Patent Description:
Interface mounts are used in radiation machines to accept accessories for e.g. modifying or characterizing beams or quality control during manufacturing, testing, or use of the radiation machines. In this context, the technical teaching provided in documents <CIT> and <CIT> is acknowledged. Conventionally, an interface mount is externally attached to the treatment head of a radiation machine and includes frames or structures protruding from the treatment head toward the patient. Slots, pins and latches are used to receive, align, and secure an accessory to the interface mount. <FIG> depicts a conventional interface mount <NUM> attached to the treatment head <NUM> of a radiation machine <NUM>. As illustrated, the conventional interface mount <NUM> includes structures sticking out of the treatment head <NUM>, reducing the clearance between the treatment head <NUM> and the patient to be treated.

There are instances where increased clearance between the treatment head and the patient is desirable. A target to be irradiated may be located inside a large patient; increased clearance may be needed to position the target at the isocenter of the radiation machine. For advanced treatment such as volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT, RapidArc®), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) etc., gantry rotation during dose delivery may be required. Increased clearance helps ensure avoidance of collision, facilitate treatment planning, or enable advanced treatments.

Therefore, there are general needs for improved methods and apparatuses for mounting accessories. It would be desirable to have an interface mount that provides for increased patient clearance. It would be desirable to provide for an interface mount that allows for simple and safe attachment and removal of an accessory to and from a radiation machine.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an apparatus according to claim <NUM>.

Optional features are defined in the dependent claims.

An example interface mount comprises three attachment "nests" or attachment points. Each attachment point may contain an electromagnet to provide holding force for a corresponding part on an accessory, which can be made from a ferromagnetic material in the shape of e.g. a "puck. " In case of a power failure, each attachment point may have a safety latch that mechanically engages and holds the accessory in place. The latch can be spring-loaded and may be moved to an unlatched position by a solenoid. The latch may have a small ramp to allow attachment of the accessory without the need for powering the solenoid to move the latch to the unlatched position. The latch position can be monitored by a proximity sensor indicating the latched and unlatched state. Each attachment point may also contain a second proximity sensor to detect the presence or proper seating of the accessory. The electromagnet can be suspended on a spherical bearing to provide for good planar alignment with the accessory. A bolt holding the electromagnet to a housing can be hollow and the head of the bolt may have features for precise accessory alignment such as X-Y positioning, clocking, and/or Z leveling. A multicolor LED may be disposed inside the bolt to emit light toward the accessory where the light hits a diffuser visible to the user as an indicator of status of the machine and/or the accessory. A connector can be provided near one or more attachment points to connect with the attached accessory for passing communication signals and ID codes. The ID code of an accessory can be passed to the system via an ID reader module containing sensors. The ID code of an accessory can be in a separate module attached to the accessory and may comprise e.g. permanent magnets arranged in a particular pattern.

This Summary is provided to introduce selected embodiments in a simplified form and is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The selected embodiments are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of certain forms the invention might take and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Other aspects and embodiments of the disclosure are described in the section of Detailed Description.

These and various other features and advantages of the disclosure will become better understood upon reading of the following detailed description and the appended claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:.

With reference to <FIG>, where like reference numerals denote like parts, various embodiments of an interface mount and a radiation machine including the interface mount are described. In general, an example interface mount comprises electromagnets to hold an accessory. The use of electromagnets eliminates the need for frames or supporting structures protruding toward the isocenter of a radiation machine. As such, the maximal clearance between the patient and the radiation machine can be achieved. The attachment of an accessory to the interface mount is simple and automatic by bringing the accessory close to one or more attachment points in the interface mount. The removal of the accessory can be initiated by pushing one or more switches, which can be integrated in the accessory. In case of a power failure, safety latches can mechanically hold the accessory in place. The alignment of the accessory can be facilitated by the use of spherical bearings and electromagnet holding bolts, monitored by sensors, and indicated by multicolor LEDs.

