Abstract: A method for preparing a thermoplastic material, with dry heat, for use in patient fixation. The method includes generating heat to a threshold temperature and transferring the heat to the thermoplastic material by a heat conductive path. Once the thermoplastic material has become pliable, it is molded into a cast for fixation purposes. The heat may be generated by a device having a housing and a member movable attached to the housing. The device also includes a heating element for providing a heat conductive path to the member.

Abstract: A fluorescent X-ray viewer includes a photosensor within the housing proximate to the fluorescent lamps for detecting the intensity of the light prior to transmission through the X-rays or other transparencies to be viewed. A dimming circuit is used to adjust the intensity of the fluorescent lamps to less than the nominal value, and feedback through the photosensor is used to maintain the light intensity output at a substantially uniform level to compensate for line and load variations and aging and changes of the efficiency of the fluorescent lamps. The X-ray viewer is provided with an LED warning indicator which is energized when the lamps have deteriorated to an extent which requires replacement.

Abstract: A radiation therapy imager provides images of a patient while being treated while on a radiation therapy machine for purposes of verification and monitoring of position and alignment, and for shaping of the radiation field. The radiation therapy imager has a video camera mounted on the gantry of the radiation therapy machine and positioned diametrically opposite the treatment head. An elongated light box is disposed over the camera to exclude ambient light from the camera and a fluoroscopic plate is positioned at the distal end of the light box, i.e., the end remote of the camera. The plate is aligned with and facing the head to produce a fluoroscopic image in response to the treatment radiation that is applied from the head through the patient. A mirror in the light box is oriented to reflect the image to the camera to permit monitoring on a viewing screen. The light box can be retracted from under the treatment table either by telescoping the light box down or by swinging the light box to one side.