INTEGRATED IMAGING-CANCER TREATMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for using a single robotic positioning arm to simultaneously move, relative to a proton beam path entering a treatment room containing the patient, both: (1) a patient support and (2) an imaging system. The robotic arm moving the imaging system and patient independently from movement of a nozzle system directing protons into the treatment rooms allows: simultaneously translating past the patient and rotating around the patient an X-ray source of the imaging system; translating a rotatable unit, of the imaging system, longitudinally past the patient on a translation guide rail; moving the patient support and the imaging system through at least four degrees of freedom relative to a movable proton beam; and/or simultaneous or alternating movement of the proton treatment beam and the imaging system relative to the patient. 1. A method for imaging and treating a tumor of a patient , comprising the step of:using a single robotic positioning arm to simultaneously move, relative to a positively charged particle tumor treatment beam path entering a treatment room containing the patient, both: (1) a patient support and (2) an imaging system.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of:simultaneously translating past the patient and rotating around the patient an X-ray source of said imaging system.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising the steps of:linearly translating a rotatable unit, of said imaging system, longitudinally past the patient on a translation guide rail.4. The method of claim 2 , further comprising the step of:moving an X-ray source, of said imaging system attached to said single robotic positioning arm, along a first arc comprising a first radius; andmoving an X-ray detector, of said imaging system, along a second arc comprising a second radius, said second radius at least five percent different than said first radius.5. The method of claim 2 , further comprising the step of:moving, using said ...

FIDUCIAL MARKER / CANCER IMAGING AND TREATMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a fiducial marker—fiducial detector based treatment room position determination/positioning system apparatus and method of use thereof. A set of fiducial markers and fiducial detectors are used to mark/determine relative position of static and/or moveable objects in a treatment room using photons passing from the markers to the detectors. Further, position and orientation of at least one of the objects is calibrated to a reference line, such as a zero-offset beam treatment line passing through an exit nozzle, which yields a relative position of each fiducially marked object in the treatment room. Treatment calculations are subsequently determined using the reference line and/or points thereon. The treatment calculations are optionally and preferably performed without use of an isocenter point, such as a central point about which a treatment room gantry rotates, which eliminates mechanical errors associated with the isocenter point being an isocenter volume in practice. 1. A method for determining a position of a tumor in a patient for treatment of the tumor using positively charged particles in a treatment room , comprising the steps of: a set of fiducial markers, a first fiducial marker of said set of fiducial markers mechanically affixed to a first object of a set of objects in the treatment room, a second fiducial marker of said set of fiducial markers affixed to a second object of said set of objects; and', 'a set of fiducial detectors configured to detect photons from said set of fiducial markers, wherein at least one reference element of a union of said set of fiducial markers and said set of fiducial detectors comprises a mechanical connection to an element of said set of objects used to establish a reference line;, 'providing a set of fiducial indicators, comprisingdetermining relative positions, using a controller, of each object in the treatment room relative to the reference line using all of said reference element, said set of ...

X-ray detector for proton transit detection apparatus and method of use thereof

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for probing a tumor of a patient using positively charged particles, comprising the steps of: (1) sequentially delivering sets of varied and known positively charged particles to a patient; (2) after transmission through the patient, sequentially detecting a residual energy of each of the sets of positively charged particles; and (3) determining a water equivalent thickness of a probed path of the patient using a plot of the detector response as a function of residual energy that is fit with a curve. The analyzer relates a half maximum of the fit curve, such as a Gaussian curve, to the water equivalent thickness of the sampled beam path. Repeated measurements as a function of incident angle and/or position of the incident charged particles allows generation of an image of the sample, such as a computed tomography image.

PROTON - X-RAY DUAL/DOUBLE EXPOSURE IMAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises an X-ray—positively charged particle double/dual exposure imaging apparatus and method of use thereof. Double exposure imaging of a tumor of a patient is performed using detector hardware responsive to both X-rays and positively charged particles. A near-simultaneous double exposure yields enhanced resolution due to the imaging rate versus patient movement, no requirement of a software overlay step of the X-ray based image and the positively charged particle based image, and enhancement of an X-ray image, the enhancement resultant from a differing physical interaction of the positively charged particles with the patient compared to interactions of X-rays and the patient. Further, resolution enhancements utilize individual particle tracking, as measured using detection screens, to determine a probable intra-patient path. Residual energy positively charged particles are optionally used to generate a second or dual image at a secondary detector, such as a detector detecting scintillation resultant from proton absorbance. 1. A method for imaging a patient using positively charged particles and X-rays , comprising the steps of: exposing said X-ray detector using positively charged particles passed from a synchrotron, along a first beam transport path, through an exit nozzle, through the patient, and through said X-ray detector;', 'double exposing said X-ray detector using X-rays, from at least one X-ray source, transmitted through the patient to said X-ray detector, wherein a time-gap between said step of exposing and said step of double exposing comprises less than one second., 'generating a two-dimensional double exposure image on an X-ray detector, said step of generating comprising the steps of2. The method of claim 1 , said step of generating the two-dimensional double exposure image occurring using hardware claim 1 , said X-ray detector claim 1 , without a necessary software superimposition of two separate images.3. The method of claim 1 , ...

Selective area implant of a workpiece

Apparatus and methods for the selective implanting of the outer portion of a workpiece are disclosed. A mask is disposed between the ion beam and the workpiece, having an aperture through which the ion beam passes. The aperture may have a concave first edge, forming using a radius equal to the inner radius of the outer portion of the workpiece. Further, the mask is affixed to a roplat such that the platen is free to rotate between a load/unload position and an operational position without moving the mask. In certain embodiments, the mask is affixed to the base of the roplat and has a first portion with an aperture that extends vertically upward from the base, and a second portion that is shaped so as not to interfere with the rotation of the platen. In other embodiments, the mask may be affixed to the arms of the roplat.

ION BEAM EXTRACTION APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises an apparatus and method of use thereof for extracting ions from an ion source, such as for use in cancer treatment or tomographic imaging. The extraction apparatus uses a triode extraction system, with the ion source and/or first electrode held at a first potential; an extraction electrode held at a second potential; and a gating electrode, positioned between the ion source and the extraction electrode, oscillating and/or alternating between a first suppression potential proximate that of the ion source potential and a second extraction potential between the ion source potential and the extraction electrode potential. Optionally, the ion source comprises an electron cyclotron resonance ion source. 1. A method of extracting ions , comprising the step of:providing ions with an ion source; said ion source maintained at a first potential;', 'an extraction electrode maintained at a third potential differing from said first potential; and', 'a gating electrode positioned between said ion source and said extraction electrode;, 'providing a triode extraction system, comprisingalternatingly (1) suppressing extraction of the ions from said ion source and (2) extracting a set of ions from said ion source through changing a second potential of said gating electrode from proximate the first potential to a value between the first potential and the third potential.2. The method of claim 1 , said ion source comprising: cations; and', 'anions., 'an electron resonance cyclotron ion source, said electron resonance cyclotron generating the ions, the ions comprising at least one of3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:maintaining the first potential at a first absolute value greater than 20 kV;maintaining the third potential at 0±10 kV; andmaintaining the second potential at a second absolute value at least 0.1 kV larger than the first potential, said step of maintaining the second potential functioning to suppress extraction of the ions from ...

DEPTH RESOLVED SCINTILLATION DETECTOR ARRAY IMAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a method or apparatus for tomographically imaging a sample, such as a tumor of a patient, using positively charged particles. Position, energy, and/or vectors of the positively charged particles are determined using a plurality of scintillators, such as layers of chemically distinct scintillators where each chemically distinct scintillator emits photons of differing wavelengths upon energy transfer from the positively charged particles. Knowledge of position of a given scintillator type and a color of the emitted photon from the scintillator type allows a determination of residual energy of the charged particle energy in a scintillator detector. Optionally, a two-dimensional detector array additionally yields x/y-plane information, coupled with the z-axis energy information, about state of the positively charged particles. State of the positively charged particles as a function of relative sample/particle beam rotation is used in tomographic reconstruction of an image of the sample or the tumor. 1. A method for imaging a tumor of a patient using positively charged particles , comprising: a first scintillator comprising a first chemical composition at a first known position; and', 'a second scintillator comprising a second chemical composition at a second known position, said first chemical composition differing from said second chemical composition;, 'providing a scintillator material, comprising the steps ofthe positively charged particles longitudinally traversing a charged particle beam path from an accelerator, through the tumor, and into said scintillator material;optically coupling a first two-dimensional detector array to said scintillator material; first photons emitted, resultant from a first energy transfer from the positively charged particles, from said first known position yielding a first signal; and', 'second photons emitted, resultant from a second energy transfer from the positively charged particles, from said second known ...

TRANSFORMABLE CHARGED PARTICLE BEAM PATH CANCER THERAPY APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for determining a radiation beam treatment path to a tumor, comprising the steps of: (1) delivering charged particles from an accelerator, along a first beam transport path, through an output nozzle, and along a treatment path to the tumor relative to a calibrated reference beam path from the output nozzle toward a patient position and (2) prior to the step of delivering, a main controller verifying an unobstructed linear path of the treatment path using a set of fiducial indicators positioned at least: on a first element physically affixed and co-movable with the output nozzle and on a moveable object in the treatment room. Optionally, voxels of the treatment beam path and potentially obstructing objects are defined in the treatment room using an axis system relative to the calibrated reference beam path and a reference beam point. 1. A method for determining a treatment beam path of positively charged particles for treatment of a tumor of a patient in a treatment room , comprising the steps of:delivering the positively charged particles from an accelerator, along a first beam transport path, through an output nozzle, and along a treatment path to the tumor of the patient relative to a calibrated reference beam path from said output nozzle toward a patient position; andprior to said step of delivering, a main controller verifying an unobstructed linear path of the treatment path using a set of fiducial indicators, a first fiducial indicator of said set of fiducial indicators positioned on a first element physically affixed and co-movable with said output nozzle, a second fiducial indicator affixed to a moveable object in the treatment room.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of:defining voxels in the treatment room relative to the calibrated reference beam path and a reference beam point; andsaid step of verifying determining absence of an intersection of first voxels in the unobstructed linear path ...

TREATMENT BEAM PATH VERIFICATION IN A CANCER THERAPY APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for treating a tumor of a patient using positively charged particles, comprising the steps of: (1) providing an approved current version of a radiation treatment plan for treatment of the tumor using the positively charged particles; (2) implementing the current version of the radiation treatment plan using a cancer therapy system comprising a controller linked to a synchrotron; (3) upon identifying an object, using a set of fiducial indicators, in a treatment vector of the radiation treatment plan: generating a modified version of radiation treatment plan and receiving medical doctor approval of the modified version of the radiation treatment plan, the modified version of the radiation plan becoming the current version of the radiation treatment plan; and (4) repeating the steps of implementing and identifying until completion of treatment of the tumor using the positively charged particles. 1. A method for treating a tumor of a patient using positively charged particles , comprising the steps of:providing an approved current version of a radiation treatment plan for treatment of the tumor using the positively charged particles;implementing the current version of the radiation treatment plan using a cancer therapy system comprising a controller linked to a synchrotron; generating a modified version of the radiation treatment plan; and', 'receiving medical doctor approval of the modified version of the radiation treatment plan, the modified version of the radiation plan becoming the current version of the radiation treatment plan; and, 'upon identifying an object, using a set of fiducial indicators, in a treatment vector of the radiation treatment planrepeating said steps of implementing and identifying until completion of a session of treatment of the tumor using the positively charged particles.2. The method of claim 1 , said step of implementing further comprising the step of:transporting the positively charged ...

