Abstract: A patient support system to be used in conjunction with a standard linear accelerator, and other sources, is described that allows access of the treatment beam to the breast from up to 360 degrees. This support system places the patient in a prone position with the breast going through an aperture. The prone position increases the separation of the breast from the chest wall and other critical organs and reduces motion of the target tissue due to breathing. This invention offers up to 360 degree radiation beam access to the breast. This helps in skin sparing, better dose conformity, and allows one to use modern treatment techniques such as IMRT and IGRT. It also includes a provision for an imaging system. This invention can also be used with CT and MR imaging modalities.

Abstract: A cavitation system in which a source gas, e.g., a reactant, is loaded into the cavitation medium prior to cavitation is provided. The cavitation system includes a cavitation chamber with suitable cavitation drivers and a cavitation medium reservoir, the chamber and reservoir being flexibly coupled together via a pair of conduits. The conduits can be fabricated from a plastic or, as is preferred for higher temperature liquids, a metal. Typically metal conduits are formed into a coil, thus providing the desired flexibility. Flexibility is required in order to allow the relative positions of the cavitation chamber and the cavitation medium reservoir to be varied.

Abstract: A system for assisting and controlling the movement of a portion of a body, such as the head or head and neck is disclosed. The system and the methods of using and controlling the system can be effective in preventing and treating various conditions relating to the movement and positioning of the body or parts of the body. As such, the system can be effective in preventing and treating occipital flattening, plagiocephaly, cervical muscle tightening, torticollis, and other conditions.

Abstract: An hourglass-shaped cavitation chamber is provided. The chamber is comprised of two large spherical regions separated by a smaller cylindrical region. Coupling the regions are two transitional sections which are preferably smooth and curved. Although the chamber is preferably fabricated from a machinable material, such as a metal, it can also be fabricated from a fragile material, such as a glass. An acoustic driver assembly is incorporated within the chamber wall at one end of the cavitation chamber. The driver can be threadably coupled to the chamber or attached using an epoxy, diffusion bonding, brazing or welding. O-rings or other seals can be used to seal the driver to the chamber. The head surface of the driver assembly can be flush, recessed, or extended from the internal chamber surface. The head surface of the driver assembly can be flat or shaped. If desired, a second acoustic driver assembly can be incorporated within the chamber wall at the other end of the cavitation chamber.

Abstract: A system for achieving bubble stability within a cavitation chamber is provided. The system includes an impeller assembly, the impeller assembly having at least one impeller blade located within the cavitation chamber. The impeller assembly is magnetically coupled to an external drive system which is used to rotate the impeller, thereby causing bubbles within the cavitation chamber to move toward the impeller's axis of rotation. As a consequence, the bubbles become more stable. Preferably the axis of rotation of the impeller is positioned in a substantially horizontal plane, thus allowing the rotating impeller to counteract the tendency of the bubbles to drift upward and to accumulate on the upper, inner surfaces of the cavitation chamber. The impeller can be rotated continuously throughout the cavitation process or stopped prior to, or during, bubble cavitation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating the temperature of the cavitation medium for a cavitation chamber is provided. The cavitation medium is pumped through the cavitation chamber through a pair of chamber inlets and an external conduit connecting the two inlets. An external heat exchanger is used to regulate the cavitation medium temperature, the heat exchanger being either directly or indirectly coupled to the conduit. The cavitation medium can be circulated through the heat exchanger during chamber operation or, once the desired cavitation medium temperature is achieved, operation of the circulation system can be suspended. The heat exchanger can be used to lower the temperature of the cavitation medium to a temperature less than the ambient temperature; to withdraw excess heat from the cavitation medium; or to heat the cavitation medium to the desired operating temperature.

Abstract: A projection system that projects coherent light rays from a coherent light (e.g., laser) source onto an inner surface of a three-dimensional projection surface is disclosed. A compact and low-power laser light image can thereby be formed and seen by an observer from outside the properly constructed three-dimensional projection surface. The three-dimensional projection surface thereby allows more accurate and interesting and useful projections of images of three-dimensional objects thereon. Examples of things that can be represented on such a surface are celestial bodies and planets like the Earth and anatomical organs. Special geometric and spatial correction is optionally applied to create the desired image onto a three-dimensional projection screen. Useful and entertaining information can also be displayed, optionally as dynamic and moving images, onto the projection screen as well.

Abstract: A projection system that projects coherent light rays from a coherent light (e.g., laser) source onto an inner reflective surface of a three-dimensional viewing space is disclosed. A relatively compact and low-power laser light image can thereby be formed and seen by an observer from inside the viewing space. Raster scanning or simultaneous projection onto large solid angles of said viewing space are possible. Useful and entertaining information can also be displayed, optionally as dynamic and moving images, onto the projection screen as well.