Patent ID: 7346147
Filing Date: 2008-03-18
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
1. An X-ray tube for providing a source of X-rays to a target, said tube comprising, a) a cylinder-shaped housing; b) an elongated cathode assembly, an elongated filament and an elongated cylindrical anode concentrically mounted within said housing; c) a high voltage receptacle for connecting high voltage power to said cathode assembly, filament and anode; d) said filament comprising an elongated straight linear element and extending along the longitudinal axis of said housing, said cathode and said anode; e) a tension spring means affixed to one end of the filament for maintaining said filament taut when said filament expands as said filament is heated by a power source; f) said filament, when energized and heated, providing electrons along its linear length in a 360 degree arc; and g) said anode receiving said electrons and generating X-rays in a 360 degree arc in response to said electrons along the length of said anode.