TREATMENT ROOM FIDUCIAL MARKER / CANCER THERAPY APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a fiducial marker-fiducial detector based treatment room position determination/positioning system apparatus and method of use thereof. Generally, a set of fiducial marker detectors detect photons emitted from and/or reflected off of a set of fiducial markers positioned on one or more objects in a treatment room and resultant determined distances and/or calculated angles are used to determine relative positions of multiple objects or elements in the treatment room. Position of the mapped objects is used in: (1) imaging, such as X-ray, positron emission tomogram, and/or proton beam imaging and/or (2) beam targeting and treatment, such as proton based cancer treatment. As relative positions of objects in the treatment room are dynamically determined using the fiducial marking system, engineering and/or mathematical constraints of a treatment beamline isocenter are removed. 1. A method for treating a tumor of a patient with positively charged particles , comprising the steps of: a set of fiducial markers; and', 'a set of fiducial detectors;, 'providing a set of fiducial indicators, said set of fiducial indicators comprisingplacing said fiducial indicators on each of a set of objects in a treatment room, said set of objects comprising: (1) a nozzle system, said nozzle system connected to a synchrotron via a first beam transport line and (2) at least one of the patient and a patient positioning system;using said set of fiducial detectors to detect photons from said set of fiducial markers;determining, using a controller, a relative position of said nozzle system and the tumor using output from said set of fiducial detectors; andtargeting the tumor, with the positively charged particles, using the relative position of said nozzle system and the tumor.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of:frequency modulating output of at least one of said set of fiducial markers.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:a first ...

Dynamic energy control of a charged particle imaging/treatment apparatus and method of use thereof

The invention comprises a beam adjustment method and apparatus used to perform energy adjustments on circulating charged particles in a synchrotron previously accelerated to a starting energy with a traditional accelerator of the synchrotron. The beam adjustment system uses a radio-frequency modulated potential difference applied along a longitudinal path of the circulating charged particles to accelerate or decelerate the circulating charged particles. Optionally, the beam adjustment system phase shifts the applied radio-frequency field to accelerate or decelerate the circulating charged particles while tightening spatial distribution of a grouped bunch of the circulating charged particles. Optionally, the beam adjustment system simultaneously radially focuses the circulating charged particles using two or more gaps with focusing and/or defocusing edges. The beam adjustment system facilitates treating multiple layers or depths of the tumor without hysteresis and/or between the repeating slow steps of reloading the synchrotron.

X-RAY DETECTOR FOR PROTON TRANSIT DETECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for probing a tumor of a patient using positively charged particles, comprising the steps of: (1) sequentially delivering sets of varied and known positively charged particles to a patient; (2) after transmission through the patient, sequentially detecting a residual energy of each of the sets of positively charged particles; and (3) determining a water equivalent thickness of a probed path of the patient using a plot of the detector response as a function of residual energy that is fit with a curve. The analyzer relates a half maximum of the fit curve, such as a Gaussian curve, to the water equivalent thickness of the sampled beam path. Repeated measurements as a function of incident angle and/or position of the incident charged particles allows generation of an image of the sample, such as a computed tomography image. 1. A method for probing a tumor of a patient using positively charged particles , comprising the steps of: a first set of the positively charged particles comprising a first mean energy; and', 'a second set of the positively charged particles comprising a second mean energy, the second mean energy at least two megaelectronVolts different from the first mean energy;, 'sequentially delivering from an output nozzle, connected to a first beam transport line, to the patient a first residual energy of the first set of the positively charged particles; and', 'a second residual energy of the second set of the positively charged particles; and, 'after transmission through the patient, sequentially detectingdetermining a water equivalent thickness of a probed path of the patient using the first residual energy and the second residual energy.2. The method of claim 1 , said step of detecting further comprising the step of:using an X-ray detector material to detect the positively charged particles.3. The method of claim 2 , said step of determining further comprising the step of:fitting a Gaussian curve to a ...

AUTOMATED RADIATION TREATMENT PLAN DEVELOPMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a method for generating a procedure for treating a tumor of a patient using positively charged particles, comprising the steps of: (1) providing a set of treatment goal specifications; (2) generating tomographic images of the tumor using a first set of groups of the positively charge particles delivered from a synchrotron; and (3) a computer implemented algorithm automatically generating a tumor radiation treatment plan, of the tumor using the positively charged particles, using the set of treatment goal specifications and the tomographic images. Optionally, the method automatically updates the radiation treatment plan upon: a detected movement of the tumor relative to surrounding patient constituents and/or upon detection of a previously unforeseen intervening object in a treatment beam path. 1. A method for generating a procedure for treating a tumor of a patient using positively charged particles , comprising the steps of:providing a set of treatment goal specifications;generating tomographic images of the tumor using a first set of groups of the positively charged particles delivered from a synchrotron;a computer implemented algorithm automatically generating a tumor radiation treatment plan, of the tumor using the positively charged particles, using said set of treatment goal specifications and said tomographic images.2. The method of claim 1 , said step of automatically generating further comprising the steps of:generating a set of candidate treatment plans and an associated set of scores; andselecting a member of said set of candidate treatment plans, using said set of scores, as said tumor radiation treatment plan.3. The method of claim 2 , said set of treatment goal specifications comprising at least one of:a goal treatment prescribed dosage; anda goal treatment uniformity of energy delivery of the positively charged particles used in treatment of the tumor.4. The method of claim 2 , said step of generating said set of candidate ...

Selective Processing Of A Workpiece

Systems and methods for the selective processing of a particular portion of a workpiece are disclosed. For example, the outer portion may be processed by directing an ion beam toward a first position on the workpiece, where the ion beam extends beyond the outer edge of the workpiece at two first locations. The workpiece is then rotated relative to the ion beam about its center so that certain regions of the outer portion are exposed to the ion beam. The workpiece is then moved relative to the ion beam to a second position and rotated in the opposite direction so that all regions of the outer portion are exposed to the ion beam. This process may be repeated a plurality of times. The ion beam may perform any process, such as ion implantation, etching or deposition. 1. A method of processing a workpiece , comprising:rotating the workpiece about a center in a first direction while an ion beam is directed toward a first position, where the ion beam extends beyond an outer edge of the workpiece at two first locations and the first position is a predetermined distance from the outer edge of the workpiece, so as to process a portion of an outer portion of the workpiece;moving the workpiece relative to the ion beam so as to direct the ion beam toward a second position on the workpiece, where the ion beam extends beyond an outer edge of the workpiece at two second locations and the second position is the predetermined distance from the outer edge of the workpiece; androtating the workpiece about the center in a second direction, opposite the first direction, while the ion beam is directed toward the second position, so as to process a remainder of the outer portion of the workpiece.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the workpiece is rotated at least 180° in the first direction and at least 180° in the second direction.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the ion beam does not impact the workpiece during the moving.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the ion beam is blocked by a ...

CHARGED PARTICLE CANCER THERAPY BEAM STATE DETERMINATION APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises an apparatus and method of use thereof for determining a charged particle beam state after passage through a final beam modification insert and prior to entering a patient, such as in cancer treatment or tomographic imaging. The insert comprises a range shifter, a known energy absorber, a ridge filter, a focal length altering insert, an aperture defining element, a compensator, and/or a patient specific beam modifier. The monitoring element comprises one or more sheets, configured to emit photons upon passage therethrough of the charged particle beam, where the emitted photons are detected, tested, such as against a predetermined cancer treatment plan, and/or used to aid in three dimensional tomographic image generation. 1. A method for determination of a state of positively charged particles of a charged particle beam entering a patient along a beam path , comprising the steps of:using a beam transport system to transport the positively charged particles from a synchrotron to an exit nozzle, a slideably insertable beam insert positioned proximate said exit nozzle;reshaping the charged particle beam using the beam insert;positioning a first imaging sheet in the beam path between said beam insert and the patient; andimaging first photons emitted from said first imaging sheet using a detector system, wherein, resultant from transmission of the positively charged particles transmitting through said first imaging sheet, said first imaging sheet emits the first photons.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of:verifying position of the charged particle beam against a radiation treatment plan for the patient using a signal from said detector system resultant from the first photons.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising the step of:verifying intensity of the charged particle beam against the radiation treatment plan using an intensity of the signal.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:positioning a second ...

INTEGRATED IMAGING-CANCER TREATMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for directing protons to a tumor, comprising the steps of: (1) holding a patient with a patient support; (2) providing an imaging system comprising: a rotatable unit at least partially surrounding an axial perimeter of the patient support, a translation guide rail, an imaging source attached to the rotatable unit, and an imaging detector attached to the rotatable unit; (3) translating and rotating the imaging source and the imaging detector relative to the patient support using the translation guide rail and the rotatable unit; and (4) providing an attachment section connected: on a first end to a robotic arm positioning system and on a second end to the patient support and the imaging system, the robotic arm positioning system repositioning, relative to a nozzle system linked to the synchrotron, the attachment system supporting the patient support system and the imaging system. 1. A method for imaging a tumor of a patient , comprising the steps of:providing a patient support system configured to hold the patient during imaging and treatment;transporting positively charged particles from a synchrotron, through a beam transport line, and through a nozzle system and toward a position above the patient support system; a rotatable unit at least partially surrounding an axial perimeter of the patient support system;', 'a translation guide rail;', 'an imaging source attached to said rotatable unit; and', 'an imaging detector attached to said rotatable unit;, 'providing an imaging system comprisingtranslating and rotating said imaging source and said imaging detector relative to the patient support using said translation guide rail and said rotatable unit;providing an attachment section connected: (1) on a first end to a robotic arm positioning system and (2) on a second end to said patient support and said imaging system;said robotic arm positioning system repositioning, relative to said nozzle system linked to said ...

SEMI-AUTOMATED CANCER THERAPY APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for treating a tumor, comprising the steps of: (1) a main controller sequentially delivering charged particles from a synchrotron along a first beam transport line, through a nozzle system, and to the tumor according to a current version of the radiation treatment plan; (2) concurrent with the step of delivering, generating an image of the tumor using an imaging system; (3) the main controller automatically generating an updated current version of the radiation treatment plan using the image, the updated current version of the radiation treatment plan becoming the current version of the radiation treatment plan; and (4) repeating the steps of: delivering grouped bunches of the charged particles, generating an image of the tumor, and automatically generating an updated current version of the radiation treatment plan while a medical doctor oversees an automated recurrence and implementation of the step of repeating. 1. A method for treating a tumor of a patient in a treatment room with positively charged particles , comprising the steps of:using a main controller to control a cancer therapy system, wherein said main controller comprises hardware and software controlling a charged particle cancer therapy system;providing an approved current version of a radiation treatment plan;said main controller sequentially delivering grouped bunches of the positively charged particles from a synchrotron along a first beam transport line, through a nozzle system, and to the tumor according to the current version of the radiation treatment plan;concurrent with said step of delivering, generating an image of the tumor using an imaging system;said main controller automatically generating an updated current version of the radiation treatment plan using the image, the updated current version of the radiation treatment plan becoming the current version of the radiation treatment plan; andrepeating said steps of: (1) delivering grouped ...

