IMPROVEMENTS TO LINEAR ACCELERATORS

Abstract

The invention relates to a drum assembly for a linear accelerator, the drum assembly comprising a drum having a front face including a front rim and a rear face including a rear rim, one or more support wheels supporting the drum, an arm extending from the front face of the drum and including a beam collimator through which a beam of radiation is emitted to form a radiation isocentre. One or more rear rim members are associated with the rear rim, the rear rim members adapted to substantially offset isocentre distortion due to unintended movement of the drum assembly. The invention also relates to variants thereto and combinations thereof.

Claims

1-59. (canceled)

60. A drum assembly for a linear accelerator comprising: a drum having a front face including a front rim and a rear face including a rear rim, one or more support wheels supporting the drum, an arm extending from the front face of the drum and including a beam collimator through which a beam of radiation is emitted to form a radiation isocentre and one or more rear rim members associated with the rear rim, the inner surface of the rear rim members being provided with one or more projections extending therefrom, that extend between the rear rim members and the inside edge of the rear rim, and the rear rim members and projections being adapted to substantially offset distortion to the isocentre due to unintended movement of the drum assembly and further wherein the drum assembly also comprises one or more locating members associated with the rear rim, and the rear rim members and locating members together are adapted to create and or limit movement of the drum assembly in a direction that is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum assembly (i.e. in the direction of the Y axis) the created movement of the drum assembly will substantially offset the equal and opposite distortion of the isocentre caused by the deflection of the beam arm, at particular gantry angles.

61. The drum assembly for a linear accelerator of claim 60, wherein the front and rear faces are provided with one or more lip members at the outer edges thereof that extend at least partially about the circumference of the front and rear faces.

62. The drum assembly for a linear accelerator of claim 60, wherein the support wheels are positioned in any suitable orientation relative to the drum including substantially vertically so that the axis of rotation of the support wheels is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum and or substantially horizontally so that the axis of rotation of the support wheels is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the drum.

63. The drum assembly for a linear accelerator of claim 62, wherein the support wheels are positioned in any suitable orientation relative to the drum, and a combination of vertical and horizontal support wheels are provided and further wherein the purpose of the vertical support wheels is to support the drum and facilitate rotation of the drum about a horizontal axis (the Y axis), while the horizontal support wheels act to limit the movement of the gantry drum across the surface of the vertical support wheels and further wherein the horizontal support wheels assist in maintaining the drum in an essentially fixed position in the direction of the Y axis.

64. The drum assembly for a linear accelerator of claim 63, wherein vertical support wheels are included, mounted to a base portion in a vertical position (such as to a side or edge of the base portion), while the horizontal support wheels are mounted in a horizontal position (such as to an upper or lower surface of the base portion).

65. The drum assembly for a linear accelerator of claim 60, wherein two or more rear rim members are included and each are of the same dimensions as one another, or may be of different dimensions in that each rear rim member extends for a different length about the circumference of the rear face of the rear rim.

66. The drum assembly for a linear accelerator of claim 60, wherein when the beam of radiation issues from the arm in a substantially vertical position, the axial movement (in the direction of the Y axis) of the drum is affected in such a way as to offset the sagging of the arm (and therefore distortion of the isocentre which is moved back towards the front face of the drum as a result of the typical sag in the arm at that angle).

67. The drum assembly for a linear accelerator of claim 60, wherein by locating the rear rim members at this point, the effect of gravity on the arm (which causes distortion of the isocentre), is offset such that the volume of the isocentre is substantially minimised.

68. The drum assembly for a linear accelerator of claim 60, wherein the thickness of the rear rim members varies along their length and the inner and/or upper surface of the rear rim members are provided with one or more peaks and/or troughs such that the thickness of the rear rim members changes along its length.

69. The drum assembly for a linear accelerator of claim 60, wherein a plurality of projections spaced about the circumference of the rear rim is provided.

70. The drum assembly for a linear accelerator of claim 60, wherein the rear rim members extend outwardly beyond the rear edge of the rear rim.

71. The drum assembly for a linear accelerator of claim 60, wherein the one or locating members are positioned so as to act upon an inner edge of the rear rim.

