Patent ID: 7286644
Filing Date: 2007-10-23
Classification: H05G

Abstract:
1. A method for controlling relative positioning of components in an x-ray device including a housing wherein an x-ray tube insert, having an anode assembly with a target track and a cathode, is disposed, the method comprising: measuring, at a first temperature, a first axial distance between a predetermined point on the anode assembly and an axial reference point; measuring, at a second temperature, a second axial distance between the predetermined point on the anode assembly and the axial reference point; calculating a change in axial position of the predetermined point of the anode assembly corresponding to the differential between the first and second temperatures; calculating, for the first temperature, a length of the housing, based upon the temperature differential, the change in axial position of the predetermined point of the anode, and a coefficient of thermal expansion of the housing; and determining, based at least in part on the calculated housing length, at least one structural mount position relative to a position at which the anode is attached to the housing such that when a structural mount is attached at the determined structural mount position, control of the relative positioning of the cathode and anode assembly is facilitated for a range of x-ray device operating conditions.