Abstract: An accelerator provides radiant energy in a first direction A carousel and first and second members have a common axis in the 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 first and second members provide shielding against the radiant energy from the accelerator. A single motor (e.g., stepping motor) rotates the carousel past the radiant energy continuously at a substantially constant speed in successive revolutions. Vanes made from a shielding material are disposed at spaced positions in the carousel to divide the carousel into compartments for receiving the articles and to isolate each compartment from the radiant energy in other compartments.

Abstract: A first support structure disposes articles relative to a radiation beam, preferably x-rays, to obtain an irradiation of the articles. A second support structure disposes articles relative to the beam and to the articles on the first structure to obtain an irradiation of the articles by radiation passing from the accelerator through the articles on the first structure. A mechanism transfers the particles on the first structure to the second structure, after the irradiation of the articles on the first structure, to obtain the irradiation of the articles on the second structure. Each of the first and second structures may provide for an irradiation of articles initially through first sides of the articles and subsequently through second sides of the articles opposite to first sides. The irradiation of the first sides of the articles on the first and second support structures are preferably synchronous from a time standpoint as are the irradiation of the second sides of the articles on the structures.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing treatment on an internal target region while compensating for breathing and other motion of the patient is provided in which the apparatus comprises a first imaging device for periodically generating positional data about the internal target region and a second imaging device for continuously generating positional data about one or more external markers attached to the patient's body or any external sensor such as a device for measuring air flow. The apparatus further comprises a processor that receives the positional data about the internal target region and the external markers in order to generate a correspondence between the position of the internal target region and the external markers and a treatment device that directs the treatment towards the position of the target region of the patient based on the positional data of the external markers.

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 first robotic assembly transfers articles from carriers on a transport mechanism at a loading area to a first load conveyor. The conveyor transfers the articles to a process conveyor which moves the articles through a target region at a substantially constant speed. The process conveyor then transfers the articles to a second load conveyor. A second robotic assembly then transfers the articles to article carriers on the transport mechanism at an unloading area. The load and process conveyors may be divided into two tracks. First and second radiation sources respectively disposed at first and second gaps in the process conveyor in the target region respectively irradiate the articles in both tracks in opposite directions from positions above and below the articles. Articles on the tracks may be (a) diverged on the first load conveyor to separate the articles from the dividers, (b) converged on the process conveyor to minimize the width of the radiation sources and (c) diverged on the second load conveyor.

Abstract: An irradiation system includes a conveying system for moving material to be irradiated through a processing area. An irradiation source applies radiation to material in the processing area. The conveying system is enclosed by a sealed conduit in at least the processing area, providing the capability to control the atmosphere inside the sealed conduit and to clean the interior of the sealed conduit according to industrial sanitation methods.

Abstract: A source of electrons (10) generates a beam of free electrons which are accelerated through a vacuum chamber and collide with a target (34). The target has multiple layers of a high Z material such as tungsten or tantalum or for producing x-ray radiation when bombarded with high energy electrons. The target layers are located in sequence such that electrons that are not terminated in the first layer will pass to the second layer, and so on. This provides more efficient use of the generated electrons. The target layers are sandwiched between layers of a thermally conductive, low Z metal substrate (40), such as aluminum or copper or other material with a high thermal conductivity. Hollow passages (42) are bored in the substrate (40) to allow water or some other coolant to flow within them. As electrons strike the target (34), unwanted heat is generated along with the x-rays. The water carries the heat away from the target.

Abstract: A laminated substrate is prepared, the laminated substrate having two layers including a first film and a second film in tight contact with the first film, the second film being made of a material capable of being etched with synchrotron radiation light. A mask member with a pattern is disposed in tight contact with the surface of the second film of the laminated structure or at a distance from the surface of the second film, the pattern of the mask member being made of a material not transmitting the synchrotron radiation light. The synchrotron radiation light is applied on a partial surface area of the second film via the mask member to etch the second film where the synchrotron radiation light is applied and to expose a partial surface area of the first film on the bottom of an etched area.

Abstract: A product irradiation device includes an enclosure and an irradiator shell disposed in the enclosure. The shell comprises a wall or walls enclosing an irradiation source and a transport channel extending from an inlet port to an outlet port of the shell. The enclosure has an entry opening, communicating with the inlet port, through which products are introduced in succession into the transport channel from external of the enclosure. The enclosure has an exit opening, communicating with the outlet port, through which products discharged in succession from the transport channel are transported to a location external of the enclosure, the exit opening being disposed at a location different from the entry opening. The shell has a non-moving transport surface defined by a surface or surfaces of the wall or walls and upon which the products are advanced in fixed increments through the transport channel past the irradiation source.

