Abstract: A radiotherapy system including a collimator operable to shape and steer a radiation beam in at least one dimension, a turntable for supporting a patient thereupon adapted to rotate the patient about a rotational axis, the patient having a target therein for irradiation by the radiation beam, a detector adapted for measuring a position of the target relative to the radiation beam, and a processor adapted to receive target positional data from the detector, the processor being in communication with the collimator for causing the collimator to steer the radiation beam in a direction to the target.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with Tomosurgery are described. One method embodiment includes logically dividing a target volume into treatment slices to be radiated individually by co-planar beams. The method embodiment also includes planning a two dimensional path for moving a shaped isocenter through a treatment slice where the isocenter is produced by the intersection of the co-planar beams. The method embodiment also includes planning a three dimensional path for moving the shaped isocenter through the target volume based, at least in part, on two dimensional paths. The method provides a signal to control a radio surgery device to deliver radiation using the coplanar beams to the target volume based, at least in part, on the three dimensional path.

Abstract: An angular analysis system that can be controlled to receive radiation at a defined angle from a defined focus region. The angular analysis system is used for level 2 inspection in an explosive detection system. Level 2 inspection is provided by a three-dimensional inspection system that identifies suspicious regions of items under inspection. The angular analysis system is focused to gather radiation scattered at defined angles from the suspicious regions. Focusing may be achieved in multiple dimensions by movement of source and detector assemblies in a plane parallel to a plane holding the item under inspection. Focusing is achieved by independent motion of the source and detector assemblies. This focusing arrangement provides a compact device, providing simple, low cost and accurate operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing uniform X-Ray irradiation to material carried in a plurality of containers. The apparatus includes an X-Ray tube providing a linear source of irradiation and also a 4 pi (360 degrees) irradiation. The material to be irradiated is placed in containers suspended on a vertical carousel wheel type structure. The individual containers are mounted receive irradiation throughout the rotation of the wheel. The tube is mounted approximately at the axis or center of the wheel. In operation, the containers of material are rotated around the tube, and due to their orientation and the 4 pi irradiation from the source, each and all the containers receive a uniform irradiation for the material contained therein.

Abstract: Method for irradiating in an irradiation chamber products being stored in the form of pallets or in the form of bulk material in appropriate containers by means of a high energy X-ray beam source including the following steps: placing and arranging the products onto two different levels of products, so that a first set of products is placed on an upper level and a second set of products is placed on a lower level; irradiating both sets of products during a first period of time; submitting the products arranged on the two levels to a switch or transposition, so that the set of products arranged on an upper level is arranged on the lower level and vice versa and irradiating during a second period of time the new arrangement formed of the two transposed sets of products.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing uniform X-Ray irradiation to material carried in a plurality of containers. The apparatus includes an X-Ray tube providing a linear source of irradiation and also a 4pi (360 degrees) irradiation. The material to be irradiated is placed in containers suspended on a vertical carousel wheel type structure. The individual containers are mounted receive irradiation throughout the rotation of the wheel. The tube is mounted approximately at the axis or center of the wheel. In operation, the containers of material are rotated around the tube, and due to their orientation and the 4 pi irradiation from the source, each and all the containers receive a uniform irradiation for the material contained therein.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a device for irradiating a patient with a charged particle beam, comprising a number of beam channels attached to a vertical wall, wherein a deflection magnet is present at the end of each channel. This deflection magnet is able to deflect the beam in the vertical plane over a given angle range. The couch whereon the patient is reclining is mobile in the vertical plane, so that the combined movement of the patient, and the variable deflection of the beam allow one point in the patient to be irradiated from several angles in the vertical plane.

Abstract: Volumetric imaging on a radiotherapy apparatus, wherein a body, of which a volumetric image data set is to be produced, is positioned on a couch of the radiotherapy apparatus, and the couch or a bearing area of the couch or the body itself is rotated about a spatially fixed axis. During rotation, multiple x-ray images of the body or of a part of the body are produced and stored by at least one radiation source/image recorder system which is separate from the radiotherapy apparatus and whose radiation path is substantially not parallel to the spatially fixed axis. The rotational position of the couch or the bearing area of the couch or the body itself is detected while the images are produced, and the rotational position is assigned to the corresponding image, wherein a volumetric image data set of the body is reconstructed from the x-ray images by image processing and assignment by a computer system.