72. The drum assembly for a linear accelerator of claim 60, wherein the locating members act upon the rear rim such that a force is applied to the rear rim to control and/or limit forward movement of the drum assembly (i.e. in the direction of the Y axis).

73. The drum assembly for a linear accelerator of claim 60, wherein the locating members include one or more locating wheels, located in abutment with, or in close proximity to, the inner edge of the rear rim and the locating wheels act in concert with the horizontal support wheels to support the drum.

74. The drum assembly for a linear accelerator of claim 73, wherein the locating wheels are biased into position using one or more biasing members (or may be associated with one or more biasing members), such that the drum is substantially unable to overcome the bias of the biasing members and unintended forward movement of the drum is reduced or eliminated.

75. The drum assembly for a linear accelerator of claim 74, wherein the biasing member is located between the locating wheels and the rear rim such that the drum assembly is unable to overcome the bias of the biasing members, and therefore unintended forward movement of the drum assembly is substantially precluded.

76. The drum assembly for a linear accelerator of claim 60 wherein the drum assembly further comprises one or more front rim members, associated with the front rim.

77. The drum assembly for a linear accelerator of claim 76, wherein the front rim members are adapted to substantially offset such that the volume of the isocentre is substantially minimised.

78. The drum assembly for a linear accelerator of claim 76, wherein the inner surface of the front rim members is provided with one or more projections extending therefrom and further wherein the one or more projections extend between the inner surface of the front rim members and the front rim such that the one or more projections abut the front rim in use so as to support the front rim members and fix them in position on the flat face of the front rim.

79. The drum assembly for a linear accelerator of claim 60, wherein the drum assembly produces an isocentre of less than about 1 millimetres.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Disclosure of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0074] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of front rim members according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0075] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of rear rim members according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0076] FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of a drum assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, including the front and rear rim members of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0077] FIG. 4 illustrates a plan view of a portion of a drum assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0078] FIG. 5 illustrates the direction of the axes of a linear accelerator (PRIOR ART) as a useful reference;

[0079] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic partial view of a drum assembly variant to the first preferred embodiment, to highlight the rear rim members and projecting bosses in particular;

[0080] FIG. 7 illustrates the detailed view at the 3 O'clock position of FIG. 6 illustrating the cut-outs for LINAC apparatus;

[0081] FIG. 8 illustrates the detailed view at the 1 O'clock position of FIG. 6 illustrating the boss and support;

[0082] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic partial view of the drum assembly of FIGS. 6 to 8 with the rim member in place between the rim and bosses;

[0083] FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic partial view of the boss of FIGS. 6 to 9, with the detail shown including the boss support;

[0084] FIG. 11 illustrates a front view of the drum assembly of FIG. 6, indicating the rim and including the rim members and 8 bosses positioned about the inner circumference;

[0085] FIG. 12 indicates a first section of the rim of FIG. 11 with an arc of 38 degrees;

[0086] FIG. 13 indicates a second section of the rim of FIG. 11, with an arc of 52 degrees;

[0087] FIG. 14 is a detailed view of the schematic view from the front of FIG. 11 with the detail of the position of the boss, on the rim member, inside the rim;

[0088] FIG. 15 is a detailed view of the blocks at the 3'Oclock position on FIG. 11; and

[0089] FIGS. 16a and b, is a two part schematic diagram of the boss of FIGS. 11 and 14, from above and then separately, in plan view to show the boss support.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0090] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, embodiments of the invention are shown in various aspects, useful to the disclosure of the invention. With reference in particular to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a side view of front rim members 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In both FIGS. 1 and 2 the respective components are shown clearly, to illustrate the detailed features of the rim members, important to the working of the invention. Front rim members 10, each define an arc of a circle that is substantially the same diameter, or of a slightly larger diameter, to the diameter of the front rim of the drum assembly (neither shown in FIG. 1).

[0091] In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, front rim members 10 together, have a circumference that is approximately equal to that of the front rim so that front rim members 10 could form a continuous rim about the front rim, if used together. Alternatively, only one of front rim members 10 could be used on the front rim so that the full circumference of the rim is not covered by front rim members 10. For instance, two of the smaller front rim members 10 could be used so that approximately 50 percent of the front rim is covered by front rim members 10.