Abstract: A method for estimating motion of a part of an object, using a CT imaging system, is therefore provided in one embodiment of the present invention. This method includes steps of: scanning the object with the CT imaging system so as to acquire conjugate data samples; analyzing the conjugate data samples to remove data representative of overlapping, non-moving portions of the object; and estimating a cardiac motion from the analyzed conjugate data samples. Advantageously, no EKG device is required estimating cardiac motion when this method for estimating motion is employed.

Abstract: Radiotherapy controlling, treatment sinograms may be directly modified to correct for real time motion of patients or portions of patients resulting from physiological or other activity. Precalculated partial sinograms representing treatments of portions of a patient may be assembled to obtain a treatment sinogram for the entire patient without delay from conventional planning software. The partial sinograms are modified as representations of their corresponding portions and manipulated to conform to the particular dimensions of an actual patient. This constructed sinogram may be used directly or as a starting point for iterative optimization.

Abstract: An article irradiation system includes (1) a radiation source for scanning a target region with radiation, (2) a conveyor system including a process conveyor positioned for transporting articles in a given direction through the target region, and (3) radiation shielding material defining the walls of a chamber containing the radiation source, the target region and a position of the conveyor system. The radiation source is disposed inside a loop defined by a portion of the conveyor system and is adapted to scan the articles in the chamber in a plane transverse to the given direction of the transport by the process conveyor. A shield (e.g., an intermediate wall) of radiation shielding material positioned within the loop supports a radiation shielding ceiling of the chamber, inhibits photons emitted from a beam stop in one of the chamber walls from impinging on the outer walls of the chamber and restricts flow in the chamber of ozone derived in the target region from the radiation source.

Abstract: Articles are transported by a conveyor system in a loop from a loading area past a target region to an unloading area adjacent the loading area. A first side of the article is irradiated by a radiation source in the target region during the article movement through the target region. The radiation source may be substantially parallel or perpendicular to the conveyor system. The loop has curved portions and straight portions between the curved portions. Radiation shielding material substantially fills the space within the loop. The conveyor system and the radiation source are disposed within a chamber made from a radiation shielding material (e.g. concrete). The shielding material inside and outside the loop defines a radiation-free loop portion having straight portions with a relatively close spacing. A bridge having no radiation shielding and a relatively short length is disposed in this radiation-free area as are the loading and unloading areas.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a product irradiator comprising a loading-unloading area and an irradiation chamber, a continuous track having a level-changing portion, wherein the continuous track enters and exits the irradiation chamber from the loading-unloading area. The continuous track is comprised of at least one rail and of at least two levels to about 8 levels. An irradiation source, for example cobalt 60, and which is preferably horizontal in orientation, is located within the irradiation chamber. The product irradiator comprises a substantially horizontal carrier, which is engaged to the continuous track, and at least one drive mechanism capable of moving the carrier along the continuous track.

Abstract: Irradiation of a target material disposed around a reel rotated about an axis perpendicular to the sweep of a beam of radiation produces a linear relationship between the depth into the target material and the radiation dose received. Where the core of the reel is sufficiently transparent to the radiation beam, target material located on the backside of the reel is also irradiated, creating a constant relationship between depth into the target material and the radiation dose received. The depth/dose profile can be tuned to a constant value by varying parameters of the irradiation process, such as target material thickness, target material density, reel diameter, and energy of the applied beam of radiation.

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: An apparatus and method for performing treatment on an internal target region while compensating for breathing and other motion of the patient is provided in which the apparatus comprises a first imaging device for periodically generating positional data about the internal target region and a second imaging device for continuously generating positional data about one or more external markers adapted to be attached to the patient's body or any external sensor such as a device for measuring air flow. The apparatus further comprises a processor that receives the positional data about the internal target region and the external markers in order to generate a correspondence between the position of the internal target region and the external markers and a treatment device that directs the treatment towards the position of the target region of the patient based on the positional data of the external markers.

Abstract: A device for precision X-irradiation of the macular region of the retina of a patient's eye has a mounting plate mounted to a linear accelerator collimator. A housing extends from the mounting plate, and a secondary collimator is positioned in the housing. An elongate aperture extends through the secondary collimator and is in linear alignment with an axis of an X-ray beam emanating from the linear accelerator collimator. A support member extends outwardly from a side of the housing, and an elongate, hollow, sight tube is mounted on the support member. The longitudinal axis of the sight tube aligns with the axis of the X-ray beam so that the axis of the sight tube and the axis of the X-ray beam intersect each other. A light beam is transmitted down the sight tube. The light beam impinges on a cornea of a patient's eye. Light reflected from the cornea is transmitted up the sight tube so that impingement of the light beam on the cornea can be observed through an upper end of the sight tube.

