Radiation Controlling Means Patents (Class 250/505.1)
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Patent number: 11948701Abstract: In general, radiation shielding systems that shield radiation from multiple directions are described. In one embodiment, a method of shielding radiation is provided, including supporting a shielding device on an object proximate a radiation source, positioning a first shielding portion in a vertical position relative to the object, positioning a second shielding portion to extend away from the first portion, the second shielding portion attached to the first portion, and shielding radiation from the radiation source by the first shielding portion and the second shielding portion such that the first and second shielding portions provide a radiation shielding zone for a healthcare practitioner.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2023Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: Radux Devices, LLCInventors: Gregory Gordon, Andrew Ubel
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Patent number: 11894159Abstract: A proportion adjustable single-photon beam splitter based on cold atom storage includes a two-dimensional magneto-optical trap for receiving a first optical signal to be split; and a coupling beam. The coupling beam is incident at a certain angle with the first optical signal to the two-dimensional magneto-optical trap. The storage time of the two-dimensional magneto-optical trap 1 can be adjusted by controlling the switching time of the coupling beam, and then adjusting a proportion of a photon number of a storage part and a photon number of a leakage part of the first optical signal. A splitting proportion may also be adjusted by controlling an optical depth of the alkali metal atomic group trapped in the two-dimensional magneto-optical trap.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2020Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: HEFEI NORMAL UNIVERSITYInventors: Dachuang Li, Mingxin Dong, Kai Wang, Wei Song, Dongsheng Ding, Baosen Shi
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Patent number: 11887742Abstract: Radiation shield and methods for manufacturing a radiation shield are provided herein, the method includes identifying a substrate for the radiation shield; identifying at least one material for cold spraying on the substrate; applying by cold spray a coating of the at least one material on the substrate thereby obtaining a radiation shield. The radiation shield is lighter, thinner, and more efficient compared to conventional radiation shields.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2022Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Worcester Polytechnic InstituteInventors: Christopher J. Massar, Bryer C. Sousa, Danielle L. Cote
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Patent number: 11881324Abstract: A radioactive nuclear waste storage system includes a cask comprising a hermetically sealed internal cavity configured for holding the waste such as spent nuclear fuel submerged in an inventory of water. One or more pressure surge capacitors disposed inside the cask include a vacuum cavity evacuated to sub-atmospheric conditions prior to storage of fuel in the cask. At least one rupture disk seals a vacuum chamber inside each capacitor. Each rupture disk is designed and constructed to burst at a predetermined burst pressure level occurring inside the cask external to the capacitor. This allows excess cask pressure occurring during a high pressure excursion resulting from abnormal operating conditions to bleed into capacitor, thereby returning the pressure inside the cask to acceptable levels. In one embodiment, the capacitors are located in peripheral regions of the cask cavity adjacent to the circumferential wall of the cask body.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2022Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Inventors: Krishna P. Singh, John D. Griffiths
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Patent number: 11844638Abstract: An eye mask apparatus and method of use for protecting a patient's eyes during radiography has a lead vinyl sheet with a perimeter configured to completely cover the patient's eyes. The lead vinyl sheet has a first side and second side with a trim portion extending around the perimeter. The trim portion extends inward over the first and second sides. A retaining band coupled at a first attachment point and a second attachment point is configured to hold the eye covering portion against the patient's eyes when the mask is worn. To protect a patient's eyes during radiography, a lead vinyl sheet having at least 0.87 mm thickness, 0.125 mm lead equivalent value, and 2.18 kg/m2 weight is provided and formed into a shape with the width at least twice the height to cover both eyes. The lead vinyl sheet is placed over the patient's eyes prior to radiography.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2023Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: MAICO MGMT., LLCInventor: Stephen Benjamin Maiman
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Patent number: 11827387Abstract: Disclosed here are monocrystalline silicon carbide grids and radiation detections systems comprising such grids. Specifically, a grid comprises a support frame and a grid portion. The support frame is used for installing and supporting the grid in a detection system. The grid portion comprises a plurality of ribs, which defines a plurality of grid openings. The grid portion is used to support various components (e.g., a membrane) while allowing radiation transmission through the grid. For example, the grid portion can support the pressure up to 2 bars. The open area fraction of the grid portion can be at least 50%, or even at least 90%. The grid portion is integrated with the support frame forming monocrystal silicon carbide (e.g., 4H—SiC polymorph). In some examples, the primary surface of the grid is oriented within 8° of the crystallographic c-axis planes of the monocrystal.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2021Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Inventor: Bruce Lairson
