Abstract: The radiology instrument contains a source emitting X-radiation, a radiological image receiver, a chassis arranged between the X-ray source and the image receiver in order to accommodate an object to be radiographed, and a positioning and guiding device which can be connected to the chassis and can intercept the X-radiation so as to position and guide probes intended to interact with the object. The positioning and guiding device has first means forming a retractable guide grid having holes whose respective axes converge towards the focal point of the source when the first means intercept the conical radiation, and a retractable positioning grid with holes.

Abstract: An irradiation dose calculating unit can solve a problem of a conventional irradiation dose calculating unit in that since irradiation doses from portals are empirically determined, it is likely that optimum irradiation doses are not established for a target and a critical organ. A prescription data input section is used for a physician to input prescription data designating doses to a target and a critical organ. First and second object function calculating sections each calculate predefined indices, and obtain a first object function representing the level of satisfaction for the critical organ and a second object function representing the level of satisfaction for the target and critical organ. The irradiation doses from the portals are calculated based on these object functions such that the prescription data are satisfied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fast and accurate method for calculating fluence of a calculation plane over a patient. According to an embodiment of the present invention, only a subset of the collimator leaves are analyzed for the fluence calculation, thus reducing the number of calculations required. Additionally, pre-integrated values of scatter strips, associated with each point of the calculation plane, may be referenced in a lookup table. The use of these pre-integrated values allows the avoidance of adding the fluence contribution of each square on the scattering plane. Rather, pre-calculated values of a subset of the scattering plane (scatter strip) may be referenced and combined, thus reducing the number of calculations required for a final scatter contribution to a point on the calculation plane. Further, the thickness of the collimator leaves is considered in the fluence calculation, thus providing a more accurate model for the scatter contributions of points on the scattering plane.

Abstract: Poly (diene sulfones) have superior properties as X-ray resists. Many poly (diene sulfones) have an X-ray sensitivity below about 50 mJ/cm.sup.2, and a glass transition temperature above about 70.degree. C. A preferred X-ray resist is poly (1,3-hexadiene sulfone). A method of synthesizing poly (diene sulfones) is disclosed, in which a diene monomer is dissolved in a molar excess of a nitroalkane at low temperature, for example in a molar excess of dried 2-nitropropane in a -78.degree. C. dry ice/acetone bath, and reacted with a molar excess of sulfur dioxide in the presence of a free radical initiator such as tert-butyl-hydroperoxide.

Abstract: A fixed ring rail and a moving ring rail sandwiching a moving route of a radiation beam irradiating section therebetween, forms a cylindrical passage with a semicircular cross-section having a horizontal floor. Upon that passage is placed a moving floor composed of a continuous series of multiple plates which are connected freely flexible with each other. The moving floor is moved in synchrony with the rotation of radiation beam irradiation section, and, at the same time, the moving ring rail is allowed to rotate in the reverse direction by the same distance. A horizontal floor necessary as an access floor to the treatment bed and to the radiation beam irradiating section is formed regardless of the rotating position of the radiation beam irradiation section, and the patient is surrounded completely to remove him/her of fear.

Abstract: A surgical suture fabricated from a copolymer containing dioxanone, trimethylene carbonate and glycolide is treated with gamma radiation to enhance bioabsorbability without adversely effecting handling properties.

Abstract: An ion control method and apparatus in which positive ions and negative ions are generated by irradiating an X-ray in a particular space, and the ratio of positive and negative ions generated is controlled by changing the polarity and magnitude of the voltage applied to an electrode which is installed in the atmosphere of the positive and negative ions. Positive ions are adhered on the electrode by applying a negative voltage to the electrode, thus forming an environment with an excess of negative ions in the vicinity of the electrode; and the collecting of dust or removal of static electricity is performed by feeding the negative ions into the air or onto a static electricity charged object by a blower.