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: A radiotherapy appliance having a plurality of controllable radiation beams which converge on a focus volume wherein an object being irradiated can be movably positioned relative to the focus volume for varying time periods and with varying radiation exposure rates, optimally under control of a computer. The computer controls the focus volume radiation beam size, intensity, and exposure time for subareas of the treatment target in response to a radiation dose distribution determined for the treatment target. A determination of the radiation beam size, intensity, and dwell time of the focus volume in the target area, is made by initially dividing up the specified treatment area into volume elements or voxels and having biological characteristics of the treatment area assigned to each voxel. The energy deposition incident to each voxel to provide this biological characteristic is then calculated.

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 radiotherapy appliance having a plurality of controllable radiation beams which converge on a focus volume wherein an object being irradiated can be movably positioned relative to the focus volume for varying time periods and with varying radiation exposure rates, optimally under control of a computer. The computer controls the focus volume radiation beam size, intensity, and exposure time for subareas of the treatment target in response to a radiation dose distribution determined for the treatment target. A determination of the radiation beam size, intensity, and dwell time of the focus volume in the target area, is made by initially dividing up the specified treatment area into volume elements or voxels and having biological characteristics of the treatment area assigned to each voxel. The energy deposition incident to each voxel to provide this biological characteristic is then calculated.

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: X-ray images such as radiotherapy portal images and simulation images are matched by apparatus which digitizes the images and automatically processes the digitized signals to generate matched digitized signals which can be displayed for comparison. The digitized images are first coarse aligned using a transform generated from seed points selected interactively from the two images or through detection and identification of x-ray opaque fiducials placed on the patient. A fine alignment is then performed by first selecting intersecting regions of the two images and enhancing those regions. Secondly, an updated transform is generated using robust motion flow in these regions at successive ascending levels of resolution. The updated transform is then used to align the images which are displayed for comparison. The updated transform can also be used to control the radiotherapy equipment.

Abstract: There is provided a radiotherapy system comprising: a radiotherapy planning CT system integratedly having an X-ray scanner member for acquiring image data of a diagnostic portion of a subject by irradiating X-rays to the subject, said diagnostic portion including a lesion, a radiotherapy planner member for displaying the image data and producing radiotherapy plan data including a position data of an isocenter and a contour data of a radiation field limiting radiations from a virtual radiation source irradiated into the diagnostic portion, and a positioning member for automatically pointing a marking position on the subject based on the position data of the isocenter; and a radiotherapy apparatus for carrying out radiotherapy on the basis of the therapy plan data.

Abstract: A treatment source (4) such as a radiation source, is attached to the inner surface 50a of a drum 50, which drum 50 is mounted to a support (3) so as to be rotatable with respect to the support (3) about a central axis (R) displaced from the treatment source (4). The source provides a treatment beam (X) having a treatment beam axis (TB) extending through the rotation axis (R). A patient support (6) for receiving a patient (2) to locate a target treatment area (6) on the treatment beam axis (TB) is housed at least partially within the passageway defined by the inner surface 50a. The overall size of the apparatus is thus reduced. A preferred treatment technique, to which the apparatus may be adapted, is also described.

Abstract: A radiosurgery and radiotherapy system to provide diagnostic imaging and target localization via a patient 3-D mapping means such as a CT scanner or MRI, patient positioning via a four degree of freedom of motion table, and a stereotactic Cobalt 60 therapy unit incorporating multiple sources to therapeutically irradiate a target is provided. Methods of radiosurgery and radiotherapy utilizing the system are also provided. A combination of radiation source configuration, 360 degree rotational characteristics of the therapy unit, and table movement will allow any size and shape of target to be irradiated to therapeutic levels while decreasing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. A radiation beam catcher which captures greater than 80% and preferably greater than 90 percent of the radiation from the radiation sources is also provided.

Abstract: A method of micromachining polytetrafluoroethylene by applying radiation light to the surface of polytetrafluoroethylene, includes the steps of: preparing a workpiece including a region made of polytetrafluoroethylene; preparing a mask having patterned areas substantially transmitting and not transmitting the radiation light; and applying the radiation light containing at least ultraviolet rays of a wavelength of 160 nm to a surface of the workpiece through the mask. Polytetrafluoroethylene can be microscopically processed, while obtaining a high aspect ratio and processing a large area with ease.

