A liquid metal or spiral groove bearing structure for an x-ray tube and associated process for manufacturing the bearing structure is provided in which journal bearing sleeve is formed with a number of structures thereon that function to dissipate heat transmitted to the sleeve during operation of the bearing assembly within the x-ray tube to minimize thermal deformation of the sleeve, thereby minimizing gap size alteration within the bearing assembly. The structures formed within the sleeve are slots disposed within the section of the sleeve in which the highest temperature gradients develop. The slots enable an increase in thermal conductance away from the sleeve while minimizing the stresses created from the deformation of the portion(s) of the sleeve between the slots.

A rolling bearing device includes a rotary shaft; a housing; a pair of rolling bearings; an outer ring spacer; an elastic member provided in a bottom side of the housing, the bottom side of the housing being a second axial side of the housing, and the elastic member being configured to urge the rolling bearings, the outer ring spacer, and the rotary shaft toward a first axial side; and a retaining ring that is fitted into a circumferential groove provided on an inner periphery in the first axial side of the housing, the retaining ring being in axial contact with the outer ring of the rolling bearing located on the first axial side, and the retaining ring including at least three arc members arranged in a circumferential direction.

Liquid metal bearing assemblies and methods for operation of said assemblies are provided. One example liquid metal bearing assembly includes a liquid metal interface positioned between a stationary component and a rotational component. The rotational component includes a liquid metal reservoir configured to contain a liquid metal and positioned radially inward from the liquid metal interface, a liquid metal passage extending between the liquid metal reservoir and the liquid metal interface, and an anti-wetting surface in the liquid metal passage.

A rolling bearing of the present invention includes an inner ring, an outer ring and a rolling element which are all made of a steel material, and (A) a surface of the rolling element is formed with an Ag coating film, and a raceway of at least one of the inner ring and the outer ring is formed with a Cr coating film or (B) a surface of the rolling element is formed with a Cr coating film, and a raceway of at least one of the inner ring and the outer ring is formed with a Cr coating film.

Some embodiments include an x-ray system, comprising: a structure having a hole having an axially extending wall; and a nozzle disposed in the hole; wherein the nozzle and the axially extending wall form a plurality of axially extending helical fluid channels. Some embodiments include an x-ray system formed by shaping tubing to form a plurality of axially extending helical flutes; and forming a plurality of axially extending helical fluid channels by inserting the shaped tubing into a hole in a structure.

A liquid metal or spiral groove bearing structure for an x-ray tube and associated process for manufacturing the bearing structure is provided in which journal bearing sleeve is formed with a number of structures thereon that function to dissipate heat transmitted to the sleeve during operation of the bearing assembly within the x-ray tube to minimize thermal deformation of the sleeve, thereby minimizing gap size alteration within the bearing assembly. The structures formed within the sleeve are slots disposed within the section of the sleeve in which the highest temperature gradients develop. The slots enable an increase in thermal conductance away from the sleeve while minimizing the stresses created from the deformation of the portion(s) of the sleeve between the slots.

A liquid metal or spiral groove bearing structure for an x-ray tube and associated process for manufacturing the bearing structure is provided in which journal bearing sleeve is formed with a number of structures thereon that function to dissipate heat transmitted to the sleeve during operation of the bearing assembly within the x-ray tube to minimize thermal deformation of the sleeve, thereby minimizing gap size alteration within the bearing assembly. The structures formed within the sleeve are slots disposed within the section of the sleeve in which the highest temperature gradients develop. The slots enable an increase in thermal conductance away from the sleeve while minimizing the stresses created from the deformation of the portion(s) of the sleeve between the slots.

A rolling bearing device includes a rotary shaft; a housing; a pair of rolling bearings; an outer ring spacer; an elastic member provided in a bottom side of the housing, the bottom side of the housing being a second axial side of the housing, and the elastic member being configured to urge the rolling bearings, the outer ring spacer, and the rotary shaft toward a first axial side; and a retaining ring that is fitted into a circumferential groove provided on an inner periphery in the first axial side of the housing, the retaining ring being in axial contact with the outer ring of the rolling bearing located on the first axial side, and the retaining ring including at least three arc members arranged in a circumferential direction.

In one embodiment, a rotating anode type X-ray tube comprises a fixed shaft having a first surface, a rotor, a cathode emitting electrons, and an anode target. The rotor comprises a first cylinder having a second surface, a second cylinder, and a third cylinder. A first threaded portion on an inner surface of the first cylinder and a second threaded portion on an outer peripheral surface of the third cylinder are tightened. A screw member is screwed in a third threaded portion on an inner peripheral surface of a hole which penetrates the third cylinder, and a tip portion of the screw member presses the second cylinder against the second surface.

A liquid metal or spiral groove bearing structure for an x-ray tube and associated process for manufacturing the bearing structure is provided in which journal bearing sleeve is formed with a number of structures thereon that function to dissipate heat transmitted to the sleeve during operation of the bearing assembly within the x-ray tube to minimize thermal deformation of the sleeve, thereby minimizing gap size alteration within the bearing assembly. The structures formed within the sleeve are slots disposed within the section of the sleeve in which the highest temperature gradients develop. The slots enable an increase in thermal conductance away from the sleeve while minimizing the stresses created from the deformation of the portion(s) of the sleeve between the slots.