Systems and methods related to hydrodynamic bearings are provided. One example system includes a hydrodynamic bearing including a rotational component configured to attach to an anode and a stationary component. The stationary component includes a bearing surface having a plurality of grooves configured to generate pressure in a fluid interface during rotation of the rotational component and where the bearing surface includes at least one recessed section profiled based on an expected pattern of wear.

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.

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 ring seal is engaged with a liquid metal bearing assembly and operates to contain metal fluid lubricant leaking through the primary compression seals of a liquid metal bearing to prevent the fluid from entering the high voltage space within the x-ray tube and causing high voltage instability. The ring seal engages the existing configuration for the bearing assembly without deforming the bearing, including effects of thermal expansion and inertial body forces, thus maintaining the tight tolerances for the proper operation of the component parts of the bearing structure. The ring seal retains the leaking liquid metal within the ring seal regardless of the operating state and/or condition of the bearing assembly, such as during operating conditions. i.e., rotation of the bearing assembly or gantry, and non-operating conditions, e.g., shipping and stand-by, and regardless of the corresponding pressures and their locations exerted on the ring seal by the liquid metal.

An X-ray tube is provided. The X-ray tube includes a bearing configured to couple to an anode. The bearing includes a stationary member, a rotary member configured to rotate with respect to the stationary member during operation of the X-ray tube, and a support feature configured to minimize bending moment along a surface of the stationary member to reduce deflection of the stationary member relative to the rotary member due to radial loads during operation of the X-ray tube.

An X-ray tube is provided. The X-ray tube includes a bearing configured to couple to an anode. The bearing includes a stationary member, a rotary member configured to rotate with respect to the stationary member during operation of the X-ray tube, and a support feature configured to minimize bending moment along a surface of the stationary member to reduce deflection of the stationary member relative to the rotary member due to radial loads during operation of the X-ray tube.

An X-ray tube is provided. The X-ray tube includes a bearing configured to couple to an anode. The bearing includes a stationary member, a rotary member configured to rotate with respect to the stationary member during operation of the X-ray tube, and a support feature configured to minimize bending moment along a surface of the stationary member to reduce deflection of the stationary member relative to the rotary member due to radial loads during operation of the X-ray tube.

A rotary x-ray anode with an integrated liquid metal bearing outer shell has an anode disc made of Mo or a Mo-based alloy formed with a hole, which is formed centrally in the region of the axis of rotation and extends in the axial direction at least through part of the anode disc, and a bearing bushing made of Mo or a Mo-based alloy. The bearing bushing is connected to the anode disc via a material bond and its inner wall extends the hole in the anode disc. At least an axial portion of an inner wall of the hole in the anode disc and at least an axial portion of an inner wall of the bearing bushing are formed circumferentially as a liquid metal bearing running surface and they form at least a part of a liquid metal bearing outer shell. There is also described a corresponding production method.

A ring seal is engaged with a liquid metal bearing assembly and operates to contain metal fluid lubricant leaking through the primary compression seals of a liquid metal bearing to prevent the fluid from entering the high voltage space within the x-ray tube and causing high voltage instability. The ring seal engages the existing configuration for the bearing assembly without deforming the bearing, including effects of thermal expansion and inertial body forces, thus maintaining the tight tolerances for the proper operation of the component parts of the bearing structure. The ring seal retains the leaking liquid metal within the ring seal regardless of the operating state and/or condition of the bearing assembly, such as during operating conditions. i.e., rotation of the bearing assembly or gantry, and non-operating conditions, e.g., shipping and stand-by, and regardless of the corresponding pressures and their locations exerted on the ring seal by the liquid metal.

An X-ray emitter has a rotating anode rotatably mounted inside an X-ray tube by way of a multi-sliding surface bearing. The multi-sliding surface bearing has an inner and an outer sliding surface which are mounted so they can rotate relative to each other about an axis of rotation such that a gap is formed between the inner and outer sliding surfaces. A contour of the inner sliding surface, in a plane running perpendicular to the axis of rotation, is formed at least in certain sections by arc-shaped segments which are each centered around center points that are offset from each other.