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: A human interface to be used with irradiation machine in a computed tomography machine wherein x-ray computed tomography images are individually display on a computer screen and an operator uses a manual cursor control device to trace various irradiation zones on the image, identify desired dose within each zone, verify the accuracy of the therapy treatment plan prior to an irradiation session, and verify irradiation delivered after a therapy treatment session.

Abstract: A radiotherapy appliance having a plurality of controllable radiation beams which converge on a focus volume wherein an object being irradiated can be movably positioned relative to the focus volume for varying time periods and with varying radiation exposure rates, optimally under control of a computer. The computer controls the focus volume radiation beam size, intensity, and exposure time for subareas of the treatment target in response to a radiation dose distribution determined for the treatment target. A determination of the radiation beam size, intensity, and dwell time of the focus volume in the target area, is made by initially dividing up the specified treatment area into volume elements or voxels and having biological characteristics of the treatment area assigned to each voxel. The energy deposition incident to each voxel to provide this biological characteristic is then calculated.

Abstract: A radiation therapy apparatus includes a compensator having a plurality of leaves to divide the radiation beam into rays each of which may be effectively and individually attenuated over a range of attenuations by controlling the duty cycle of the leaves position between the open and closed states. An apparatus for controlling the compensator accounts for scattering of radiation through the deconvolution of a terma map and calculates a sinogram for controlling the compensator at a variety of angles about a patient using iterated forward and back projections efficiently calculated in frequency space.

Abstract: A radiotherapy appliance having a plurality of controllable radiation beams which converge on a focus volume wherein an object being irradiated can be movably positioned relative to the focus volume for varying time periods and with varying radiation exposure rates, optimally under control of a computer. The computer controls the focus volume radiation beam size, intensity, and exposure time for subareas of the treatment target in response to a radiation dose distribution determined for the treatment target. A determination of the radiation beam size, intensity, and dwell time of the focus volume in the target area, is made by initially dividing up the specified treatment area into volume elements or voxels and having biological characteristics of the treatment area assigned to each voxel. The energy deposition incident to each voxel to provide this biological characteristic is then calculated.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a material handling system for transporting a device to or from a radiation chamber in which the device is inspected is provided. The system includes a shuttle carriage having a base and two opposing walls, a conveyor mounted between the two opposing walls of the shuttle carriage, and means for moving the shuttle carriage along a path between a loading position and an unloading position. The system also includes a housing that encloses the shuttle carriage and the moving means. The housing has an internal cavity that is fitted to the two opposing walls. The housing also has a first opening coincident with the loading position and a second opening coincident with the unloading position. Further, a drive mechanism is provided for extending the conveyor partially through the first opening and the second opening.

Abstract: The present invention is a remote sensing system for real time monitoring of patient position which can report variations in patient setup from day to day as well as motion during individual treatments. In particular, an embodiment of the present invention includes: (a) a source of radiation for applying radiation to a patient; (b) targets affixed to the patient for reflecting radiation impinging thereon; (c) two cameras and a computer for detecting the reflected radiation and for determining the current position of the targets in three-dimensional space; (d) a data store for storing the position of the targets; (e) the computer also serving to compare the current position of the targets with positions stored in the data store; and (f) a display for displaying indicators whenever differences between the current position and the stored position exceed tolerances stored in the data store.

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: A body part such as a patient's head is positioned for treatment purposes by holding a treatment point defined relative to marks attached to the body part is held in a desired position. To this end, at least two picture signal generating sensors are aligned to observe the marks. A picture processing device for processing the pictures of the marks is provided to define marker points, which are determined by the marks and define the actual position of the body part. Furthermore, a signal processing and control device is provided for computing the actual position from the observed positions of the marker points, for comparing the actual position with a desired position and for generating actuating signals, which depend on the error between actual position and desired position. The actuating signals are applied to actuators, which engage the body part. Thereby the treatment point can be returned to the desired position, if it has deviated therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting concealed objects, such as explosives, drugs, or other contraband is disclosed. The apparatus uses CT scanning to identify concealed objects with a density corresponding to the density of a target object such as explosives or drugs. To reduce the amount of CT scanning required, a number of prescanning approaches are disclosed. Based upon the prescan data, selected locations for CT scanning are identified. CT scanning is undertaken at the selected locations. The resultant CT scan data is utilized to automatically identify objects of interest. This identification of objects may be verified through further automatic analysis of such attributes as shape, texture, and context. Finally, the objects of interest may be reconstructed and displayed on a computer monitor for visual analysis by an operator.