Abstract: An x-ray apparatus and method for irradiating products, e.g. food, includes a hot electron plasma annulus confined by a simple magnetic mirror. The device includes a chamber for confining a gas, heated by microwave energy. The chamber has a central cylindrical opening into which the product is placed or conveyed through to receive x-rays radiating from the chamber. A number of chambers may be arranged coaxially in series to increase product throughput or arranged in an array to irradiate larger products.

Abstract: A radiation sterilization process for medical devices. The position of a CO.sub.60 source is monitored during a sterilization process. If the CO.sub.60 source moves out of the irradiation position, the central control unit moves the source down into a containment pool and stops the cycle timers. The source is then moved back up to the irradiation position and the cycle is restarted and the timers are restarted. The cycle time may be corrected using an algorithm.

Abstract: Radiation delivered to an object (13) is gathered by a detector unit (91). A central processing unit (18) reverse calculates the radiation delivered by using attenuation factors of the object (13) and exit radiation signals (92) generated by the detector unit (91). The delivered radiation is displayed on the screen of a monitor (70). Simultaneously, a radiation map from a planning system can be displayed. Thus, the amount of radiation delivered to object (13) is measured and can then be verified and displayed. A portal imaging system (90) can contain detector unit (91).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an assembly for stretching a body cavity to a predetermined shape. The assembly includes an inelastic balloon that is affixed to the distal end of a balloon-tube. The tube defines an interior channel extending along a central axis that is contiguous with the interior of the balloon such that inflation and deflation of the balloon is controllable from the proximal end of the tube. When inflated the balloon defines a predetermined surface contour disposed about an interior region extending along a balloon axis. An alignment device operative from the proximal end of the tube provides for selectively aligning the central and balloon axes to a predetermined angular orientation.

Abstract: A gamma radiation cell for sterilizing industrial products, of the type constituted by a shielded enclosure provided with at least one tight access door, comprising an overhead conveyor for displacing transports supporting the products to be treated. The floor of the enclosure comprises a central well allowing storage of a source of irradiation which may be moved vertically. Pipes connect this well to an oxygen reserve and to a reservoir for storing the ozone produced by radiolysis, this ozone being able to be admitted into the vessel of the transports.

Abstract: In a radiation emitting device, particularly in a radiation treatment device (2), the radiation treatment for an object (13) via a radiation beam (1) is determined. The field on the object to be irradiated is inputted and then divided up into sections (220-230). Plates or a collimator are arranged between a radiation source and an object (13) to provide an opening over one of sections (220). A radiation beam (1) is generated and used to treat one of sections (220) with radiation. This is repeated until each of sections (220-230) are treated with radiation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel method for preparing crosslinked biomaterial compositions for use in the augmentation of soft or hard tissue. In general, the method comprises mixing a biocompatible polymer, which is preferably collagen, with a sterile, dry crosslinking agent, which is preferably a synthetic hydrophilic polymer such as a functionally activated polyethylene glycol. Also provided are preferred processes for preparing sterile, dry crosslinking agents contained within syringes for use in the method of the invention. Methods for sterilization of the crosslinking agent include, but are not limited to, sterile filtration, aseptic processing, and e-beam or gamma irradiation. Methods for providing augmentation of soft or hard tissue using crosslinked biomaterial compositions prepared according to the method of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for the linear acceleration of electrons, particularly for intraoperative radiation therapy, including:an articulated structure for moving a radiating head that comprises an acceleration structure constituted by a plurality of cavities;a modulator for generating, controlling, and transmitting a radio-frequency to the cavities of the acceleration structure; andprocessing and control devices adapted to control the apparatus; the modulator is separate from the radiating head and the connection occurs by virtue of waveguide means adapted to carry the radio-frequency to the acceleration structure.