[0092] Front rim members 10 are provided with a plurality of projections 11 that extend outwardly from front rim members 10, towards the front face (not shown in FIG. 1) of the drum assembly. In use, projections 11 will abut the front face of the drum assembly. Alternatively, projections 11 could be used to locate and or retain t front rim members 10 on the front rim.

[0093] With reference in particular to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a front view of rear rim members 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention, similar to front rim members 10, as described above. Rear rim members 12 each define an arc of a circle that is substantially the same diameter, or of a slightly larger diameter, to the diameter of the rear rim of the drum assembly (neither shown in FIG. 2).

[0094] In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2, rear rim members 12, together have a circumference that is approximately equal to that of the rear rim (not shown in FIG. 2) so that rear rim members 12 could form a continuous rim about the rear rim, if used together. Alternatively, only one of rear rim members 12 could be used on the rear rim so that the full circumference of the rim is not covered by the rear rim members 12. For instance, two of the smaller rear rim members 12 could be used so that approximately 50 percent of the rear rim is covered by the rear rim members 12. Preferably, a rear rim member is located on the rear edge of the rear rim of the drum, as can be seen in FIG. 3.

[0095] Rear rim members 12 are provided with a plurality of projections 13 that extend inwardly from an inner surface of rear rim members 12 towards the rear rim of the drum assembly (neither shown in FIG. 2). In use, projections 13 will abut the rear rim (not shown) of the drum assembly. Alternatively, the projections 13 could be used to locate and/or retain the rear rim members 12 on the rear rim.

[0096] In FIG. 2 it may be seen that both inner and outer surfaces of rear rim members 12 are provided with a series of peaks 14 and troughs 15 that assist in preventing rear rim members 12 from being crushed by the weight of the drum (not shown).

[0097] With reference in particular to FIG. 3, there is illustrated an isometric view of drum assembly 16, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The view of FIG. 3 includes the front and rear rim components labelled 10, 11, 12 and 13 as described for FIGS. 1 and 2, as can be readily understood. In this Figure it may be seen that drum assembly 16 comprises drum 17 having front face 18, rear face 19 and a plurality of support wheels 20 atop which drum 17 rotates. In use, drum 17 rotates about a rotation of axis extending horizontally through the centre of both front face 18 and rear face 19 of drum 17. Drum 17 is positioned on its side so that the front face 18 and the rear face 19 are positioned substantially vertically, in use.

[0098] Extending from, or, more accurately, through, front face 18 is arm 21 housing a wave accelerator, an X-ray target (obscured) and beam collimator 22 from which beam of radiation 23 issues when the LINAC is in use. Beam of radiation 23 forms an isocentre about which drum assembly 16 rotates.

[0099] Front face 18 includes an annular front rim 24 that extends about the circumference of front face 18. Similarly, rear face 19 includes an annular rear rim 25 that extends about the circumference of rear face 19. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3, front rim members 10 and rear rim members 12 are located on front rim 24 and rear rim 25, respectively, with rear rim members 12 located at least partially on rear face 19 of drum assembly 16. Front rim members 10 extend about a portion of the length of front rim 24, and therefore about a portion of the circumference of front face 18, while rear rim members 12 are located partly on rear face 19 of drum assembly 16, and extend onto the rear edge of rear rim 25. In this way, the rear rim members 12 extend about a portion of the circumference of the rear face 19.

[0100] Front rim members 10 are positioned so as to be located between front rim 24 and support wheels 20 as can be seen in FIG. 3; when arm 21 is positioned substantially horizontally. Front rim members 10 positioned between front rim 24 and support wheels 20 are adapted offset sagging of the arm 21 (i.e. movement in the direction of the Z axis) measured at the isocentre and therefore reduce distortion the isocentre volume, when arm 21 is positioned such that beam of radiation 23 is issued from beam collimator 22 in a substantially horizontal direction. Rear rim members 12 are positioned so as to prevent in-plane gantry movement of drum 17 along its axis of rotation (i.e. movement of the drum in the direction of the Y axis), which also would result in an increase in isocentre volume.