<FIG> depict an example radiation machine <NUM> in which various embodiments of the disclosure can be implemented. It should be noted that while embodiments of an interface mount are described in connection with a radiotherapy machine, the interface mount of the disclosure can also be implemented in a diagnostic system, a simulation system, a research and developmental system, or any other suitable radiation system. Embodiments of the disclosure are particularly useful in a system adapted to perform intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) or volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), stereotactic radiotherapy (SRS) or stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Embodiments of the disclosure can also be practiced in any systems including two devices or subassemblies which need to mate for a short or long period of time.

With reference to <FIG>, the radiation machine <NUM> includes a gantry <NUM> enclosing a radiation source (not shown). The radiation source may be a source producing or emitting photons, or protons, or heavy ions, or electrons, or other types of radiation. By way of example, the radiation machine <NUM> may comprise a linear accelerator including a metallic target configured to produce x-rays upon impingement by electrons. The radiation machine <NUM> may also include various devices or components for shaping, modifying, and monitoring the properties of the radiation produced by the radiation source. For example, various collimation devices such as collimation blocks and multileaf collimators may be disposed in a treatment head <NUM>, to define or modify the shape, size, and/or intensity of the radiation produced by the radiation source. The gantry <NUM> can be a C-arm gantry, a ring gantry, or a robotic arm gantry, and rotatable about one or more rotation axes. The operation of the radiation machine <NUM>, including the rotation of the gantry and operations of various devices inside the gantry and treatment head can be controlled by a control system (not shown).

With reference to <FIG>, the radiation machine <NUM> includes an interface mount <NUM>. The interface mount <NUM> serves to accept an accessory to the treatment head <NUM> of the radiation machine <NUM> for various applications. As used herein, the term "accessory" refers to an assembly or subassembly including a component e.g. for shaping or modifying a beam, or a device or tool for characterizing a beam, detecting alignment of a beam, or for quality control during the use, testing, or manufacturing of a radiation machine. Example components for shaping or modifying a beam include but are not limited to collimators such as SRS cones, electron applicators, beam filters, or the like. Example devices or tools for quality control include but are not limited to ion chamber (IC) profilers, front pointers, and so on. According to embodiments of the disclosure, an accessory may include one or more members capable of being held by electromagnets in the interface mount, e.g. one or more members constructed from a magnetic material as will be described in greater detailed below. <FIG> depicts an example accessory <NUM> carrying a beam shaping component <NUM> e.g. an SRS cone according to embodiments of the disclosure.

With reference to <FIG>, the interface mount <NUM> includes a plate or frame <NUM> having an opening <NUM> for passing a radiation beam and attachment points <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> for holding an accessory. Three attachment points are shown in <FIG> for illustration purpose. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that fewer or more than three attachment points may be used to perform the functions of the interface mount described in the disclosure. The plate <NUM> of the interface mount <NUM> may be attached to the radiation machine <NUM> as an integral part of the treatment head <NUM>. For example, the plate <NUM> of the interface mount <NUM> may further serve as a supporting frame for an multileaf collimator inside the treatment head <NUM>. Alternatively, the interface mount <NUM> including a plate <NUM> and parts on the plate can be attached to the treatment head using other suitable means such as bolts, fasteners, or the like. Once the interface mount <NUM> is installed, no components or structures protruding from the treatment head <NUM> would be needed for accepting an accessory, as better viewed in <FIG>. As such, the maximal or increased clearance between the treatment head <NUM> of the radiation machine <NUM> and the patient can be achieved by the interface mount <NUM> of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a bottom view of an example interface mount <NUM> of the disclosure. <FIG> is a top isometric view of an example accessory <NUM> of the disclosure which can be accepted by the interface mount <NUM> of <FIG>. As shown, the example interface mount <NUM> includes multiple attachment nests or attachment points <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Correspondingly, the example accessory <NUM> includes multiple members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to be received in or held by the attachment points <NUM>-<NUM> in the interface mount <NUM>. According to embodiments of the disclosure, an attachment point e.g. <NUM> in the interface mount <NUM> includes an electromagnet <NUM> operable to generate a magnetic field. The example accessory <NUM> includes a member e.g. <NUM> capable of being held by the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet <NUM>. A safety lock <NUM> may be provided at the attachment point <NUM> to mechanically hold the accessory <NUM> in case of a power failure. The safety lock <NUM> may include a solenoid <NUM> operating a safety latch <NUM>. At the attachment point <NUM>, a first sensor e.g. a proximity sensor <NUM> may be provided to monitor the state of the safety latch <NUM>, and a second sensor e.g. a proximity sensor <NUM> may be provided to monitor the presence or alignment of the accessory <NUM> (see also <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>for sensor <NUM>). A multicolor LED <NUM> may be provided in the attachment point <NUM> to indicate the state of the accessory alignment or of the machine. The electromagnet <NUM>, safety lock <NUM>, proximity sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, and other parts at an attachment point <NUM>-<NUM> will be described in greater detail below in conjunction with other figures. In <FIG>, three attachment points <NUM>-<NUM> in the interface mount <NUM> and three magnetic members <NUM>-<NUM> on an accessory <NUM> are shown. According to embodiments of the disclosure, at each of the attachment points <NUM>-<NUM>, an electromagnet <NUM>, a safety lock <NUM>, a first proximity sensor <NUM>, and a second proximity sensor <NUM> may be provided. In <FIG>, reference numeral <NUM> denotes an ID reader module optionally provided on the interface mount <NUM> to detect an ID code module <NUM> optionally provided on the accessory <NUM>, to be described further below. Reference numeral <NUM> denote a connector on the interface mount <NUM> for connecting with a connector <NUM> on the attached accessory <NUM> to pass communication signals and ID codes.

