Abstract: A bridge assembly is described for use with a patient positioning system including a patient support panel. The panel includes a pair of side rails extending along a central longitudinal axis of the panel. The bridge assembly is configured to be releasably secured via respective clamps at any position along the side rails and includes a pair of side sections and a central section connected between the side sections. The length of each side sections can be adjusted independently to enable the distance of the central section at each of the side sections from the patient support panel to be individually established. The central section can also be adjusted laterally with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the patient support panel.

Abstract: A method for patterning a metal substrate includes a series of surface treatments to control tunnel initiation at a micron or sub-micron level. In particular, the series of surface treatments include forming a hydration layer which acts as a mask while etching the surface of the metal substrate. The hydration layer mask enables control of the tunnel initiation on a micron or sub-micron level because the etching does not undercut the interface between the metal substrate and the hydration layer. As a result, the tunnels can be initiated in an orthogonal direction and closer together, thereby increasing the tunnel density.

Abstract: A method for patterning a metal substrate includes a series of surface treatments to control tunnel initiation at a micron or sub-micron level. In particular, the series of surface treatments include forming a hydration layer which acts as a mask while etching the surface of the metal substrate. The hydration layer mask enables control of the tunnel initiation on a micron or sub-micron level because the etching does not undercut the interface between the metal substrate and the hydration layer. As a result, the tunnels can be initiated in an orthogonal direction and closer together, thereby increasing the tunnel density.

Abstract: A method for patterning a metal substrate includes a series of surface treatments to control tunnel initiation at a micron or sub-micron level. In particular, the series of surface treatments include forming a hydration layer which acts as a mask while etching the surface of the metal substrate. The hydration layer mask enables control of the tunnel initiation on a micron or sub-micron level because the etching does not undercut the interface between the metal substrate and the hydration layer. As a result, the tunnels can be initiated in an orthogonal direction and closer together, thereby increasing the tunnel density.

Abstract: A bridge assembly is disclosed for use with a patient positioning system including a patient support panel. The panel includes a pair of side rails extending along a central longitudinal axis of the panel. The bridge assembly is configured to be releasably secured via respective clamps at any position along the side rails and includes a pair of side sections and a central section connected between the side sections. The length of each side sections can be adjusted independently to enable the distance of the central section at each of the side sections from the patient support panel to be individually established. The central section can also be adjusted laterally with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the patient support panel.

Abstract: A device for positioning and immobilizing the head of patient on a treatment table is disclosed. The device comprises a bridge member, a longitudinal arm, and two transverse arms. The bridge member is releasably mounted on the treatment table. The longitudinal arm is pivotably coupled to the upper portion of the bridge member and is arranged to be pivoted from one side of the bridge member to the other side of it, and vice versa, above the patient's head. The transverse arms are releasably secured to the longitudinal arm and are positionable along a portion of the length of the longitudinal arm. Each transverse arm is rotatable about its longitudinal axis and mounts an anatomy engagement component, e.g., a nasion pad or a bite tray, thereon which can be moved into engagement with the patient's head.

Abstract: A joint assembly for forming a two part radiation therapy treatment table is disclosed. The treatment table includes a patient support panel to which one portion of the joint assembly is secured, and a table extension panel to which another portion of the joint assembly is secured. The joint assembly self-aligns, self levels, is immediately stable, and locks automatically by its weight and downward pressure. The joint assembly also includes an automatic failsafe secondary lock that resists joint release if upward forces are applied. Disengaging the secondary lock requires and results in no displacement of the two panels. Upon separation of the two panels the lock resets automatically.

Abstract: A system for positioning a patient on a treatment couchtop for SBRT is provided. The system includes a patient support panel and at least one positioning/fixation component for releasable mounting on the patient support panel at a desired position to immobilize a portion of the patient's body. The patient support panel includes a pair of longitudinally extending side rails having a series of longitudinally spaced indexing apertures for receipt of a locking bar for mounting a positioning/fixation component thereon at a discrete index position. The at least one positioning component includes a pair of clamping mechanisms for releasably securing that component to the side rails at any longitudinal position along the side rails.

Abstract: A device for positioning and immobilizing the head of patient on a treatment table is disclosed. The device comprises a bridge member, a longitudinal arm, and two transverse arms. The bridge member is releasably mounted on the treatment table. The longitudinal arm is pivotably coupled to the upper portion of the bridge member and is arranged to be pivoted from one side of the bridge member to the other side of it, and vice versa, above the patient's head. The transverse arms are releasably secured to the longitudinal arm and are positionable along a portion of the length of the longitudinal arm. Each transverse arm is rotatable about its longitudinal axis and mounts an anatomy engagement component, e.g., a nasion pad or a bite tray, thereon which can be moved into engagement with the patient's head.

Abstract: A joint assembly for forming a two part radiation therapy treatment table is disclosed. The treatment table includes a patient support panel to which one portion of the joint assembly is secured, and a table extension panel to which another portion of the joint assembly is secured. The joint assembly self-aligns, self levels, is immediately stable, and locks automatically by its weight and downward pressure. The joint assembly also includes an automatic failsafe secondary lock that resists joint release if upward forces are applied. Disengaging the secondary lock requires and results in no displacement of the two panels. Upon separation of the two panels the lock resets automatically.

