Abstract:
An apparatus for demonstrating the properties of radiation is disclosed. The apparatus includes a generally non-opaque matrix and a light source adjacent the matrix, wherein a light generated by the light source tends to cause at least a portion of the matrix to glow.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The following U.S. Patent is cross-referenced and incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,233 titled “RADIATION SHIELD” issued Jul. 3, 1990 to Orrison, Jr. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the modeling of radiation. More particularly, the present invention relates to using a visual model to demonstrate the effects of radiation as it enters and exits a subject. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Radiation can be provided by a variety of natural or man-made sources and can be electromagnetic energy at wavelengths of 1.0×10 −15  meters (e.g., cosmic rays) to 1.0×10 6  meters (e.g., radiation from AC power lines). Some forms of radiation can be manipulated for beneficial purposes (e.g., the selective irradiation of cancerous cells) or may have negative effects (e.g., radiation may increase the aging process). 
     It is important in certain fields to understand how radiation works. For example: those in the medical field may wish to understand the effects of x-ray radiation on portions of the human body (e.g., thyroid area, male gonadal areas, female gonadal areas, breast area, hands, eyes, etc.); those in the travel field may wish to understand how cosmic rays affect living tissue during air or space travel; students may wish to investigate the scientific principles involved in electromagnetic radiation. In this regard, an understanding of the properties, characteristics and theories related to radiation may be important for understanding the principles involving electricity and magnetism, the wave-particle duality of light, and the energy levels of the elements (among other things). 
     In particular, it may be important to understand how radiation is scattered and absorbed by an object (i.e., Compton scattering). It is believed that radiation may be quantized in small energy bundles (e.g., photons). It is further postulated that when an electromagnetic wave (e.g., photon, x-ray, light ray, etc.) is incident on a material containing a charge (i.e., protons or electrons) the material absorbs energy from the wave due to recoil, and the scattered wave has less energy than the incident wave (e.g., a lower frequency and longer wavelength). 
     It is known to describe the properties of electromagnetic radiation and Compton scattering using textual devices such as books and treatises. However, such textual devices have several disadvantages. First, students may find it difficult to comprehend the long paragraphs and chapters of such textual devices, which may cause some students to lose attention in the subject matter. Second, such textual devices may be overly complicated and may convey unnecessary information, which may cause students to lose focus on a major concept or a big picture. Third, it may be difficult for some students to visualize the subject matter described in such textual devices. 
     In an attempt to overcome the shortcomings of such textual devices, the use of graphic devices has been known. For example, illustrated pictures may supplement such textual devises in describing the subject matter at issue. However, such graphical devices have several disadvantages. First, such graphical devices are often one dimensional, which may be difficult for some students to visualize. Second, such graphical devices ordinarily do not include an educational “hook”, which helps students to understand a concept. Third, students may have reservations about opening or accessing a textual device to view such graphical devices. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus for demonstrating the characteristics of radiation in three dimensions. There is also a need for an apparatus to demonstrate the effects of radiation and how to protect against such effects. There is still further a need for a method for demonstrating the properties and effects of radiation. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an apparatus for demonstrating the properties of radiation. The apparatus includes a generally non-opaque matrix, and a light source adjacent the matrix. 
     The present invention further relates to an apparatus for demonstrating the effects of radiation. The apparatus includes a translucent polymeric matrix and a subject at least partially surrounded by the matrix. The apparatus also includes a light source mounted to the matrix, wherein a light generated by the light source and directed toward the matrix causes a portion of the matrix to glow. 
     The present invention further relates to a method for demonstrating the properties and effects of radiation. The method includes providing a matrix. The method also includes providing a light source adjacent the matrix. The method further includes illuminating the matrix with an incident light generated by the light source such that a portion of the matrix tends to glow. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
     FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a human undergoing exposure to electromagnetic radiation. 
     FIG. 2A is a side elevation view of a radiation demonstration system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2B is a front elevation view of the radiation system of FIG.  1 A. 
     FIG. 2C is a side elevation view of the radiation demonstration system of FIG. 2A showing the scattering and absorption of radiation. 
     FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a radiation demonstration system according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a radiation demonstration system according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a radiation demonstration system according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to FIG. 1, an x-ray system  6  is shown. X-ray system  6  includes a subject (shown as a human  8 ) undergoing exposure to radiation (shown as an X-ray  70 ). Human  8  is irradiated by a radiation source (e.g., natural or fabricated) shown as an x-ray tube  66  that generates x-ray  70 . Tube  66  includes a container (shown as a glass envelope  86 ) that vacuum encapsulates both a filament  78  and a positively charged source (shown as a tungsten anode  88 ). A shielding material shown as an oil  98  surrounds envelope  86  to inhibit x-ray  70  from escaping tube  66 . To generate electrons  82 , filament  78  is heated by a power supply (shown as a low voltage power supply  92 ). A cable shown as a wire  90  connects anode  88  to a positively charged power supply shown as a high voltage positive supply  94 . Anode  88  attracts electrons  82 , which are subsequently radiated from tube  66  in the form of x-ray  70 . X-ray  70  having a short wavelength  72  exits tube  66  through an aperture  84 , which is unshielded by oil  98 . Short wavelength x-ray  72  enters human  8 , is absorbed and scattered by human  8 , and exits human  8  as an exiting x-ray  74  having decreased energy and a long wavelength  76 . A recording device shown as an x-ray film  96  measures exiting x-ray  74 . 
