube application.
In the X-ray tube art, conventionally cooled tubes are reaching their limit in power dissipation. Future X-ray tubes will be required to operate under ever-increasing power demands and at noise levels below 55 Db.
Liquid metal may be capable of extracting heat from the anode portion of the X-ray tube, and also possibly allow the bearings to run more quietly. However, technical problems associated with such technology have not been effectively overcome. Furthermore, the cost of manufacture for potential designs can be prohibitive and restrictive.
It would be desirable, then, to be able to apply a liquid metal cooled anode concept to effectively cool X-ray tubes. It would further be desirable to apply such a liquid cooled anode concept which has the effect of increasing the power dissipation of the tube.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Liquid cooled metal technology is used for extracting heat from the anode of an X-ray tube.
A system and method are provided for cooling the anode of an X-ray tube. A bearing shaft associated with the anode has an associated single rotating seal there around, and contains a liquid metal. A primary liquid metal flow path is used to transfer heat from the anode, and a secondary liquid metal flow path is provided to seal the single rotating seal.
Accordingly, the present invention provides an effective means for containing liquid metal in the bearing shaft of an anode assembly, and using the liquid metal to cool the anode of the X-ray tube.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5541975 (1996-07-01), Anderson
Derakhshan Mark O.
Ganin Eti
Neitzke Paul E.
Price Michael J.
Rogers Carey S.
Cabou Christian G.
Church Craig E.
General Electric Company
JoanHaushalter Barbara
Price Phyllis Y.
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