Patent ID: 7957501

Claim:
A method for accommodating a solid target in an accelerator system having: a rotating target changer having at least one feed through slot dimensioned for passage of the solid target; an insert having a cavity with a radial circumference, the cavity radial circumference in communication with the feed through slot and passing the solid target therethrough; a piston having a tab, slidably received and retained within the insert cavity before the target is loaded into the insert; a cylinder coupled to the piston, which displaces the piston in one of three positions within the cavity; and a bracket coupled to the insert, cylinder and target changer; the method comprising: placing the piston in the first position, which is a load position; receiving the solid target within the insert via the feed through slot; and securing the solid target within the insert via a tab of the piston which prevents passage of the solid target out of the insert cavity.