Abstract: A retractable wheel assembly (110) for a carrier (100) is disclosed wherein the wheels (120) are rotatably mounted in cowls (130), which are pivotably disposed in wheel wells (116L, 116R) on a housing. The cowls are connected with a cowl axle assembly (140) that includes a coil spring, preferably a constant force spring (150) that biases the cowls towards a retracted position. The constant force spring is connected to a retractable handle (104), preferably with a spring engagement member (160), such that extending the retractable handle will bias the cowls towards an extended position, wherein the wheels extend out of the wheel wells for use.

Abstract: A large capacity seed cartridge is provided for a radiation therapy seed applicator. The seed cartridge is adapted for use with the Mick applicator, or other conventional applicators. The cartridge includes a housing with a seed drum mounted therein. A seed track extends around the seed drum. A spring operatively urges the seed in the track towards a discharge opening in the seed drum. A seed pusher rod in the applicator pushes each seed out of the opening and into the needle which is positioned in the patient, such that the seed is implanted into the body of a patient. The seed cartridge can be quickly and easily installed in the applicator and holds 120 radioactive seeds, or more.

Abstract: The loading apparatus includes a tray assembly which receives radioactive seeds and spacer elements from containers thereof. The seeds and spacers move into a receiving portion of the apparatus. Guide wall assemblies are located between the wells in the tray assembly and a funnel opening which extends through the tray assembly at the front end thereof. Positioned beneath the funnel opening and removably attached to the tray assembly is a visualization and positioning assembly which has a vertical slot therein for receiving seeds and spacers. The seeds and spacers move by gravity through the funnel opening into the slot. A portion of the visualization assembly is transparent, permitting a visual inspection of the seed/spacer lineup in the slot. A control element at the lower end of the visualization assembly releases the seeds and spacers from the visualization member into a hollow needle located therebelow.

Abstract: The loading apparatus includes a tray assembly which receives radioactive seeds and spacer elements from containers thereof. The seeds and spacers move into a receiving portion of the apparatus. Guide wall assemblies are located between the wells in the tray assembly and a funnel opening which extends through the tray assembly at the front end thereof. Positioned beneath the funnel opening and removably attached to the tray assembly is a visualization and positioning assembly which has a vertical slot therein for receiving seeds and spacers. The seeds and spacers move by gravity through the funnel opening into the slot. A portion of the visualization assembly is transparent, permitting a visual inspection of the seed/spacer lineup in the slot. A control element at the lower end of the visualization assembly releases the seeds and spacers from the visualization member into a hollow needle located therebelow.

Abstract: The apparatus for determining the position of radioactive seeds in a pre-loaded brachytherapy needle includes a pickup unit into which the loaded needle is inserted. A scintillating (phosphor) screen responsive to radiation from the seeds produces a light output of selected wavelength, which is then picked up by an optical array positioned along the screen. The resulting optical signals are then transmitted to a display assembly. The optical signals are focused and then applied to a CCD device. The output of the CCD device is processed by a microprocessor to produce a visual display of the radioactive seeds within the needle.

Abstract: The stabilizer assembly is used to position a stepper assembly for an ultrasound probe. The stabilizer includes two spaced apart swivel assemblies, each swivel assembly including clamps at one end thereof locking the stabilizer to a table. Each swivel assembly includes several swivel arms which are connected at three spaced swivel points. One swivel arm is connected to a central assembly consisting of a central housing with two spaced apart ball joints connecting, respectively, to the two swivel assemblies. A linkage arrangement maintains the ball joints in a locked position by virtue of a spring biased push rod. To unlock the ball joints, the spring is compressed by actuation of a trigger, releasing pressure on the linkage assembly which permits the ball joints to move freely.

Abstract: The stepper apparatus for use in imaging/treatment of prostate cancer with radioactive seeds includes a body portion, a support element for holding the ultrasound probe, a slide portion for moving the support element relative to the body portion, and a support element for holding a template which has a plurality of openings therethrough, through which radiation seed insertion needles may be positioned. The ultrasound probe may be moved longitudinally relative to the prostate in indexed steps of a known distance and also may be moved in a controlled, continuous fashion to determine the rear edge of the prostate which can then be used as a reference for future indexed steps. The slide portion moves along two spaced guide rods, one of which has a threaded portion which mates with a spring-loaded ball in the side of the slide portion as well as a rack and gear arrangement for accomplishing the dual (indexed and continuous) motion.

Abstract: The sidecar/stroller (200) includes a first wheel support assembly (222) which is movable between two positions. When the wheel support assembly (222) is in its first position, the apparatus is usable as a sidecar for bicycles, with upper and lower connections extending between the bicycle and the sidecar/stroller (200). When the wheel support assembly (222) is in its second position, forward of its first position, a rear wheel assembly (278) is secured to the sidecar/stroller and the apparatus is then useful as a stroller.

Abstract: The sidecar (12) includes a sidecar frame assembly (14) which is joined by two connecting assembles (76, 77), one near the lower end of the sidecar frame assembly (10) and one near the upper end thereof, such that there is defined a parallelogram-like structural arrangement. Swivel connections are provided at each connection point, so that the sidecar (12) is free to follow the action of the bicycle (10).

Abstract: The syringe includes a barrel (12) and first and second piston-like elements (16,18) which are adapted for fluid tight movement therein, wherein the first and second pistons (16,18) are connected by a flexible, thin cord (36). A hollow needle (28) is mounted on and extends from the front surface (24) of the first piston (16). The needle (28) communicates with the space between the first and second pistons (16,18). A plunger (32) is attached to the rear surface (31) of the second piston (18) and extends from the rear of the syringe in conventional fashion. In the forwardmost position of the first piston (16), the needle (28) extends outwardly from the front end of the syringe barrel (12) but in the rearmost position, the needle (28) is within the barrel (12).

Abstract: A single use syringe including a mechanical means permitting a single withdrawal of the plunger to load the cylinder an a single advance of the plunger to inject the material, thereafter incapacitating the mechanism. The mechanical means may well be retrofit to existing syringes.