DYNAMIC ENERGY CONTROL OF A CHARGED PARTICLE IMAGING/TREATMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a beam adjustment method and apparatus used to perform energy adjustments on circulating charged particles in a synchrotron previously accelerated to a starting energy with a traditional accelerator of the synchrotron. The beam adjustment system uses a radio-frequency modulated potential difference applied along a longitudinal path of the circulating charged particles to accelerate or decelerate the circulating charged particles. Optionally, the beam adjustment system phase shifts the applied radio-frequency field to accelerate or decelerate the circulating charged particles while tightening spatial distribution of a grouped bunch of the circulating charged particles. Optionally, the beam adjustment system simultaneously radially focuses the circulating charged particles using two or more gaps with focusing and/or defocusing edges. The beam adjustment system facilitates treating multiple layers or depths of the tumor without hysteresis and/or between the repeating slow steps of reloading the synchrotron. 1. A method for treating a tumor of a patient with positively charged particles , comprising the steps of:loading a synchrotron of a charged particle cancer therapy system with the positively charged particles using a loading system;using an accelerator of said synchrotron to accelerate the positively charged particles in a circulation beam path of said synchrotron;removing a first set of the positively charged particles, from said synchrotron, at a first energy using a beam extraction system;treating the tumor using the first set of positively charged particles; a first gap axially crossing said circulation beam path; and', 'a first radio-frequency controller;, 'providing a beam energy adjustment system, comprisingapplying a potential difference across the first gap, using said first radio-frequency controller, at an applied radio-frequency using said beam energy adjustment system;timing the applied radio-frequency and the potential ...

AUTO-UPDATED AND IMPLEMENTED RADIATION TREATMENT PLAN APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for treating a tumor, comprising the steps of: (1) a main controller implementing an initial radiation treatment plan, as a current radiation treatment plan, using positively charged particles delivered from a synchrotron, along a beam transport line, through a nozzle system proximate the treatment room, and into the tumor; (2) concurrent with the step of implementing, imaging the tumor, such as with protons, to generate a current image; (3) upon detection of movement of the tumor relative to surrounding constituents of the patient using the current image, the main controller, using computer implemented code, automatically generating an updated treatment plan, the updated treatment plan becoming the current radiation treatment plan; and (4) repeating the steps of implementing, imaging, and generating an updated treatment plan at least n times, where n is a positive integer of at least one. 1. A method for treating a tumor of a patient with positively charged particles in a treatment room , comprising the steps of:providing an initial radiation treatment plan;a main controller implementing the initial radiation treatment plan, as a current radiation treatment plan, using the positively charged particles delivered from a synchrotron, along a beam transport line, through a nozzle system proximate the treatment room, and into the tumor;concurrent with said step of implementing, imaging the tumor to generate a current image;upon detection of movement of the tumor relative to surrounding constituents of the patient using the current image, said main controller automatically generating an updated treatment plan, the updated treatment plan becoming the current radiation treatment plan; andrepeating said steps of implementing, imaging, and generating an updated treatment plan at least n times, where n is a positive integer of at least one.2. The method of claim 1 , said step of imaging further comprising the step of:calculating ...

DISPERSIVE FORCE CORRECTED GANTRY BASED RADIATION TREATMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for directing a positively charged particle beam to a tumor of a patient, comprising the steps of: (1) transporting the positively charged particle beam sequentially from a synchrotron, through a beam transport line, and through a nozzle system toward the tumor, the beam transport line comprising a rotatable beamline section; (2) pre-rotating the positively charged particle beam using a solenoid, the solenoid positioned in the beam transport line between the synchrotron and the rotatable beamline section; and (3) rotating the rotatable beamline section, where the step of pre-rotating maintains a geometric relationship between a radial cross-section of the positively charged particle beam and magnet surfaces in the rotatable beamline section as a function of rotation of the rotatable beamline section, which reduces otherwise changed dispersive forces as the rotatable beamline is positioned in separate areas about the patient. 1. A method for directing a positively charged particle beam to a tumor of a patient , comprising the steps of:transporting the positively charged particle beam sequentially from a synchrotron, through a beam transport line, and through a nozzle system toward the tumor, said beam transport line comprising a rotatable beamline section;pre-rotating the positively charged particle beam using a solenoid, said solenoid positioned in said beam transport line between said synchrotron and said rotatable beamline section; androtating said rotatable beamline section.2. The method of claim 1 , said step of pre-rotating further comprising the step of:maintaining a geometric relationship between a radial cross-section of the positively charged particle beam and magnet surfaces of a first magnet of said rotatable beamline section in at least three rotation positions of said rotatable beamline section.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising the step of:detecting the positively charged particle beam using a ...

Selective Processing Of A Workpiece

Methods for the selective processing of the outer portion of a workpiece are disclosed. The outer portion is processed by directing an ion beam toward the workpiece, where the ion beam extends beyond the outer edge of the workpiece at two locations. The workpiece is then rotated relative to the ion beam about the center so that all regions of the outer portion are exposed to the ion beam. The workpiece may be rotated an integral number of rotations. The ion beam may perform any process, such as ion implantation, etching or deposition. The outer portion may be an annular ring having an outer diameter equal to that of the workpiece and having a width of 1 to 30 millimeters. The rotation of the workpiece may be aligned with a notch on the outer edge of the workpiece. 1. A method of processing a workpiece , comprising:directing an ion beam toward the workpiece, where the ion beam extends beyond an outer edge of the workpiece at two locations; androtating the workpiece about a center while the ion beam is directed toward the workpiece, so as to process an outer portion of the workpiece.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the workpiece is rotated an integral number of rotations.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the ion beam is used to implant ions in the outer portion.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the ion beam is used to etch material from the outer portion.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the ion beam is used to deposit material on the outer portion.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the outer portion is an annular ring having an outer diameter equal to a diameter of the workpiece and a width of between 1 and 30 mm.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the workpiece comprises a notch along the outer edge claim 1 , and the ion beam is directed toward the notch when the rotating begins claim 1 , and the ion beam is directed toward the notch when the rotating ends.8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the directing and rotating are performed on the workpiece to compensate ...

SEMI-AUTOMATED CANCER THERAPY TREATMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a method for treating a tumor of a patient with positively charged particles in a treatment room, comprising the steps of: (1) controlling a cancer therapy treatment system with a main controller, the main controller comprising hardware and software; (2) generating at least one image of the tumor using at least one imaging system controlled by the main controller; (3) using the at least one image and a software coded set of radiation treatment directives, the main controller auto-generating a radiation treatment plan; and (4) the main controller auto-delivering the positively charged particles, via a beam transport system and a nozzle system, from a synchrotron to the tumor according to the radiation treatment plan.

Selective processing of a workpiece using ion beam implantation and workpiece rotation

Systems and methods for the selective processing of a particular portion of a workpiece are disclosed. For example, the outer portion may be processed by directing an ion beam toward a first position on the workpiece, where the ion beam extends beyond the outer edge of the workpiece at two first locations. The workpiece is then rotated relative to the ion beam about its center so that certain regions of the outer portion are exposed to the ion beam. The workpiece is then moved relative to the ion beam to a second position and rotated in the opposite direction so that all regions of the outer portion are exposed to the ion beam. This process may be repeated a plurality of times. The ion beam may perform any process, such as ion implantation, etching or deposition.

Charged particle cancer therapy beam state determination apparatus and method of use thereof

The invention comprises an apparatus and method of use thereof for determining a charged particle beam state after passage through a final beam modification insert and prior to entering a patient, such as in cancer treatment or tomographic imaging. The insert comprises a range shifter, a known energy absorber, a ridge filter, a focal length altering insert, an aperture defining element, a compensator, and/or a patient specific beam modifier. The monitoring element comprises one or more sheets, configured to emit photons upon passage therethrough of the charged particle beam, where the emitted photons are detected, tested, such as against a predetermined cancer treatment plan, and/or used to aid in three dimensional tomographic image generation.

SIMULTANEOUS / SINGLE PATIENT POSITION X-RAY AND PROTON IMAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises an apparatus and method of use thereof for using a single patient position during, optionally simultaneous, X-ray imaging and positively charged particle imaging, where imaging a tumor of a patient using X-rays and positively charged particles comprises the steps of: (1) generating an X-ray image using the X-rays directed from an X-ray source, through the patient, and to an X-ray detector, (2) generating a positively charged particle image: (a) using the positively charged particles directed from an exit nozzle, through the patient, through the X-ray detector, and to a scintillator, the scintillator emitting photons when struck by the positively charged particles and (b) generating the positively charged particle image of the tumor using a photon detector configured to detect the emitted photons, where the X-ray detector maintains a position between said the nozzle and the scintillator during the step of generating a positively charged particle image. 1. A method for imaging a tumor of a patient using X-rays and positively charged particles , comprising the steps of:generating an X-ray image using the X-rays directed from an X-ray source, through the patient, and to an X-ray detector;generating a positively charged particle image: (1) using the positively charged particles directed from an exit nozzle, through the patient, through said X-ray detector, and to a scintillator, the scintillator emitting photons when struck by the positively charged particles and (2) generating the positively charged particle image of the tumor using a photon detector configured to detect the emitted photons,wherein said X-ray detector maintains a position between said exit nozzle and said scintillator during said step of generating a positively charged particle image.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:accelerating the positively charged particles using a synchrotron; anddelivering the positively charged particles from said synchrotron to ...

MULTIPLE SCINTILLATION DETECTOR ARRAY IMAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

Generally, a method or apparatus for tomographically imaging a sample, such as a tumor of a patient, using positively charged particles positions n two-dimensional detector arrays on n surfaces of a scintillation material or scintillator, respectively. Resultant from energy transfer from the positively charged particles, secondary photons are emitted from the scintillation material and detected by the plurality of two-dimensional detector arrays, where each detector array images the scintillation material. Combining signals from the plurality of two-dimensional detector arrays, the path, position, energy, and/or state of the positively charged particle beam as a function of time and/or rotation of the patient relative to the positively charged particle beam is determined and used in tomographic reconstruction of an image of the sample or the tumor. 1. A method for tomographically imaging a tumor of a patient using positively charged particles , comprising the steps of:providing a synchrotron;providing a scintillation material;transporting the positively charged particles, using a beam transport line, from said synchrotron, through a patient position, and to said scintillation material;providing a set of two-dimensional detector arrays;optically coupling a first detector array, of said set of two-dimensional detector arrays, to a first surface of said scintillation material;optically coupling a second detector array, of said set of two-dimensional detector arrays, to a second surface of said scintillation material; andsaid first detector array and said second detector array imaging secondary photons resultant from energy transfer of the positively charged particles.2. The method of claim 1 , said step of imaging further comprising the step of: from a first direction using said first detector array;', 'from a second direction using said second detector array;', 'from a third direction using a third detector array of said set of two-dimensional detector arrays;', 'from ...