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Patent number: 11798699Abstract: A containment enclosure for shielding an outer cask containing an inner canister loaded with nuclear waste such as spent fuel rods. The enclosure includes a lower base portion at least partially embedded in a concrete pad and an upper radiation shielding portion defined by a shield jacket coupled to and supported by the lower base portion at a circumferential joint. Cavities of the base and shielding portions collectively define a contiguous containment space for the cask. A portion of the cask resides in each of the base and shielding portions which completely enclose and shield the cask to minimize radiation dosage of personnel in the environment surrounding the cask. The cask is cooled by a natural convectively-driven ambient cooling air ventilation system including air inlets at the circumferential joint of the enclosure. The concrete pad may be part of a spent nuclear fuel storage installation comprising plural cask containment enclosures.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2022Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Inventor: Krishna P. Singh
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Patent number: 11738209Abstract: Methods and systems for correcting position errors for a multi-leaf collimator (MLC) are provided. A method may include determining a first position for each of the plurality of leaves. The information associated with the first position may include a first movement direction and a first angle. A movement of the each of the plurality of leaves along the first movement direction may be configured to move toward or away from a center of the radiation field. The method may also include determining an offset value associated with the first position based on the first angle and the first movement direction; and determining a target position of the each of the plurality of leaves based on the offset value.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2021Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.Inventors: Boqi Ma, Zihan Li, Yujie Chen, Lang Yu
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Patent number: 11735327Abstract: A natural passively cooled ventilated cask includes a cavity which holds a canister containing heat and radiation emitting spent nuclear fuel assemblies or other high level wastes. Ambient ventilation or cooling air is drawn inwards beneath the cask and vertically upwards into a lower portion of the cavity through air inlet ducts formed integrally with a bottom canister support structure coupled to the cask. The air heated by the canister flows upwards in the cavity and returns to atmosphere through air outlet ducts in the cask lid. Air circulation is driven via natural convective thermo-siphon flow. Structural standoff members elevate the bottom of the cask above a concrete base pad forming an air inlet plenum beneath the canister support structure. The lateral sidewall surface of the cask has no penetrations for the air inlets, which eliminates any streaming path for radiation emanating from the spent nuclear fuel.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2021Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Inventors: Krishna P. Singh, Stephen J. Agace, Robert Mahorter
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Patent number: 11715576Abstract: A package for transporting and/or storing radioactive materials, comprises a cavity for housing radioactive materials, as well as a radiological protection device comprising radiological protection elements arranged in an annular space, at least two successive radiological protection elements along a given direction of the annular space, from a longitudinal direction and a circumferential direction, and a locking member designed to limit and/or prevent the distancing of the two radiological protection elements relative to one another in a given direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Orano Nuclear Packages and ServicesInventors: Hervé Ripert, Yves Gourdon, Frédérick Bordes
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Patent number: 11712216Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for x-ray tube conditioning for a computed tomography imaging method. In one embodiment, x-ray may be generated in an x-ray tube of a radiation source prior to a diagnostic scan to warmup the x-ray tube to a desired temperature for the diagnostic scan. The power delivered to the x-ray tube during warmup may be adjusted in a closed loop system based on an initial temperature of the x-ray tube and the desired temperature for the diagnostic scan. During tube warmup, by placing a blocking plate coupled to a collimator blade in a path of the x-ray beam, the x-ray beam may be blocked from exiting a collimator.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: GE Precision Healthcare LLCInventors: Jean-Baptiste Thibault, Jiang Hsieh, Gary Strong
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Patent number: 11699534Abstract: Various embodiments relate to devices for transporting high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU). A device may include at least one section, wherein each section of the at least one section includes a number of storage tubes. Each storage tube, which is configured to receive and hold a container, extends from adjacent a first end of the section toward a second, opposite end of the section. Each section further includes a number of flux traps, wherein each storage tube of the number of storage tubes is at least partially surrounded by a flux trap of the number of flux traps Associated systems are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2021Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignees: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC, UT-Battelle, LLC, Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Elmar F. Eidelpes, Joshua J. Jarrell, Robert A. Hall, William J. Marshall, Harold A. Adkins, Jr., Brian M. Hom
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Patent number: 11684329Abstract: A breast imaging system for examining a breast on a chest of a patient comprises first one or more shielding devices configured for placement on a first side of the breast and a first collimator and a first detector configured for placement on the first side of the breast and at a position that is further away from the breast and from the chest than the first one or more shielding devices are.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2021Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: ARGOSPECT TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventor: Zhiping Mu
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Patent number: 11688524Abstract: A method of packaging a radioactive waste including the steps of: (a) providing a containment enclosure having (i) an outer polymeric fabric layer and (ii) an inner polymeric fabric layer, wherein the outer and inner polymeric fabric layers are thermally stable to ?40° F.; (b) placing a radioactive waste within the inner polymeric fabric layer; and (c) closing an outer closeable flap on the outer polymeric fabric layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2022Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: PacTec, Inc.Inventors: Michael Schilling, Michael Sanchez, Troy Town, William Smart
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Patent number: 11670430Abstract: A nuclear fuel storage system includes an outer canister and fuel basket positioned therein. The basket is formed by orthogonally arranged and interlocked slotted plates which collectively define exterior side surfaces of the basket and a grid array of open cells each configured to hold a fuel assembly. At least some slotted plates comprise cantilevered plate extensions protruding laterally beyond the side surfaces of the basket to define various shaped peripheral gaps between the basket and canister. The plate extensions are configured to engage the shell of the canister. Vertically elongated reinforcement members are inserted in the peripheral gaps and fixedly coupled to the basket. Reinforcement members may comprise elongated reinforcement plates and/or tubular shimming members which may be fixedly coupled to the slotted plate extensions. The reinforcement members structurally strengthen the fuel basket. The plate extensions further act as fins to enhance heat dissipation from the basket.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2022Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Inventor: Krishna P. Singh
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Patent number: 11621096Abstract: The present invention relates to rigid structures and composite materials thereof for providing radiation attenuation/shielding. Some embodiments pertain to a radiation shielding apparatus including: a plurality of positionable radiation-shielding stacks of tiles. The stacks are subsequently and adjacently arranged in a contiguous configuration. A tile positioning mechanism allows movement of tiles within a stack between a stacked (retracted) position and an extended position. In the extended position, the tiles of each of the plurality of radiation shielding stacks at least partially overlap tiles of subsequent and adjacent tile stack at corresponding opposing side-margins thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2021Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: Radiaction Ltd.Inventors: Jonathan Yifat, Yossi Bar, Amir Belson, Michael Retter
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Patent number: 11610696Abstract: A nuclear waste cask with impact protection includes impact limiters comprising deformable energy-absorbing perforated sleeves. An impact amelioration system for nuclear fuel storage components includes impact limiter assemblies at the bottom cask to canister interface including impact limiter plugs frictionally engaging corresponding plug holes formed in the cask closure plate. A nuclear waste fuel storage system includes an unventilated cask including a heavy free-floating radiation shielding lid loosely coupled the top end of the cask in a movable manner via the anchor bosses which provides cask overpressurization protection. A nuclear waste cask includes an axially elongated rectangular cuboid cask body having a cavity for holding nuclear waste materials and cask locking mechanism including first locking protrusions on the lid which are selectively interlockable with mating second locking protrusions on the cask body to lock the lid to the cask body.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2021Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Inventors: Krishna P. Singh, Charles W. Bullard, II, Xuejun Zhai, John D. Griffiths
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Patent number: 11587692Abstract: In general, radiation shielding systems that shield radiation from multiple directions are described. In one embodiment, a method of shielding radiation is provided, including supporting a shielding device on an object proximate a radiation source, positioning a first shielding portion in a vertical position relative to the object, positioning a second shielding portion to extend away from the first portion, the second shielding portion attached to the first portion, and shielding radiation from the radiation source by the first shielding portion and the second shielding portion such that the first and second shielding portions provide a radiation shielding zone for a healthcare practitioner.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2022Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Radux Devices, LLCInventors: Gregory Gordon, Andrew Ubel
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Patent number: 11569002Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a transfer cask for transferring spent nuclear fuel. The transfer cask transfers a canister storing the spent nuclear fuel and includes a transfer container having a space for accommodating the canister; a neutron shielding body arranged on an outer periphery of the transfer container to shield neutrons; and an opening/closing portion that is coupled to a lower portion of the transfer container and opens and closes the lower portion of the transfer container, wherein the opening and closing portion, a support portion supporting the transfer container and having a first through hole in communication with the transfer container; a lid assembly having a first lid portion and a second lid portion that open and close the first through hole; and a base plate on which the support portion is seated and a second through hole through which the canister is drawn out is formed.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2020Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: KEPCO ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Jin Seok Park, Soung Kyu Lee, Sung Hwan Kim, Kwang Jeok Ko, Min Gyu Kim, Yeon Ho Cho
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Patent number: 11491347Abstract: A method for driving a leaf of a multi-leaf collimator (MLC) is provided. The method may include obtaining a target position of the leaf; identifying a current position of the leaf; generating a first control signal based on the target position of the leaf and the current position of the leaf; generating a second control signal based on at least one of a target velocity of the leaf, a target acceleration of the leaf, or a current angle of the leaf; generating a third control signal based on the first control signal and the second control signal; and/or causing a drive circuit to generate a driving signal for driving the leaf to move towards the target position by providing the third control signal to the drive circuit.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2020Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.Inventor: Boqi Ma
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Patent number: 11490874Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for calibrating an x-ray apparatus including acquiring sinogram data by scanning a symmetrical phantom using a plurality of detector channels; generating mirror-copied sinogram data by mirror-copying at least one of first sinogram data and second sinogram data of the acquired sinogram data, wherein the first sinogram data and the second sinogram data are generated by dividing the sinogram data at a center detector channel of the plurality of detector channels; outputting a first reconstructed image by reconstructing the mirror-copied sinogram data; and determining a calibration parameter based on the first reconstructed image.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2021Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: CANON MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventors: Xiaohui Zhan, Ilmar Hein, Xiaofeng Niu
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Patent number: 11488738Abstract: Disclosed is a radio-protective shield including: a wall made from transparent material, with a peripheral edge of a first face of the wall made from transparent material coming to bear against a bearing face of a counter-frame via a seal; a fastening frame provided with bearing a bearing against a peripheral edge of a second face of the wall made from transparent material, which bearing includes a longitudinal bearing structure including a contact surface in contact with the peripheral edge. The radio-protective shield further includes a securing element securing the counter-frame and the fastening frame together. The bearing includes an elastic return capable of applying pressure against the longitudinal bearing structure towards the wall made from transparent material.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2020Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: LEMER PAXInventor: Pierre-Marie Lemer
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Patent number: 11478665Abstract: Techniques for particle beam therapy include receiving a target region inside a subject for particle therapy, a minimum dose inside the target region, and a maximum dose inside the subject but outside target region. Multiple beam axis angles are determined, each involving a gantry angle and a couch position. Multiple spots within the target region are determined. For each beam axis angle a pristine particle scan beam (not coaxial with any other particle scan beam) is determined such that a Bragg Peak is directed to a spot, and repeated until every spot is subjected to a Bragg Peak or an intersection of two or more such pristine scan beams. Output data indicating the pristine beamlets is stored for operation of a particle beam therapy apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2018Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMOREInventors: James William Snider, III, William F. Regine, Mingyao Zhu, Katja Langen
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Patent number: 11460779Abstract: A gamma ray generator includes a plate, a plurality of holes and a plurality of gamma ray sources. The plate is configured to rotate along a rotational axis. The holes are disposed in the plate, and the holes are arranged in a matrix. The gamma ray sources are respectively placed in the holes.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2021Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: You-Hua Chou, Kuo-Sheng Chuang
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Patent number: 11437160Abstract: The present disclosure, in an embodiment, is a facility that includes a device configured to generate a beam having an energy range of 5 MeV to 500 MeV, a first radiation shielding wall surrounding the device, a second radiation shielding wall surrounding the first radiation shielding wall, radiation shielding fill material positioned between the first radiation shielding wall and the second radiation shielding wall forming a first barrier. In embodiments, the radiation shielding fill material includes at least fifty percent by weight of an element having an atomic number from 12 to 83, and a thickness of the first barrier is 0.5 meter to 6 meters.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2020Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: RAD TECHNOLOGY MEDICAL SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: John Ford, Ron Johnston, Cynthia Keppel, Pawel Ambrozewicz, Eric Landau, Cheri Oquist, John Lefkus
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Patent number: 11373775Abstract: A nuclear waste cask in one embodiment includes an axially elongated cask body defining a longitudinally-extending opening forming an entrance to an internal storage cavity of the cask configured for holding radioactive nuclear waste materials. A closure lid detachably coupled to the cask body at the top opening seals the cavity. A cask locking mechanism includes a plurality of first locking protrusions spaced apart on the lid which are selectively interlockable with a plurality of second locking protrusions spaced apart on the cask body to lock the lid to the cask body. The first locking protrusions may be disposed on slideable locking bars moveable between locked and unlocked positions while the lid remains stationary on the cask body. Hydraulic or pneumatic actuators may be used to change position of the locking bars. The cask and lid may include other features such as impact absorbers and lifting elements.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2021Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Inventor: Krishna P. Singh
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Patent number: 11342090Abstract: An ionizing radiation shielding panel comprising a core layer, a first layer on a first side of the core layer and a second layer on a second side of the core layer, opposite to the first side. The core layer comprises radiation attenuation material which may be particles of barite. The first and second layers each comprise a permeable reinforcement structure and each of the first, second and core layers are permeated with a binder. In the construction of the panel, the binder is infected into a mould containing the other constituents of the panel. The ionizing radiation shielding panel can be used in the housing of an x-ray inspection apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2019Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: Nordson CorporationInventor: Bill Walker
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Patent number: 11331517Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a multi-leaf collimator. The multi-leaf collimator may include a set of leaves installed in a cavity, each leaf of the set of leaves having a length along a first direction. At least a portion of the set of leaves may extend beyond the cavity along the first direction. The set of leaves may be arranged along a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction. A length of a target leaf of the set of leaves may be less than a length of a reference leaf of the set of leaves. The target leaf may be located in an end portion of the set of leaves along the second direction. The length of the set of leaves may conform to the shape of a maximum therapeutic radiation field.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2020Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.Inventors: Jian Liu, Kun Yang, Jian Zhang, Yanfang Liu, Cheng Ni
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Patent number: 11307155Abstract: A beamstop arrangement for an x-ray-optical system is adjustable in an xy plane perpendicular to a z-direction for optimizing a ratio of useful radiation reaching a surface to interfering radiation of an x-ray beam in the z-direction. The beamstop arrangement comprises a plurality of beamstops of differing size and/or geometry arranged on an exchanging mount, which is installed on a carriage displaceable in the xy plane by means of a drive unit having at least one positioning motor. The multiple beamstops can be located in a vacuum, while the drive motors and all electronic components can be positioned outside the vacuum, so that no heat development takes place in the measurement region. Corruption of the measurement result due to a changed measurement background is thus avoided.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2020Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Inventor: Wolfgang Gehrlein
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Patent number: 11289235Abstract: A method of packaging a radioactive waste including the steps of: (a) providing a containment enclosure having (i) an outer polymeric fabric layer and (ii) an inner polymeric fabric layer, wherein the outer and inner polymeric fabric layers are thermally stable to ?40° F.; (b) placing a radioactive waste within the inner polymeric fabric layer; and (c) closing an outer closeable flap on the outer polymeric fabric layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2018Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: PacTec, Inc.Inventors: Michael Schilling, Michael Sanchez, Troy Town, William Smart
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Patent number: 11289225Abstract: A radiation protection device for an opening for inspection objects on a radiation tunnel is provided. The radiation protection device is formed from a plurality of radiation protection curtains arranged one behind the other at a distance in a transport direction, wherein a first radiation protection curtain includes a first shielding radiation protection curtain section covering only a first area of the opening and second shielding radiation protection curtain sections of at least one second radiation protection curtain arranged behind the first radiation protection curtain in the transport direction cover the area of the opening not covered by the first radiation protection curtain.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2018Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: SMITHS HEIMANN GMBHInventor: Jörg Bermuth
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Patent number: 11227738Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for cooling a lamp assembly is described herein. The apparatus includes an air channel and an axial slot. A flow of air is injected into the air channel of a lamp housing, wherein the lamp housing comprises at least a bulb. The axial slot is located in a reflector housing and has dimensions that enable a constant flow of air through the slot and across the bulb when a predetermined air flow is input to the air channel.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2017Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Kevin Carbone, Alvin Marion Post
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Patent number: 11222732Abstract: In general, radiation shielding systems that shield radiation from multiple directions are described. In one embodiment, a method of shielding radiation is provided, including supporting a shielding device on an object proximate a radiation source, positioning a first shielding portion in a vertical position relative to the object, positioning a second shielding portion to extend away from the first portion, the second shielding portion attached to the first portion, and shielding radiation from the radiation source by the first shielding portion and the second shielding portion such that the first and second shielding portions provide a radiation shielding zone for a healthcare practitioner.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2020Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: Radux Devices, LLCInventors: Gregory Gordon, Andrew Ubel
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Patent number: 11198524Abstract: A nanosatellite with an illumination element, and an arrangement of nanosatellites in low earth orbit (LEO) arranged to controllably apply their illumination to be visible on the ground. The nanosatellites may be coordinated to provide illumination events visible on the ground at particular locations and particular times. Each nanosatellite has an illumination element that provides a sustained external illumination event being of at least momentary duration and to be visible from the ground. The event forms at least part of a display for viewing from the ground.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2016Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: Technion Research & Development Foundation LimitedInventors: Oded Shmueli, Ehud Behar
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Patent number: 11185713Abstract: An IORT device (10) for radiotherapy treatment of cancer patients, comprising a source of particles, an accelerating device (11), which sends a beam of particles (12) on a target (14) through an applicator (15), a scattering filter (16), which allows the distance between the source of particles and the target (14) to be kept within a range compatible with the use of IORT devices (10) in standard operating rooms, and an optical system for collimating the beam of particles (12), which is placed between the scattering filter (16) and the applicator (15); specifically, the optical collimating system of the beam of particles comprises a primary screen (17), configured to shield the radiation produced by the scattering filter (16), a secondary screen (18), configured to shield the photons produced on the primary screen (17), and a collimating apparatus (19), which provides for housing the monitor chambers (20).Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2019Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: S.I.T.-SORDINA IORT TECHNOLOGIES S.P.A.Inventors: Giuseppe Felici, Massimo Di Francesco
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Patent number: 11184955Abstract: This application is related to a method and construction technology for the implementation of narrowband, digital heat injection technology. More specifically, it relates to techniques for implementations thereof producing engineered irradiation patterns.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2017Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: PRESSCO IP LLCInventors: Jonathan M. Katz, Benjamin D. Johnson, Don W. Cochran, David W. Cochran
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Patent number: 11152128Abstract: The present invention relates to rigid structures and composite materials thereof for providing radiation attenuation/shielding. Some embodiments pertain to a radiation shielding apparatus including: a plurality of positionable radiation-shielding stacks of tiles. The stacks are subsequently and adjacently arranged in a contiguous configuration. A tile positioning mechanism allows movement of tiles within a stack between a stacked (retracted) position and an extended position. In the extended position, the tiles of each of the plurality of radiation shielding stacks at least partially overlap tiles of subsequent and adjacent tile stack at corresponding opposing side-margins thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2019Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: Radiaction LtdInventors: Jonathan Yifat, Yossi Bar, Amir Belson, Michael Retter