Abstract: Compensation for patient rotation between planning and treatment in a radiation therapy machine is provided by angled translation of a table surface on which the patient is supported without actual patient rotation.

Abstract: The present invention is related to process and an apparatus for irradiating products by means of high energy X-ray beam source (1) in an installation having an irradiation chamber (2), said process comprising the following steps, controlled by controlling means: determining the density of the products to be irradiated, in order to irradiate said products as a stack predetermining, on the basis of said density, the optimal size of the product stack able to optimize the throughput of the installation and/or the dose uniformity ratio (DUR), in the irradiation chamber (2), loading products as a stack onto rotation means (3) located in front of the X-ray beam source (1), while rotating the rotation means around a rotation axis (10), irradiating said products from a lateral side of said product stack.

Abstract: Sample mounts (10) for mounting microcrystals of biological macromolecules for X-ray crystallography are prepared by using patterned thin polyimide films (12) that have curvature imparted thereto, for example, by being attached to a curved outer surface of a small metal rod (16). The patterned film (12) preferably includes a tapered tip end (24) for holding a crystal. Preferably, a small sample aperture is disposed in the film for reception of the crystal. A second, larger aperture can also be provided that is connected to the sample aperture by a drainage channel, allowing removal of excess liquid and easier manipulation in viscous solutions. The curvature imparted to the film (12) increases the film's rigidity and allows a convenient scoop-like action for retrieving crystals. The polyimide contributes minimally to background and absorption, and can be treated to obtain desired hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity.

Abstract: A comprehensive system and method of rendering the mail safe for handling and for detecting and containing suspect pieces and which can be fitted or retrofitted into mail and package processing facilities with relative ease. The system of the present invention includes a mail tray initial neutralizing sub-system, a subsequent neutralizing sub-system, an analyzing (potentially hazardous material detection) sub-system, a diverting mechanism, and a receiving and holding sub-system (secure out-sort pocket). All components can be controlled or operate in conjunction with a processing/computing sub-system. A feeder sub-system provides the mail from trays, after initial neutralization by the initial neutralizing sub-system, to the mail transport system.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for irradiating a target includes a radiation source (12) for generating a radiation beam and a multiple leaf beam adjuster (16) for collimating and adjusting the shape of the radiation beam from the radiation source (12) that would be projected on the target. An image detector (17) detects generates an image signal of the target. In response to the image signal, a control module (18) generate a beam adjustment signal for controlling the beam adjuster (16), thereby enabling the radiation beam from the radiation source (12) to track the movement of the target.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a process for irradiation of a product pallet having four vertical faces by a photon beam such as an X-ray beam, a gamma source or similar, consisting in an irradiation procedure comprising the following steps: introducing the product pallet into an irradiation zone according to a horizontal translation movement, submitting said product pallet to said photon beam, the source of which having a vertical movement, the horizontal translation movement of the product pallet and the vertical movement of the beam resulting in the irradiation of a vertical face of said product pallet, moving out said product pallet from the irradiation zone. giving a rotation of substantially 90° to said product pallet using rotation means, repeating said irradiation process until at least the four vertical faces of said product pallet have been irradiated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for irradiating a product or product stack with a relatively even radiation dose distribution is provided. The apparatus comprises a radiation source, an adjustable collimator, a turn-table capable of receiving a product stack and a control system capable of adjusting the adjustable collimator to vary the geometry of the radiation beam as the product stack is rotated in the radiation beam. Also disclosed is the modulation of the radiation beam energy and power and varying the angular rotational velocity of the product stack in a radiation beam to achieve a low dose uniformity ratio in the product stack.

Abstract: A method and system is presented for treating moving target regions in a patient's anatomy by creating radiosurgical lesions. The method includes determining a pulsating motion of a patient separately from a determining of a respiratory motion, and directing a radiosurgical beam, from a radiosurgical beam source, to a target in the patient based on the determining of the pulsating motion. Directing the radiosurgical beam to the target may include creating a lesion in the heart to inhibit atrial fibrillation. The method may further include determining the respiratory motion of the patient, and compensating for movement of the target, due to the respiratory motion and the pulsating motion of the patient, in the directing of the radiosurgical beam based on the determining of the respiratory motion and the determining of the pulsating motion.