GUIDED CHARGED PARTICLE IMAGING/TREATMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for tracking and/or imaging impact of a particle beam treating a tumor using one or more imaging systems positionable about the tumor, such as a positron emission tracking and/or imaging system, where resulting tracking/imaging data: dynamically determines a treatment beam position, tracks a history of treatment beam positions, guides the treatment beam, and/or images a tumor before, during, and/or after treatment with the charged particle beam. 1. A method for treating a tumor of a patient using a treatment beam , comprising the steps of:transporting positively charged particles, of the treatment beam, from an accelerator to the tumor using a beam transport system, the charged particles sequentially resultant in formation of a radioactive nuclei in the tumor, positron emission from the radioactive nuclei, electron positron annihilation, and gamma ray emission;providing a dynamic treatment beam positioning system comprising a set of detectors and a controller;detecting the gamma ray emission using said set of detectors; determining a corresponding source voxel of the gamma ray emission;', 'comparing position of said source voxel to a target voxel;', 'generating a feedback signal to said beam transport system; and', 'dynamically adjusting state of subsequent positively charged particles of the treatment beam using the feedback signal., 'said controller, using output of said set of detectors2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of:positioning a first detector and a second detector, of said set of detectors, on opposite sides of the patient.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising the steps of:moving said set of detectors toward an exit nozzle of said beam transport system to monitor a first depth of penetration of the treatment beam into the tumor; andmoving said set of detectors away from said exit nozzle to monitor a second depth of penetration of the treatment beam into the tumor, the second depth ...

INTERVENING OBJECT COMPENSATING AUTOMATED RADIATION TREATMENT PLAN DEVELOPMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for treating a tumor using positively charged particles having passed through an intervening object, comprising the steps of: predetermining an energy reduction of the positively charged particles resultant from the positively charged particles traversing the intervening object along a beam treatment path as a function of relative rotation of the patient and the beam treatment path; generating a radiation treatment plan adjusting energy of the positively charged particles delivered from the synchrotron to the intervening object to yield a desired beam treatment energy of the positively charged particles entering the tumor after compensating for the energy reduction; and optionally detecting a set of the positively charged particles after traversing the intervening object to yield a signal, where the signal is used with knowledge of energy of the positively charged particles exiting the synchrotron to pre-determine the energy reduction along the beam treatment path. 1. A method for treating a tumor of a patient using positively charged particles in presence of an intervening object , comprising the steps of:positioning the intervening object between the tumor of the patient and an exit surface of an output nozzle system connected to a synchrotron using a beam transport system;predetermining an energy reduction of the positively charged particles resultant from the positively charged particles traversing the intervening object along a beam treatment path as a function of relative rotation of the patient and the beam treatment path; andgenerating a radiation treatment plan adjusting energy of the positively charged particles delivered from said synchrotron to the intervening object to yield a desired beam treatment energy of the positively charged particles entering the tumor after compensating for the energy reduction.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:detecting a set of the positively charged ...

Superconducting Fault Current Limiter

A superconducting fault current limiter (SCFCL) includes a cryogenic tank defining an interior volume, a superconductor disposed in the interior volume, and a refrigeration system configured to adjust a temperature of the superconductor in response to a condition during a steady state operation of the SCFCL. A method of operating a SCFCL includes cooling a superconductor disposed within an interior volume of a cryogenic tank to a temperature less than a critical temperature of the superconductor, and adjusting the temperature of the superconductor in response to a condition during a steady state operation of the SCFCL. 1. A superconducting fault current limiter (SCFCL) comprising:a cryogenic tank defining an interior volume;a superconductor disposed in the interior volume; anda refrigeration system configured to adjust a temperature of the superconductor in response to a condition during a steady state operation of the SCFCL.2. The SCFCL of claim 1 , wherein the condition comprises an actual demand profile of a circuit coupled to the SCFCL.3. The SCFCL of claim 1 , wherein the condition comprises a projected demand profile of a circuit coupled to the SCFCL.4. The SCFCL of claim 1 , further comprising a temperature sensor configured to provide a temperature signal representative of the temperature of the superconductor claim 1 , wherein the refrigeration system is responsive to the temperature signal to adjust a temperature of a cryogenic cooling fluid provided through a supply conduit to the cryogenic tank to adjust the temperature of the superconductor.5. The SCFCL of claim 4 , wherein the refrigeration system is further configured to adjust the temperature of the superconductor to a first temperature during a first condition and to a second temperature during a second condition claim 4 , the first temperature higher than the second temperature claim 4 , the first temperature and the second temperature both less than a critical temperature of the superconductor ...

Techniques for improving reliability of a fault current limiting system

Techniques for improving reliability of a superconducting fault current limiting system (SCFCL) are provided. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized as a method of improving a reliability of a superconducting fault current limiting system (SCFCL), the SCFCL system comprising a superconductor provided in a container. The method may comprise providing one or more sensors capable of detecting a fault current proximate to the superconductor; determining a change in the condition of the superconductor as a result of the fault current; and estimating the lifetime of the superconductor based on the change in the condition of the superconductor.

Techniques for improving reliability of a fault current limiting system

Techniques for improving reliability of a superconducting fault current limiting system (SCFCL) are provided. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized with a superconducting fault current limiting system (SCFCL) comprising: an input current lead and an output current lead, each current lead coupled to a power distribution/transmission network; a container; a superconductor contained in the container; a shunt disposed outside the container and in parallel with the superconductor; a cryogenic system configured to provide coolant into the container; and at least one sensor disposed near and configured to monitor at least one operating condition of at least one of the input current lead and the output current lead, the superconductor, and the shunt.

GUIDED CHARGED PARTICLE IMAGING/TREATMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for tracking and/or imaging impact of a particle beam treating a tumor using one or more imaging systems positionable about the tumor, such as a positron emission tracking and/or imaging system, where resulting tracking/imaging data: dynamically determines a treatment beam position, tracks a history of treatment beam positions, guides the treatment beam, and/or images a tumor before, during, and/or after treatment with the charged particle beam. 1. A method for imaging a tumor of a patient and treating the tumor with positively charged particles , comprising the steps of:transporting the positively charged particles from a synchrotron, along a beam transport line, and through an exit nozzle system to a treatment beam path; rotating a rotatable ring around a longitudinal axis of the patient;', 'rotating said imaging system around the patient using rotation of said rotatable ring; and', 'translating, through relative motion of the patient and said imaging system mounted to said rotatable ring, said imaging system past the tumor; and, 'imaging the tumor using an imaging system, said step of imaging the tumor further comprising the steps ofcontrolling the treatment beam path using image data from said imaging system.2. The method of claim 1 , said step of rotating said rotatable ring around the longitudinal axis of the patient further comprising the step of:maintaining an imaging source and an imaging detector of said imaging system on opposite sides of the patient.3. The method of claim 2 , said step of translating said imaging system past the tumor further comprising the step of:maintaining position of the patient along an axis between said imaging source and said imaging detector.4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising the step of:along at least one axis, independently moving said imaging system and the patient.5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising the step of:independently rotating: (1) said rotatable ring ...

CONTINUOUS ION BEAM KINETIC ENERGY DISSIPATER APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for slowing positively charged particles, comprising the steps of: (1) transporting the positively charged particles from an accelerator, along a beam transport line, and into a nozzle system; (2) placing a first liquid in a first chamber in a beam path of the positively charged particles; (3) placing a second liquid in a second chamber in the beam path of the positively charged particles; (4) moving the first and second chamber with the nozzle system; (5) slowing the positively charged particles using the first liquid and the second liquid; (6) moving the first chamber in a first direction to yield a longer first pathlength of the positively charged particles through the first chamber; and (7) moving the second chamber opposite the first direction to yield a longer second pathlength of the positively charged particles through the second chamber. 1. An apparatus for reducing positively charged particles , comprising:an accelerator configured to deliver the positively charged particles along a beam transport line into a nozzle system, said nozzle system comprising:a first chamber configured to hold a first liquid in a beam path of the positively charged particles;a second chamber configured to hold a second liquid in the beam path of the positively charged particles; anda computer controlled motor configured to move said first chamber and said second chamber with said nozzle system,wherein the first liquid and the second liquid reduce the kinetic energy of the positively charged particles during use.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:a first beam path, comprising a first pathlength, from a beam entrance side of said first chamber to a beam exit side of said first chamber; anda second beam path, comprising a second pathlength, from an incident side of said second chamber to an egress side of said second chamber.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , further comprising:a common fluid reserve tank connected with a ...

AUTOMATED CANCER THERAPY APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for treating a tumor, comprising the steps of: (1) a main controller sequentially delivering charged particles from a synchrotron along a first beam transport line, through a nozzle system, and to the tumor according to a current version of the radiation treatment plan; (2) concurrent with the step of delivering, generating an image of the tumor using an imaging system; (3) the main controller automatically generating an updated version of the radiation treatment plan using the image, the updated version of the radiation treatment plan becoming the current version of the radiation treatment plan; and (4) repeating the steps of: delivering grouped bunches of the charged particles, generating an image of the tumor, and automatically generating the updated or current version of the radiation treatment plan with optional intervening doctor approval. 1. A method for treating a tumor of a patient in a treatment room with positively charged particles , comprising the steps of:using a main controller to control a cancer therapy system, wherein said main controller comprises hardware and software;providing an approved version of a radiation treatment plan to said main controller as a current version of the radiation treatment plan;said main controller sequentially delivering grouped bunches of the positively charged particles from an accelerator along a first beam transport line, through a nozzle system, and to the tumor according to the current version of the radiation treatment plan;concurrent with implementation of the current version of the radiation treatment plan, generating an updated image of the tumor using an imaging system;said main controller automatically generating an updated version of the radiation treatment plan using the updated image, the updated version of the radiation treatment plan becoming the current version of the radiation treatment plan; andrepeating said steps of: (1) delivering grouped bunches of ...

Rare earth extraction apparatus and method of use thereof

The invention comprises an apparatus and method of use thereof for generating a rare earth from a rare earth oxide, comprising the steps of: (1) dissociating the rare earth oxide and hydrogen gas in a reaction chamber by inductively heating the reaction chamber to greater than 2000° K to form the associated rare earth and water vapor in a reaction process; (2) driving the reaction process forward by removing the water vapor from the reaction chamber by condensing and freezing the water vapor on a first cold trap surface as water ice, where the reaction comprises: RE2O3+3H2→2RE+3H2O, where REO is a rare earth oxide and RE comprises a rare earth in the rare earth oxide; and/or (3) monitoring the reaction process by monitoring generation of at least one of the rare earth and the water in a control system designed for continuous/semi-continuous operation.

