Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes applying an output of a substantially monochromatic x-ray beam source to a target tissue along a first path, tuning the output of the substantially monochromatic x-ray beam source, and applying an output of a substantially monochromatic x-ray beam source to a target tissue along a second path different from the first path. The energy of the output of the substantially monochromatic x-ray beam source at the target tissue substantially corresponds to a binding energy level of an electron shell in an atom within the target tissue along the first path. The tuning tunes the substantially monochromatic x-ray beam source such that an energy of the output of the substantially monochromatic x-ray beam source at the target tissue along the second path substantially corresponds to a binding energy level of an electron shell in an atom within the target tissue.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes applying an output of a substantially monochromatic x-ray beam source to a target tissue along a first path, tuning the output of the substantially monochromatic x-ray beam source, and applying an output of a substantially monochromatic x-ray beam source to a target tissue along a second path different from the first path. The energy of the output of the substantially monochromatic x-ray beam source at the target tissue substantially corresponds to a binding energy level of an electron shell in an atom within the target tissue along the first path. The tuning tunes the substantially monochromatic x-ray beam source such that an energy of the output of the substantially monochromatic x-ray beam source at the target tissue along the second path substantially corresponds to a binding energy level of an electron shell in an atom within the target tissue.

Abstract: In embodiments of the invention, a radiosensitizer or other agent is relatively uniformly accumulated in the cells of a tumor. An external monochromatic x-ray beam, which is tuned to a predetermined energy level associated with k-edge effects in the agent, is then directed to the tumor. The monochromatic x-ray beam activates the release of additional localized radiation from the agent. The additional radiation destroys the DNA of at least some tumor cells, making those tumor cells incapable of reproduction and repair. In embodiments of the invention, a single monochromatic x-ray beam source is used for both imaging and radiotherapy.

Abstract: A system for generating tunable pulsed monochromatic X-rays includes a tabletop laser emitting a light beam that is counter-propagated against an electron beam produced by a linear accelerator. X-ray photon pulses are generated by inverse Compton scattering that occurs as a consequence of the “collision” that occurs between the electron beam and IR photons generated by the laser. The system uses a novel pulse structure comprising, for example, a single micropulse. In this way, pulses of very short X-rays are generated that are controllable on an individual basis with respect to their frequency, energy level, “direction,” and duration.

Abstract: A system for generating tunable pulsed monochromatic X-rays includes a tabletop laser emitting a light beam that is counter-propagated against an electron beam produced by a linear accelerator. X-ray photon pulses are generated by inverse Compton scattering that occurs as a consequence of the “collision” that occurs between the electron beam and IR photons generated by the laser. The system uses a novel pulse structure comprising, for example, a single micropulse. In this way, pulses of very short X-rays are generated that are controllable on an individual basis with respect to their frequency, energy level, “direction,” and duration.

Abstract: A system for generating tunable pulsed monochromatic X-rays comprises a tabletop terawatt laser delivering 10 Joules of energy in 10 ps at a wavelength of 1.1 microns. The light beam from the laser is counter-propagated against an electron beam produced by a linear accelerator. X-ray photons are generated by inverse Compton scattering that occurs as a consequence of the “collision” that occurs between the electron beam and IR photons generated by the laser. The system uses a novel pulse structure comprising, in a preferred embodiment, a single micropulse. The LINAC is configured to generate an electron beam having 1 nanocoulomb of charge in a microbunch having a pulse length of about 5 picoseconds or less (or an electron beam brightness of 1012 A/m2−radian2@ 500 A).

Abstract: A structural member having a top flange, a web and a bottom support. The top flange transitions into the web and the web transitions into the bottom support. The overall height of the structural member varies to accommodate structural panels, including insulation and acoustical panels, of similar or different thicknesses. In one preferred embodiment, an apparatus having a plurality of structural members attached to corresponding bearing plates is used as a sub-purlin to provide an economical roofing system which allows for retrofitting and easy detection and replacement of damaged roofing panels.