Abstract: This invention is advantageous in irradiating pallets which cannot be irradiated by conventional techniques, even by x-rays, throughout their complete volumes. In one embodiment, a scan horn scans electron beamlets through a sweep angle. A dipole bends the electron beamlets to focus the electron beamlets at the pallet center. After being bent, the beam becomes converted to x-rays which are irradiated through the pallet to the pallet center. During this irradiation, the pallet is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the irradiation. In this way, a quarter of the pallet is irradiated. When the quadrant radiation is completed, the radiation is interrupted and the pallet is rotated 90° to have a second side of the pallet face the radiation. The operation is sequentially repeated for each of the pallet sides. The four (4) irradiated quadrants define the pallet's complete cross-sectional area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing blurring caused by transverse movement of an object being inspected relative to the x-ray source/detector array assembly. The plane of the scanning fan beam plane generated by the x-ray source is tilted by an angle relative to the plane that is perpendicular to the direction of motion of the object by an angle such that the fan beam source traverses distance D parallel to the direction of motion of the object in the same amount of time as one scan of the fan beam.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method and apparatus of radiation processing of a product package in a device having a radiation source, a collimator having a variable aperture, and a turntable, said radiation processing resulting in a point in the product package where the dose is minimal (Dmin point) and a point in said product package where the dose is maximal (Dmax point) comprising the steps of: determining a first value of the collimator aperture, by increasing said aperture from a small value, where the Dmax point is located near the centre of the product package, up to a value where the Dmax point moves near to the centre of a small side of said package's rectangular horizontal cross-section; determining a second value of the collimator aperture, by further increasing the collimator aperture up to a point where the Dmin point moves from a point near the corner of the product package to the centre of said package; processing said package with radiation, the collimator aperture being kept at a

Abstract: An article has irregular characteristics such as an irregular geometrical configuration. Radiation from a radiation source is directed in a particular direction toward the article. The radiation energy passing from the source to the article at different positions in the article is absorbed in accordance with the irregularities in the characteristics of the article at the different positions to maintain the radiant energy at the different positions in the article within particular limits. For irregularities of a geometrical configuration in the article, the absorption may be provided by a fixture having a geometrical configuration which constitutes the difference at every position between a substantially constant value and the geometrical configuration of the article at this position. The absorption may be provided by conveying the article and the fixture past the radiation source in a direction substantially perpendicular to the particular direction.

Abstract: An irradiation assembly is effective to irradiate large articles, up to about 48 inches thick in an exemplary embodiment. The assembly provides radiation to an article from all sides in a 360 degree exposure range, and includes at least one irradiating subsystem that provides x-ray radiation in a portion of the 360 degree exposure range. A conveying system carries the article through the at least one irradiating subsystem in a number of passes appropriate to provide x-ray radiation to the article in the full 360 degree exposure range. Each irradiating subsystem is configured to direct radiation toward a center point of the article being irradiated. An accelerator generates an electron beam, and a magnet assembly shapes and deflects the electron beam in a sweep path through a scan horn. A compound bending magnet directs the electron beam toward a center point of the article being irradiated along the entire sweep path. An x-ray conversion plate converts the electron beam into an x-ray radiation beam.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for sanitizing and recovering mail and other materials is disclosed. The apparatus is employed after a known or suspected biological attack or contamination event, such as anthrax. Multiple X-ray sources penetrate mail and other materials, and destroy the biological agents. The apparatus is taken to the location of the biological problem, as opposed to shipping contaminated materials to a fixed facility for recovery. Many safety and practical advantages result from this approach to bio-terrorism or to biological contamination events. The design of this apparatus leads to a self-cleaning feature. Airflow control prevents escape of toxic biological materials into the environment.

