US4017757A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multi-target X-ray tube
Assignee: Varian Medical Systems Inc
•
Filing: 1976-01-02
•
Granted: 1977-04-12
•
Expires: 1996-01-02
Abstract
Abstract An X-ray tube comprising an evacuated envelope having therein a plurality of anode target materials suitably disposed for bombardment by respective electron beams, either simultaneously or alternatively, each of the electron beams being independently variable with respect to one another.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald F. DeCou Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 21:04
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01J; H01J35/00; H01J35/02; H01J35/04; H01J35/16; H01J35/18; H01J35/32
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
A stationary anode X-ray tube comprising: a tubular envelope having an electrically conductive end portion, said end portion being closed by an X-ray transparent window made of electrically conductive material; anode means supported within the envelope and including a plurality of stationary targets disposed in axial alignment with the window; electron emitting means including a plurality of filaments supported within the envelope in radially spaced relationship with the anode means and electrically connected to the window for directing respective electron beams onto the targets, either simultaneously or alternatively; and electrical means connected to the electron emitting means and to anode means for heating the filaments to electron emitting temperatures and for focusing the electron beams onto the respective targets.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
119 words
A stationary anode X-ray tube comprising: a tubular envelope having an electrically conductive end portion, said end portion being closed by an X-ray transparent window made of electrically conductive material; anode means supported within the envelope and including a plurality of stationary targets disposed in axial alignment with the window; electron emitting means including a plurality of filaments supported within the envelope in radially spaced relationship with the anode means and electrically connected to the window for directing respective electron beams onto the targets, either simultaneously or alternatively; and electrical means connected to the electron emitting means and to anode means for heating the filaments to electron emitting temperatures and for focusing the electron beams onto the respective targets.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
An X-ray tube as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of the filaments is disposed with respect to the window and a respective one of the targets for directing an electron beam onto the target.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
An X-ray tube as set forth in claim 1 wherein the targets are made of respective different X-ray generating materials.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
An X-ray tube as set forth in claim 1 wherein the anode means includes a cylindrical support member having a plurality of sloped surfaces aligned with the X-ray transparent window and with respective filaments of the electron emitting means, each sloped surface supporting a respective target.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
An X-ray tube as set forth in claim 4 wherein the cylindrical support member has an angulated end surface including a central peak from which the sloped surfaces diverge with respect to one another, the peak being disposed adjacent the X-ray transparent window.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
An X-ray tube as set forth in claim 5 wherein the filaments are arcuately disposed in an annular array encircling the cylindrical support member and adjacent the sloped surfaces thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
An X-ray tube as set forth in claim 6 wherein the electrical means includes current source means for heating the filaments to electron emitting temperatures, either simultaneously or alternately.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-04-11 | 1980-10-11 | 1981-04-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-04-11 | 1984-10-11 | 1985-04-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-04-11 | 1988-10-11 | 1989-04-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |