Abstract: A particle therapy system includes an ECR ion source for production of charged ions, which are accelerated in an accelerator unit that follows the ECR ion source. The accelerator unit accelerates the charged ions to an energy that is used for irradiation, where the magnetic fields of the ECR ion source are matched to operation of the ECR ion source for lightweight ions, such that the ECR ion source is operated in the afterglow mode. In the afterglow mode, an afterglow beam pulse is emitted from the ECR ion source after a microwave resonance pulse has been switched off. The current level of the afterglow beam pulse is higher than a current that is emitted from the ECR ion source during use of the microwave resonance pulse.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a motor vehicle having adjustable tilt including a tilt housing pivotally connected to a support housing on an upper end of a tubular column sleeve. Pivotal connection is accomplished through a pair of coaxially aligned fasteners extending along a horizontal tilt axis and positioned on opposite sides of a rotatable steering shaft carried inside the column sleeve. The fasteners are separately actionable to reversibly adjust their lengths and thereby create a tuned frictional engagement between the support housing and the tilt housing so that objectionable rattling noises in the column assembly can be attenuated.