<FIG> is a top cutaway partial view of an example interface mount <NUM> of the disclosure, emphasizing some parts at an attachment point <NUM>. As shown, an electromagnet <NUM> can be supported in a housing <NUM> mounted on the interface plate <NUM>. A spherical bearing <NUM> and a bolt or elongate member <NUM> can be used to support and secure the electromagnet <NUM> to the housing <NUM>, to be described in greater detail below. <FIG> is a cutaway view showing with greater clarity an electromagnet <NUM> and the spatial relationship between the electromagnet <NUM> and some other parts at the attachment point <NUM>, including a solenoid <NUM>, a safety latch <NUM>, a first sensor <NUM> e.g. a proximity sensor for monitoring the state of the safety latch <NUM>, a second sensor <NUM> e.g. a proximity sensor for monitoring an accessory <NUM>, and an electrical connector <NUM>. <FIG> is a bottom cutaway view showing the attachment point <NUM> and a safety lock <NUM> with greater clarity. As shown, an electromagnet <NUM> is recessed in the housing <NUM>, which includes a bottom plate generally flush with the interface plate <NUM>. The parts of the safety lock <NUM>, including a solenoid <NUM>, a safety latch <NUM>, and a drive member <NUM> coupling the solenoid <NUM> and the safety latch <NUM> are supported or housed in the housing <NUM> above the interface plate <NUM>. Once installed, no parts protrude from the housing <NUM>, allowing to achieve the maximal clearance between the treatment head and the patient. <FIG> is a bottom cross-sectional view showing the attachment point <NUM> and the spatial relationship among an electromagnet <NUM>, a safety lock <NUM> including a solenoid <NUM>, a safety latch <NUM>, a drive member <NUM>, and other parts in a housing <NUM> mounted on an interface plate <NUM>. The operation of the electromagnet <NUM> and safety lock <NUM> will be described in greater detail below in conjunction with other figures.

With reference now to <FIG>, according to embodiments of the disclosure, at least one attachment point <NUM> in the interface mount <NUM> includes an electromagnet <NUM> operable to generate a magnetic field. The accessory <NUM> includes at least one member <NUM> capable of being held by the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet <NUM>, allowing the accessory <NUM> to be attracted or accepted by the interface mount <NUM>. Electromagnets are known in the art. Briefly and generally, an electromagnet generates a magnetic field by an electrical current. An electromagnet may include a coil of wires wound on an iron, steel or other metal core. A magnetic field is generated when electrical current flows through the wires, creating a holding force to attract a member made of a magnetic material. The magnetic field is removed when the electrical current is turned off, allowing the member of a magnetic material to be released from the electromagnet.

With reference still to <FIG>, an example member <NUM> on the accessory <NUM> can be made from a magnetic material. In this disclosure, the term "magnetic member" may be used to refer to a member made of a magnetic material. Suitable magnetic materials include but are not limited to a ferromagnetic material, a ferrimagnetic material, a paramagnetic material, a diamagnetic material, and an antiferromagnetic material. Suitable ferromagnetic materials include but are not limited to a material comprising iron, nickel, cobalt, and their alloys. The magnetic member <NUM> can be constructed in various sizes and shapes. By way of example, the magnetic member <NUM> may include an annular portion in the shape of e.g. a "puck" for engaging with an electromagnet <NUM> and a bottom portion configured to secure the magnetic member <NUM> to a plate <NUM> by a suitable means such as flanges, fasteners, bolts, or the like. The magnetic member <NUM> may include a groove under the annular portion to allow a safety latch <NUM> to mechanically engage and hold the magnetic member <NUM>, and thus lock the accessory <NUM> in case of a power failure. The peripheral side surface between the top surface of the annular portion and the groove of the magnetic member <NUM> may be rounded or curved to facilitate pushing against a ramp <NUM> on the safety latch <NUM> in bringing the magnetic member <NUM> close to the electromagnet <NUM>, to be described further below. The magnetic member <NUM> may be provided with a counterbore <NUM> in the annular portion configured to receive an end portion <NUM> of an elongate member <NUM> supporting the electromagnet <NUM>. The magnetic member <NUM> may also include a recess <NUM> in the bottom portion to house a light diffuser <NUM> for diffusing light emitted from a multicolor LED <NUM> disposed in the elongate member <NUM>, to be described in greater detail below.

With reference still to <FIG>, a pin member <NUM> may be provided adjacent to a magnetic member <NUM>. The pin member <NUM> can be detected by a proximity senser <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) at an attachment point <NUM> in the interface mount <NUM> so that the presence and alignment of the accessory <NUM> can be detected. Preferably, adjacent to each of the magnetic members <NUM>-<NUM> is provided with a pin member <NUM> to ensure precise detection of the accessory alignment. The accessory <NUM> may include an ID code module or identifier <NUM> to provide identification information of the accessory. The ID code can be detected by an ID reader <NUM> on the interface mount <NUM>, which can then transmit the ID code to a control system, to be described further below. The accessory <NUM> may also include one or two handles <NUM> to aid the user in bringing the accessory <NUM> close to the interface mount <NUM> and removing the accessory <NUM> from the interface mount <NUM>. One or two switches <NUM> such as momentary switches can be integrated in the handles <NUM> to control the power to the solenoids <NUM> of safety locks <NUM>, allowing the accessory <NUM> to be released from the electromagnets <NUM>, to be described in greater detail below. Alternatively, the switch(es) <NUM> can be disposed at other locations on the accessory or interface mount. The accessory plate <NUM> may have cutouts <NUM> to reduce the weight of the accessory <NUM>.

With reference now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the interface mount <NUM> may include at least one safety lock <NUM> at an attachment point operable to lock the accessory <NUM> accepted by the interface mount <NUM>. Preferably, at each of the attachment points <NUM>-<NUM> is provided with a safety lock <NUM>. According to embodiments of the disclosure, the at least one safety lock <NUM> comprises a spring-loaded latch member <NUM> movable between a latched position and an unlatched position relative to a magnetic member on the accessory. As shown in <FIG>, an example safety lock <NUM> includes a latch member <NUM>, a drive member <NUM> coupled to the latch member <NUM>, a spring <NUM> coupled to the drive member <NUM>, and a solenoid <NUM> operable to compress and release the spring <NUM>. The solenoid <NUM> is operable to move the drive member <NUM> by compressing and releasing the spring <NUM>. The motion or travel of the drive member <NUM> in turn moves e.g. translates or rotates the latch member <NUM>, allowing the latch member <NUM> to be positioned at a latched position and an unlatched position. See also <FIG>. Solenoids are known in the art. Briefly and generally, a solenoid is an electromagnetic device that converts electrical energy into a mechanical force or motion. A solenoid generally includes an electrical coil wound in a helical pattern and a plunger or a ferromagnetic actuator sliding "IN" or "OUT" of the coils body. When the coil is connected to electric current, a magnetic field is created causing the plunger to slide "IN" or "OUT" of the coils body, depending on configuration of the solenoid. When electricity to the solenoid is turned off, the magnetic field is removed allowing the plunger to slide "OUT" or "IN" the coils body. <FIG> shows a locked state of the safety lock <NUM> or latched position of the latch member <NUM>. <FIG> shows an unlocked state of the safety lock <NUM> or unlatched position of the latch member <NUM>. <FIG> are bottom views showing the locked state and unlocked state respectively. In alternative embodiments, the safety lock <NUM> may include a servo motor operable to move e.g. translate or rotate the latch member <NUM>, between a latched position and an unlatched position.