Rare earth oxide to rare earth extraction apparatus and method of use thereof

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for generating a rare earth from a rare earth oxide, comprising the sequential steps of: (1) reducing temperature about the rare earth oxide to less than zero degrees Celsius; (2) reducing pressure to boil off contaminant water in a powder sample of the rare earth oxide at a molecular escape velocity not disturbing the powdered rare earth oxide; and (3) heating the rare earth oxide to greater than 1000° C. in the presence hydrogen gas while optionally: (1) collecting and determining mass of a water product to determine a consumption mass of the starting hydrogen gas in a main reaction process using the equation RE2O3+3H2→2RE+3 H2O, wherein “RE” comprises at a rare earth and (2) injecting replacement hydrogen gas into the main reaction chamber up to the consumption mass.

Orthogonal double dipole cancer therapy treatment beam scanning apparatus and method of use thereof

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for scanning charged particles in a cancer therapy system, comprising the steps of: (1) providing a first and second dipole magnet system and a gap, the gap comprising a common gap length, along a path of the charged particles, within both the first and second dipole magnet systems, the gap comprising a progressively increasing x/y-plane cross-section area from an entrance area of the charged particles into the double dipole magnet system to an exit area of the double dipole magnet system, the x/y-plane perpendicular to a z-axis from a center of the entrance area to a center of the exit area; (2) scanning the positively charged particles along a first axis of the x/y-plane using the first dipole magnet system; and (3) scanning the positively charged particles along a second axis of the x/y-plane using the second dipole magnet system.

Gantry charged particle nozzle system - rolling floor interface apparatus and method of use thereof

The invention comprises a segmented rolling floor apparatus and method of use thereof, such as for use in a charged particle cancer therapy system. The segmented rolling floor comprises a first spool and a second spool, attached to opposite ends of the rolling floor, which cooperatively wind and unwind the rolling floor. The segmented rolling floor circumferentially surrounds a nozzle system penetrating through an aperture in the segmented rolling floor, where the nozzle system is used to deliver charged particles, from an accelerator, to a tumor of a patient. The rolling floor and nozzle systems move at respective rates maintaining the nozzle system in the aperture allowing for a safe/walkable floor while allowing treatment of the tumor as a gantry rotates the nozzle system and delivers protons to the tumor from positions above and below the floor.

INTEGRATED IMAGING-CANCER TREATMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for using a single robotic positioning arm to simultaneously move, relative to a proton beam path entering a treatment room containing the patient, both: (1) a patient support and (2) an imaging system. The robotic arm moving the imaging system and patient independently from movement of a nozzle system directing protons into the treatment rooms allows: simultaneously translating past the patient and rotating around the patient an X-ray source of the imaging system; translating a rotatable unit, of the imaging system, longitudinally past the patient on a translation guide rail; moving the patient support and the imaging system through at least four degrees of freedom relative to a movable proton beam; and/or simultaneous or alternating movement of the proton treatment beam and the imaging system relative to the patient. 1. A method for imaging and treating a tumor of a patient , comprising the steps of:simultaneously moving with a single robotic positioning arm, relative to a positively charged particle tumor treatment beam path entering a treatment room, both: (1) a patient support and (2) an imaging system;said imaging system acquiring a current shape of the tumor.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of:simultaneously translating past a patient position and rotating around the patient position an X-ray source of said imaging system.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:linearly translating a rotatable unit, of said imaging system, longitudinally past the patient on a translation guide rail.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of:moving an X-ray source, of said imaging system attached to said single robotic positioning arm, along a first arc comprising a first radius; andmoving an X-ray detector, of said imaging system, along a second arc comprising a second radius, said second radius at least five percent different than said first radius.5. The method of claim 1 ...

CHARGED PARTICLE CANCER THERAPY BEAM STATE DETERMINATION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for determining state of a positively charged particle, such as a proton, for use in imaging a tumor of a patient prior to and/or concurrent with cancer therapy. The imaging system comprises: (1) a beam transport path of the positively charged particle sequentially passing through a patient, through a first time of flight detector, and, after traversing a pathlength, at least into a second time of flight detector and (2) a beam state determination system configured to: use elapsed time between detection at the first and second time of flight detectors and the pathlength to determine a residual beam energy, which, when compared to a known incident beam energy, is used in generation of an image of the tumor. An optional beam energy degrading element increases time differences between the time of flight detectors. 1. An apparatus for determining state of a positively charged particle used in imaging a tumor of a patient , comprising:a beam transport path of the positively charged particle passing sequentially from an accelerator, through a nozzle system, above a patient positioning system, through a first time of flight detector element, and at least into a second time of flight detector element; anda beam state determination system configured to: (1) receive a first signal related to an initial time of passage of the positively charged particle through said first time of flight detector, (2) receive a second signal related to an arrival time of the positively charged particle to said second time of flight detector element, and (3) use the first signal and the second signal in generation of an image of the tumor.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:an energy degrading element positioned in said beam transport path between said first time of flight detector element and said second time of flight detector element.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , said second time of flight detector element further comprising:an x/y- ...

DOUBLE DIPOLE CANCER THERAPY TREATMENT BEAM SCANNING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for steering/scanning charged particles, comprising: a double dipole scanning system, comprising: (1) a beam path chamber comprising an entrance side and an exit side, the entrance side comprising a smaller area than the exit side; (2) a first dipole magnet, the first dipole magnet comprising a first coil and a third coil on first opposite sides of the beam path chamber; and (3) a second dipole magnet, the second dipole magnet comprising a second coil and a fourth coil on second opposite sides of the beam path chamber, the beam path chamber further comprising a truncated square/rectangle pyramid shape, the smaller entrance side of the charged particles comprising a top of the truncated pyramid shape, the exit side of the charged particles comprising a larger bottom of the truncated pyramid shape. 1. An apparatus for steering charged particles , comprising: a beam path chamber comprising an entrance side and an exit side, the entrance side comprising a smaller area than the exit side;', 'a first dipole magnet, said first dipole magnet comprising a first coil and a third coil on first opposite sides of said beam path chamber; and', 'a second dipole magnet, said second dipole magnet comprising a second coil and a fourth coil on second opposite sides of said beam path chamber., 'a double dipole scanning system, comprising2. The apparatus of claim 1 , said beam path chamber further comprising at least one of:a truncated pyramid shape, the entrance side comprising a top of the truncated pyramid shape, the exit side comprising a bottom of the truncated pyramid shape; anda truncated square pyramid shape, the entrance side comprising a top of the truncated square pyramid shape, the exit side comprising a bottom of the truncated square pyramid shape.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , said beam path chamber further comprising:a first square shape of the entrance side; anda second square shape of the exit side, the second square shape ...

ORTHOGONAL DOUBLE DIPOLE CANCER THERAPY TREATMENT BEAM SCANNING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for scanning charged particles in a cancer therapy system, comprising the steps of: (1) providing a first and second dipole magnet system and a gap, the gap comprising a common gap length, along a path of the charged particles, within both the first and second dipole magnet systems, the gap comprising a progressively increasing x/y-plane cross-section area from an entrance area of the charged particles into the double dipole magnet system to an exit area of the double dipole magnet system, the x/y-plane perpendicular to a z-axis from a center of the entrance area to a center of the exit area; (2) scanning the positively charged particles along a first axis of the x/y-plane using the first dipole magnet system; and (3) scanning the positively charged particles along a second axis of the x/y-plane using the second dipole magnet system. 1. An apparatus for steering positively charged particles in a cancer therapy system , comprising: a first dipole magnet system;', 'a second dipole magnet system; and', 'a gap, a common length of the gap along a path of the positively charged particles both: (1) within said first dipole magnet system and (2) within said second dipole magnet system, said gap comprising at least ten progressively increased x/y-plane cross-section areas from an entrance area into said double dipole magnet system to an exit area of said double dipole magnet system,', 'the x/y-plane perpendicular to a z-axis from a center of the entrance area to a center of the exit area., 'a double dipole magnet system, comprising2. The apparatus of claim 1 , said first dipole magnet system further comprising:a first magnet core of a first magnet half of said first dipole magnet system, said first magnet core comprising a first gap surface proximate the gap and a set of winding surfaces; anda first set of windings wound longitudinally around said first magnet core along said set of winding surfaces.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , ...

ION BEAM EXTRACTION APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises an apparatus and method of use thereof for extracting ions from an ion source, such as for use in cancer treatment or tomographic imaging. The extraction apparatus uses a triode extraction system, with the ion source and/or first electrode held at a first potential; an extraction electrode held at a second potential; and a gating electrode, positioned between the ion source and the extraction electrode, oscillating and/or alternating between a first suppression potential proximate that of the ion source potential and a second extraction potential between the ion source potential and the extraction electrode potential. Optionally, the ion source comprises an electron cyclotron resonance ion source. 1. A method for imaging a tumor , comprising the steps of: an electron resonance cyclotron ion source, said electron resonance cyclotron generating the ions, the ions comprising at least one of:', protons;', {'sup': '4+', 'C; and'}, {'sup': '6+', 'C; and'}], 'cations, said cations comprising at least one of, 'anions; and, 'providing ions with an ion source, said ion source comprisingimaging a tumor with a first two-dimensional imaging system using the ions extracted from said ion source; andimaging the tumor with a second two-dimensional imaging system using X-rays, said steps of imaging the tumor with said first two-dimensional imaging system and imaging the tumor with said second two-dimensional imaging system overlapping in time.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the steps of: said ion source maintained at a first potential;', 'an extraction electrode maintained at a third potential differing from said first potential; and', 'a gating electrode positioned between said ion source and said extraction electrode; and, 'providing a triode extraction system comprisingalternatingly (1) suppressing extraction of the ions from said ion source and (2) extracting a set of ions from said ion source through changing a second potential of said ...

Treatment beam selection apparatus and method of use thereof

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for treating a tumor of a patient with charged particles, comprising the step of developing a multi-modality treatment plan, the multi-modality treatment plan directing: (1) use of a first beam type to treat a first volume of the tumor, the first beam type a first mass per particle and (2) use of a second beam type to treat a second volume of the tumor, the second beam type comprising a second mass per particle, where the second mass per particle is at least ten percent different than the first mass per particle and the second volume differs from the first volume. The multi-modality treatment plan is optionally formed by selectively merging treatment plans using the respective particle types or is developed using properties of the multiple particle types.

SCINTILLATION ARRAY APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

A scintillation material is longitudinally packaged in a circumferentially surrounding sheath, where the sheath has a lower index of refraction than the scintillation material, to form a scintillation optic or scintillation fiber optic. The scintillation material yields secondary photons upon passage of a charged particle beam, such as a positively charged residual particle beam having transmitted through a sample. The internally generated secondary photons within the sheath are guided to a detector element by the difference in index of refraction. Multiple scintillation optics are assembled to form a two-dimensional scintillation array coupled to a two-dimensional detector array, such as for use in determination of state of the residual charged particle beam, determination of an exit point of the particle beam from the sample, path of the treatment beam, and/or tomographic imaging. 1. A method for tomographic imaging of a tumor of a patient with positively charged particles , comprising the steps of: a longitudinal length of a first scintillation material comprising a first index of refraction; and', 'a cladding circumferentially enclosing said longitudinal length of said first scintillation material, said cladding comprising a second index of refraction, said second index of refraction less than said first index of refraction; and, 'transporting the positively charged particles along a beam transport line from an accelerator, through the tumor, and to a plurality of scintillation optics, a z-axis defined along a non-scattered positively charged particle path, of the positively charged particles, from the tumor to said plurality of scintillation optics, each scintillation optic of said plurality of scintillation optics comprisingdetecting secondary photons emitted from said first scintillation material, resultant from energy transfer from the positively charged particles, with a two-dimensional detector array optically coupled to a two-dimensional matrix of said ...