Abstract: An irradiation apparatus particularly well suited to the irradiation of food at or near the point of consumption includes an irradiation chamber, one or more ionizing radiation sources such as x-ray tubes, and a rotating food support. In one embodiment, one or more x-ray sources are disposed axially in relation to the support. In another, one or more x-ray sources are disposed radially in relation to the support. The position of the x-ray sources in relation to the food may also be varied depending on the size of the food.

Abstract: An x-ray emitting window is formed at a front end face, and a taper surface tilted with respect to the x-ray emitting direction is formed near the emitting window, whereby an object to be inspected can be prevented from abutting against the front end face even if the object is pivoted about an axis intersecting the emitting direction while the object is disposed closer to the x-ray emitting window. As a consequence, while the object is disposed closer to the x-ray emitting position, the orientation of the object can be changed. Therefore, when inspecting the internal structure of the object and the like by irradiating the object with x-rays and detecting the x-rays transmitted through the object, not only a magnified penetration image of the object with a high magnification rate is obtained, but also the internal structure of the object and the like can be verified in detail by changing the orientation of the object.

Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, and means for delivering treatment fields includes identifying a sequence group. A type of radiation to be applied in a first field of the sequence group is identified. The type of radiation is selected from among primary photon radiation and primary electron radiation. A radiation therapy treatment device is configured, based at least in part on the type of radiation. The first field is then delivered.

Abstract: A system and method for improved imaging of a patient through the use of low-dose exposure aided positioning is provided. The patient is positioned in the X-ray system and them imaged with a low-dose pre-shot to verify the positioning of the patient. If the patient's positioning is acceptable, the patient is then imaged with a full-dose X-ray exposure. If the patient's positioning is not acceptable, the patient is repositioned and re-imaged with a low-dose pre-shot until the patient's positioning is acceptable. The low-dose pre-shot may take the form of a low-dose X-ray imaging sequence. The present invention thus provides for rapid verification of the proper positioning of the patient in the X-ray system in order to provide for optimal X-ray image quality. Additionally, the X-ray imaging system thus minimizes the additional exposure to X-ray radiation on the part of the patient.

Abstract: An irradiation apparatus particularly well suited to the irradiation of food at or near the point of consumption includes an irradiation chamber, one or more ionizing radiation sources such as x-ray tubes, and a rotating food support. In one embodiment, one or more x-ray sources are disposed axially in relation to the support. In another, one or more x-ray sources are disposed radially in relation to the support. The position of the x-ray sources in relation to the food may also be varied depending on the size of the food.

Abstract: A carousel and first and second members have common axes in a first direction. The carousel, preferably cylindrical, has a ring-shaped configuration defined by inner and outer diameters. The first member has an outer diameter preferably contiguous to the carousel inner diameter. The second member has an inner diameter preferably contiguous to the carousel outer diameter. The carousel is divided into compartments by vanes. The carousel rotates at a substantially constant speed past radiation directed by an accelerator in the first direction. When a fault occurs in the system operation, (1) the carousel and radiation stop and (2) the carousel reverses in direction. When the fault is resolved, the carousel moves in the forward direction at the substantially constant speed and the radiation resumes at the position where the article was being irradiated at the time that the fault occurred.

Abstract: Articles having irregular characteristics such as an irregular geometrical configuration or an irregular density are disposed in a container which is moved in a first direction past a radiation source. Radiation from the source is directed toward the articles in the container in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The radiation energy passing from the source to the articles at different positions in the articles is absorbed in accordance with the irregularities in the characteristics of the articles at the different positions to maintain the radiant energy at the different positions in the articles within particular limits.

Abstract: A system for irradiating articles is disclosed. The system has multiple beam paths and is capable of irradiating articles with x-rays or electron beams (e-beams). The system is comprised of a single radiation source producing multiple beam paths. At least one of the beam paths is configured to irradiate articles with x-rays and at least one other beam path is configured to irradiate articles with e-beams. The beam paths are each positioned to scan product carried on conveyors. The x-ray beam paths and e-beam have separate conveyor systems that operates independently from each other.

