Gerald T Carlson

US Patent:

6445769, Sep 3, 2002

Filed:

Oct 25, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/696413

Inventors:

Cheryl L. Panasik - Elburn IL
Thomas R. Miller - St. Charles IL
Gerald J. Carlson - Aurora IL

Assignee:

Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. - Eindhoven

International Classification:

H01J 3510

US Classification:

378130, 378141

Abstract:

A high energy x-ray tube includes an evacuated chamber ( ) containing a rotor ( ) which rotates an anode ( ) through a stream of electrons (A) in order to generate an x-ray beam (B). The rotor includes a bearing assembly (C) having a hollow bearing shaft ( ) centrally aligned with a longitudinal axis (Z) of the rotor. The bearing shaft includes an interior annular wall ( ) having an inner surface which defines a central bore ( ). The bearing shaft has an outer surface ( ), which with an inner surface of the bearing shaft, defines an annular chamber ( ). An opening ( ) is provided at the forward end of the annular wall to provide access from the central bore to the annular chamber. During exhaust processing, baking cycles, and normal operation of the x-ray tube, a pump ( ) forces a cooling medium through the central bore, through the opening of the annular wall, and into the annular chamber. The cooling medium exits through channels ( ). While in the annular chamber, the cooling medium cools a plurality of forward and rearward lubricated bearings ( F, R) located adjacent an outer surface of the hollow bearing shaft.