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Patent number: 11146271Abstract: The disclosure describes various aspects of different techniques for flexible touch sensors and method for wide-field imaging of an atom or ion trap. A touch sensor is described for controlling movement of a control element for use with the trap that includes an outer structure and an inner structure that holds the control element and moves within the outer structure. The trap is inside an ultra-high vacuum (UHV) environment and the outer and inner structures are outside the UHV environment and separated by a UHV window. The control element or elements are brought into proximity of the UHV window in connection with controlling targets at the trap. The inner structure can stop moving within the outer structure to avoid damaging of the UHV window with the control element(s) in response to the inner structure being in physical contact with or within a set proximity of the outer structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2019Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: IONQ, INC.Inventors: Jaime David Wong-Campos, Phillip Douglas Solomon, Jason Madjdi Amini, Kai Hudek
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Patent number: 11109932Abstract: Invasive cardiology and radiology are widespread procedures that involve the use of X-ray radiations for imaging. During these procedures, the operators are exposed to a variable dose of radiation. It is shown that these professionals are among the most exposed to ionizing radiations. New studies have shown that brain cancers can be linked to these exposures. As these exposures are harmful to health, maximum protection is required to protect the patient and the staff. The current invention provides an improved protective shield to fully protect the staff in cardiologic, angiologic, and radiologic procedures. The present invention relates to a modified surgical drape that include a layer that absorbs the X-rays scattered from the patient's body during invasive angiology procedures.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2020Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Inventors: Jean-Jacques Francois Goy, Doris Luana Goy, Christophe Jean-Michel Augereau
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Patent number: 11085669Abstract: A transportation network for providing propellant in space can include optical mining vehicles that concentrate solar energy to spall captured asteroids, capture released volatiles, and store them in reservoirs as propellants. The network can also have orbital transfer vehicles that use solar thermal rocket modules that focus solar energy on heat exchangers to force propellant through nozzles, as well as separable aeromaneuvering tanker modules with reusable heatshields and storage tanks. The network can have propellant depots positioned between Earth and a transport destination. The depots can mechanically couple to accept propellant delivery and to supply it to visiting space vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2020Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: Trans Astronautica CorporationInventor: Joel C. Sercel
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Patent number: 11067898Abstract: One of gamma ray lithography systems includes a gamma ray generator and a wafer stage. The gamma ray generator is configured to generate a substantially uniform gamma ray. The gamma ray generator includes a plurality of gamma ray sources and a rotational carrier. The rotational carrier is configured to hold the gamma ray sources and rotate along a rotational axis. The wafer stage is disposed below the gamma ray generator and configured to secure a wafer.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2020Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: You-Hua Chou, Kuo-Sheng Chuang
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Patent number: 10994852Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a blocking door that is pivotally disposed on a fixed nacelle of a tiltrotor aircraft for pivoting between a stowed position when a proprotor pylon is in the substantially horizontal position and a protective blocking position in front of the proprotor pylon when the proprotor pylon is positioned in the non-horizontal position. In other aspects, there is provided a blocking door and a method of reducing infrared and/or radar signatures of rotorcraft with a rotatable proprotor.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2018Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.Inventors: Steven R. Ivans, Terry L. Gibson
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Patent number: 10987523Abstract: In certain embodiments novel sparse orthogonal collimators (SOCs) for use in radiotherapy are provided. In certain embodiments the SOCs comprise 2 layer 4 bank orthogonal collimators with 2-8 leaves in each of the 4 banks. Instead of using the limited heuristic approach to create jaw-only IMRT, a novel fluence map optimization method is provided based on wavelet decomposition and this method is used for IMRT. An algorithm to simplify the fluence maps with minimal and predictable dose quality compromise is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2016Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Ke Sheng, Dan Nguyen, Dan Ruan