Abstract: An installation for polymerization by ionization of structures made of composite materials. The installation includes an electron beam generator positioned in a protective compartment, the generator including a linear accelerator provided with a horn and control device for the accelerator, a target for conversion of the beam of electrons into X-ray radiation and an irradiation cell. The assembly of the accelerator, horn, target, and at least a portion of the control device is carried on a platform, the platform being movable in the protective compartment in the direction of the irradiation cell. The aforementioned assembly of parts is provided, on its front surface facing the irradiation cell, with a radio-protection shield adapted to be displaced in a passage provided in a separation wall between the irradiation cell and the protective compartment.

Abstract: A method of increasing index of refraction of silica glass includes the step of irradiating a prescribed region of silica glass with X-ray having a wavelength within a range of from 1.2 .ANG. to 7.0 .ANG., and exciting K shell electrons of silicon atoms in the irradiated region with the X-ray, so that the index of refraction in the irradiated region is increased efficiently.

Abstract: An x-ray apparatus and method for irradiating products, e.g. food, includes a hot electron plasma annulus confined by a simple magnetic mirror. The device includes a chamber for confining a gas, heated by microwave energy. The chamber has a central cylindrical opening into which the product is placed or conveyed through to receive x-rays radiating from the chamber. A number of chambers may be arranged coaxially in series to increase product throughput or arranged in an array to irradiate larger products.

Abstract: In a process that can readily modify a surface of a fluororesin product in a short time, the surface of the fluororesin product is irradiated with synchrotron radiation having a wavelength of not more than 100 nm. The synchrotron radiation preferably has a peak of radiant intensity in the wavelength region of about 3 nm to about 6 nm. Such irradiation with the synchrotron radiation is carried out under an atmosphere containing oxygen, a mixture of nitrogen and hydrogen, a mixture of oxygen and hydrogen, or a mixture of oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen, whereby hydrophilic groups can be introduced into the surface. The fluororesin product of which the surface is modified is improved in wettability with respect to a paint, and adhesiveness to another material.

Abstract: A computer Tomograph having a housing with an aperture (2) for the patient in which computer-controlled scanning devices are arranged to generate computer tomograms, and into which a motor-driven, and also computer-controlled, patient's couch can be inserted from the front of the housing (1). The patient's couch also acts as an operating table, such that as little information as possible is lost in the treatment of the patient between diagnosis and the action on, or treatment of, the patient. The action or treatment can thereby be as close as possible to the diagnosis both in time and place. At the front of the housing (1), there is a plurality of information displays connected to the computer, especially in the form of display screens. In front of the housing (1) there is an operation and treatment area for the patient, to which further diagnostic and/or operative and/or therapeutic auxiliaries are allocated.

Abstract: A method of treating brain tumors in a patient, comprising the steps of: identifying and locating a brain tumor in vivo; implanting at least a portion of an adjustable x-ray source in the patient proximate to the tumor, where the x-ray source generates an electron beam along a path on or slightly offset from a central axis to an x-ray emitting target element; and controlling the x-ray source to generate an x-ray pattern to selectively irradiate the tumor. Also disclosed is a method and apparatus for detecting certain x-ray photons generated by the x-ray source and propagating back on a path which is along or slightly off-set from the central axis of the implanted radiation source.

Abstract: To simulate radiation intensity distribution of a radiation beam having a field region, a penumbra region, and a scatter tail region changes in radiation intensity distribution of a reference radiation beam in the penumbra region at a reference distance from the radiation source are determined. Next, radiation intensity distribution, at the reference distance, of a radiation beam of arbitrary shape, in the field and tail regions is determined. The radiation intensity distribution of the radiation beam of arbitrary shape is simulated by superimposing the changes in radiation intensity of the reference radiation beam in the penumbra region on to the radiation intensity of the radiation beam of arbitrary shape in the field region and the tail region.

Abstract: An x-ray detector element suitable for use in computer tomography has a semi-insulating semiconductor body composed of a compound semiconductor, and is operated with a constant voltage source so that it functions as an x-ray-sensitive photoconductor. A measurement instrument is connected across the voltage source for detecting the photocurrent, which is indicative of the x-rays incident on the semiconductor body.

Abstract: The sample stage is scanned in a grid pattern with a feed pitch finer than the width of the primary beams, and with X-ray intensities at each point as values, primary and secondary mapping data are prepared. In order to convert the shape and size of the primary beam into a size of each of the mapping data, a beam template is prepared in which portions irradiated with primary beam being"1" and portions not irradiated being "0". The background intensity is determined as a threshold value, and at the positions where the value of the primary mapping data is below the threshold value, beam template is overlaid on the secondary mapping data. Those values in the secondary mapping data corresponding to "1" portions of the beam template are replaced with "0", and this is performed over all the measured points, thereby data closely approximating the actual boundary of the element concerned is obtained on the secondary mapping data.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for producing images representing radiation dose distributions in order to verify the radiation dose applied to a target area. The system uses a phantom assembly constructed of material that is the radiological equivalent of live tissue. The phantom assembly has slits where radiation sensitive film can be inserted and can include a channel for an insertable radiation generating device. The treatment dose is then applied to the phantom and the radiation sensitive film records the dose. A CCD camera microdensitometer is then used to read the exposed radiation sensitive film. The CCD camera microdensitometer includes a computer system which processes the image to remove artifacts and generates isodose contours for the radiation treatment applied. In addition, several pieces of radiation sensitive film in different planes can be exposed and processed in order to produce images representing the radiation dose distribution in three dimensions.

Abstract: Biomaterial medical devices or products, e.g., absorbable sutures or joint prostheses components, are gamma irradiation sterilized in the substantial absence of oxygen (e.g., vacuum treatment to 5.times.10.sup.-6 torr) while being maintained at a temperature about that of liquid nitrogen, with improved strength loss resistance compared to gamma irradiation sterilization under ambient conditions.

Abstract: An X-ray source that produces X-rays as a result of igniting an electron cyclotron resonance plasma inside a vacuumated dielectric spherical chamber filled with a heavy atomic weight, non-reactive gas or gas mixture at low pressure. The spherical chamber is located inside a non-vacuumated microwave resonant cavity that is in turn located between two magnets to form a magnetic mirror. Conventional microwave energy fed into the resonant cavity ignites the plasma and creates a hot electron ring which electrons bombard the heavy gas and dielectric material to create an X-ray emission. The X-ray source is suitable for surface and volume sterilization of foodstuffs, packaged goods, medical supplies, blood products and other materials and medical diagnostic and therapeutic devices such as tomography, mammography and radiology.

Abstract: The invention describes the facility and method for controllably irradiating materials with gamma rays. Specifically, the invention concerns the processing of foodstuffs, medicines and other products by remote-controlled exposure to a radiation source while being transported by pallet carriers at adjustable distances in two parallel roller type assemblyline toting systems. A further feature of the invention is the computer-linked automated dosimetry system which is used to afford an effective protocol for product preservation, sanitization or sterilization as well as safety.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a brain tumor in a patient, which includes an x-ray source of preselected or preprogrammed duration and intensity assembled in combination with a reference frame. The reference frame can be, for example, a stereotactic frame. The apparatus allows accurate positioning of the x-ray source within or adjacent to the desired region to be irradiated in the brain of the patient.

Abstract: A method of performing radiation therapy on a patient, involving exposing a target, usually a tumor, to a therapeutic dose of high energy electromagnetic radiation, preferably X-ray radiation, in the form of at least two non-overlapping microbeams of radiation, each microbeam having a width of less than about 1 millimeter. Target tissue exposed to the microbeams receives a radiation dose during the exposure that exceeds the maximum dose that such tissue can survive. Non-target tissue between the microbeams receives a dose of radiation below the threshold amount of radiation that can be survived by the tissue, and thereby permits the non-target tissue to regenerate. The microbeams may be directed at the target from one direction, or from more than one direction in which case the microbeams overlap within the target tissue enhancing the lethal effect of the irradiation while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue.