     FIG. 2A shows a radiation demonstration system  10 , which models X-ray system  6  of FIG.  1 . System  10  includes a subject shown as a human figurine or a doll  12  having internal contents (shown as organs  20 ) surrounded by a matrix  14 , which is mounted to a lighting assembly  40 . Doll  12  is shown wearing a radiation-attenuating shield shown as a gown  30  that is selectively removable from doll  12 . Doll  12  may be constructed of a non-opaque material such as a translucent plastic. The exterior of doll  12  surrounds organs  20  shown as a heart  22 , a liver  24 , and an intestine  26 . According to alternative embodiments, the internal contents of the subject may be of a variety of sizes or shapes (e.g., skeleton, brain, broken bone, metallic object, foreign body, scalpel, etc.) and constructed of an opaque or non-opaque material such as paper, plastic, rubber, cardboard, etc. According to other alternative embodiments, the shield may be of the type and/or shape of the radiation shields described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,233 titled “RADIATION SHIELD” issued Jul. 3, 1990 to Orrison, Jr. and hereby incorporated by reference. 
     Matrix  14  surrounds a central region  28  of doll  12 . Matrix  14  is constructed of a non-opaque, flexible, rubber-like gel material, such as the material used in breast examination models commercially available from WRS Group, Inc. of Waco, Tex. The matrix may have a variety of structures. For example, matrix  14  may surround a portion of doll  12  as shown in FIG. 2B, or may surround the entire subject (not shown). According to an alternative embodiment, the subject may be constructed of the matrix in whole as shown in FIG. 3, or in part (not shown). 
     A variety of materials may be provided within the matrix. For example, the matrix may be charged with a radiation-attenuating filler material such as barium sulfate or a non-radiation-attenuating filler such as sand. According to alternative embodiments, the matrix may include a space that may be provided with an insulating material (e.g., fiberglass, wool, asbestos, spun plastic, spun metal, foam, insulating foam, urethane foam, etc.), a lightweight material (atmospheric air, helium, foam, liquid, etc.), or a heavier material (e.g., wax, paraffin, lead, barium, water, etc.). According to other alternative embodiments, the matrix may be provided with various scents, dyes, pigments, colors, bioluminescent materials, etc. 
     Lighting assembly  40  may be attached to matrix  14  by a connecting member shown as a stand  60  such that lighting assembly  40  is adjacent matrix  14 . Lighting assembly  40  includes a light source  44  surrounded by a focusing device (shown as a shade  99 ) and attached to a power supply  42  by a cable (shown as a wire  62 ) having a switch  58 . Light source  44  includes a filament  48  surrounded by a vacuum envelope shown as a bulb  46 . When switch  58  is closed, electricity flows from power supply  42  to filament  48  by wire  62  so that light source  44  emits a light. According to an alternative embodiment, the stand may be attached to the subject, the matrix, or both the subject and the matrix. According to other alternative embodiments, the light source may be positioned inside the matrix, such that when pressure is applied to the matrix the switch of the light source is closed causing a light to emanate from the light source. As will be understood by those who review this disclosure, any lighting assembly attached or unattached to the subject and/or the matrix (such as a lamp, flashlight, natural light source, diode, etc.) may be used to illuminate the subject. 
     Referring to FIG. 2C, doll  12  is shown undergoing exposure to light (e.g., ray, beam, particle, collimated light, etc.) shown as incident light  50  having a short wavelength  52  generated by lighting assembly  40 . Incident light  50  enters or illuminates proximal end  16  of matrix  14 , doll  12  surrounded by matrix  14  and organs  20  surrounded by doll  12 , such that matrix  14 , doll  12  and organs  20  tend to glow or luminesce. As shown in FIGS. 2C-5, the central portion of the subject glows or is illuminated, even though the central portion comprises a larger area than the narrow ray of incident that light enters the subject and/or the matrix. This may show that when a relatively small amount of focused radiation (e.g., collimated x-rays from a medical x-ray machine) comes in contact with or is incident on an object, the radiation is scattered over a large area of the object. 
     According to any preferred or alternative embodiments, the intensity of the glow of the matrix, the subject and the internal contents may vary. Not wishing to be limited by theory, it is believed that the matrix, the subject and the internal contents absorb a portion of the incident light at the point of entry due to recoil. It is further believed that the incident light is scattered in a multitude of directions after coming in contact with the matrix, the subject and the internal contents to cause a glow effect. It is still further believed that an exiting light  54  departing from a distal end  18  of matrix  14  has less energy and a longer wavelength  56  than incident light  50  (see FIG.  2 C). According to an alternative embodiment, the shield may be constructed of an opaque material, such as plastic, to hinder the incident light from entering the matrix and causing the matrix to glow. According to other alternative embodiments, the shield may be constructed of a polymeric matrix material such that the shield tends to glow when a beam of light is incident on the shield. 