[0101] With reference in particular to FIG. 4 illustrates a plan view of a base portion 30 of a drum assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this Figure, base portion 30 includes three vertical support wheels 31 on which the drum (not shown) is supported for rotation and two horizontal support wheels 32a, 32b, one of which 32a is fixed in position for use while the other 32b second is awaiting installation.

[0102] In use, the horizontal support wheels 32a, 32b are located in close proximity to an edge (and preferably a front edge) of the rear rim. In this way, the horizontal support wheels 32a, 32b control movement of the drum in the direction of the Y axis, thereby minimising the isocentre volume. The rear rim members may be located between the edge of the drum and the horizontal support wheels 32a, 32b to further prevent movement of the drum in the direction of the Y axis.

[0103] Use of the invention acts to control movement of the drum assembly in the direction of the Y and/or Z axes, in order to offset any movement in the location of the isocentre (and radiation isocentre), position, while the LINAC is in use. The different components act in such a way as to offset isocentre variations in separate axes caused mainly by the weight of the arm and gravitational forces at different gantry angles, plus to a lesser extent distortion and the weight and wear of the apparatus generally. The effect of these forces is to give rise to a predictable variation in the isocentre position, and by eliminating them through the offset produced by the additionally introduced members, the variations in isocentre position can be reduced and thereby the volume of the locus described by these positions is reduced and the accuracy of the isocentre is increased. As described elsewhere, even the smallest of inaccuracies in this regard can have unfortunate outcomes for the patient, losing healthy tissue unnecessarily, which may cause irreparable loss of function to organs, and clearly a degradation to the life of the patient in the short and longer term. The patient will be happy to have the tumour destroyed but will need to leave with the consequences of the treatment, if this involved loss of function through damage to healthy tissues. To avoid the inaccuracy, where very specific accuracy is possible through use of the same LINAC equipment, would be a hugely beneficial outcome of the invention. Use of the invention would remove the degradation of treatment through distortion to the isocentre over time as the LINAC equipment wears and ages through much repeated use. For new equipment, as the invention is likely to be fitted as standard, the accuracy and useful life of the equipment will be prolonged, a further beneficial outcome for the stakeholders, investing in this costly equipment for hospitals and other treatment centres.

[0104] The inventor has developed a clever and surprisingly useful invention, that works with LINAC apparatus to significantly improve the accuracy of the isocentre by acting against distortion due to sagging of the support assembly.

[0105] With reference to FIGS. 6 to 16, variants to the first embodiment are disclosed, in schematic form to show the best method of these aspects known—refer also the general description below. Various aspects are shown with much of the drum assembly and arm omitted, to assist illustration, and similar reference numerals are used throughout. In FIG. 6 annular rear rim 25 and the rear face to which rear rim members 12 and projecting bosses 13 are installed to provide support to the drum assembly against unintended movement. Annular front rim 24 with front rim bosses 11 (not shown) may be arranged in a similar, or slightly different arrangement, as appropriate. The rear rim arrangement is of great benefit to act against unintended movement in the apparatus that may increase isocentre volume.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 6, 8 projecting bosses 13 are shown within rim 26, in the position to which they will be arranged in use. The 8 bosses 13 have been found to be a particularly suitable arrangement. Bosses 13 are indicated in FIG. 6 are shown to indicate their actual position in use, spaced substantially evenly within rim 25, and rim members 12, rim members 12 being omitted form FIG. 6, for ease of illustration. An approximate horizontal or vertical spacing between neighbouring bosses 13 is shown as 300 millimetres. The outer dimension of rim 26 is shown as 1976 millimetres with an inner diameter 1946 millimetres as suitable for the particular drum assembly. Fitted with the inner rim of rear rim 26 and arranged circle of bosses 13 are rear rim members 12 which together substantially surround the inner circumference of rim 25. 8 sections are included of rear rim members to strongly support and surround the assembly, as has been found to be of particular use. Partial rim members may be include instead, but it is beneficial to include a plurality of rear rim members 12 to generally surround the inner surface of rim 25 and provide support thereto. A single rim member could be used around most or some of the inner circumference or this ring may be made of one or more overlapping section to create the strong support to the drum assembly.