Abstract: A restorable breakaway post having a base post and a breakaway post which are connected with a breakable splice plate. The position of the base post is fixed with respect to ground or another suitable structure. A flexible member has opposing ends secured with respect to the base post and the breakaway post. Upon an impact force applied to the breakaway post, the splice plate shears and thus allows the breakaway post to move away from the base post. Under such impact force, the flexible member retains the breakaway post in a relatively close position to the base post. The broken splice plate can be easily replaced to restore the breakaway post to its initial condition.

Abstract: Apparatus for insulating a window or other opening in a building includes a plurality of rail means secured to the building adjacent at least one edge of the opening, and at least one insulated shutter panel slidably engaged with the rail means. Several panels may be assembled into a set of panels or opposing sets of panels installed on opposing sets of rail means, if desired. The shutter panel or panel assembly is capable of substantially exposing or completely covering the opening due at least in part to the sliding action of the shutter panel. The shutter panel or panel assembly may be filled with an energy storage medium, and thus function also to collect, store and release solar energy.

Abstract: A sheet metal structural shape for use as a stud or mullion in wall construction or a purlin or sub-purlin in deck construction which is symmetrical about a vertical bisecting plane having a central vertical web, two diagonal legs projecting downwardly from one end of the web forming an included angle of about 30.degree. to about 90.degree., each of the diagonal legs having a leg projecting downwardly at its extremity in a plane substantially parallel to the web, each of the parallel legs having flanges extending outwardly at their extremity, a closure side extending between the extremities of the flanges enclosing the area formed by the diagonal sides, parallel sides and closure side, and a stiffening member at the other end of the web. A wall structure utilizing a spaced series of the metal structural shapes with a wall material attached to the flanges of adjacent structural shapes.

Abstract: Apparatus for insulating a window or other opening in a building includes a plurality of rail means secured to the building adjacent at least one edge of the opening, and at least one insulated shutter panel slidably engaged with the rail means. Several panels may be assembled into a set of panels or opposing sets of panels installed on opposing sets of rail means, if desired. The shutter panel or panel assembly is capable of substantially exposing or completely covering the opening due at least in part to the sliding action of the shutter panel relative to the edge. The interior cover of the shutter panel or panel assembly is capable of carrying decorative matter.

Abstract: A one-piece rollformed sheet metal structural shape for use in building construction, the shape being a generally triangular closed shape having mounting flanges extending outwardly at the bottom of the triangular shape and stiffening flanges extending outwardly from the opposite end of the shape, the stiffening flanges having a projection extending from the outer extremity of at least one of the stiffening flange(s) for increased stiffness. The stiffening projections may turn over or turn under or overlap the stiffening flanges for increased stiffness, prevention of moisture entering the interior of the shape, and securement of the stiffening flanges to each other providing greater strength to the shape.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sheet metal structural shape for use in building construction having a generally box shape with outwardly extending flanges at one end of the substantially parallel sides and inwardly extending flanges at the other end of the parallel sides forming turned inward ends of the inwardly extending flanges and a closure between the ends of the outwardly extending flanges closing the space between the sides at that end. The sheet metal structural shape may be advantageously used as a structural shape in deck structures and in wall structures according to this invention. One deck structure of this invention uses the sheet metal structural shape as a sub-purlin, or purlin on short spans, supporting insulation on the bottom outwardly extending flanges and having roofing material fastened to the inwardly extending flanges at the top end of the structural shape. Thus, a deck is provided with at least a major portion of the insulation beneath the roof decking.