     Referring to FIG. 3, a radiation demonstration system  110  is shown according to an alternative embodiment of system  10 . System  110  includes lighting assembly  40  and a subject in the shape of a human figure shown as a doll  112 . The exterior of doll  112  surrounds organs  20  shown as heart  22 , liver  24 , and intestine  26 . Doll  112  may be constructed of a non-opaque matrix. According to an alternative embodiment, the lighting assembly may be mounted to the subject and/or the matrix. 
     Referring to FIG. 4, a radiation demonstration system  210  is shown according to an alternative embodiment of system  10 . System  210  includes lighting assembly  40  and a subject in the shape of an aquatic creature shown as a whale  212 . Whale  212  includes a central portion  228 , a mouth  240 , an eye  242  positioned above mouth  240 , a blowhole  244  positioned above eye  242 , a fin  246  adjacent central portion  228 , a dorsal fin  248 , and a tail  258 . Whale  212  may be constructed of an opaque or non-opaque flexible or inflexible material. System  210  includes a matrix  214  that surrounds central portion  228  of whale  212 . Central portion  228  of whale  212  surrounds a nautical vessel shown as a boat  220 . Incident light  50  generated by lighting assembly  40  enters matrix  214  at a proximal end  216  and exits matrix  214  at a distal end  218  such that at least central portion  228  of matrix  214 , whale  212  and boat  220  tends to glow. 
     Referring to FIG. 5, a radiation demonstration system  310  is shown according to an alternative embodiment of system  10 . System  310  includes lighting assembly  40  and a subject in the shape of an aircraft (e.g., airplane, rocket, unidentified flying object, etc.) shown as a shuttle  312 . Shuttle  312  includes a nose  340 , a window  342  positioned above nose  340 , a central portion  328 , a wing  344  mounted to central portion  328 , a tail  346 , a positioning flap  348  extending from tail  346 , and a thruster  358  extending from tail  346 . Shuttle  312  may be constructed of a non-opaque plastic material. System  310  includes a matrix  314  surrounding central portion  328  of shuttle  312 . Central portion  328  of shuttle  312  surrounds an occupant shown as an astronaut  320 . Incident light  50  generated by lighting assembly  40  enters matrix  314  at a proximal end  316  and exits matrix  314  at a distal end  318  such that matrix  314 , shuttle  312  and astronaut  320  tend to glow. 
     The radiation demonstration system may be used to demonstrate some of the properties, characteristics and effects of radiation. For example, the illumination of the matrix, the subject, and the internal contents may cause a glow or luminescence, which may model radiation or an object being subjected to radiation. Specifically, the radiation demonstration system may be used to illustrate the theory that electromagnetic radiation is scattered and absorbed by an object, that an electromagnetic wave incident on a material containing a charge absorbs energy from the wave due to recoil, that an electromagnetic wave incident on a material containing a charge scatters having less energy and a longer wavelength than the incident wave, that light has both particle and wave properties, that the effects of radiation may be attenuated by a radiation-attenuating shield, etc. The radiation demonstration system may also show that radiation incident on a subject is scattered and that protection against such scattered radiation (provided, for example, by a radiation-attenuating shield) may be necessary. 
     According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the subject is a human figurine of about three inches in length, the matrix is constructed of a flexible, pink-colored, translucent, visco-elastic polymeric matrix of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,233 titled “RADIATION SHIELD” issued Jul. 3, 1990 to Orrison, Jr., and the lighting assembly includes a pressure-sensitive switch that, when activated, causes a light bulb to emit a redcolored light. 
     It is important to note that the use of the term “radiation” is not meant as a term of limitation, insofar as all radiation (e.g., electromagnetic energy having wavelengths of 1.0×10 −15  meters to 1.0×10 6  meters, radiation from AC power lines, radiation from the earth, gamma rays, x-rays, cosmic rays, neutrons, natural or artificial light, etc.) is intended to be within the scope of the term. 
     Although only a few exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments (such as variations in sizes, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, or use of materials, colors of materials, colors of incident light, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the invention. For example, the subject may be provided in a variety of shapes (e.g., vessel, airplane, container, animal, alien, etc.), the internal contents may be provided in a variety of shapes (e.g., internal organs, foreign objects, random or whimsical objects, scissors, etc.) and the matrix may be provided in a variety of shapes (e.g., molded to surround the shape of a subject, molded in the shape of a subject, round, etc.). Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention as expressed in the appended claims. 
     Those who review this disclosure should recognize that the subject matter recited in any method claims may be performed in any combination and in any sequence.