Abstract: An irradiation apparatus particularly well suited to the irradiation of food at or near the point of consumption includes an irradiation chamber, one or more ionizing radiation sources such as x-ray tubes, and a rotating food support. In one embodiment, one or more x-ray sources are disposed axially in relation to the support. In another, one or more x-ray sources are disposed radially in relation to the support. The position of the x-ray sources in relation to the food may also be varied depending on the size of the food.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for hardening a metal article, comprising a holding device, an energy beam generator pointed at the holding device for directing energy beams at the holding device, and a movement system supporting the holding device, wherein the movement system varies the orientation of the metal article relative to the energy beam generator. The apparatus includes an energy beam delivery instrument system positioned between the energy beam generator and the holding device so that the energy an energy beam delivery instrument directs the energy beam to the holding device. Also, the apparatus includes an auxiliary heating device engaging the holding device, wherein the auxiliary heating device heats the metal article independently from the energy beam.

Abstract: A system for irradiating articles is disclosed. The system has multiple beam paths and is capable of irradiating articles with x-rays or electron beams (e-beams). The system is comprised of a single radiation source producing multiple beam paths. At least one of the beam paths is configured to irradiate articles with x-rays and at least one other beam path is configured to irradiate articles with e-beams. The beam paths are each positioned to scan product carried on conveyors. The x-ray beam paths and e-beam have separate conveyor systems that operates independently from each other.

Abstract: An X-ray beam emitter including a vacuum chamber having a target window. An electron generator is positioned within the vacuum chamber for generating electrons that are directed at the target window for forming X-rays. The X-rays pass through the target window in an X-ray beam.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for treating the subject are provided, using which it is determined whether an equivalent uniform dose (“EUD”) associated with a particular dose distribution is greater than a first dose tolerance associated with a first structure within a subject. Also, a determination is made as to whether the EUD associated with the particular dose distribution is greater than a second dose tolerance associated with a second structure within the subject.

Abstract: An irradiation system includes a radiation source for providing a radiation beam at a controlled power level. A product location system provides product so that the radiation beam impinges on the product. A sensor system measures an intensity of the radiation beam that passes through the product, and a control system adjusts the power level of the radiation beam based on the intensity of the radiation beam that passes through the product.

Abstract: A general computer-implemented method and computer program for an independent MU or dose and fluence calculation of an intensity modulated photon field in intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is provided. The present invention provides for the verification MU or dose calculation in high dose regions or low dose regions. In general, the dose at an arbitrary spatial point is expressed as a summation of the contributions from all the beamlets in a treatment field, each modulated by a dynamic modulation factor. The verification of a low dose region is based on using the inverted field of the low dose region. The advantage of the present invention that it is an independent method and therefore generally applicable and useful irrespective of the type of leaf sequence algorithm and delivery machines. It provides an automated computer-implemented method or program that generalizes and simplifies dose verification in IMRT.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a substance scoring system comprises acquiring data from a phantom using an imaging system, moving at least a portion of the phantom during the acquiring step, and generating an actual substance score for the phantom based on the data acquired using the imaging system. The phantom simulates a human organ such as a human heart. The phantom is provided with a motion profile that simulates a motion profile of the human organ.

Abstract: A method and system for physiological gating for radiation therapy is disclosed. According to an aspect, the invention comprises the use of an optical or video image system to measure regular physiological movement of a patient's body. The image data can be used to quantify voluntary or involuntary motion of the patient that may affect the delivery of radiation to a target tissue. A gating signal can be generated to suspend delivery of radiation upon certain threshold event detected in the physiological movement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a product irradiator having a cartridge loading system. The cartridge comprises a plurality of carriers or totes which are transported as a single mass into an irradiation chamber for radiation processing. Products contained within the totes are irradiated while on the cartridge, but individual totes are transferred around the radioactive source by a tote transfer system. The cartridge product irradiator permits quick changes of cartridges thereby minimizing the time that the radioactive source is not in use, and also permits good radiation dose uniformity in products. The cartridge product irradiator is thus highly efficient and economical to use.

Abstract: An imaging system that is capable of capturing images of moving objects as they are moving with minimal blurring by moving a point source of illumination such that the position from which illumination is projected is changed as the object moves to ensure that the position of the image projected onto an imaging plane remains substantially effectively stationary. The position from which illumination is projected functions as a point source of illumination. A image sensor of the imaging system is positioned in the imaging plane and receives illumination projected from the position of the illumination source that passes through the moving object. The image sensor produces electrical signals in response to the received illumination.

