Abstract: A radiation treatment system (100) for accurately delivering radiation to a targeted site within a cancer patient (108) that includes a modular patient support system and a patient positioner (114). The modular patient support system includes a modularly expandable patient pod (200) and at least one immobilization device, such as, for example, a rigid moldable foam cradle (350). The patient pod (200) includes a generally hemi-cylindrical support shell (212) that extends longitudinally between proximal edge (214) and distal edge (216), and transversely between two lateral edges (222, 224). In one embodiment, the lateral edges (222, 224) are tapered to minimize edge effects that result when radiation beams traverse the lateral edges (222, 224).

Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a storage tank, a cover assembly and a filter assembly for filtering hydraulic fluid, gasses and air. The tank includes an opening and an attachment ring bounding the opening. The cover assembly has an inlet port and is removably connected to the attachment ring to support and enclose the filter assembly in the tank. The filter assembly includes a filter element having a filter media ring for filtering hydraulic fluid, and an annular breather filter surrounding the filter media ring at one end of the ring for filtering vent gas and air. The filter element is supported in a diffuser tube received in the tank opening. The diffuser tube includes a stand-off ring with a convoluted groove or channel to provide a vent path between the diffuser tube and the tank opening to direct vent gasses and ambient air through or around the breather filter.

Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a storage tank, a cover assembly and a filter assembly for filtering hydraulic fluid, gasses and air. The tank includes an opening and an attachment ring bounding the opening. The cover assembly has an inlet port and is removably connected to the attachment ring to support and enclose the filter assembly in the tank. The filter assembly includes a filter element having a filter media ring for filtering hydraulic fluid, and an annular breather filter surrounding the filter media ring at one end of the ring for filtering vent gas and air. The filter element is supported in a diffuser tube received in the tank opening. The diffuser tube includes a stand-off ring with a convoluted groove or channel to provide a vent path between the diffuser tube and the tank opening to direct vent gasses and ambient air through or around the breather filter.

Abstract: A system for delivering two types of particles to a target within the body of a patient. A proton beam therapy system produces a beam of protons that is directed from a nozzle towards a target isocenter located within the body of a patient. The beam of protons can pass directly to the patient or pass through a neutron source comprised of a plate of neutron-rich material. Collisions between some of the protons and neutrons cause neutrons to be emitted from the material thereby generating a multiple particle beam comprised of both protons and neutrons. Preferably, the neutrons comprise only a small percent of the total particles in the beam. In the preferred embodiment, the neutron source is comprised of a plate of Beryllium that is interposed between the nozzle and the patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for radiation beam therapy delivery system normalization and dose calibration. A prescribed treatment plan is compared to a database of pre-existing and pre-calibrated treatment plans. Upon existence of a matching plan, appropriate calibration factors are assigned to the delivery system monitors according to the pre-existing plan. Variations in delivery system operation are corrected by independent correction of all delivery system monitors established by standard relative calibration taken prior to patient treatment. The advantages of the present invention are particularly significant for proton therapy facilities containing a plurality of delivery systems. The method permits a prescribed treatment to be administered with accuracy not only at the station associated with the initial treatment planning, but at any available delivery station.

Abstract: Accurate and repeatable patient alignment with a charged-particle beam of a radiation beam therapy system, such as a proton beam delivery system, is provided. The patient is immobilized within a form-fit patient pod. Reference radiographs are prepared that are used for repositioning the patient within the pod on subsequent occasions. CT scan data of a particular tissue volume of interest, such as a region of the patient wherein a cancerous tumor is located, is obtained while the patient remains in the pod. The CT scan data is used to prepare a treatment plan for the patient. The treatment plan includes identifying an isocenter within the tissue volume at which the beam is to be directed from a selected angle(s). A computer simulation of the treatment plan may be performed to optimize the treatment plan, i.e., to help identify the number of beams and treatment angles that will best irradiate the cancerous cells.

Abstract: A whole-body patient positioning and repositioning support for fixedly securing a patient in an original position during radiation treatment and for repositioning the patient to the same original position for subsequent radiation treatments. The support includes a foamed-in-place mold within a disposable plastic shell carrying a grid of radio-opaque members for generating a patient registration grid on X-rays for use in the evaluation and adjusting of the position of the patient to the original position using a sheet or straps between the patient and the mold.

Abstract: A three component bypass valve comprises molded nylon valve body and poppet elements and a retained spring. The valve body includes an annular valve head having a valve seat therein and an integral open sided spring housing in the form of a pair of spaced tracks joined by an end wall. The tracks and end wall serve as a poppet guide and spring retainer, the poppet having notches for mating support surfaces, while the open housing allows pivotal movement of the poppet for ready assembly or replacement of the poppet and spring. The valve head is externally threaded for placement of the valve in a threaded bore of a fluid filter and the like.

Abstract: Duplex filter apparatus suitable for pressure or suction applications includes dual filter housings and a central valve housing having dual, cylindrical, three-way plug valves. Four glass-filled Teflon sleeve seals, each having an inner cylindrical cut edge conform to the valve periphery and seal the valve openings in either a pressure or suction configuration. A wave spring biases each sleeve seal against the plug valve and further o-ring seals utilize the pressure or suction condition to enhance the effectiveness of the sleeve seals. In the pressure configuration a tubular support is used in conjunction with the sleeve seal with the wave spring acting either directly on the sleeve seal or indirectly through an intermediate metal ring which houses the o-ring seals and which minimizes thermal expansion effects.