Abstract: A poured concrete insulated deck structure comprising a series of parallel sub-purlins having horizontal flanges extending outwardly at the lower portion of the sub-purlin, a temperature resistant, moisture permeable formboard resting on flanges between adjacent sub-purlins, the formboard having secured to its upper surface rigid synthetic polymer foam having spaces vertically therethrough providing communication from the upper side of the formboard to the upper side of the foam, spaces having an area of more than about 5 percent of the area of the formboard, and poured concrete adjacent the upper side of the foam and extending through the spaces contacting the upper side of the formboard, the concrete completing drying by escape of moisture through the formboard. The structure of this invention results in a unitized structure affording high strength, high insulation properties, fire resistance, design versatility and economy.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sheet metal structural shape for use in building construction having a generally box shape with outwardly extending flanges at one end of the substantially parallel sides and inwardly extending flanges at the other end of the parallel sides forming a slot between the ends of the inwardly extending flanges and a closure between the ends of the outwardly extending flanges closing the space between the sides at that end. The sheet metal structural shape may be advantageously used as a structural shape in deck structures and in wall structures according to this invention. One deck structure of this invention uses the sheet metal structure shape as a sub-purlin, or purlin on short spans, supporting insulation on the bottom outwardly extending flanges and having sheet metal roofing material fastened to the inwardly extending flanges at the top end of the structural shape. Thus, a deck is provided with at least a major portion of the insulation beneath the steel roof decking.

Abstract: A sheet metal structural shape for use as a stud or mullion in wall construction or a purlin or sub-purlin in deck construction which is symmetrical about a vertical bisecting plane having a central vertical web, two diagonal legs projecting downwardly from one end of the web forming an included angle of about 30.degree. to about 90.degree., each of the diagonal legs having a leg projecting downwardly at its extremity in a plane substantially parallel to the web, each of the parallel legs having flanges extending outwardly at their extremity, a closure side extending between the extremities of the flanges enclosing the area formed by the diagonal sides, parallel sides and closure side, and a stiffening member at the other end of the web. A wall structure utilizing a spaced series of the metal structural shapes with a wall material attached to the flanges of adjacent structural shapes.

Abstract: A poured concrete insulated roofing structure installed over roof support members and having gypsum formboard with its underside adjacent the roof support members and secured to with its upper side adjacent rigid synthetic polymer foam, the polymer foam having spaces vertically therethrough over more than about 5 percent of the area of the gypsum formboard, and poured concrete over the foam and extending through the spaces into contact with more than about 5 percent of the formboard.

Abstract: A sheet metal structural shape for use as a stud or mullion in wall construction or a purlin or sub-purlin in deck construction which is symmetrical about a vertical bisecting plane having a central vertical web, two diagonal legs projecting downwardly from one end of the web forming an included angle of about 30.degree. to about 90.degree., each of the diagonal legs having a leg projecting downwardly at its extremity in a plane substantially parallel to the web, each of the parallel legs having flanges extending outwardly at their extremity, a closure side extending between the extremities of the flanges enclosing the area formed by the diagonal sides, parallel sides and closure side, and a stiffening member at the other end of the web. A wall structure utilizing a spaced series of the metal structural shapes with a wall material attached to the flanges of adjacent structural shapes.

Abstract: A building deck structure having sheet metal structural shapes of a box section as sub-purlins, the upper face of the box section having open slots for engaging sheet metal clips which are secured in the box section when the axis of the clip and the box section are about 90.degree. to each other, the clip engaging and holding a formboard-insulation assembly adjacent the top face of the box section and providing a bearing surface for deck supporting shapes for attachment of sheet polymeric structural weather surface to provide uplift resistance to the composite structure. The deck structure of this invention is extremely versatile providing a very economical insulating deck structure which is particularly suited to solar energy absorption and skylights over large areas. The combination structure of this invention permits the use of thinner formboard and lightweight plastic structural weather surface, providing lighter weight insulated and solar energy absorbing decks than previously available.

Abstract: A sheet metal structural shape for use as a purlin or sub-purlin in deck construction which is symmetrical about a vertical bisecting plane having a central vertical web, two legs projecting downwardly from the bottom of said web at an angle of about 45.degree. to about 75.degree. to the horizontal, each leg having a substantially horizontal flange projecting outwardly at its lower extremity, and a stiffening member at the upper edge of the web. Poured concrete insulated deck structures utilizing a series of the metal structural shapes with gypsum formboard resting on the horizontal flanges and extending between adjacent structural shapes, rigid synthetic polymer foam having an underside adjacent the upper side of the gypsum formboard and having holes vertically therethrough, the holes having an area of more than about 5 percent of the area of the underside of the foam, and poured concrete adjacent the upper side of the foam and around the stiffener to prevent uplift.