Charged particle accelerators, radiation sources, systems, and methods
AssigneeVarex Imaging Corporation
InventorsDavid Whittum, James E. Clayton, George Merdinian
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Man-portable radiation generation sources and systems that may be carried by hand to a site of interest by one or two people, are disclosed. Methods of use of such sources and systems are also disclosed. Battery operated radiation generation sources, air cooled radiation generation sources, and charged particle accelerators, are also disclosed. A radiation generation source, a radiation scanning system, and a target assembly comprising target material having a thickness of less than 0.20 mm are also disclosed.
Claims28
A man-portable radiation generation system, comprising:
- a first module comprising a first case and at least one battery within the first case;
- a second module comprising a second case separate from the first case and a modulator within the second case, wherein the first and second modules are configured to be selectively electrically coupled to each other;
- and
- a third module comprising a third case separate from the first and second cases and a charged particle accelerator within the third case, wherein the second and third modules are configured to be selectively electrically coupled to each other;
- wherein:
- the at least one battery provides power to the second module when the first, second, and third modules are electrically coupled;
- and
- each of the modules is portable by hand by one or two people.
A radiation generation source, comprising:
- a case having at least one wall defining an air inlet therethrough;
- a charged particle accelerator within the case;
- a source of charged particles coupled to the accelerator to inject charged particles into the accelerator;
- a target coupled to an output of the accelerator, wherein impact of the accelerated charged particles on the target causes generation of radiation;
- and
- a plurality of fins coupled to an exterior surface of the accelerator, to air cool the accelerator;
- a fan proximate the case opening to move air through the case;
- and
- a guide to direct air into the first opening.
A battery operated radiation generation source, comprising:
- at least one battery;
- a charged particle accelerator;
- a source of charged particles coupled to the accelerator to inject charged particles into the accelerator;
- a target coupled to an output of the accelerator, wherein impact of the accelerated charged particles on the target causes generation of radiation;
- and
- a radiofrequency power supply to provide radiofrequency power to the accelerator;
- wherein the at least one battery provides power to the source of charged particles and the radiofrequency power supply.
A charged particle acceleration system comprising:
- a case having at least one exterior wall, the exterior wall having an inner surface defining an interior space of the case;
- a charged particle accelerator within the interior space;
- a rigid support connected to the at least one exterior wall of the case, the rigid support being at least partially within the interior space of the case;
- and
- at least one elastomeric member connected to a portion of the rigid support within the interior space of the case;
- wherein the at least one elastomeric member couples the charged particle accelerator to the rigid support,
- the charged particle accelerator is suspended from the at least one elastomeric member at positions such that respective spaces are provided between the charged particle accelerator and the inner surface of the case, allowing for movement of the charged particle accelerator within the interior space of the case, and
- the charged particle accelerator system is portable by hand by one or two people.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.