[0107] The particular dimensions of these components may be readily adapted to the particular drum assembly as will be readily understood by the person skilled in the art. The arrangement of rim members 12 and bosses 13 is an illustrative example, in which 8 bosses are included spaced about the inner circumference, as indicated by the round circles. But more or less projections or bosses may be included and these may be spaced evenly to assist to distribute pressure or unevenly to suit the particular application.

[0108] Detailed image of part of FIG. 7 at the 3 O'clock position of FIG. 6, the detailed rebate to accommodate existing LINAC items, cut to be 60 by 15 millimetres in this example by 6 millimetres deep, as is self-explanatory.

[0109] Detailed image of part of FIG. 8 at the 1 O'clock position of FIG. 6, illustrates boss 13 and distance of inner diameter of the rim, relative to rim 25 and support 26. The detail of the boss, support and positions around the rim/rim members is given further below.

[0110] With reference in particular to FIG. 9, an arc of rim 25 is shown, with rear rim members 12 between two bosses 13 positioned spaced about the arc. The defined 3 rear rim members 12 can be seen abutted one with the other and the two boss 13 sections. The inner surface of rim member 12 as shown has an outer circumference in the region of 1944 millimetres, within rim 25 to an inner dimension of 1880 millimetres. Bosses 13 are in close proximity to rear rim members 12. Again, clearly variation may be made to suit the particular application of these precise measurements but are given for illustrative purposes.

[0111] With reference to FIG. 10, boss 13 is shown with support 27 used to support boss 13 in its position and in its function to act against unintended movement.

[0112] Support 27 has a 22.5 millimetre width on either side of the aperture and an internal hole for a M4 grub screw. The width of boss support 27 can be seen to be approximately 160 millimetres (horizontal measurement across the arc) as suitable. There will be 8 boss 13 and corresponding 8 boss supports 27, in use.

[0113] 8 Support segments as shown elsewhere are supported on top of 8 Boss Flanges FIG. 10, and two support segments join on each Boss flange. Boss flange 27 insertion on to Boss 13 is to be adjusted (then tightened with Grubb screws), to present flush face between face of Support Segments/rear rim members 12 and rim face 25, to allow for mounting of offset shims (not shown here). Shims to be locked in location by 8 addition clamping segments (not shown), which are tightened onto the shims by bolts through holes in the shims to sandwich the shims between the 8 Support Segments and the 8 Clamping segments.

[0114] FIG. 11 illustrates much the same view as FIG. 6, however the rear rim members are indicated showing bosses 13 in contact therewith, and supports 27. The spacing between the bosses has been found to be beneficial. The spacing between the top two bosses of FIG. 11 is at approximately a 38 degree angle, as shown in the arc of FIG. 12. Similarly, FIG. 13 illustrates the 52 degree angle defined in an arc between the boss to the right of the 12'Oclock position and the next one around, before the 3'Oclock position. These angles are working examples of the invention but can be varied to suit different apparatus and would be understood by the person skilled in the art.

[0115] FIG. 14 is a further schematic of boss 13 on an arc, a close up from FIG. 11. FIG. 15 gives a close up of the cut-out blocks of FIG. 7, useful in the invention.

[0116] FIG. 16 a, and FIG. 16 b, illustrate boss 13 from above and then in profile showing boss support 27. In use boss 13 act against the movement in the apparatus that may be caused by the weight of the arm, or other pressures or sagging biasing the drum assembly away from where it should be positioned. The precise apparatus is aligned to a particular, precise low volume isocentre, and the patient aligned thereto for targeted tumour treatment. Any unintended movement in the drum assembly is acted against by the rim members taking the pressure and the bosses acting on the drum. There may be slippage in any direction, slight twists or distortion to any of the parts of the assembly, leading to an increase in volume/width of the isocentre applied to the patient which is undesirable.

