Abstract: The invention relates generally to biopsy needle guidance which employs an x-ray/gamma image spatial co-registration methodology. A gamma camera is configured to mount on a biopsy needle gun platform to obtain a gamma image. More particular, the spatially co-registered x-ray and physiological images may be employed for needle guidance during biopsy. Moreover, functional images may be obtained from a gamma camera at various angles relative to a target site. Further, the invention also generally relates to a breast lesion localization method using opposed gamma camera images or dual opposed images. This dual head methodology may be used to compare the lesion signal in two opposed detector images and to calculate the Z coordinate (distance from one or both of the detectors) of the lesion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for in vivo and ex vivo control, detection and measurements of radiation in brachytherapy accomplished through scintillating material detection. One example includes scintillating fibers placed along a delivery guide such as a catheter for measuring applied radiation levels during brachytherapy treatments, sensing locations of a radiation source or providing feedback of sensed radiation. The catheter may also be a mammosite type catheter. The scintillating fibers provide light output levels correlating to the levels of radiation striking the fibers. The output may then be used to measure and compute radiation distribution maps using Monte Carlo reconstruction simulation. Adjustments to a radiation treatment may be made as needed based on actual and measured applied dosages. Characteristics of a radiation source may also be measured using scintillating materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ball valve with a shear stem which can be utilized in combination with a conventional ball valve or vented ball valve.The ball valve with a shear stem is utilized with a conventional ball valve or a vented valve assembly including a valve body having a vent hole therein. The ball valve defines a body having first and second flow-through ends with a valve member receiving chamber thereinbetween, and a collar defining a stem receiving passage communicating with the chamber. A valve member such as a ball or cylindrical plug is disposed within the chamber. The valve member has a throughbore therein in operable alignment with the first end second flow-through ends. The vented ball valve embodiment has at least one valve member vent hole through the wall of the valve member in flow communication with the throughbore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a basement sewer backflow control valve with adapter. A valve such as a ball valve is positioned a sewer line under the floor of a basement with an adapter extending vertically through the basement floor providing a means for opening and closing the valve as needed to ensure flood waters do not backflow into the basement during flooding. The valve and adapter may also be utilized in combination with an in-line check valve. The adapter provides a flush surface with the basement floor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a basement sewer backflow control valve with adapter. A valve such as a ball valve is positioned a sewer line under the floor of a basement with an adapter extending vertically through the basement floor providing a means for opening and closing the valve as needed to ensure flood waters do not backflow into the basement during flooding. The valve and adapter may also be utilized in combination with an in-line check valve. The adapter provides a flush surface with the basement floor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vented ball valve and lockout ring assembly.A vented valve assembly including a valve body having a vent hole therein, and first and second flow-through ends with a valve member receiving chamber thereinbetween, and a stem receiving passage communicating with the chamber. A valve member is disposed within the chamber. The valve member has a throughbore therein in operable alignment with the first end second flow-through ends and at least one valve member vent hole through the wall of the valve member in flow communication with the throughbore. A stem extends through and is rotatably mounted within the stem receiving passage and engageable with the valve member for rotating the valve member in and out of flow-through alignment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vented ball valve and lockout ring assembly.A vented valve assembly including a valve body having a vent hole therein, and first and second flow-through ends with a valve member receiving chamber thereinbetween, and a stem receiving passage communicating with the chamber. A valve member is disposed within the chamber. The valve member has a throughbore therein in operable alignment with the first and second flow-through ends and at least one valve member vent hole through the wall of the valve member in flow communication with the throughbore. A stem extends through and is rotatably mounted within the stem receiving passage and engageable with the valve member for rotating the valve member in and out of flow-through alignment.