Shielded Receptacles For Radioactive Sources Patents (Class 250/506.1)
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Patent number: 9443625Abstract: Method for storing high level radioactive waste. In one embodiment, the invention comprises: (a) providing a body portion comprising a floor, an open top end, an inner shell forming a cavity having, an outer shell surrounding the inner shell so as to form a space therebetween, and at least one opening in the inner shell that forms a passageway from the space into a bottom of the cavity; (b) placing a canister containing high level radioactive waste into the cavity; and (c) positioning a lid having at least one outlet vent atop the inner and outer shells so as to enclose the open top end of the body portion and the at least one outlet vent forming a passageway from a top of the cavity to the ambient atmosphere; and wherein at least one inlet vent forms a passageway from an ambient atmosphere to the space.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Inventor: Krishna P. Singh
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Patent number: 9395263Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for inspecting sealability of a vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber has a closed site in which two sealing rings are arranged in such a way that the two sealing rings form therebetween a sealed compartment. The sealed compartment has a wall in which an evacuation hole is formed. The method for inspecting sealability of a vacuum chamber includes: connecting an evacuation valve through a pipe to the evacuation hole to form evacuation piping; mounting a pressure meter to the evacuation piping; opening the evacuation valve to proceed with evacuation of the sealed compartment and, during the evacuation process, monitoring the pressure meter; and determining sealability of the two sealing rings according to a reading of the pressure meter. The present invention allows for quick evacuation of the sealed compartment and to determine the sealability of the two sealing rings according to the pressure meter.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2014Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., LtdInventor: Zhiwu Wang
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Patent number: 9200839Abstract: A storage space device for the transport and/or storage of nuclear materials, comprising a main structure defining at least one housing intended to contain the nuclear materials and includes a mobile heat conduction structure forming at least one portion of a side outer surface of the storage space device. The mobile structure has at least one mobile heat conduction component mounted on the main structure so as to be displaceable reversibly from a retracted position to a deployed position while moving away from the structure.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2008Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: TN INTERNATIONALInventors: Lilian Viallon, Roger Lahille, Laurent Stachetti
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Patent number: 9142327Abstract: A canister for transporting/storing radioactive materials, comprising two concentric shells between which is housed a radiological protection device forming a barrier against gamma radiation, comprising a first and a second metal radiological protection components superimposed along a radial direction of the canister, the first component being supported against the outer shell and the second component being supported against the inner shell. In addition, the components are in contact with each other along an interface taking, in section along any plane integrating the longitudinal axis, the form of a straight line segment inclined in relation to this axis.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2010Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: TN INTERNATIONALInventors: Christophe Valentin, Olivier Bardon, Stavros Kitsos
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Patent number: 9117558Abstract: Systems and methods of the disclosure are directed toward removing moisture from, and controlling the temperature of, spent nuclear fuel stored in spent fuel containers and the containers themselves. A vacuum system may remove vapor and gas from the container to reduce pressure and stimulate moisture evaporation. The potentially radioactive gas exiting the spent fuel container can also be transported to a radioactive waste gas system. A non-reactive gas is then circulated through a circulation path, which is communicatively coupled to a spent fuel container. The non-reactive gas can absorb heat and/or moisture from the spent fuel stored within the spent fuel container. Accordingly, heat can be removed by a heat exchanger coupled to the circulation path. Condensate moisture can also be removed from the circulation path.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2012Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: NAC INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventor: Charles W. Pennington
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Patent number: 9040946Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal conduction element (20) for a package for transporting and/or storing radioactive materials, comprising: an internal part (30) intended to be in contact with a lateral body (14) of the package; an external part (34) intended to form a portion of an external envelope (24) of said package, holding radiological protection means (22); an intermediate part (32) arranged between the internal and external parts, the internal, external and intermediate parts being produced from copper and one of the alloys thereof. According to the invention, the external part (34) is equipped, at each of its two opposite ends, with an area (36) for connection by welding to another thermal conduction element (20), each connection area (36) being produced from steel.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: TN INTERNATIONALInventors: Herve Ripert, Emmanuel Mercier, Sylvain Lauret
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Patent number: 8999235Abstract: A method for sterilizing an implantable sensor for sensing an analyte in a body tissue. The implantable sensor has a sensor part which can be introduced into the body tissue, at least one sensor electrode for sensing the analyte, and at least one electronics part. The electronics part has at least one electronic component and is connected to the sensor part. The method includes (a) introducing the implantable sensor into a package, the package sealing the implantable sensor from bacteria and accommodating a radiation shield, (b) irradiating the implantable sensor in the package with sterilizing radiation from at least one irradiating direction, in particular with electron radiation, the radiation shield shielding the electronic component of the electronics part from the sterilizing radiation, the radiation shield being arranged in such a way that the sensor part is sterilized by the sterilizing radiation.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2012Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.Inventors: Herbert Harttig, Ralf Heinrich, Stefan Konig