GANTRY CHARGED PARTICLE NOZZLE SYSTEM - ROLLING FLOOR INTERFACE APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a segmented rolling floor apparatus and method of use thereof, such as for use in a charged particle cancer therapy system. The segmented rolling floor comprises a first spool and a second spool, attached to opposite ends of the rolling floor, which cooperatively wind and unwind the rolling floor. The segmented rolling floor circumferentially surrounds a nozzle system penetrating through an aperture in the segmented rolling floor, where the nozzle system is used to deliver charged particles, from an accelerator, to a tumor of a patient. The rolling floor and nozzle systems move at respective rates maintaining the nozzle system in the aperture allowing for a safe/walkable floor while allowing treatment of the tumor as a gantry rotates the nozzle system and delivers protons to the tumor from positions above and below the floor. 1. An apparatus , comprising:a first spooler section;a segmented rolling floor comprising a first end attached to said first spooler section, said first spooler section configured to wind up a section of said segmented rolling floor during use; anda second spooler section attached to a second end of said segmented rolling floor.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:a nozzle system penetrating through an aperture in said segmented rolling floor.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , further comprising:a beam path from an accelerator, along a beam transport line, though a rotatable section of said beam transport line, and through said nozzle system.4. The apparatus of claim 3 , further comprising:a gantry attached to said rotatable section of said beam transport line; anda mechanical connection forcing movement of said segmented rolling floor with rotation of said gantry.5. An apparatus claim 3 , comprising:a first spooler section;a segmented rolling floor comprising a first end attached to said first spooler section, said first spooler section configured to wind up a section of said segmented rolling floor during use; ...

MULTIPLE TREATMENT BEAM TYPE CANCER THERAPY APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for using a turning magnet of an accelerator of a cancer therapy system, the accelerator comprising first magnet coils and second correction coils wound about a magnet core where: (1) at a first time, the second correction coils are used to correct a magnetic field, resultant from the first magnet coils, used to turn cations and (2) at a second time, after reversing polarity of the correction coils, the correction coils are used to turn anions and/or electrons, the cations and electrons used to treat a tumor of a patient positioned in a treatment position relative to a treatment beam from the accelerator during the first and second time periods. 1. A method for treating a tumor of a patient , comprising the steps of:accelerating cations at a first time using a synchrotron of a cancer therapy treatment system;accelerating electrons at a second time using said synchrotron;treating a first depth of the tumor with the cations; andtreating the tumor using the electrons.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:reversing the polarity of a turning magnet, of said synchrotron, between the first time and the second time.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of:a turning magnet, of said synchrotron, comprising a first set of magnet coils and a second set of correction coils, (1) turning the cations at the first time using said first set of magnet coils and (2) turning the electrons at the second time using said second set of correction coils.4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising the step of:correcting said step of turning the cations, during the first time, using said second set of correction coils.5. The method of claim 3 , further comprising the steps of:maintaining a single rotation position of a movable gantry over a time period spanning the first time and the second time, said movable gantry supporting at least a section of a beam transport line from said synchrotron to a nozzle ...

FIDUCIAL MARKER / CANCER IMAGING AND TREATMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a fiducial marker—fiducial detector based treatment room position determination/positioning system apparatus and method of use thereof. A set of fiducial markers and fiducial detectors are used to mark/determine relative position of static and/or moveable objects in a treatment room using photons passing from the markers to the detectors. Further, position and orientation of at least one of the objects is calibrated to a reference line, such as a zero-offset beam treatment line passing through an exit nozzle, which yields a relative position of each fiducially marked object in the treatment room. Treatment calculations are subsequently determined using the reference line and/or points thereon. The treatment calculations are optionally and preferably performed without use of an isocenter point, such as a central point about which a treatment room gantry rotates, which eliminates mechanical errors associated with the isocenter point being an isocenter volume in practice. 1. A method for determining a position of a tumor in a patient for treatment using positively charged particles , comprising the steps of:providing at least a first fiducial indicator, mechanically coupled to a reference line defining object, used to define a reference line;providing at least a second fiducial indicator mechanically coupled to a first movable object in a treatment room;a controller determining, using said first fiducial indicator and said second fiducial indicator, a first position of said first movable object relative to the reference line;targeting the tumor with the positively charged particles using knowledge of the reference line and the first position of said first movable object.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the steps of: said first fiducial indicator;', 'said second fiducial indicator;', 'a set of fiducial markers; and', 'a set of fiducial detectors;, 'providing a set of fiducial indicators, said set of fiducial indicators ...

MULTIPLE CATION CANCER THERAPY APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for imaging and/or treating a tumor of a patient using multiple ion types, such as a cations with one, two, or more mass-to-charge ratios and/or electrons, where the multiple ion types are accelerated, at separate times, using a single accelerator, and the multiple ion types are used to treat different depths into a tumor of a patient, where the patient is optionally maintained in a single treatment position relative to a patient positioning system during treatment. 1. A method for treating a tumor of a patient , comprising the steps of:targeting the tumor with a first cation type accelerated by a synchrotron at a first time; andtreating the tumor with a second cation type accelerated by said synchrotron at a second time.2. The method of claim 1 , said step of targeting further comprising the step of:{'sup': '+', 'treating a first depth of the tumor with the first cation type, the first cation type comprising H.'}3. The method of claim 2 , said step of treating further comprising the step of:treating a second depth of the tumor with the second cation type, the second cation type comprising a larger mass-to-charge ratio than the first cation type.4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising the step of:the patient maintaining a treatment position relative to a patient positioning system during both: said step of treating the first depth and said step of treating the second depth.5. The method of claim 3 , further comprising the step of:delivering a third cation type, using said synchrotron, to the tumor, said first cation type, said second cation type, and said third cation type comprising differing numbers of protons per particle.6. The method of claim 2 , said step of treating further comprising the step of:{'sup': '6+', 'treating a second depth of the tumor with C, the second depth of the tumor comprising a shallower depth into the patient than the first depth.'}7. hod of claim 1 , treating further comprising the ...

TREATMENT BEAM SELECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for treating a tumor of a patient with charged particles, comprising the step of developing a multi-modality treatment plan, the multi-modality treatment plan directing: (1) use of a first beam type to treat a first volume of the tumor, the first beam type a first mass per particle and (2) use of a second beam type to treat a second volume of the tumor, the second beam type comprising a second mass per particle, where the second mass per particle is at least ten percent different than the first mass per particle and the second volume differs from the first volume. The multi-modality treatment plan is optionally formed by selectively merging treatment plans using the respective particle types or is developed using properties of the multiple particle types. 1. A method for treating a tumor of a patient with charged particles , comprising the steps of: use of a first beam type to treat a first volume of the tumor, said first beam type comprising: (1) a first particle type and (2) a first mass per particle; and', 'use of a second beam type to treat a second volume of the tumor, said second beam type comprising: (1) a second particle type and (1) a second mass per particle,', 'the second mass per particle at least ten percent different than the first mass per particle,', 'the second volume differing from the first volume., 'developing a multi-modality treatment plan, the multi-modality treatment plan directing2. The method of claim 1 , the second volume overlapping the first volume.3. The method of claim 1 , said step of developing said multi-modality treatment plan comprising the step of:merging a first treatment plan developed for use with the first beam type with a second treatment plan developed for use with the second beam type.4. The method of claim 3 , said step of merging further comprising the step of:forming said multi-modality treatment plan using relative effectiveness, as a function of tumor volume position, of ...

MULTIPLE TREATMENT BEAM TYPE CANCER THERAPY APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for treating a tumor of a patient, comprising the steps of: (1) using a first treatment beam comprising electrons in a cancer therapy system used to treat the tumor, the electrons passing along a beam transport path from a synchrotron, through a beam transport system, through an exit nozzle, and toward the tumor and (2) using a second treatment beam to treat the tumor, the second treatment beam both generated using the synchrotron and penetrating into the tumor, where the second treatment beam comprises at least one of: (1) cations and (2) secondary X-rays emitted resultant from energy transfer from the electrons, where the cations are optionally used to image the tumor of the patient. 1. A method for treating a tumor of a patient , comprising the steps of:using a first treatment beam, comprising electrons, in a cancer therapy system used to treat the tumor, the electrons passing along a beam transport path from a synchrotron, through a beam transport system, through an exit nozzle, and toward the tumor; andusing a second treatment beam, not comprising an electron beam, to treat the tumor, the second treatment beam both: (1) generated using said synchrotron and (2) penetrating into the tumor.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of:passing the electrons into an X-ray generation material resultant in the second treatment beam, the second treatment beam comprising secondary X-rays.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising the steps of:at a first time striking a first mean depth of the tumor with the electrons; andat a second time, striking a second mean depth of the tumor with X-rays, the second mean depth at least ten percent greater than the first mean depth.4. The method of claim 2 , further comprising the step of:imaging the tumor using the secondary X-rays.5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising the step of:treating the tumor using the second treatment beam, the second treatment beam ...

Method and mechanism for erosion detection of defining apertures

A defining aperture plate having at least two differently sized apertures is used in conjunction with at least two charge collectors. Because of the difference in aperture width, the two charge collectors receive different amounts of ions, where the amount is proportional to the associated aperture width. By monitoring the ratio of the charge collected by the first charge collector to the charge collected by the second collector, the amount of erosion can be monitored and optionally compensated for.

SCINTILLATION ARRAY APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

A scintillation material is longitudinally packaged in a circumferentially surrounding sheath, where the sheath has a lower index of refraction than the scintillation material, to form a scintillation optic or scintillation fiber optic. The scintillation material yields secondary photons upon passage of a charged particle beam, such as a positively charged residual particle beam having transmitted through a sample. The internally generated secondary photons within the sheath are guided to a detector element by the difference in index of refraction. Multiple scintillation optics are assembled to form a two-dimensional scintillation array coupled to a two-dimensional detector array, such as for use in determination of state of the residual charged particle beam, determination of an exit point of the particle beam from the sample, path of the treatment beam, and/or tomographic imaging. 1. A method for tomographic imaging a tumor of a patient with positively charged particles , comprising the steps of: a longitudinal length of a first scintillation material comprising a first index of refraction; and', 'a cladding circumferentially enclosing said longitudinal length of said first scintillation material, said cladding comprising a second index of refraction, said second index of refraction less than said first index of refraction; and, 'transporting the positively charged particles along a beam transport line from an accelerator, through the tumor, and to a plurality of scintillation optics, each scintillation optic of said plurality of scintillation optics comprisingdetecting secondary photons emitted from said first scintillation material, resultant from energy transfer from the positively charged particles, with a two-dimensional detector array optically coupled to a two-dimensional matrix of said plurality of scintillation optics.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of:said cladding comprising said second index of refraction repetitively reflecting ...

