Patent ID: 8027433

Claim:
An x-ray imaging system comprising: a detector positioned to receive x-rays; an x-ray tube coupled to a mount structure and configured to generate x-rays toward the detector, the x-ray tube comprising: a target; a cathode cup; an emitter attached to the cathode cup and configured to emit a beam of electrons toward the target, the emitter having a length and a width; and a one-dimensional grid positioned between the emitter and the target and attached to the cathode cup at one or more attachment points, the one-dimensional grid comprising: a plurality of rungs that each extend in a direction of the width of the emitter; a pair of mounting beams, wherein each of the plurality of rungs comprises at least one end flexibly, slidably or springably attached to a respective one of the mounting beams such that the plurality of rungs are configured to expand and contract relative to the one or more attachment points without substantial distortion with respect to the emitter.