According to embodiments of the disclosure, the safety lock <NUM> can be configured such that when the solenoid <NUM> is unpowered, the safety lock <NUM> is in a locked state or the latch member <NUM> is in a latched position, whereas when the solenoid <NUM> is powered, the safety lock <NUM> is in an unlocked state or the latch member <NUM> is in an unlatched position. In such configuration, when a power failure occurs, the safety lock <NUM> remains in the locked state to mechanically hold the accessory <NUM>, preventing the accessory <NUM> from falling from unenergized electromagnets <NUM>. In a normal operation, to remove an installed accessory <NUM> from the electromagnets <NUM>, the solenoids <NUM> can be powered, allowing the safety locks <NUM> to open to remove the accessory <NUM> released by the electromagnets <NUM>. In an initial stage of operation, the safety lock <NUM> may be set in the locked state but the user can bring an accessory <NUM> close to the interface mount <NUM> by pushing against the ramp <NUM> on the safety latch <NUM>, as better viewed in <FIG>, without the need to power the solenoids <NUM> to open the safety lock <NUM>. According to embodiments of the disclosure, a sensor <NUM> e.g. a proximity sensor may be provided in the interface mount <NUM> to detect the state of the safety lock <NUM> e.g. by sensing the position of the latch member <NUM>, and transmit a signal to a control system indicating the state of the safety lock.

With reference to <FIG>, according to embodiments of the disclosure, an electromagnet <NUM> can be supported by a bolt or elongate member <NUM> and a spherical bearing <NUM>. The spherical bearing <NUM> can be disposed in a channel in the electromagnet <NUM> and received on the elongate member <NUM>, allowing the electromagnet <NUM> to be suspended and tilt in receiving the accessory <NUM> and thus providing for good planar alignment with the accessory <NUM>. The elongate member <NUM> may couple the electromagnet <NUM> e.g. at the bottom of the electromagnet <NUM> and be secured to a housing <NUM> by any suitable means such as threading, nuts, fasteners, or the like (see also <FIG>). The elongate member <NUM> includes an end portion <NUM> configured to be received in a counterbore <NUM> in a magnetic member <NUM>-<NUM> of the accessory <NUM>, as better viewed in <FIG>. The end portion <NUM> of an elongate member <NUM> and the counterbore <NUM> of a magnetic member <NUM>-<NUM> may be provided with features to aid in positioning, leveling, or clocking of the accessory <NUM> during accessory installation. <FIG> shows example features that the end portion <NUM> of an elongate member <NUM> may be provided. In certain embodiments, an interface mount <NUM> may include multiple e.g. three attachment points <NUM>-<NUM> each including an electromagnet <NUM>. The multiple e.g. three electromagnets <NUM> may be supported by multiple e.g. three elongate members <NUM> and three spherical bearings <NUM> respectively. The end portions <NUM> of the three elongate members <NUM> may have different features, e.g., one end portion having a feature for X-Y positioning, one end portion having a feature for clocking, and one end portion having a feature for Z-leveling as shown in <FIG>. The counterbores <NUM> in the multiple e.g. three magnetic members <NUM>-<NUM> on the accessory <NUM> may be provided with corresponding features. Collectively, the features on the end portions <NUM> of the three elongate members <NUM> and in the counterbores <NUM> of the three magnetic members <NUM>-<NUM> provide precise positioning, leveling, and clocking. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing example bolt heads 253a, 253b, 253c received in counterbores 316a, 316b, 316c of magnetic members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> on accessory <NUM>. As shown, bolt head 253a and counterbore 316a in magnetic member <NUM> may be configured to provide proper Z-leveling. Bolt head 253b and counterbore 316b in magnetic member <NUM> may be configured to provide proper clocking. As an example, bolt head 253b may be provided with diamond pin-like features and counterbore 316b in magnetic member <NUM> may be provided with corresponding slot features such that when bolt head 253b is properly aligned with and tightly fits in counterbore 316b in magnetic member <NUM>, rotation of accessory <NUM>, clockwise or counterclockwise, is constrained. Bolt head 253c and counterbore 316c in magnetic member <NUM> may be configured to provide proper X-Y positioning. For example, bolt head 253c may be provided with a plurality of pin-like features and counterbore 316c in magnetic member <NUM> may be provided with corresponding slot features such that when bolt head 253c is properly aligned with and tightly fits in counterbore 316c in magnetic member <NUM>, motions of accessory <NUM> in X-Y directions are constrained. A sensor <NUM> e.g. a proximity sensor may be provided at an attachment point, or preferably at each of the multiple attachment points <NUM>-<NUM>, to monitor accessory alignment. A pin member <NUM> may be provided adjacent to a magnetic member on the accessory, or preferably next to each of the multiple magnetic members <NUM>-<NUM> on the accessory <NUM>, to be detected by a sensor or sensors <NUM> in the interface mount <NUM> for precise detection of accessory alignment.