ION BEAM KINETIC ENERGY DISSIPATER APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for reducing a kinetic energy of positively charged particles, comprising the steps of: (1) transporting the positively charged particles from an accelerator into an exit nozzle system along a beam line; (2) providing a first chamber of the exit nozzle system, the first chamber comprising: an incident side comprising an incident aperture, an exit side comprising an exit aperture, and a beam path of the positively charged particles from the incident aperture to the exit aperture; (3) filling the beam path in the chamber with a liquid; and (4) using the liquid to reduce the kinetic energy of the positively charged particles. The kinetic energy dissipater is optionally used in combination with a proton therapy cancer treatment system and/or a proton tomography imaging system. 1. A method for reducing a kinetic energy of positively charged particles , comprising the steps of:transporting the positively charged particles from an accelerator, along a beam line, and into an exit nozzle system; an incident side comprising an incident aperture;', 'an exit side comprising an exit aperture; and', 'a beam path of the positively charged particles from the incident aperture to the exit aperture;, 'providing a first chamber of said exit nozzle system, said first chamber comprisingfilling the beam path in said chamber with a liquid; andusing the liquid to reduce the kinetic energy of the positively charged particles.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of:dissipating radioactivity of the liquid using a pump to move a second volume of the liquid into said first chamber.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of:changing a pathlength of the beam path between the incident aperture and the exit aperture by moving said first chamber radially across a longitudinal axis of the positively charged particles.4. The method of claim 3 , said step of changing the pathlength further comprising the step of:increasing ...

DOUBLE DIPOLE CANCER THERAPY TREATMENT BEAM SCANNING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for steering/scanning charged particles, comprising: a double dipole scanning system, comprising: (1) a beam path chamber comprising an entrance side and an exit side, the entrance side comprising a smaller area than the exit side; (2) a first dipole magnet, the first dipole magnet comprising a first coil and a third coil on first opposite sides of the beam path chamber; and (3) a second dipole magnet, the second dipole magnet comprising a second coil and a fourth coil on second opposite sides of the beam path chamber, the beam path chamber further comprising a truncated square/rectangle pyramid shape, the smaller entrance side of the charged particles comprising a top of the truncated pyramid shape, the exit side of the charged particles comprising a larger bottom of the truncated pyramid shape. 1. An apparatus for scanning charged particles , comprising: a first pair of magnets on opposite sides of a beam path chamber, a first magnet of said first pair of magnets comprising a first magnet core, wherein said first magnet core comprises a trapezoidal shaped surface facing the beam path chamber; and', 'a second pair of magnets on opposite sides of the beam path chamber,', 'wherein said first pair of magnets and said second pair of magnets circumferentially surround a longitudinal axis of the beam path chamber, the beam path chamber comprising: an entrance side and an exit side, the entrance side comprising a smaller area than the exit side., 'a dual axis scanning system; comprising2. The apparatus of claim 1 , said first magnet further comprising:a first rounded corner trapezoidal winding wound about said first magnet core.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , said first magnet core comprising:a three dimensional solid comprising: a trapezoidal base, a trapezoidal top comprising said trapezoidal shaped surface facing the beam path chamber, and four rectangular sides connecting said trapezoidal base to said trapezoidal top.4. The ...

ION BEAM KINETIC ENERGY DISSIPATER APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for reducing a kinetic energy of positively charged particles, comprising the steps of: (1) transporting the positively charged particles from an accelerator into an exit nozzle system along a beam line; (2) providing a first chamber of the exit nozzle system, the first chamber comprising: an incident side comprising an incident aperture, an exit side comprising an exit aperture, and a beam path of the positively charged particles from the incident aperture to the exit aperture; (3) filling the beam path in the chamber with a liquid; and (4) using the liquid to reduce the kinetic energy of the positively charged particles. The kinetic energy dissipater is optionally used in combination with a proton therapy cancer treatment system and/or a proton tomography imaging system. 1. A method for reducing a kinetic energy of positively charged particles , comprising the steps of:transporting the positively charged particles from an accelerator, along a beam line, and into an exit nozzle system; an incident side comprising an incident aperture;', 'an exit side comprising an exit aperture; and', 'a beam path of the positively charged particles from the incident aperture to the exit aperture;, 'providing a first chamber of said exit nozzle system, said first chamber comprisingfilling the beam path in said chamber with a liquid;changing a pathlength of the beam path between the incident aperture and the exit aperture by moving said first chamber radially across a longitudinal axis of the positively charged particles; andusing the liquid to reduce the kinetic energy of the positively charged particles.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of:pumping a second volume of the liquid into said first chamber to dissipate radioactivity in said first chamber.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of:changing a pathlength of the beam path between the incident aperture and the exit aperture by moving said ...

Scintillation array apparatus and method of use thereof

A scintillation material is longitudinally packaged in a circumferentially surrounding sheath, where the sheath has a lower index of refraction than the scintillation material, to form a scintillation optic or scintillation fiber optic. The scintillation material yields secondary photons upon passage of a charged particle beam, such as a positively charged residual particle beam having transmitted through a sample. The internally generated secondary photons within the sheath are guided to a detector element by the difference in index of refraction. Multiple scintillation optics are assembled to form a two-dimensional scintillation array coupled to a two-dimensional detector array, such as for use in determination of state of the residual charged particle beam, determination of an exit point of the particle beam from the sample, path of the treatment beam, and/or tomographic imaging.

Depth resolved scintillation detector array imaging apparatus and method of use thereof

The invention comprises a method or apparatus for tomographically imaging a sample, such as a tumor of a patient, using positively charged particles. Position, energy, and/or vectors of the positively charged particles are determined using a plurality of scintillators, such as layers of chemically distinct scintillators where each chemically distinct scintillator emits photons of differing wavelengths upon energy transfer from the positively charged particles. Knowledge of position of a given scintillator type and a color of the emitted photon from the scintillator type allows a determination of residual energy of the charged particle energy in a scintillator detector. Optionally, a two-dimensional detector array additionally yields x/y-plane information, coupled with the z-axis energy information, about state of the positively charged particles. State of the positively charged particles as a function of relative sample/particle beam rotation is used in tomographic reconstruction of an image of the sample or the tumor.

Multiple scintillation detector array imaging apparatus and method of use thereof

Generally, a method or apparatus for tomographically imaging a sample, such as a tumor of a patient, using positively charged particles positions n two-dimensional detector arrays on n surfaces of a scintillation material or scintillator, respectively. Resultant from energy transfer from the positively charged particles, secondary photons are emitted from the scintillation material and detected by the plurality of two-dimensional detector arrays, where each detector array images the scintillation material. Combining signals from the plurality of two-dimensional detector arrays, the path, position, energy, and/or state of the positively charged particle beam as a function of time and/or rotation of the patient relative to the positively charged particle beam is determined and used in tomographic reconstruction of an image of the sample or the tumor.

Ion beam extraction apparatus and method of use thereof

The invention comprises an apparatus and method of use thereof for extracting ions from an ion source, such as for use in cancer treatment or tomographic imaging. The extraction apparatus uses a triode extraction system, with the ion source and/or first electrode held at a first potential; an extraction electrode held at a second potential; and a gating electrode, positioned between the ion source and the extraction electrode, oscillating and/or alternating between a first suppression potential proximate that of the ion source potential and a second extraction potential between the ion source potential and the extraction electrode potential. Optionally, the ion source comprises an electron cyclotron resonance ion source.

Integrated imaging-cancer treatment apparatus and method of use thereof

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for directing protons to a tumor, comprising the steps of: (1) holding a patient with a patient support; (2) providing an imaging system comprising: a rotatable unit at least partially surrounding an axial perimeter of the patient support, a translation guide rail, an imaging source attached to the rotatable unit, and an imaging detector attached to the rotatable unit; (3) translating and rotating the imaging source and the imaging detector relative to the patient support using the translation guide rail and the rotatable unit; and (4) providing an attachment section connected: on a first end to a robotic arm positioning system and on a second end to the patient support and the imaging system, the robotic arm positioning system repositioning, relative to a nozzle system linked to the synchrotron, the attachment system supporting the patient support system and the imaging system.

Treatment beam path verification in a cancer therapy apparatus and method of use thereof

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for treating a tumor of a patient using positively charged particles, comprising the steps of: (1) providing an approved current version of a radiation treatment plan for treatment of the tumor using the positively charged particles; (2) implementing the current version of the radiation treatment plan using a cancer therapy system comprising a controller linked to a synchrotron; (3) upon identifying an object, using a set of fiducial indicators, in a treatment vector of the radiation treatment plan: generating a modified version of radiation treatment plan and receiving medical doctor approval of the modified version of the radiation treatment plan, the modified version of the radiation plan becoming the current version of the radiation treatment plan; and (4) repeating the steps of implementing and identifying until completion of treatment of the tumor using the positively charged particles.

Auto-updated and implemented radiation treatment plan apparatus and method of use thereof

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for treating a tumor, comprising the steps of: (1) a main controller implementing an initial radiation treatment plan, as a current radiation treatment plan, using positively charged particles delivered from a synchrotron, along a beam transport line, through a nozzle system proximate the treatment room, and into the tumor; (2) concurrent with the step of implementing, imaging the tumor, such as with protons, to generate a current image; (3) upon detection of movement of the tumor relative to surrounding constituents of the patient using the current image, the main controller, using computer implemented code, automatically generating an updated treatment plan, the updated treatment plan becoming the current radiation treatment plan; and (4) repeating the steps of implementing, imaging, and generating an updated treatment plan at least n times, where n is a positive integer of at least one.

Semi-automated cancer therapy treatment apparatus and method of use thereof

The invention comprises a method for treating a tumor of a patient with positively charged particles in a treatment room, comprising the steps of: (1) controlling a cancer therapy treatment system with a main controller, the main controller comprising hardware and software; (2) generating at least one image of the tumor using at least one imaging system controlled by the main controller; (3) using the at least one image and a software coded set of radiation treatment directives, the main controller auto-generating a radiation treatment plan; and (4) the main controller auto-delivering the positively charged particles, via a beam transport system and a nozzle system, from a synchrotron to the tumor according to the radiation treatment plan.

Fiducial marker/cancer imaging and treatment apparatus and method of use thereof

The invention comprises a fiducial marker—fiducial detector based treatment room position determination/positioning system apparatus and method of use thereof. A set of fiducial markers and fiducial detectors are used to mark/determine relative position of static and/or moveable objects in a treatment room using photons passing from the markers to the detectors. Further, position and orientation of at least one of the objects is calibrated to a reference line, such as a zero-offset beam treatment line passing through an exit nozzle, which yields a relative position of each fiducially marked object in the treatment room. Treatment calculations are subsequently determined using the reference line and/or points thereon. The treatment calculations are optionally and preferably performed without use of an isocenter point, such as a central point about which a treatment room gantry rotates, which eliminates mechanical errors associated with the isocenter point being an isocenter volume in practice.

