Patent ID: 6201852
Filing Date: 2001-03-13
Classification: G21K

Abstract:
An irradiator apparatus for dispensing radiation onto an object, said apparatus comprising:a radiation source adapted to direct radiation along a path toward said object;at least one attenuation chamber located between said radiation source and said object and having a floor defining a surface area generally perpendicular to said path of said radiation;the radiation-blocking liquid contained in said chamber having a volume sufficient to fill said floor and to form a layer of said radiation-blocking liquid;said layer having a generally uniform thickness across said floor; and at least one adjustment means for selectively metering the thickness of said layer of said radiation-blocking liquid to thereby alter the radiation transmitted through said attenuation chamber; said adjustment means including a controller, said controller having software responsive to provide at least one dosage rate pattern for selection by a user and to execute said dosage rate pattern by causing said adjustment means to vary the thickness of said layer; wherein said adjustment means further comprises:at least one reservoir capable of containing said radiation-blocking liquid; andat least one siphon connection means for allowing the transfer of said radiation-blocking liquid between said reservoir and said attenuation chamber;wherein the thickness of said layer in said attenuation chamber varies in response to changes in elevation of said reservoir;whereby an increase in the thickness of said layer causes a drop in the radiation transmitted through said attenuation chamber.