US3894239A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Monochromatic x-ray generator
Assignee: Varian Medical Systems Inc
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Filing: 1973-09-04
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Granted: 1975-07-08
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Expires: 1993-09-04
Abstract
Abstract An x-ray generator in which a moving target is illuminated by a beam of electrons having a predetermined energy. The target is in the form of a thin foil of a material which emits fluorescent xradiation when illuminated by electrons having the predetermined energy. The target is sufficiently thin so that a substantial amount of the fluorescent radiation is emitted on the side opposite to the side being illuminated while bremsstrahlung radiation, to which the target is relatively opaque, is attenuated thereby providing for a greater percentage of radiation from the fluorescent portion of the spectrum. In addition, the target is inclined at an angle relative to an exit port of the generator for still greater attenuation of the bremsstrahlung with substantially no additional attenuation of the fluorescent radiation to which the target is substantially transparent. Highly monochromatic x-rays are thereby produced.
Inventors
- 👤 Martin Braun
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 19:21
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01J; H01J35/00; H01J35/24; H01J35/26; H01J35/02; H01J35/16; H01J35/18; H05; H05G; H05G1/00; H05G1/02; H05G1/04; H01J35/04; H01J35/08; H01J35/112; H01J35/116
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
An x-ray generator comprising: means for generating a beam of electrons having a predetermined energy; a target comprising a material which emits fluorescent xradiation when illuminated on a first side thereof with electrons of said predetermined energy, the width of said target being many times greater than its depth, at least a portion of said radiation being emitted from a second side of said target opposite said first side; a housing opaque to said radiation enclosing said target, said housing having a window transparent to said radiation; means for moving said target through said beam, said moving means including means for orienting said target such that said second side thereof is angled relative to said window to permit only those rays of said radiation emitted at a glancing angle from said second side to exit said housing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
137 words
An x-ray generator comprising: means for generating a beam of electrons having a predetermined energy; a target comprising a material which emits fluorescent xradiation when illuminated on a first side thereof with electrons of said predetermined energy, the width of said target being many times greater than its depth, at least a portion of said radiation being emitted from a second side of said target opposite said first side; a housing opaque to said radiation enclosing said target, said housing having a window transparent to said radiation; means for moving said target through said beam, said moving means including means for orienting said target such that said second side thereof is angled relative to said window to permit only those rays of said radiation emitted at a glancing angle from said second side to exit said housing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A generator according to claim 1 wherein the depth of said target is in the range of approximately 10 to 40 micrometers.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
A generator according to claim 2 wherein the material of the target includes an element having an atomic number drawn from the range of atomic numbers of approximately 40-46 and 57-71.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
79 words
In combination: a target comprising a material which emits fluorescent x-radiation when illuminated on a first side thereof with electrons of a predetermined energy, at least a portion of said radiation being emitted from a second side of said target opposite said first side; means for moving said target through said beam of electrons; and window means for transmitting the portion of the rays of said radiation emitted in a glancing direction from said second side of said target.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
79 words
In combination: a target comprising a material which emits fluorescent x-radiation when illuminated on a first side thereof with electrons of a predetermined energy, at least a portion of said radiation being emitted from a second side of said target opposite said first side; means for moving said target through said beam of electrons; and window means for transmitting the portion of the rays of said radiation emitted in a glancing direction from said second side of said target.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
A combination according to claim 4 wherein said selecting means comprises a housing opaque to said radiation enclosing said target, said housing having a window transparent to said radiation emitted in said direction.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
A combination according to claim 5 wherein said moving means includes means for positioning said target such that said second side thereof is oriented obliquely relative to said window.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
A combination according to claim 6 wherein said positioning means is in the form of a substrate for supporting said target, said target being formed by diffusing said fluorescent material into said substrate.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
42 words
A combination according to claim 7 wherein said oblique orientation is an angle in the range of 70* to 85* between a normal to the surface of said second side of said target and a normal to the surface of said window.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-07-07 | 1979-01-06 | 1979-07-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-07-07 | 1983-01-06 | 1983-07-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-07-07 | 1987-01-06 | 1987-07-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |