Shielded structure for radiation treatment equipment and method of asembly

Abstract

A modularized approach for rapidly and cost effectively assembling a structure suitable for housing radiation emitting equipment is disclosed. The modules include reinforced walls to contain radiation shielding fill material. The modules are transported empty and then filled on site with the fill material to form a radiation shielding barrier around radiation emitting equipment.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A modular radiation therapy facility, comprising:
 a plurality of free-standing transportable modules connected to form a central treatment area and a radiation shielding barrier substantially surrounding the central treatment area,   the central treatment area adapted for human occupation and containing a therapeutic radiation source for performing radiation therapy on a patient,   the modules comprising three dimensional volumetric units which are structurally capable of being shipped as an independent unit and which comprise parts of the finished structure;   the barrier including first and second spaced apart rigid walls and a quantity of radiation shielding material contained between the first and second walls,   the barrier further including first and second solid shielding structures facing the central treatment area and disposed on opposing sides of the therapeutic radiation source.   
     
     
         20 . The modular radiation therapy facility of  claim 19  in which the radiation shielding material includes granular material neighboring the solid shielding structures. 
     
     
         21 . The modular radiation therapy facility of  claim 19  in which the radiation shielding material includes granular material in fluid communication between adjacent modules. 
     
     
         22 . The modular radiation therapy facility of  claim 21  in which the radiation shielding material includes granular material neighboring the solid shielding structures. 
     
     
         23 . The modular radiation therapy facility of  claim 19  in which the first and second solid shielding structures comprise first and second shielding panels. 
     
     
         24 . The modular radiation therapy facility of  claim 23  in which the first and second shielding panels comprise steel. 
     
     
         25 . The modular radiation therapy facility of  claim 23  in which the first and second shielding panels comprise lead.