Apparatus for guiding cable through a radiation chamber with reduced

Abstract

Apparatus for guiding a cable travelling along a longitudinal path through a beam of radiation in a shielded chamber, the apparatus including rollers disposed about the cable in a manner which prevents the leakage of radiation via apertures in the chamber through which the cable enters and exits. Specifically, the apparatus includes sets of rollers spaced at longitudinal intervals along the cable, the rollers in each set being positioned at angular intervals about the longitudinal axis of the cable. An angular offsetting of rollers in different sets, so that a roller in one set is longitudinally aligned with the spacing between rollers in other sets, is provided. By selecting rollers of prescribed dimensions, by placing the rollers at prescribed angular intervals in each set, and by angularly offsetting a plurality of sets by prescribed angles, a plurality of sets of rollers--when placed proximate to the entrance or exit to an aperture--can preclude radiation leakage through the aperture. The cable and the sets of rollers are, preferably, rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the cable. The rollers are adjustable to abut against cables of varying diameters, the axes of the rollers being substantially perpendicular to the cable axis, thereby allowing roller rotation during cable travel.