Automated radiation treatment plan development apparatus and method of use thereof

The invention comprises a method for generating a procedure for treating a tumor of a patient using positively charged particles, comprising the steps of: (1) providing a set of treatment goal specifications; (2) generating tomographic images of the tumor using a first set of groups of the positively charge particles delivered from a synchrotron; and (3) a computer implemented algorithm automatically generating a tumor radiation treatment plan, of the tumor using the positively charged particles, using the set of treatment goal specifications and the tomographic images. Optionally, the method automatically updates the radiation treatment plan upon: a detected movement of the tumor relative to surrounding patient constituents and/or upon detection of a previously unforeseen intervening object in a treatment beam path.

Transformable charged particle beam path cancer therapy apparatus and method of use thereof

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for determining a radiation beam treatment path to a tumor, comprising the steps of: (1) delivering charged particles from an accelerator, along a first beam transport path, through an output nozzle, and along a treatment path to the tumor relative to a calibrated reference beam path from the output nozzle toward a patient position and (2) prior to the step of delivering, a main controller verifying an unobstructed linear path of the treatment path using a set of fiducial indicators positioned at least: on a first element physically affixed and co-movable with the output nozzle and on a moveable object in the treatment room. Optionally, voxels of the treatment beam path and potentially obstructing objects are defined in the treatment room using an axis system relative to the calibrated reference beam path and a reference beam point.

Intervening object compensating automated radiation treatment plan development apparatus and method of use thereof

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for treating a tumor using positively charged particles having passed through an intervening object, comprising the steps of: predetermining an energy reduction of the positively charged particles resultant from the positively charged particles traversing the intervening object along a beam treatment path as a function of relative rotation of the patient and the beam treatment path; generating a radiation treatment plan adjusting energy of the positively charged particles delivered from the synchrotron to the intervening object to yield a desired beam treatment energy of the positively charged particles entering the tumor after compensating for the energy reduction; and optionally detecting a set of the positively charged particles after traversing the intervening object to yield a signal, where the signal is used with knowledge of energy of the positively charged particles exiting the synchrotron to pre-determine the energy reduction along the beam treatment path.

Simultaneous/single patient position X-ray and proton imaging apparatus and method of use thereof

The invention comprises an apparatus and method of use thereof for using a single patient position during, optionally simultaneous, X-ray imaging and positively charged particle imaging, where imaging a tumor of a patient using X-rays and positively charged particles comprises the steps of: (1) generating an X-ray image using the X-rays directed from an X-ray source, through the patient, and to an X-ray detector, (2) generating a positively charged particle image: (a) using the positively charged particles directed from an exit nozzle, through the patient, through the X-ray detector, and to a scintillator, the scintillator emitting photons when struck by the positively charged particles and (b) generating the positively charged particle image of the tumor using a photon detector configured to detect the emitted photons, where the X-ray detector maintains a position between said the nozzle and the scintillator during the step of generating a positively charged particle image.

Automated cancer therapy apparatus and method of use thereof

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for treating a tumor, comprising the steps of: (1) a main controller sequentially delivering charged particles from a synchrotron along a first beam transport line, through a nozzle system, and to the tumor according to a current version of the radiation treatment plan; (2) concurrent with the step of delivering, generating an image of the tumor using an imaging system; (3) the main controller automatically generating an updated version of the radiation treatment plan using the image, the updated version of the radiation treatment plan becoming the current version of the radiation treatment plan; and (4) repeating the steps of: delivering grouped bunches of the charged particles, generating an image of the tumor, and automatically generating the updated or current version of the radiation treatment plan with optional intervening doctor approval.

Continuous ion beam kinetic energy dissipater apparatus and method of use thereof

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for slowing positively charged particles, comprising the steps of: (1) transporting the positively charged particles from an accelerator, along a beam transport line, and into a nozzle system; (2) placing a first liquid in a first chamber in a beam path of the positively charged particles; (3) placing a second liquid in a second chamber in the beam path of the positively charged particles; (4) moving the first and second chamber with the nozzle system; (5) slowing the positively charged particles using the first liquid and the second liquid; (6) moving the first chamber in a first direction to yield a longer first pathlength of the positively charged particles through the first chamber; and (7) moving the second chamber opposite the first direction to yield a longer second pathlength of the positively charged particles through the second chamber.

Cancer treatment room fiducial marker apparatus and method of use thereof

CANCER TREATMENT ROOM FIDUCIAL MARKER APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF 5 The invention comprises a fiducial marker - fiducial detector based treatment room position determination / positioning system apparatus and method of use thereof. Generally, a set of fiducial marker detectors detect photons emitted from and/or reflected off of a set of fiducial markers positioned on one or more objects in a treatment room and resultant determined distances and/or calculated angles are 10 used to determine relative positions of multiple objects or elements in the treatment room. Positions of the mapped objects are used in: (1) imaging, such as X-ray, positron emission tomogram, and/or proton beam imaging and/or (2) beam targeting and treatment, such as proton based cancer treatment. As relative positions of objects in the treatment room are dynamically determined using the 15 fiducial marking system, engineering and/or mathematical constraints of a treatment beamline isocenter are removed. -------------- 3356 3315 3356 146 3562 3540 26 22 146 - 267 -26 3312. | 131...2 3502 *350126 17 / \,3566/ 3316~)~~ 3 56 4 3318 / 11

Orthogonal double dipole cancer therapy treatment beam scanning apparatus and method of use thereof

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for scanning charged particles in a cancer therapy system, comprising the steps of: (1) providing a first and second dipole magnet system and a gap, the gap comprising a common gap length, along a path of the charged particles, within both the first and second dipole magnet systems, the gap comprising a progressively increasing x/y-plane cross-section area from an entrance area of the charged particles into the double dipole magnet system to an exit area of the double dipole magnet system, the x/y-plane perpendicular to a z-axis from a center of the entrance area to a center of the exit area; (2) scanning the positively charged particles along a first axis of the x/y-plane using the first dipole magnet system; and (3) scanning the positively charged particles along a second axis of the x/y-plane using the second dipole magnet system.

Cancer treatment - proton tomography apparatus

Rare earth extraction apparatus and method of use thereof

The invention comprises an apparatus and method of use thereof for generating a rare earth from a rare earth oxide, comprising the steps of: (1) dissociating the rare earth oxide and hydrogen gas in a reaction chamber by inductively heating the reaction chamber to greater than 2000° K to form the associated rare earth and water vapor in a reaction process; (2) driving the reaction process forward by removing the water vapor from the reaction chamber by condensing and freezing the water vapor on a first cold trap surface as water ice, where the reaction comprises: RE2O3+3H2→2RE+3 H2O, where REO is a rare earth oxide and RE comprises a rare earth in the rare earth oxide; and/or (3) monitoring the reaction process by monitoring generation of at least one of the rare earth and the water in a control system designed for continuous/semi-continuous operation.

Rare earth oxide to rare earth extraction apparatus and method of use thereof

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for generating a rare earth from a rare earth oxide, comprising the sequential steps of: (1) reducing temperature about the rare earth oxide to less than zero degrees Celsius; (2) reducing pressure to boil off contaminant water in a powder sample of the rare earth oxide at a molecular escape velocity not disturbing the powdered rare earth oxide; and (3) heating the rare earth oxide to greater than 1000° C. in the presence hydrogen gas while optionally: (1) collecting and determining mass of a water product to determine a consumption mass of the starting hydrogen gas in a main reaction process using the equation RE 2 O 3 +3H 2 →2RE+3H 2 O, wherein “RE” comprises at a rare earth and (2) injecting replacement hydrogen gas into the main reaction chamber up to the consumption mass.

Cancer treatment - proton tomography apparatus and method of use thereof

An apparatus 900 for determining a position of a tumor 720 in a patient 730 in a treatment room using positively charged particles. Apparatus 900 comprising: a synchrotron sequentially transporting positively charged particles into the patient 730; and an imaging system comprising: first and second sheets 760,770 each comprising a light emitting element; a first detector 812 that generates a first signal in response to imaging first photons emitted when a first positively charged particle passes through the light emitter of first sheet 760; and a second detector 814 forming a second signal on imaging second photons emitted the first positively charged particle passes through the light emitter of second sheet 770; and a controller determining a first segment V1a of a beam path of the first particle using the first signal and the second signal. The imaging system may comprise a third sheet 780 with a light emitting element to yield a third signal due to the first particle; and a scintillation plate 710 of a tomography system to generate a fourth signal due to the first particle where the controller determines segments of the beam path of the first particle using the first, second, third and fourth signals.

離子植入系統以及使用離子束處理工件的方法

結合使用具有至少兩個不同尺寸的孔隙的限束孔隙板件與至少兩個電荷收集器。由於孔隙寬度的差異，所述兩個電荷收集器接收不同量的離子，其中所述量與相關聯孔隙的寬度成比例。藉由監視第一電荷收集器收集的電荷與第二收集器收集的電荷的比率，而可監視且任選地補償腐蝕量。

Selective area implant of a workpiece

Apparatus and methods for the selective implanting of the outer portion of a workpiece are disclosed. A mask is disposed between the ion beam and the workpiece, having an aperture through which the ion beam passes. The aperture may have a concave first edge, forming using a radius equal to the inner radius of the outer portion of the workpiece. Further, the mask is affixed to a roplat such that the platen is free to rotate between a load/unload position and an operational position without moving the mask. In certain embodiments, the mask is affixed to the base of the roplat and has a first portion with an aperture that extends vertically upward from the base, and a second portion that is shaped so as not to interfere with the rotation of the platen. In other embodiments, the mask may be affixed to the arms of the roplat.

Superconducting Fault Current Limiter System

A SCFCL system includes a first SCFCL, a second SCFCL, and a controller configured to control at least one switch to couple the first SCFCL to a power line between an AC source and a load, and to electrically isolate the second SCFCL from the power line during a first operating mode when the first SCFCL is in service and the second SCFCL serves as a spare. During the first operating mode, the second SCFCL, may be maintained in a latent standby state or an immediate standby state. The second SCFCL may be automatically switched into service to provide for fault current protection in case the first SCFCL needs to be taken out of service for maintenance, repair, or replacement.

超導體故障電流限制器系統

一種SCFCL系統包括第一SCFCL、第二SCFCL和控制器用以控制至少一個開關耦合所述第一SCFCL到介於交流電電源與負載間之電源線，且在操作在第一操作模式下將第二SCFCL電性隔離於電源線。而在第一操作模式下，第一SCFCL運作而第二SCFCL當成備用。在第一操作模式下，第二SCFCL可保持在潛伏待命(Latent Standby State)或即時待命狀態(Immediate Standby State)。假使第一SCFCL因為維護、修理或更換而需要脫離運作時，第二SCFCL會自動切換至運作以提供故障電流防護。

超導體故障電流限制器系統

Superconducting fault current limiter system

A SCFCL system includes a first SCFCL, a second SCFCL, and a. Controller configured to control at least one switch to couple the list SCFCL to a power line between an AC source and a load, and to electrically isolate the second SCFCL from the power line during a first operating mode when the first SCFCL is in service and the second SCFCL serves as a spare. During the first operating Mode, the second SCFCL may be automatically Switched is in a latent standby staidly state or mi immediate standby state, The second SCFCL may he be automatically switched into service to provide for.Fault current protection la case the first SCFCL needs to he taken oat of service tor maintenance, repair, or replacement.