Abstract: The present invention relates to a device used for introducing one or more radioactive sources into an applicator (14) used in radiotherapy and positioning them there. The sources are mounted at one of a cable (40) of small diameter which is movable along a guide tube (38), one end of which communicates with the applicator. The cable (40) is driven by a motor-driven roller (48) which is capable of sliding on the cable (40). An encoder is equipped with a roller (52) which is in tangential contact, without sliding, with the cable (40). If the cable encounters an obstacle, the encoder roller (52) immediately ceases to rotate, and the encoder sends a signal to a programmable control unit (75). The invention relates to the transfer of radioactive sources in radiotherapy.

Abstract: In per se known manner, this apparatus comprises a radioactive source locked within a cylindrical source holder, which is itself fitted in an appropriate cylindrical recess. The cylindrical recess is higher than a larger diameter cylindrical recess, in whose walls are partly fitted at least one locking ring and at least one lug. The source holder has in its lower part a flange, whose upper portion is chamfered, as well as an annular groove and at least one slot, inclined with respect to the axis of revolution of the source holder and whose width is at least equal to the diameter of the said lug. This slot, which issues onto the upper face of the flange, is such that the position of the lug in the bottom of the slot corresponds to that of the locking ring in the annular groove. The apparatus has particular application to cobalt therapy equipment, particularly to the ALCYON head.