[0117] In general terms, and as illustrated somewhat in FIGS. 6 to 11, versions of the invention which are currently under development and testing involve the use of 8 ‘Flange supports’ which fit around the 8 bosses on the LINAC drum face, and onto which are attached 8 supporting segments which abut to the internal diameter of the gantry rims, providing a stable mounting surface against which the ‘high tensile, laser cut stainless steel shims can be sandwiched. These shims are accurately cut to specific shapes and lengths so that the resulting displacement of the gantry drum that they cause, directly offsets the predictable distortions experienced at the isocentre due to the effects of gravity on the structure of the LINAC. Hence when limited offset is required, potential a small shim thickness will be used, and this will increase as the amount of offset required increases with variation in gantry angle. In this way, using combinations of variable shim thicknesses on the front and/or rear rims as required or requested by the Customer, the accuracy of the isocentre of the LINAC can be accurately controlled. The Shims are currently secured in their locations by a second supporting segment which clamps the shims against the supporting segment, using a combination of bolts and washers plus threaded and clearance penetrations in the support members.

[0118] When the shims move the drum upwards in the vertical direction, gravity ensures the return of the gantry drum to the lower position as the shim moves away from the contact point between the face of the front rim and the vertical supporting wheel on the gantry base.

[0119] However, when the shims move the drum in the Y axis, a spring loaded plunger is currently placed against the inside edge of the rear rim to cause the gantry drum to be biased in a direction keep the rear horizontal positioning wheel firmly in contact with however many shims are between the rear face of the rear rim and the horizontal wheel. When there are no shims present, the horizontal wheel is kept firmly pressed against the rear face of the rear rim. Hence the gantry drum has a biasing spring force to keep it pushed rearwards. The Biasing spring force is currently produced by a spring-loaded bolt action plunger which is secured to the topside of the gantry base, between the front and rims. The end of the bolt action plunger is capped with a Teflon based material, to minimise friction and wear on the face of the gantry rim, as it rotates with the bolt action plunger pressing against it. In later versions it is anticipated that this spring force will be generated using reciprocating cupped washers in association with linear bearings and plungers.

[0120] Because the horizontal support wheels will need to have greater clearance to the faces of the rear rim to allow for the movement of the gantry drum in the Y axis, it is anticipated that an additional clamping members, which are already designed and produced by the LINAC manufacturer, will need to be fitted to the Gantry base to secure the gantry drum to the gantry base in case of seismic activity and due to reduced lateral pressure due to the increased spacing of the horizontal support wheels.

[0121] When the modification is installed the rear horizontal support wheel will need to be exchanged from a centric bearing to an eccentric bearing. This will allow for the contact point of the rear horizontal support wheel to be moved rearwards by approximately 1.1 to make suitable clearance for the movement of the gantry drum structure in the Y axis.

[0122] Exchange of this horizontal support wheel will mean that the current isocentre position of the LINAC within the treatment room will remain unchanged and the lasers will not require any significant adjustment.

[0123] From a patient treatment aspect, there will be no difference to the existing patient setup procedures. The patient will enter the treatment room and be positioned on the treatment couch according to treatment tattoos (marked during treatment planning), and room lasers which accurately align to the LINAC isocentre. The Patient is generally planned so that the target tumour is located at the radiation isocentre of the LINAC.

[0124] Variation may be made to the forms of the inventive features, as would be understood by the person skilled in the art. The combination of features, rim members, projections/bosses and locator means, with the support wheels to press the apparatus act against distortion forces. The clever invention may be performed in many different ways using the same clear principles, as hereinbefore disclosed.

[0125] In the present specification and claims, the word “comprising” and its derivatives including “comprises” and “comprise” include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0126] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0127] It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its various aspects.

TABLE-US-00001 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST: 10 Front rim members 11 Projections of 10 12 Rear rim members 13 Projections of 12 14 Peaks of 12 15 Troughs of 12 16 Drum assembly 17 Drum of 16 18 Front face of 17 19 Rear face of 17 20 Support wheels 21 Arm 22 Beam collimator 23 Beam of radiation 24 Annular front rim of 18 25 Annular rear rim of 19 26 Support 27 Boss support 28 Blocks 30 Base portion 31 Vertical support wheels 32a Horizontal support wheel 32b Horizontal support wheel