Abstract: An apparatus and system is provided for utilizing an electron beam machine to selectively and alternatively irradiate materials with electrons of X-rays; the conversion between electron radiation and X-radiation being achieved by interposing a plate of low Z material such as aluminum between the beam and the material to be irradiated, the plate having its surface facing the electron beam covered with an X-ray generating or high Z material. The plate serves as a mechanical support for the high Z material, an electron capture body and to some extent as a heat sink. Materials to be irradiated are disposed in a cart and are conveyed under the beam with the plate being interposed whenever a material to receive X-rays passes thereunder; the carts being employed to readily permit multiple passes of the material to be treated with X-rays under the beam whereby heat build up in the X-ray generating target placed over each cart may be maintained at acceptable levels.

Abstract: Carriers, after being loaded with product to be irradiated, are transported by an input-output conveyor system into an irradiation chamber where they are received in a horizontal arrangement on racks which may support different sizes and numbers of carriers. The racks are moved by a chamber conveyor system in an endless rectangular path about a radiation source. Packers shift the carriers on the racks to maintain nearest proximity to the radiation source. The carriers are shifted in position on each rack during successive rack cycles to produce even radiation exposure. The carriers may be loaded singly onto successive racks during a first cycle of movement thereof about the source, with loading of additional carriers, and/or unloading of carriers, onto each rack occurring on subsequent rack cycles of movement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the on-line treatment monitoring of patients during radiation teletherapy. A patient is positioned in the irradiation portal of the radiation teletherapy machine in a supposed effective treatment position, and operation of the machine is effected to provide several pulses of high energy x-rays. The pulses are detected by a plurality of solid-state detectors disposed on the opposite side of the patient as the teletherapy machine, and the pulses are transformed to electrical signals. Lead covers the detectors to screen out low energy radiation. The electrical signals are immediately automatically converted to a readable display providing the landmarks of the irradiation portal, and the patient's position as defined by the landmarks is compared to a predetermined desired position for effective treatment.