Low thermal resistance bearing assembly for x-ray device

• Main Author: GREGORY C. ANDREWS
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 25.11.2002
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS; ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS; ELECTRICITY

A bearing assembly for a rotating anode x-ray device. The bearing assembly includes a shaft having a flange at one end for attachment of the anode thereto. The shaft defines front and rear inner races and includes a plurality of extended surfaces. Front and rear outer race elements define front and rear outer races, respectively, corresponding to the front and rear inner races, respectively, defined by the shaft. The front and rear outer race elements cooperate with the shaft to confine front and rear ball sets which facilitate rotary motion of the shaft. A spacer including extended surfaces assists in the positioning of the front and rear outer race elements in a bearing housing. The extended surfaces of the shaft and spacer, in conjunction with emissive coatings provided on various portions of selected components of the bearing assembly, facilitate a relative improvement in heat transfer out of the bearing assembly.