Abstract: A slow scanning CT Scanner providing slice data simultaneously for a plurality of slices so as to avoid blurring between adjacent slices due to patient movement.

Abstract: Organically contaminated earth-bound material is treated in-situ by positioning one or more x-ray converters in chambers formed in an earth and/or water site containing such earth-bound material and irradiating the contaminated material in-situ adjacent to each chamber with x-radiation from the x-ray converter to decompose the organic compounds. A high energy electron beam from a electron beam source is directed to the x-ray converter to produce the x-radiation. The electron beam source, such as a linear induction accelerator or an RF linear accelerator may be positioned either within the chamber near the x-ray converter or above ground.

Abstract: A device for disinfecting medical materials includes a heat source capable of heating the medical materials to approximately 60.degree. C. and exposing the medical materials to a source of gamma irradiation capable of irradiating medical materials with about 0.25 to about 2.0 Mrads.

Abstract: A low-level, electron beam activated source of preselected or programmable duration and intensity x-rays. The source may be fully or partially implanted into, or surface-mounted onto a desired area to affect a preselected irradiated region. In medical applications, a method of treating malignant cells, such as tumors, in vivo, utilizing the apparatus described above.

Abstract: A system for locating a region of varying density in biological tissue such as a breast includes a controlled x-ray source for directing x-rays through the breast, a phosphor screen positioned to receive x-rays exiting from the tissue and producing light in response thereto, a cooled, slow scan CCD camera, a variable magnification optical system positioned to receive light emitted by the phosphor screen and directing it to the cooled, slow scan CCD camera, a high resolution monitor, and a control system receiving signals from the cooled, slow scan CCD camera and digitizing the signals to produce digital data representative of the densities of various locations of the tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for irradiating a substance or object is provided. The apparatus has a source of radiation that is placed in a housing, one side of which is provided with a centrally disposed receiving chamber for the source of radiation, and the other side of which is provided with an irradiation chamber for receiving a receptacle that contains the medium that is to be irradiated, with the irradiation chamber being aligned with the receiving chamber. Disposed between the receiving chamber and the irradiation chamber is a valve provided with a through-bore for the source of radiation, which can be introduced into the irradiation chamber. The valve can be arrested in various angular positions. The irradiation chamber can be closed off by a removable plug.

Abstract: Color enhanced topaz, beryl, tourmalines, quartz, diamonds and other gem material products, both natural and synthetic, and the process by which they are color-enhanced are described. In this process rough or finished gemstones of virtually any size, in particular very large single pieces weighing approximately one hundred carats up to 10 kilograms, are placed in a very high energy gamma ray field for extended periods of time, on the order of 50 hrs to 1000 hrs, or more, to give total exposures of 400 megagards up to 8000 megagards. The gamma flux used may be in the range of 0.5 MEV up to 30 MEV or more. In particular, the rays will be substantially higher energy than those available from conventional cobalt 60 or cesium 137 and similar sources.

Abstract: Radiation of specific material within a subject is accomplished by use of a beam of x-radiation modulated at a microwave frequency. The beam with its modulation is directed at the subject wherein the material interacts with the beam to extract a portion of the radiant energy carried by the beam. In the interaction, an electric field at the modulating frequency appears at the material. By selecting the modulated frequency equal to a resonant interactive microwave frequency of the material, a photon at the microwave frequency is absorbed by the material to alter its physical and chemical properties. By way of example, the material may be an oncogene or virus having a macromolecule and constituting a malignancy within a living subject. Absorption of the modulated radiation selectively destroys the malignancy. The klystron is disposed along the path of an electron beam in an x-ray source for modulating the electron beam and the resulting x-ray beam.