With reference still to <FIG>, the elongate member <NUM> or at least a section of the elongate member <NUM> may be hollow or provided with a channel. A light source e.g. a multicolor LED <NUM> may be disposed in the channel of the elongate member <NUM> to emit light indicating the status of accessory alignment. By way of example, green light may be used to indicate correct accessory alignment, red light to indicate misalignment, and so on. A light diffuser <NUM> disposed in a magnetic member <NUM>-<NUM> (see <FIG>) can diffuse the light emitted by the multicolor LED <NUM>, allowing the user to observe the indicator light more easily.

Returning to <FIG>, according to embodiments of the disclosure, the interface mount <NUM> may include a detector <NUM> to detect an identifier <NUM> provided on an accessory <NUM>. The identifier <NUM> provides identification information of an accessory e.g. a particular beam shaping or modifying component <NUM> carried by the accessory, a particular device or tool <NUM> carried by the accessory for beam characterization or quality control, etc. The identifier <NUM> on the accessory <NUM> and the detector <NUM> on the interface mount <NUM> allow the control system of the radiation machine <NUM> to verify if a correct accessory as planned is attached to the interface mount <NUM>. Upon verification that a correct accessory is attached, the control can adapt its operation based on the actually attached accessory. If it is verified that an incorrect accessory is attached, a warning signal may be generated by the control and the system interlocked. The identifier <NUM> may be an ID code module encoded with identification information of the accessory <NUM>, and the detector <NUM> may be an ID reader capable of reading the ID code. By way of example, the identifier <NUM> may include magnetic elements arranged in a particular pattern (code). The detector <NUM> may include an array of sensors capable of detecting electromagnetic fields generated by the magnetic elements. As another example, the identifier <NUM> may include a passive or active transmitter providing an output signal that can be detected by a receiver or sensor <NUM> such as an ultrasound sensor, capacitive sensor, or a camera e.g. infrared camera. As another example, the identifier <NUM> may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag which can be detected by an RFID reader <NUM>. As a further example, the identifier <NUM> may include a fiducial marker which can be detected by an imaging system <NUM>. The identifier <NUM> may act or function as a binary data record and the detector <NUM> may act or function as a binary data reader.

Various embodiments of an interface mount to accept accessories for a linear accelerator have been described in conjunction with <FIG>. Advantageously, the use of electromagnets maximizes the clearance between the treatment head and the patient and simplifies the attachment and removal of the accessories. Safety locks ensure that an accessory remain locked in case of a power failure. Spherical bearings aid in accessory alignment, which can be monitored by sensors and indicated by multicolor LEDs.

