Liquid metal containment in an X-ray tube

摘要

Liquid metal containment in an x-ray tube. In one example embodiment, an x-ray tube anode assembly includes a shaft terminated by a head and an anode connected to an anode hub. The anode hub is at least partially surrounding the head of the shaft. The anode hub is configured to contain a volume of a liquid metal and to rotate around the stationary shaft. The anode hub may also define a catch space within the anode hub that is configured to catch the liquid metal in order to contain the liquid metal within the hub while in a non-rotating state and regardless of the orientation of the x-ray tube anode assembly.

主权项

1. An x-ray tube anode assembly comprising:
an anode hub defining an opening configured to receive a shaft; the anode hub configured to retain a volume of a liquid metal when the anode hub rotates around the shaft; and a diaphragm configured to substantially create a liquid metal seal across the anode hub opening when the anode hub is at rest.