Abstract: A method of disinfecting medical materials, which comprises heating medical materials and exposing the medical materials to gamma radiation, is provided. One method of heating is the application of radio-frequency waves. The medical materials are subjected to radio-frequency waves for at least approximately 5 minutes and to gamma radiation measuring at least approximately 0.25 Mrads. When the starting material consists of pre-sorted medical or veterinary waste, the method further comprises shredding the irradiated waste and recycling the shredded waste.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for sterilization, by irradiation with .gamma.-ray, of a hydrogel obtained by freezing an aqueous polyvinyl alcohol solution and then thawing it or by partially dehydrating (3% or more in weight reduction rate of the frozen body) the aqueous polyvinyl alcohol solution as it is frozen under vacuum and by selecting dosage of the .gamma.-ray of 3-10 Mrad, stable sterilization effect can be obtained with less soluble decomposition products. Especially, this method is effective and most suitable as a method for sterilization of polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel molded article for medical use.

Abstract: In combination with a diagnostic CT scanner using radiant energy for imaging, an apparatus for therapeutically irradiating a target, comprising a mask that partially attenuates the radiant energy passing therethrough, but transmits through an aperture sufficient radiant energy for imaging. The mask, intermediate the radiant energy source and the target, passes an unattenuated portion of the radiant energy to irradiate the target. The cross-sectional shape and spatial position of the mask aperture can be selectively varied. A post-mask is aligned with the mask aperture and attenuates the radiant energy passing therethrough to an energy level essentially uniform with that of the radiant energy passing through the mask to permit continued imaging during therapeutic irradiation of the target. A method of using the invention in combination with a diagnostic CT scanner using radiant energy for imaging is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system of irradiating food products in product-containing canisters. The canisters are adapted to retain a plurality of cartons of food product. The canisters are initially positioned on the trailer bed of a truck or similar vehicle and are taken to an unloading station. The canisters are preferably unloaded in pairs from the station and are conducted underground to an irradiator building. The irradiator building includes elevators for lifting the canisters into an irradiation path where the canisters are conducted past a plurality of radiation source plaques. The canisters can then lowered by a second elevator within the irradiator to a position underground, where they are conducted by a third conveyor to a loading station. The irradiated canisters are then loaded onto a truck bed and taken to their ultimate destination.

Abstract: Apparatus for treatment by radiation of an intracranial portion disposed at a predetermined region, comprises a linear accelerator for supplying a source of energetic electrons, and a collimator disposed adjacent the predetermined region for supplying an X-ray source of radiation to the predetermined region. The collimator includes a plurality of channels oriented toward the predetermined region. Each channel has a target which produces the X-ray radiation when the respective target is selectively exposed to the energetic electrons. The collimator also has a cover layer of radiation attentuation material having a low atomic or Z number and that extends over the outer surface of the collimator but leaves unexposed the plurality of channels. Preferably, the cover layer has a thickness at least equal to the range of the energetic electrons.A method of treating an intracranial portion with the apparatus of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: An irradiator, for containment and exposure of a radiation source, that is self-contained and portable. The irradiator provides radiation shielding, physical strength and thermal dissipation to allow transport of a radiation source carried therein without further containment or shielding. A radiator frame carrying a radiation source is lowered below the container for exposure to particularly adapt the device for tunnel irradiation of product from a position thereabove. The radiation preferably source is cesium-137 which provides medium energy gamma radiation adapted particularly for radiation processing and sterilizing of food products with minimal additional shielding requirements.

Abstract: An irradiator which can be incorporated within a packing house and a method of irradiating food in the packing house are disclosed. Food products are placed on spaced baskets and conveyed into an enclosure, through a irradiation chamber, and then outwardly from the enclosure. The food products are conveyed through tortuously arranged ductwork which serves to absorb radiation streaming upwardly. The radiation source is maintained underwater both during operation and shutdown, and no lifting of the radiation source is thus required. A portion of the conveyor is positioned within one or more casings and can be withdrawn, if necessary, to facilitate maintenance and repair.