Abstract: A system for positioning a patient on a treatment couchtop for SBRT is provided. The system includes a patient support panel and at least one positioning/fixation component for releasable mounting on the patient support panel at a desired position to immobilize a portion of the patient's body. The patient support panel includes a pair of longitudinally extending side rails having a series of longitudinally spaced indexing apertures for receipt of a locking bar for mounting a positioning/fixation component thereon at a discrete index position. The at least one positioning component includes a pair of clamping mechanisms for releasably securing that component to the side rails at any longitudinal position along the side rails.

Abstract: A method of etching a foil for use in an electrolytic capacitor utilizes a nanoimprinted optic to control the etch pattern. The optic is formed by creating a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of hemispheres onto the surface of an optical quartz substrate. A laser is directed onto the optic while the foil underlies the optic, and the concentrated light source is used to effectively image an array of submicron spots. The resulting spots allow for controlled initiation of etch tunnels during a subsequent electrochemical etch of the foil, with the purpose of ultimately increasing foil capacitance through the increased surface area.

Abstract: A device in the form of an elongated articulating arm having a base for mounting it on or at the MRI apparatus. The free end of the arm is arranged to releasably mount any type of device, e.g., a clamp, a bracket, a biopsy needle guide, etc. The arm includes a plurality of interconnected segments each of which is arranged to pivot about a respective axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm, but restricted from twisting about the longitudinal axis. A flexible elongated adjustable tensioning member in the form of plural sections of a cord extend through respective ones of plural flexible sheaths within the arm between the base and the distal end portion to enable the arm to be moved or bent into a desired shape when tension is released and then held in that shape when tension is applied.

Abstract: A system for positioning a patient on a treatment couchtop for SBRT is provided. The system includes a patient support panel and at least one positioning/fixation component for releasable mounting on the patient support panel at a desired position to immobilize a portion of the patient's body. The patient support panel includes a pair of longitudinally extending side rails having a series of longitudinally spaced indexing apertures for receipt of a locking bar for mounting a positioning/fixation component thereon at a discrete index position. The at least one positioning component includes a pair of clamping mechanisms for releasably securing that component to the side rails at any longitudinal position along the side rails.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing a feed thru for use in an electrolytic capacitor case. First, an electrode is inserted into a liquid injection mold. Liquid elastomer is then injected into the mold to surround a portion of the electrode. The elastomer is cured, and the resulting electrode and feed thru combination is inserted into a machined hole in a capacitor case. The machined hole may be located on either the base or the lid of the capacitor case. In other embodiments, a ferrule may also be placed in the liquid injection mold prior to injecting liquid elastomer. When a ferrule is used, the assembly may be welded into a machined hole in a capacitor case.

Abstract: A method of etching a foil for use in an electrolytic capacitor utilizes a nanoimprinted optic to control the etch pattern. The optic is formed by creating a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of hemispheres onto the surface of an optical quartz substrate. A laser is directed onto the optic while the foil underlies the optic, and the concentrated light source is used to effectively image an array of submicron spots. The resulting spots allow for controlled initiation of etch tunnels during a subsequent electrochemical etch of the foil, with the purpose of ultimately increasing foil capacitance through the increased surface area.

Abstract: A system for positioning a patient on a treatment couchtop for SBRT is provided. The system includes a patient support panel and at least one positioning/fixation component for releasable mounting on the patient support panel at a desired position to immobilize a portion of the patient's body. The patient support panel includes a pair of longitudinally extending side rails having a series of longitudinally spaced indexing apertures for receipt of a locking bar for mounting a positioning/fixation component thereon at a discrete index position. The at least one positioning component includes a pair of clamping mechanisms for releasably securing that component to the side rails at any longitudinal position along the side rails.

Abstract: A device in the form of an elongated articulating arm having a base for mounting it on or at the MRI apparatus. The free end of the arm is arranged to releasably mount any type of device, e.g., a clamp, a bracket, a biopsy needle guide, etc. The arm includes a plurality of interconnected segments each of which is arranged to pivot about a respective axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm, but restricted from twisting about the longitudinal axis. A flexible elongated adjustable tensioning member in the form of plural sections of a cord extend through respective ones of plural flexible sheaths within the arm between the base and the distal end portion to enable the arm to be moved or bent into a desired shape when tension is released and then held in that shape when tension is applied.

Abstract: A method of producing a highly etched electrode for a capacitor from a foil is disclosed. The method comprises first applying a laser beam to the foil to form a plurality of marks on the foil surface and then etching the foil. Preferably, the laser marks facilitate etching of foil surface in areas near the marks and retard etching of foil surface inside the marks. After etching, the foil is further processed in a combination of optional steps such as forming and finishing steps. The laser marking of the foil allows for positional control of tunnel initiation, such that tunnel initiation density and the location of tunnel initiation is controlled. By controlling the position of tunnel initiation, foils are etched more uniformly and have optimum tunnel distributions, thus allows for the production of highly etched foils that maintain high strength and have high capacitance.

Abstract: A device in the form of an elongated articulating arm having a base for mounting it on or at the MRI apparatus. The free end of the arm is arranged to releasably mount any type of device, e.g., a clamp, a bracket, a biopsy needle guide, etc. The arm includes a plurality of interconnected segments each of which is arranged to pivot with respect to adjacent segments. A flexible elongated adjustable tensioning member extends through the arm between the base and the distal end portion to enable the arm to be moved or bent into a desired shape when tension is released and then held in that shape when tension is applied.