Abstract: This invention relates to radioactively coated devices, preferably radioctively coated medical devices. These coated devices are characterized as having a low rate of leaching of the radioisotope from the surface of the coated device and a uniform radioactive coating, and are therefore suitable for use within biological systems. Methods for coating a device with a radioisotope comprising are also disclosed. One method comprises immersing the device within a solution containing a &ggr;, &bgr;+, &agr;, &bgr;− or &egr; (electron capture) emitting radioisotope, then exposing the immersed substrate to tuned vibrational cavitation to produce a coated substrate. A second method involves coating a substrate using electroless plating, and yet a third method involves the use of electroplating a radioisotope onto a substate of interest. With these methods, the coating procedures are followed by baking the coated substrate at a temperature below the recrystallization temperature of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container for a radioactive source, having reduced radiation leakage from a gap between movable housing components. The container comprises a housing having a bore extending into the housing. A removable cylindrical sleeve having a chamber therein is inserted into the bore. Two co-operating helices are present; the first helix is located on a surface of the housing facing into the bore, and the second helix is located on the sleeve. The co-operating helices block the gap between the housing and the sleeve when the sleeve is inserted into the bore, thereby attenuating the radiation emanating from the gap when a radioactive source is housed within the container. Axial rotation of the sleeve within the bore results in movement of the sleeve between a withdrawn position and an inserted position within the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a product irradiator comprising a loading-unloading area and an irradiation chamber, a continuous track having a level-changing portion, wherein the continuous track enters and exits the irradiation chamber from the loading-unloading area. The continuous track is comprised of at least one rail and of at least two levels to about 8 levels. An irradiation source, for example cobalt 60, and which is preferably horizontal in orientation, is located within the irradiation chamber. The product irradiator comprises a substantially horizontal carrier, which is engaged to the continuous track, and at least one drive mechanism capable of moving the carrier along the continuous track.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a material-radioactive isotope combination, comprising a container made from a material and a radioactive isotope solution. The container is useful for the storage, shipment, or storage and shipment of the radioactive isotope. Preferably the material is characterized by having a nearly full compliment of double carbon bonds so that little, or no hydrogen is produced by the material in the presence of the radioactive isotope. Furthermore, the preferred material exhibits greater mechanical strength than that of glass, resistance to a temperature range of from about -40.degree. to about 160.degree. C., chemical inertness; and radiation resistance. An example of such materials includes PSF (polysulfone) and PETG (polyethylene terephalate G copolymer) and the radioactive isotope, of the material-radioactive isotope combination are selected from, the group consisting of Mo-99, I-131, I-125. W-188 and Cr-51.

Abstract: A method for coating a substrate with a radioisotope comprising is disclosed. The method comprises immersing the substrate within a solution containing a .gamma., .beta..sup.+, .alpha. or .beta..sup.- emitting radioisotope, then exposing the immersed substrate to tuned vibrational cavitation (i.e. ultrasonic) to produce a coated substrate, followed by baking the coated substrate at a temperature below the recrystallization temperature of the substrate. Following this step, the substrate is rinsed and dried. Substrates coated using the method of this invention exhibit very low rates of leaching of the coated radioisotope, and are suitable for use within medical applications.