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: A synchrotron radiation utilizing apparatus comprises a generator generating synchrotron radiation, a guide duct for outwardly guiding the synchrotron radiation in a predetermined direction, a plurality of supporting members each supporting one of a plurality of objects which are targets to be irradiated with the synchrotron radiation, the supporting members being disposed at positions distant substantially by an equal distance from the center of rotation of the apparatus, a support base rotatably supporting the supporting members, a first rotating unit rotating each of the supporting members in a predetermined direction, a first control unit applying a control signal to the first rotating unit, a second rotating unit rotating the support base in the plane of the support base in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the object supporting members, and a second control unit applying a control signal to the second rotating unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning a therapeutic beam in which a first distance from a first predetermined position other than an affected part of a patient to the affected part, is determined on the basis of a first image which includes at least part of the patient and which includes the position of the affected part of the patient. A second distance, from a second predetermined position corresponding to the first predetermined position to a position of the therapy beam, is determined on the basis of a second image which includes at least part of the patient and which indicates the position of the therapy beam. The patient is then moved such that the therapy beam is irradiated onto the affected part, on the basis of the first distance and the second distance.

Abstract: A frame structure for a CT scanner, in which a dome for containing a scanner for an object or subject to be examined has an imaging space in its central portion, and a bed plate support mechanism carries the subject, and in which a bed plate slidably drive mechanism moves the bed plate into or out of the imaging space of the dome, and the bed plate support mechanism and the bed plate slidably drive mechanism are integrally provided to the dome.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the irradiating objects by ionizing irradiation, in particular with an X-ray or gamma ray source of radiation, whereby the objects are packed in shipping units having a symmetry of axis running parallel to the direction of conveyance or parallel to the longest extension of the source of radiation. Some of the objects are brought to a position near another object and placed at a distance from the source of radiation, so that near objects partially shield the distant objects from the radiation source in such a manner that the shielding effect is less near the axis of symmetry than in the peripheral area. The objects are moved in such a way that they are irradiated from at least two sides. By this means greater efficiency and excellent uniformity of the absorbed radiation are achieved.

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.

Abstract: A whole-body patient positioning and repositioning support for fixedly securing a patient in an original position during radiation treatment and for repositioning the patient to the same original position for subsequent radiation treatments. The support includes a foamed-in-place mold within a disposable plastic shell carrying a grid of radio-opaque members for generating a patient registration grid on X-rays for use in the evaluation and adjusting of the position of the patient to the original position using a sheet or straps between the patient and the mold.

Abstract: An x-ray scanner for detecting plastic articles has an x-ray source which generates a fan-shaped x-ray beam through which an article to be examined is moved. A primary radiation detector array is disposed at a side of the article opposite to the x-ray source and functions to provide a normal x-ray image identifying metal articles. Additional detectors, which detect scatter radiation are disposed around the examination space at a distance from the primary radiation detector. The scatter radiation detectors detect scattered radiation characteristic of that produced by plastic articles. Signals from the scatter radiation detectors are processed, by which the presence of a plastic article can be identified.

Abstract: The irradiation plant comprises an irradiation chamber (1) with a radiation source (2) and a conveyor system. The path taken by each conveyor unit is individually preselectable by control elements secured to the unit. Articles for irradiation are loaded on to conveyor units and brought along tracks (10, 11) and shift devices (8, 8a) of two transverse tracks (4, 4A) to and from the irradiation tracks (3). When a radiation track (3) is loaded or unloaded by the shift devices (8, 8A), there is always a shift device (8, 8A) for each transverse track (4, 4A) at each end of the irradiation track (3). Sensors are present at the branches and transitions between the tracks of the conveyor system and are supplied to a control system which ensures that after each process of loading or unloading an irradiation track (3), not more than one of the two facing shift devices (8, 8A) is loaded.

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: A conveyor is provided for use in an irradiation cell to transport goods to be irradiated past a radiation source panel. The conveyor has a plurality of irradiation conveyor lines parallel to the source panel, which "parallel" lines are independent of each other. Transfer conveyor lines, perpendicular to the alignment of the "parallel" conveyor lines and the source panel, and located outwardly of the ends of the source panels and crossing the extended paths of the irradiation conveyor lines, are provided for transferring goods to be irradiated to the parallel conveyor lines and for permitting direct exposure of two sides of goods to the same panel.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to modular irradiators for irradiating bulk and/or palletized materials characterized by each bulk material irradiator including a self-contained conveyor unit including a tube through which bulk material is fed vertically downwardly into an interior chamber, a spiral screw which during rotation thereof conveys the bulk material upwardly through the interior chamber, and gamma ray source elements which emit gamma rays to irradiate the bulk material during its downward and upward movement through the interior chamber. A conveying system is also positioned outwardly of the gamma ray source elements for effecting spiral and reciprocal/rotary movement of palletized and/or packaged material relative to the gamma ray source elements.