Michael S Price

US Patent:

6390875, May 21, 2002

Filed:

Mar 24, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/535019

Inventors:

John M. Warren - Waukesha WI
Michael Price - Brookfield WI
Martin W. Plutowski - Waukesha WI

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Waukesha WI

International Classification:

H01J 3510

US Classification:

445 28, 378127, 378129

Abstract:

A method is provided for enhancing heat transfer within an X-ray vacuum tube, from a hot component such as the rotating anode assembly to a cooler component such as the metal tube housing, by increasing surface emissivity of respective components. The method comprises the steps of fabricating each component from an alloy containing a specified minimum amount of chromium, and then implementing a first heating operation, wherein a fabricated component is heated in a dry hydrogen atmosphere for a first specified time period. Thereafter, a second heating operation is implemented, wherein the fabricated component is heated in a wet hydrogen atmosphere for a second specified time period. This procedure forms a refractory chromium oxide coating on the component that exhibits high absorption in the NIR region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

US Patent:

6496564, Dec 17, 2002

Filed:

Apr 17, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/836306

Inventors:

Michael J. Price - Brookfield WI
Mark O. Derakhshan - West Allis WI
Wayne F. Block - Sussex WI
Charles B. Kendall - Brookfield WI

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Schenectady NY

International Classification:

H01J 3510

US Classification:

378130, 378141

Abstract:

An x-ray system with an x-ray generating device having improved heat dissipation capabilities. The x-ray generating device includes an x-ray tube mounted in a casing holding a circulating, cooling medium. According to the present invention, the x-ray generating device includes a support mechanism mounted within the x-ray generating device in a manner for adjustably positioning, relative to the casing, the focal spot alignment path of generated x-rays. Additionally, the x-ray generating device includes a cooling mechanism having an inlet chamber for channeling the cooling medium within the support mechanism. Additionally, a cooling stem may be positioned within the inlet chamber to increase the heat exchange surface area exposed to the cooling medium. Thus, the present invention advantageously increases the heat dissipation capability of the x-ray generating device.

US Patent:

6714626, Mar 30, 2004

Filed:

Oct 11, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/065392

Inventors:

Madhusudhana T. Subraya - New Berlin WI
Carey S. Rogers - Waukesha WI
Michael J. Price - Big Bend WI

Assignee:

GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC - Waukesha WI

International Classification:

H01J 3516

US Classification:

378141, 378199, 378119

Abstract:

An x-ray tube window cooling assembly ( ) for an x-ray tube ( ) is provided. The cooling assembly ( ) includes an electron collector body ( ) coupled to an x-ray tube window ( ) and having a first coolant circuit ( ). The coolant circuit ( ) includes a coolant inlet ( ) and a coolant outlet ( ). The coolant outlet ( ) directs coolant at an x-ray tube window surface ( ) to impinge upon and cool the x-ray tube window ( ). The coolant is reflected off the reflection surface ( ) as to impinge upon and cool the x-ray tube window ( ). A method of operating the x-ray tube ( ) is also provided.

US Patent:

61921076, Feb 20, 2001

Filed:

Mar 24, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/275321

Inventors:

Michael J. Price - Brookfield WI
Paul E. Neitzke - Menomenee Falls WI
Mark E. Vermilyea - Miskayana NY
Douglas J. Snyder - Brookfield WI
Carey S. Rogers - Waukesha WI
Eti Ganin - Milwaukee WI
Mark O. Derakhshan - West Allis WI
Stephen S. Waite - Milwaukee WI

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Milwaukee WI

International Classification:

H01J 3510

US Classification:

378130

Abstract:

A system and method are proposed 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.

US Patent:

62495690, Jun 19, 2001

Filed:

Dec 22, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/219219

Inventors:

Michael J. Price - Brookfield WI
Mark O. Derakhshan - West Allis WI
Wayne F. Block - Sussex WI
Charles B. Kendall - Brookfield WI

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Schenectady NY

International Classification:

H01J 3510

US Classification:

378130

Abstract:

An x-ray system with an x-ray generating device having improved heat dissipation capabilities. The x-ray generating device has an x-ray tube mounted in a casing holding a circulating, cooling medium. According to the present invention, the x-ray generating device includes a support mechanism mounted within the x-ray generating device in a manner for adjustably positioning, relative to the casing, the focal spot alignment path of generated x-rays. Additionally, the x-ray generating device includes a cooling mechanism having an inlet chamber for channeling the cooling medium within the support mechanism. Additionally, a cooling stem may be positioned within the inlet chamber to increase the heat exchange surface area exposed to the cooling medium. Thus, the present invention advantageously increases the heat dissipation capability of the x-ray generating device.

US Patent:

6307916, Oct 23, 2001

Filed:

Sep 14, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/395476

Inventors:

Carey S. Rogers - Waukesha WI
Douglas J. Snyder - Brookfield WI
Michael J. Price - Brookfield WI

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Schenectady NY

International Classification:

H01J 3510

US Classification:

378141

Abstract:

An x-ray tube for emitting x-rays which includes an anode assembly and a cathode assembly is disclosed herein. The x-ray tube includes a vacuum vessel, an anode assembly disposed in the vacuum vessel and including a target, a cathode assembly disposed in the vacuum vessel at a distance from the anode assembly, and a heat pipe is supported relative to the anode assembly. The cathode assembly is configured to emit electrons which hit the target of the anode assembly and produce x-rays. The heat pipe transfers thermal energy away from the target through the vacuum vessel. The heat pipe provides for greater thermal transfer down the bearing shaft of the anode assembly, thereby providing greater cooling of the anode assembly.