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Patent number: 10987069Abstract: An N-M tomography system comprising: a carrier for the subject of an examination procedure; a plurality of detector heads; a carrier for the detector heads; and a detector positioning arrangement operable to position the detector heads during performance of a scan without interference or collision between adjacent detector heads to establish a variable bore size and configuration for the examination. Additionally, collimated detectors providing variable spatial resolution for SPECT imaging and which can also be used for PET imaging, whereby one set of detectors can be selectably used for either modality, or for both simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2013Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: Spectrum Dynamics Medical LimitedInventors: Nathaniel Roth, Yoel Zilberstein, Shlomo Ben-Haim, Benny Rousso
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Patent number: 10991540Abstract: An x-ray window can include an adhesive layer sandwiched between and providing a hermetic seal between a thin film and a housing. The adhesive layer can include liquid crystal polymer. The liquid crystal polymer can be opaque, gas-tight, made of low atomic number elements, able to withstand high temperature, low outgassing, low leakage, able to relieve stress in the x-ray window thin film, capable of bonding to many different materials, or combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2019Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.Inventors: Jared Sommer, Jonathan Abbott
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Patent number: 10945687Abstract: A transparent radiation shield, attachable to a patient support platform, and movable to shield a physician from imaging radiation, includes a transparent computer display that is controllable to provide a data overlay on the shield pertaining to patient data and/or x-ray images.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2018Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: Egg Medical, Inc.Inventors: Robert F. Wilson, John P. Gainor, James Montague, Uma S. Valeti
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Patent number: 10908103Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray fluorescence, XRF, spectrometer, for measuring X-ray fluorescence emitted by a target, wherein the XRF spectrometer comprises an X-ray tube with an anode to emit a divergent X-ray beam, a capillary lens that is configured to focus the divergent X-ray beam on the target, an aperture system that is positioned between the anode of the X-ray tube and the capillary lens and comprises at least one pinhole, and a detector that is configured for detecting X-ray fluorescence radiation emitted by the target, wherein the at least one pinhole is configured for being inserted into the divergent X-ray beam and for reducing a beam cross section of the divergent X-ray beam between the anode and the capillary lens. The present invention further relates to an aperture system for a spectrometer, to the use of an aperture system for adjusting the focal depth of a spectrometer and to a method for adjusting the focal depth of as spectrometer.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2018Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: BRUKER NANO GMBHInventors: Ulrich Waldschläger, Roald Alberto Tagle Berdan
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Patent number: 10874361Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to systems and methods for generating spectral computed tomography data for spectral X-ray image reconstruction using of pixelated k-edge apertures. A method is provided for generating a spectral computed tomography. The method includes the steps of generating a plurality of X-ray beams; encoding the plurality of X-ray beams by transmitting the plurality of beams through a pixelated K-edge coded aperture structure; detecting the encoded plurality of X-ray beams; and reconstructing a spectral CT image from the encoded plurality of X-ray beams.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2018Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: University Of DelawareInventors: Angela Cuadros, Gonzalo Arce
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Patent number: 10790068Abstract: A device for protection of a body from radiation includes at least one flexible garment. Each section of the flexible garment is configured to shield a region of a surface of the body. Each section complementarily attenuates self-shielding by internal structure between the region and an interior region of the body such that radiation at the interior region is attenuated to a predefined attenuation level.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2019Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: STEMRAD LTD.Inventors: Oren Milstein, Gideon Waterman, Meytal Baron, Ethan Shiloh, Jonathan Roth, Tamar Nix
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Patent number: 10770196Abstract: A radiation treatment delivery system, includes a linear accelerator (LINAC) and a multileaf collimator (MLC), coupled with the distal end of the LINAC, wherein the MLC has two banks of leaves, organized into a plurality of opposing leaf pairs. The system further includes a processing device, operatively coupled to the LINAC and the MLC, to control the plurality of leaf pairs of the MLC such that for each of a plurality of radiation beam delivery positional sections corresponds to a range of radiation beam positions over a discrete time interval, wherein each leaf pair of the plurality of opposing leaf pairs is open to a fixed opening for a fraction of time in the discrete time interval and closed for the remaining fraction of time in the discrete time interval, while a radiation beam of the radiation treatment system is active.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2018Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: ACCURAY INCORPORATEDInventors: Eric Schnarr, Hari Gopalakrishnan, Jari Toivanen, Matthew Orton