Panel-type sensor/source array assembly
First Claim
1. A signal measurement system for use with a remote marker that generates a marker signal, and a radiation therapy source that generates a radiation beam, comprising:
- an array of sensor coils arranged in a selected pattern and configured to receive the marker signal from the remote marker; and
a movable support panel connected to the array of sensor coils, the support panel and the array of sensor coils defining a sensor assembly that is at least substantially rigid and has a mass per unit area in a plane of the support panel of approximately 1.0 grams/cm2 or less, wherein the movable support panel is operably connected to an articulating arm of a moveable module of the signal measurement system.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A low-density sensor panel assembly system is provided for use with remote marker assemblies that generates a marker signal and for use with a radiation therapy source that generates a radiation beam during radiation therapy. The system includes a sensor array having a layer of sensor coils arranged in a selected pattern and configured to receive the marker signal from the remote marker. A support panel is connected to the sensor array and retains each of the sensor coils in a substantially fixed and unmoving position relative to the other sensor coils. The sensor panel and sensor array define a low-density panel structure configured to dwell in the radiation beam during the radiation therapy.
148 Citations
33 Claims
-
1. A signal measurement system for use with a remote marker that generates a marker signal, and a radiation therapy source that generates a radiation beam, comprising:
-
an array of sensor coils arranged in a selected pattern and configured to receive the marker signal from the remote marker; and a movable support panel connected to the array of sensor coils, the support panel and the array of sensor coils defining a sensor assembly that is at least substantially rigid and has a mass per unit area in a plane of the support panel of approximately 1.0 grams/cm2 or less, wherein the movable support panel is operably connected to an articulating arm of a moveable module of the signal measurement system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. A low-density signal measurement system for use with a remote marker that generates a marker signal and a radiation therapy source that generates a radiation beam, comprising:
-
an array of sensor coils arranged in a selected pattern and configured to receive the marker signal from the remote marker; and a moveable support panel laminated to the array of sensor coils to form a sensor assembly that retains the sensor coils in a fixed arrangement, wherein the sensor assembly is configured to attenuate the radiation beam by 0.5% or less, wherein the movable support panel is operably connected to an adjustable arm of a base assembly of the signal measurement system. - View Dependent Claims (13)
-
-
14. A signal measurement system for use with a linear accelerator that generates a radiation beam and marker that generates a marker signal, comprising:
-
a first coil layer having substantially planar source coils; a second coil layer having substantially planar sensor coils configured to receive the marker signal from the marker upon excitation of the marker; and a free-standing support panel carrying the first and second coil layers with the source coils and sensor coils in a substantially rigid fixed position relative to each other, the support panel and the first and second coil layers defining a laminated sensor assembly configured to allow the radiation beam to pass therethrough with a radiation beam attenuation of approximately 0.5% or less, wherein the support panel is operably connected to an arm of a moveable base of the signal measurement system. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18)
-
-
19. A system for locating a remote marker that generates a marker signal, comprising:
-
a source generator; a sensor panel assembly coupled to the source generator, the sensor panel assembly having a mass per unit area in a plane of a support panel of approximately 1.0 grams/cm2 or less comprising; a first coil layer having a plurality of source coils coupled to the source generator; a second coil layer separate from the first coil layer and having a plurality of sensor coils, the sensor coils configured to receive the marker signal from the marker and to generate sensor signals based upon the marker signal; and a portable support panel laminated to the first and second coil layers with the source coils and the sensor coils in a substantially rigid, fixed position relative to each other; a moveable module, wherein an articulating arm operably couples the sensor panel assembly to the moveable module; and a controller remote from the sensor panel assembly and coupled to the sensor coils to receive the sensor signals. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
-
-
25. An excitation panel assembly for use with a remote marker and a coolant source, comprising:
-
a plurality of source coils configured to generate a marker excitation field; and a moveable support panel coupled to the source coils, the support panel having a mass per unit area in a plane of the support panel of approximately 1.0 grams/cm2 or less, the support panel having cooling channels integrally formed therein, the cooling channels being configured to remove heat from the source coils, wherein the movable support panel is operably connected to an articulating arm of a stand alone base module. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29)
-
-
30. A method of locating and irradiating a target in a patient with a radiation beam, comprising:
-
positioning a marker at a selected location relative to the target; moving a sensor panel assembly to a position adjacent to the patient and between a radiation beam source and the patient, wherein moving the support panel includes articulating an arm operably coupling the sensor panel assembly to a base; energizing the marker to generate a marker signal; receiving the marker signal with the sensor panel assembly; determining a location of the marker and the target in three-dimensional space; and irradiating the target with the radiation beam at the location of the target in three-dimensional space, the radiation beam passing through the sensor panel assembly while irradiating the target wherein the radiation beam undergoes beam attenuation of approximately 0.5% or less. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32)
-
-
33. A method of generating a magnetic excitation field for energizing a remote leadless marker, comprising:
-
moving an excitation assembly to a position in a selected vicinity of the remote leadless marker, the excitation assembly having a plurality of source coils configured to generate a magnetic excitation field for excitation of the remote leadless marker, the excitation assembly having a support panel coupled to the source coils, the support panel having a coil-cooling system integrally formed therein and in fluid communication with the source coils, the support panel having a mass per unit area in a plane of the support panel of approximately 1.0 grams/cm2 or less, wherein moving the excitation assembly includes articulating an arm operably interconnecting the support panel to a moveable base module; generating the magnetic excitation field with the source coils; energizing the marker assembly with the magnetic excitation field; and cooling the source coils with a flow of coolant from the coil-cooling system.
-
Specification