Device for loading radioactive seeds
AssigneeMedi-Physics, Inc.
InventorsJay C. Reed, Kevin M. Helle
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A loader device, for dispensing implantation seeds from a seed magazine, comprising a body (3), seed magazine receiving and locating means (27,), seed dispensing means (37) for ejecting seeds from a seed magazine, and a seed-transporting path (17) leading to a dispensing outlet (8), which loader device further comprises a spacer-transporting path (29, 31, 33, 35) for transporting spacers through the device to the dispensing outlet (8).
Claims16
A loader device, for loading seeds and spacers into a container comprising:
- a loader body defining a channel network comprising an elongate seed passageway, an elongate spacer passageway, and a dispenser passageway wherein each of said seed and spacer passageways extend in fluid communication between a first open end and a first end of said dispenser passageway, said loader body also defining a dispense port in fluid communication with said dispense passageway;
- said loader body further defining:
- a seed cartridge port adapted to receive a seed cartridge having a seed dispense port, said loader body including means for aligning and positioning the seed dispense port in registry with one open end of said seed passageway;
- a spacer port in fluid communication with one end of said spacer passageway;
- a seed plunger for causing dispensement of a seed from the seed cartridge into said open end of said seed passageway, whereby a seed dispensed from said seed cartridge passes through said seed passageway to said dispenser passageway:
- and wherein said loader further comprises a stand assembly for maintaining said loader body in an orientation permitting gravity-assisted passage of seeds and spacers through said dispense port.
A loader device for loading seeds and spacers into a container comprising a loader body defining a Y-shaped channel network communicating with a dispenser port, a first leg of the channel network comprising a seed passageway extending between a seed insertion port and a dispenser passageway, a second leg of the channel network comprising a spacer passageway extending between a spacer insertion port and said dispenser passageway, wherein said dispenser port defines an open end of the dispenser passageway.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.