Prior art

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Here's an analysis of the most relevant prior art for US Patent 7,302,042, based on the citations within the patent itself:

US Patent 7,302,042: Remote bladder venting and containment system

• Inventors: Wayne Rollins Hansen, Ricky Smith
• Assignee: Varian Medical Systems Inc.
• Filing Date: 2006-04-28
• Publication Date: 2007-11-27
• Abstract: The patent describes a system for remotely venting an expansion bladder in a liquid-filled container, specifically an x-ray tube. The remote venting allows the bladder to be positioned in a radiation-shielded area while the vent itself is in an unshielded area, thus avoiding compromising the shielding. A semi-permeable membrane in the vent prevents liquid escape in case of bladder rupture.

Most Relevant Prior Art Citations:

1. US 6,366,642 B1:

   • Full Citation: US 6,366,642 B1 to Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
   • Publication/Filing Date: 2002-04-02 (Publication Date); 2001-01-16 (Priority Date)
   • Brief Description: This patent describes an X-ray tube cooling system. It is cited as prior art regarding general x-ray tube cooling systems and the challenges of heat dissipation. The patent abstract of US7302042B2 also specifically defines an "x-ray tube" as containing an evacuated enclosure, electron source, and anode, which aligns with the components found in the cooling system described in US6366642B1.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US 6,366,642 B1 could potentially anticipate aspects of claims related to the general structure and cooling of an x-ray tube with a cooling liquid and an evacuated enclosure (e.g., elements of claims 1, 8, and 14 related to an "outer housing containing a coolant" and an "evacuated enclosure disposed in the outer housing so as to be at least in partial fluid communication with the coolant"). However, it does not appear to describe the remote venting or containment features that are central to the novelty of US 7,302,042.

2. US 6,529,579 B1:

   • Full Citation: US 6,529,579 B1 to Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
   • Publication/Filing Date: 2003-03-04 (Publication Date); 2000-03-15 (Priority Date)
   • Brief Description: This patent also describes a cooling system for high-power x-ray tubes. Like US 6,366,642 B1, it provides context for existing x-ray tube cooling technologies. The patent's description notes that maintaining consistent liquid pressure in the reservoir (or outer housing) is an important aspect of managing high power x-ray tube cooling.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US 6,366,642 B1, this patent could potentially anticipate the fundamental elements of an x-ray tube cooling system, including an outer housing, coolant, and evacuated enclosure (e.g., elements of claims 1, 8, and 14). However, it does not disclose the specific remote venting and liquid containment mechanism provided by a semi-permeable membrane as claimed in US 7,302,042.

It's important to note that while these patents are cited as prior art, the claims of US 7,302,042 aim to distinguish themselves by introducing the remote bladder venting and containment system (specifically using a semi-permeable membrane to prevent liquid escape and allowing the bladder to be placed in a shielded region). Therefore, direct anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102 would require these prior art references to disclose all elements of a given claim. If they do not, an obviousness argument under 35 U.S.C. § 103 might be considered, potentially combining elements from multiple references or general knowledge in the field.