X-ray generator

• US 6,188,747 B1
• Filed: 01/25/1999
• Issued: 02/13/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 01/24/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Heimann Systems GmbH
• Original Assignee: Heimann Systems GmbH
• Inventors: Foos, Kurt, Geus, Georg
• Primary Examiner(s): Porta, David P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Ho, Allen C.
• Application Number:
  US09/236,458
• Time in Patent Office: 750 Days
• Field of Search: 378/98.9, 378/119, 378/121, 378/124, 378/134, 378/136, 378/143, 378/144
• US Class Current: 378/124
• CPC Class Codes: H01J 2235/068 Multi-cathode assembly
• CPC Class Codes: H01J 35/112 Non-rotating anodes H01J35/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01J 35/16 Vessels; Containers; Shields associated therewith

Abstract

An X-ray generating system includes a first high-voltage source generating a first high voltage; a second high=voltage source generating a second high voltage different from the first high voltage; and an X-ray generator. The X-ray generator includes a first assembly having a first cathode and a first anode for emitting a first X-ray beam from a first focal point on the first anode upon application of the first high voltage to the first assembly. The X-ray generator further includes a second assembly having a second cathode and a second anode for emitting a second X-ray beam from a second focal point on the second anode upon application of the second high voltage to the second assembly. The two X-ray beams exit the X-ray generator parallel to one another.

Claims

1. An X-ray generating system comprising

(a) a first high-voltage source generating a first high voltage;

(b) a second high-voltage source generating a second high voltage different from said first high voltage; and

(c) an X-ray generator including

(1) a first assembly having

(i) a first cathode; and

(ii) a first anode emitting a first X-ray beam from a first focal point of said first anode upon application of said first high voltage to said first assembly;

(2) a second assembly having

(i) a second cathode; and

(ii) a second anode emitting a second X-ray beam from a second focal point of said second anode parallel to said first X-ray beam upon application of said second high voltage to said second assembly; and

(3) an anode head carrying said first and second anodes and disposed between said first and second cathodes.

2. The X-ray generating systems as defined in claim 1, wherein said anode head is of copper.

3. The X-ray generating system as defined in claim 1, further comprising a shielding hood at least partially surrounding said anode head;

said anode head having first and second apertures aligned with respective said first and second focal points for allowing passage of said first and second X-ray beams through said shielding hood;

said first and second apertures constituting collimators.

4. The X-ray generating system as defined in claim 3, wherein said shielding hood surrounds said anode head on three side thereof.

5. The X-ray generating systems as defined in claim 3, wherein said shielding hood further has

(a) a third aperture aligned with said first cathode and said first anode and being oriented perpendicularly to said first aperture; and

(b) a fourth aperture aligned with said second cathode and said second anode and being oriented perpendicularly to said second aperture.

6. The X-ray generating system as defined in claim 3, wherein said shielding hood entirely surrounds said anode head.

7. The X-ray generating system as defined in claim 3, wherein said shielding hood is of a heavy metal.

8. The X-ray generating systems as defined in claim 7, wherein said heavy metal is a heavy-isotope tungsten.