Abstract:
In a multi-source radiation generating apparatus including a plurality of combinations of a cathode and a target, an extraction electrode is disposed for a plurality of cathodes in common. When a potential of the extraction electrode is constant, potentials for the cathodes are selectively switched between a cutoff potential which is higher than the potential of the extraction electrode and an emission potential which is lower than the potential of the extraction electrode.
Abstract:
A microminiature X-ray tube with a triode structure using a nano emitter is provided, which can increase a field emission region as much as possible by means of nano emitters fine-patterned in a cathode to not only increase an emission current per unit area as much as possible but secure high electrical characteristics, reliability, and structural stability by means of a cover and a bonding material. In addition, gate holes having a macro structure can be formed in the gate to promote electron beam focusing by means of the gate without using a separate focusing electrode and to prevent a leakage current from occurring on the gate. Further, an auxiliary electrode can be formed on a top or an inner surface of a cover applied for structural stability to further promote the electron beam focusing and to control the output amounts per individual X-ray tubes output according to current switching to be equal to each other.
Abstract:
In a miniature x-ray tube, which may be on the order of approximately 1 mm in diameter or even less, a high voltage cable is provided in various embodiments for conducting current to the cathode of the x-ray tube and for conducting high voltage to the cathode and anode of the tube. In various embodiments of the cable, two conductors occupy a center region of the cable, packed as closely together as possible, in various shapes that are compact and present as smooth as possible an external shape for maximizing dielectric properties against the exterior high voltage ground, surrounding and generally concentric with the inner conductors. The inner conductors, which carry high voltage in opposition to the outer ground, can be in opposed D shapes, coaxial, two flattened conductors side by side, or simply a pair of cylindrical wires positioned as closely as possible. The space between the inner conductors and the outer ground can be occupied by a glass insulator, polymer, successive layers of polymers and adhesive, air, gas, vacuum or other dielectrics. A partially conductive region can surround the inner conductors.
Abstract:
Medical system comprising a hollow catheter 14, for insertion into a human or animal body, and an elongated x-ray tube unit 12 provided with an x-ray tube 16 at its distal end and adapted to be inserted into the catheter. A distal pole 8 of the x-ray tube is connectable to a connection means 22 in said catheter, wherein the x-ray tube is energised via a single electrical conductor 18 in said x-ray tube unit connected to the proximal pole and via said connection means.
Abstract:
A surgical apparatus has a body portion that includes a shaft terminating in a distal head or tip and a means for directing light radiation from the apparatus onto the lining of a body cavity for treating an ailment in a body cavity of a patient as for example a gastrointestinal ailment of a patient such as gastritis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, gastric cancer, gastric lymphoma, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease as well as for treating diseases of the circulatory system, urogenital systems and other body cavities. The method of use of the apparatus comprises inserting the shaft of the apparatus into a body cavity, e.g., stomach or colon, of the patient to place the distal tip of the shaft in the desired position. The body cavity of the patient is then irradiated with light radiation so as to kill or debilitate microorganisms lining the body cavity without serious destruction of the body tissue of the patient to thereby improve or alleviate one or more of the symptoms of the ailment. A probiotic comprising innocuous bacteria can be administered to the patient to reestablish the growth of normal microbial flora when used in the gastrointestinal tract.
Abstract:
An apparatus provides in-situ radiation treating utilizing a miniature energy transducer to produce x-rays, wherein the energy transducer includes a Schottky cathode tip. More specifically, the energy transducer includes a transducer body, an anode provided at a first end of the transducer body, and a cathode provided at a second end of the transducer body opposite the anode. The energy transducer is coupled to an energy source by a flexible insertion device. The energy source provides electrical and/or light signals to the energy transducer via the flexible insertion device. Light transmitted from the energy source to the energy transducer by the flexible insertion device is focused on a Schottky cathode tip of the cathode by the optical fiber provided in the hollow core of the anode. The application of the light signal to the cathode tip results in heating of the tip and along with the electric field generated by the acceleration voltage it leads to electron Schottky emission and electron acceleration towards the anode. In another preferred embodiment, an electrical current, transmitted from the energy source to the energy transducer by the flexible insertion device, is applied to the Schottky cathode tip of the cathode, causing thermo-emission. The electrons generated due to this process are accelerated towards the anode across a voltage difference between the anode and the cathode.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for delivering localized x-ray radiation to the interior of a body includes a plurality of x-ray sources disposed in a distal portion of a flexible catheter shaft. The plurality of x-ray sources are secured to a flexible cord disposed longitudinally throughout at least a portion of the shaft. The plurality of x-ray sources are electrically coupled to a control circuit for activating specific ones of the plurality of x-ray sources in order to customize the irradiation of the interior of the body.
Abstract:
In a multi-source radiation generating apparatus including a plurality of combinations of a cathode and a target, an extraction electrode is disposed for a plurality of cathodes in common. When a potential of the extraction electrode is constant, potentials for the cathodes are selectively switched between a cutoff potential which is higher than the potential of the extraction electrode and an emission potential which is lower than the potential of the extraction electrode.
Abstract:
The present invention provides apparatus and method for providing a stabilized x-ray output from a field emission x-ray apparatus by monitoring the operating current and adjusting the gap between the anode and cathode to stabilize the output.
Abstract:
A miniature x-ray tube has an anode assembly capable of transmitting x-rays through the anode and over a wide angular range. The anode is in the shape of a cone or truncated cone with an axis on the x-ray tube frame axis, formed of low-Z material with high thermal conductivity for heat dissipation. A target material on the anode body is in a thin layer, which may be approximately 0.5 to 5 microns thick. In one embodiment a tube evacuation exhaust port at the tail end of the anode assembly forms a cavity for a getter, with a pinched-off tubulation at the end of the cavity.