Variably pressurable support and tracking apparatus and method for tracking moving radiation source

摘要

A variably pressurizable support system for supporting and orienting a radiation detector, and a method for orienting a radiation detector on a moving radiation source are disclosed. The support system comprises at least one pressurizable support membrane, at least one pressurizing means able to variably pressurize the support membrane, and a control apparatus for determining the desired orientation of the radiation detector and varying the pressure in the support membrane. The method of orienting the radiation detector on the radiation source comprises the steps of determining an actual orientation of the radiation detector, and a desired orientation of the detector, and operating the support system so as to minimize the difference between the desired and actual orientation. A statically pressurized, inflatable support system for supporting the radiation detector in a fixed relation to ground is disclosed. The inflatable support means have sufficient structural strength to maintain the fixed relation to ground without the need for additional structural members.