US 6,983,035 B2
Extended multi-spot computed tomography x-ray source
John Scott Price, Wauwatosa, Wis. (US); Wayne Frederick Block, Sussex, Wis. (US); and Mark Vermilyea, Niskayuna, N.Y. (US)
Assigned to GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC, Waukesha, Wis. (US)
Filed on Sep. 24, 2003, as Appl. No. 10/669,613.
Prior Publication US 2005/0063514 A1, Mar. 24, 2005
Int. Cl. H01J 35/08 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 378—124 25 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An extended multi-spot x-ray source for computed tomography or volume computed tomography imaging, comprising:
an electron gun for producing a plurality of electron beams, each electron beam focused at a predetermined distance and aimed in a predetermined direction;
a plurality of targets positioned to receive the electron beams and generate x-rays in response thereto, each target comprising a predetermined focal spot thereon, and at least one target configured to let electron beams pass therethrough and strike another target at predetermined intervals; and
means for synchronizing each electron beam to strike, at a predetermined time, a predetermined target comprising a predetermined focal spot thereon wherein at least one target comprises a cut-out section that allows electron beams to pass therethrough and strike another target at predetermined intervals.