Abstract: An x-ray technique-based nonintrusive inspection apparatus is provided which is capable of inspecting 600 containers an hour which is small, and which is easily maintainable. Features of the apparatus include “radiation locking” with “active curtains”, “continuous scanning” utilizing an x-ray line scanner subsystem and a CT scanner subsystem, good structural integrity, radiation containment in a self-shielding manner, an easily maintainable driving arrangement, shielding curtains that can be raised and lowered quickly, a container jam release mechanism, and efficient air conditioning.

Abstract: A system for irradiating articles is disclosed. The system has multiple beam paths and is capable of irradiating articles with x-rays or electron beams (e-beams). The system is comprised of a single radiation source producing multiple beam paths. At least one of the beam paths is configured to irradiate articles with x-rays and at least one other beam path is configured to irradiate articles with e-beams. The beam paths are each positioned to scan product carried on conveyors. The x-ray beam paths and e-beam have separate conveyor systems that operates independently from each other.

Abstract: A system for irradiating articles is disclosed. The system has multiple beam paths and is capable of irradiating articles with x-rays or electron beams (e-beams). The system is comprised of a single radiation source producing multiple beam paths. At least one of the beam paths is configured to irradiate articles with x-rays and at least one other beam path is configured to irradiate articles with e-beams. The beam paths are each positioned to scan product carried on conveyors. The x-ray beam paths and e-beam have separate conveyor systems that operates independently from each other.

Abstract: A powder of Anthrax spores or other microbial contamination in a series of conveyed envelopes or banknotes (2) are deactivated by pulses of energy. Preferably, the deactivation occurs in the normal processing and sorting of mail or paper currency. The pulsed energy is in the form of low kinetic energy (under 500 keV) e− beams (12) or x-rays which are pulsed in coordination with the movement of mail in the mail handling equipment or the movement of banknotes into or out of an automatic teller machine. The treatment of either mail or currency is done under nearly adiabatic conditions.

Abstract: Articles move on a conveyor mechanism in a first direction past a radiation source for an irradiation of the articles (by e.g., an electron beam, x-rays or gamma rays) by radiation moving in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the fires direction. The distance between the radiation source and the articles on the conveyor mechanism may be adjusted to provide for the irradiation of each position in the articles and to minimize the amount of the radiation which does not pass into the articles.

Abstract: A system for irradiating articles is disclosed. The system has multiple beam paths and is capable of irradiating articles with x-rays or electron beams (e-beams). The system is comprised of a single radiation source producing multiple beam paths. At least one of the beam paths is configured to irradiate articles with x-rays and at least one other beam path is configured to irradiate articles with e-beams. The beam paths are each positioned to scan product carried on conveyors. The x-ray beam paths and e-beam have separate conveyor systems that operates independently from each other.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an apparatus and method for irradiating product packages (1). One measures the effective dimension of a product package (1), one processes a product package (1) having everywhere an effective thickness below a predefined threshold with an e-beam source (17), and other packages with either a gas sterilisant device or an X-ray or gamma source. Packages for treating with the X-ray or gamma source are grouped in layers and stacked, in order to optimise the throughput of the apparatus.

Abstract: An irradiation apparatus particularly well suited to the irradiation of food at or near the point of consumption includes an irradiation chamber, one or more ionizing radiation sources such as x-ray tubes, and a rotating food support. In one embodiment, one or more x-ray sources are disposed axially in relation to the support. In another, one or more x-ray sources are disposed radially in relation to the support. The position of the x-ray sources in relation to the food may also be varied depending on the size of the food.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for motion correction given series of two-dimensional images of a rigid body, whereby the rigid body does not lie completely in the coverage area of the images and is cut off at one image edge or, respectively, at two image edges that do not lie opposite one another. Given two time-successive images, the mirror image or, respectively, the mirror images of the other are respectively attached to the one. A simple motion correction method is then implemented between the two newly arisen images that now show an approximately rigid body that lies completely within the coverage area of these newly arisen images.