Importance

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Abstract

The adaptor for connecting a guide member in a remote after-loading apparatus for radiotherapy is provided. The adaptor comprises an outer barrel having an opened end, a connector end and a centrally extending aperture. A sleeve passes through the aperture of the barrel such that at least a first end of the sleeve is contained within the barrel. An elongated gripping means is disposed through the sleeve and extends beyond the ends of the sleeve. The gripping means has a gripping end and a receiving end, a gripping body extending between the ends, and a flange disposed on the gripping end with the diameter of the flange being greater than the diameter of the sleeve. A tapered outer surface extends from the flange to a distant portion of the gripping body. A uniform diameter tube bore is disposed through the gripping means and at least two slots pass through the flange and at least a portion of the gripping body. Those slots form at least two opposed gripping portions which are inwardly compressible when the flange and the gripping portions are in contact with the first end of the sleeve, so as to form a reduced diameter of the tube bore and thereby a closed position of the gripping portions. The gripping portions are sufficiently resilient so that when the flange and the gripping portions are disposed from the first end of the sleeve, the gripping portions form at least the same diameter as the tube bore and thereby an open position. Spring means are disposed between the gripping means in the sleeve for urging the flange of the gripping means toward the second end of the sleeve.

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First Claim