With reference to <FIG>, example operation or use of an example interface mount <NUM> and the accessory <NUM> of the disclosure is now described. At the start, the safety locks <NUM> at the attachment points <NUM>-<NUM> in the interface mount <NUM> may be set such the latches <NUM> are initially in latched positions. The ramps on the safety latches <NUM> allow the user to push an accessory <NUM> against the spring-loaded latches <NUM> and to seat the accessory <NUM> at the attachment points <NUM>-<NUM> without the need to energize the solenoids <NUM>. The action of latch changes can be detected by the latch proximity sensors or first sensors <NUM>, sending signals to the control system. Depending on a combination of signals from the latch sensors <NUM>, the control system may send signals to energize the electromagnets <NUM> in the attachment points <NUM>-<NUM>. In certain embodiments, a combination of signals from at least two proximity sensors <NUM> is used to energize the electromagnets <NUM> in order to avoid a situation where a safety latch is accidentally pushed by the user or a tool. In some embodiments, a combination of signals from three or all of the latch sensors <NUM> is used to energize the electromagnets <NUM>.

The installation sensors or second sensors <NUM> provide signals of successful or failed installation depending on whether a precise accessory alignment is achieved. The control sends signals to the multicolor LEDs <NUM> to indicate the state of installment. The LEDs <NUM> may emit green light indicating a successful accessory installation and then turn off several seconds thereafter. In case of a failed accessory installation, the LEDs <NUM> may emit red light, which should remain on as long as the accessory <NUM> is attached or held to the interface mount <NUM>. The red indicator light of LEDs <NUM> can be turned on if the state of any of installation sensors <NUM> and latch sensors <NUM> changes, in which case, the operation of the radiation machine <NUM> should be aborted.

To remove the accessory <NUM> after a successful installation or use, the user may simultaneously press the momentary switches <NUM>, which can be integrated in the handles <NUM> of the accessory <NUM>. This will energize the solenoids <NUM>, moving the safety latches <NUM> to unlatched positions. The latch proximity sensors or first sensors <NUM> may detect the change of latch positions and the control send signals to turn off the electromagnets <NUM>. A small pulse of opposite current may be applied to the electromagnets <NUM> to eliminate any remnant magnetism that may continue to hold the accessory <NUM> attached to the interface mount <NUM>. Then, the accessory <NUM> can be removed. The installation proximity sensors or second sensors <NUM> may detect the absence of the accessory <NUM>, and the control send signals to turn off the power to the solenoids <NUM>, allowing the safety latches <NUM> to return to the latched positions by the spring actions.

Various embodiments of an apparatus comprising an interface mount and an accessory have been described with reference to the figures. It should be noted that some figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. The figures are only intended to facilitate the description of specific embodiments and are not intended as an exhaustive description or as a limitation on the scope of the disclosure. Further, in the figures and description, specific details may be set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that some of these specific details may not be employed to practice embodiments of the disclosure. In other instances, well known components may not be shown or described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring embodiments of the disclosure.

All technical and scientific terms used herein have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art unless specifically defined otherwise. As used in the description and appended claims, the singular forms of "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "or" refers to a nonexclusive "or" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "first" or "second" is used to distinguish one element from another in describing various similar elements and should not be construed as in any particular order unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Relative terms such as "upper," "above," "top," "over," "on," "below," "under," "bottom," "lower" or similar terms may be used herein for convenience in describing relative positions or spatial relationships in conjunction with various embodiments. The use of the relative terms should not be construed as to imply a necessary positioning or orientation of the structures or portions thereof in manufacturing or use, and to limit the scope of the invention.

Claim 1:
An apparatus comprising an interface mount for attachment to a radiation machine and an accessory to be accepted by the interface mount, wherein:
the interface mount (<NUM>) includes a plate or frame (<NUM>) having an opening (<NUM>) for passing a radiation beam, wherein the interface mount (<NUM>) comprises multiple attachment points (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), each including an electromagnet operable to generate a magnetic field, and
the accessory comprises at least one member capable of being held, by the magnetic field.