Abstract:
A patient alignment system for a radiation therapy system. The alignment system includes multiple external measurement devices which obtain position measurements of components of the radiation therapy system which are movable and/or are subject to flex or other positional variations. The alignment system employs the external measurements to provide corrective positioning feedback to more precisely register the patient and align them with a radiation beam. The alignment system can be provided as an integral part of a radiation therapy system or can be added as an upgrade to existing radiation therapy systems.
Abstract:
A radiation treatment system (100) for accurately delivering radiation to a targeted site within a cancer patient (108) that includes a modular patient support system and a patient positioner (114). The modular patient support system includes a modularly expandable patient pod (200) and at least one immobilization device, such as, for example, a rigid moldable foam cradle (350). The patient pod (200) includes a generally hemi-cylindrical support shell (212) that extends longitudinally between proximal edge (214) and distal edge (216), and transversely between two lateral edges (222, 224). In one embodiment, the lateral edges (222, 224) are tapered to minimize edge effects that result when radiation beams traverse the lateral edges (222, 224).
Abstract:
A patient alignment system for a radiation therapy system. The alignment system includes multiple external measurement devices which obtain position measurements of components of the radiation therapy system which are movable and/or are subject to flex or other positional variations. The alignment system employs the external measurements to provide corrective positioning feedback to more precisely register the patient and align them with a radiation beam. The alignment system can be provided as an integral part of a radiation therapy system or can be added as an upgrade to existing radiation therapy systems.
Abstract:
A filter includes a filter element with an enlarged end cap at one end of a media ring with an elliptical flange set oblique or angled to the longitudinal axis of the element. The flange carries a sealing element, and is closely and sealingly received in a head casting of the filter to divide the head casting into inlet and outlet partitions. The end cap directs fluid from a transverse port in the housing into an axial flow path into the central cavity of the element, where the fluid flows radially outward through the media, and then out through an opposite transverse port in the head casting. The element can be removed when it is spent from the head casting after removal of an end closure.
Abstract:
A patient alignment system for a radiation therapy system. The alignment system includes multiple external measurement devices which obtain position measurements of components of the radiation therapy system which are movable and/or are subject to flex or other positional variations. The alignment system employs the external measurements to provide corrective positioning feedback to more precisely register the patient and align them with a radiation beam. The alignment system can be provided as an integral part of a radiation therapy system or can be added as an upgrade to existing radiation therapy systems.
Abstract:
A system for delivering two types of particles to a target within the body of a patient. A proton beam therapy system produces a beam of protons that is directed from a nozzle towards a target isocenter located within the body of a patient. The beam of protons can pass directly to the patient or pass through a neutron source comprised of a plate of neutron-rich material. Collisions between some of the protons and neutrons cause neutrons to be emitted from the material thereby generating a multiple particle beam comprised of both protons and neutrons. Preferably, the neutrons comprise only a small percent of the total particles in the beam. In the preferred embodiment, the neutron source is comprised of a plate of Beryllium that is interposed between the nozzle and the patient.
Abstract:
A three component bypass valve comprises molded nylon valve body and poppet elements and a retained spring. The valve body includes an annular valve head having a valve seat therein and an integral open sided spring housing in the form of a pair of spaced tracks joined by an end wall. The tracks and end wall serve as a poppet guide and spring retainer, the poppet having notches for mating support surfaces, while the open housing allows pivotal movement of the poppet for ready assembly or replacement of the poppet and spring. The valve head is externally threaded for placement of the valve in a threaded bore of a fluid filter and the like.
Abstract:
Duplex filter apparatus suitable for pressure or suction applications includes dual filter housings and a central valve housing having dual, cylindrical, three-way plug valves. Four glass-filled Teflon sleeve seals, each having an inner cylindrical cut edge conform to the valve periphery and seal the valve openings in either a pressure or suction configuration. A wave spring biases each sleeve seal against the plug valve and further o-ring seals utilize the pressure or suction condition to enhance the effectiveness of the sleeve seals. In the pressure configuration a tubular support is used in conjunction with the sleeve seal with the wave spring acting either directly on the sleeve seal or indirectly through an intermediate metal ring which houses the o-ring seals and which minimizes thermal expansion effects. Interlock mechanisms are associated with a handle which rotates the plug valve between off-duty and on-duty filter housings to assure that the filter housing cover cannot be opened while on-duty, nor that the valve can be turned without the off-duty housing prepared for fluid. The interlock mechanisms comprise mechanical detents and levers interconnected with the handle and the filter housing covers.