Steven M Fleming

US Patent:

62122568, Apr 3, 2001

Filed:

Nov 25, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/199954

Inventors:

Diane Marie Miesbauer - Brookfield WI
Hubert Anthony Zettel - Waukesha WI
David Lee Southgate - Pewaukee WI
Steven John Fleming - Hartland WI

Assignee:

GE Medical Global Technology Company, LLC - Waukesha WI

International Classification:

H05G 154

US Classification:

378118

Abstract:

A system for managing replacement of x-ray tubes, such as in medical diagnostic systems, includes circuitry for monitoring operating parameters of the x-ray tubes, and circuitry for analyzing the monitored parameters and scheduling for tube replacement based upon predicted failure. The scheduling circuitry may be located in a remote service center and is linked to the diagnostic systems via a network connection. A failure prediction circuit may be located at the remote service center or local to the diagnostic system. Upon identifying a predicted tube failure, replacement of the tube is scheduled and shipment of a replacement tube is ordered. Service personnel may be notified automatically to coordinate tube replacement. Electronic messages may be transmitted to the service personnel and to personnel in the facility where the x-ray tube is installed to notify all parties of the scheduled tube replacement.