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Patent number: 8998488Abstract: A radiographic projector (10) for housing and projecting a radioisotope for use in radiography is described. The front end of the projector has a chamfered surface (12) for receiving an ancillary shielding component. The material used for the front end surface of the projector is tungsten powder in a less dense material matrix. A locking mechanism (30) for a projector is described, including a locking bar for locking a source holder in the projector. The locking mechanism includes an interlock section for retaining the locking bar in an unlocked position while a source holder is not in its storage position, and a latch section for latching the locking bar in the unlocked position prior to engagement of the interlock section. A holster for mounting a radiographic projector and a retraction cage for a remote windout mechanism are also described.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2010Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: SPEC Intellectual Property, LLCInventor: Christopher John Cole
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Patent number: 8991436Abstract: In some embodiments, a cover device may include a body, a pad, and a grip. The body may include a first opening and at least two arms. The first opening may be in a first end of the body. At least one arm may include a first end and a second end. A first end may be coupled to a wall of the body forming the first opening. At least one arm may extend away from the body further defining and extending the first opening in the body. The pad may be positioned in the first opening in the first end of the body. The pad may absorb, during use, fluids. The body may couple, during use, to a first end of a conduit connector such that the first end is positioned in the first opening such that the first end of the conduit connector is inhibited from contact.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Inventor: Evan Tyler Birch
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Patent number: 8995605Abstract: A lid frame for a nuclear fuel assembly shipping container and a shipping container for nuclear fuel assemblies are provided. The shipping container can include a lower container in which a cradle is installed, an upper container detachably coupled to the lower container, and a base frame coupled to the cradle with at least one nuclear fuel assembly placed thereon. The lid frame can include a plurality of supports installed apart from each other so as to surround the nuclear fuel assembly placed on the base frame, and a plurality of clamps separated from each other, coupled to the plurality of supports perpendicular to the plurality of supports, rotatably hinged to the base frame, and configured to clamp the nuclear fuel assembly. The lid frame safely protects the nuclear fuel assembly that is being transported.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2010Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Kepco Nuclear Fuel Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hung Soon Chang, Chang Hwan Hwang, Deuk Yeon Kim, Jae Soon Choi, Weon Chan Hwang, Se Yong Shin, Young Hoon Kim, Jong Sung Hong
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Publication number: 20150069274Abstract: A container system, for radioactive waste and method for using the same is provided. The system includes a canister configured for holding radioactive waste and a lid system. In one embodiment, the lid system comprises a two-part lid assembly including a confinement lid and a shielded lifting lid. The confinement lid is detachably mounted to the confinement lid. In use, the lifting lid supports die confinement lid for lifting and placement on the canister. The lifting lid further shields operators while the confinement lid is mounted to the canister. Thereafter, the lifting lid is removed and may be reused for confinement lid mountings on other canisters. In one embodiment, the confinement lid is bolted to the canister. The canister may be disposed in a protective overpack for transport and storage.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2013Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: Holtec International, Inc.Inventor: Stephen J. Agace
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Patent number: 8929504Abstract: A canister apparatus, basket apparatus and combinations thereof for transporting and/or storing high level radioactive waste, such as spent nuclear fuel. In one embodiment, the invention can be a basket apparatus for supporting a plurality of spent nuclear fuel rods within a containment structure, the basket apparatus comprising a plurality of disk-like grates, each disk-like grate having a plurality of cells formed by a gridwork of beams; and means for supporting the disk-like grates in a spaced arrangement with respect to one another and so that the cells of the disk-like grates are aligned.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2012Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Inventors: Krishna P. Singh, Stephen J. Agace
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Patent number: 8927954Abstract: A packaging device for the transport and/or storage of a radioactive medium generating flammable gases and/or explosives via radiolysis, comprising a plurality of canisters intended to contain the radioactive medium, each canister defining an inner storage space accessible via an opening for filling the medium, on which plug-forming means are mounted. According to the invention, the device also comprises a structure forming a chamber, and means for placing in communication allowing a fluid communication to be set up between the inner storage space and the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2010Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: TN InternationalInventors: Mohamed Zibouche, Florent Ferry, Patrick Jacot
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Publication number: 20140361198Abstract: An apparatus for holding radioactive objects includes a base and a central pillar extending upwardly between a bottom end coupled to the base and a top end above the base. A plurality of inner segments are spaced around the central pillar, and a plurality of outer segments are spaced around the inner segments to form pairs. The inner segments, the outer segments and the central pillar may be coupled together to permit limited radial movement of at least one of the segments of each pair. Each pair may define a generally vertical, object-receiving channel arranged between the inner and outer segment of the pair. The segments of each pair may be adapted to bear against an object in the channel of the pair to laterally restrain the object and facilitate heat transfer from the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2012Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventors: Malcolm James Clough, Austin Thomas Jackson, Clifford John Joseph Dugal, Daniel Harry Martin, James Edward Allan McGregor, William Thomas Diamond
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Patent number: 8908821Abstract: A storage container is carried into a nuclear-reactor containment, and then, the core structure is housed in the storage container. In this process, a bottom cover is carried to a storage-container body by using a moving device. The storage-container body and the bottom cover are positioned by adjusting the position of the bottom cover on the moving device while the bottom cover is supported by free bearings. The bottom cover is then attached to the storage-container body.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2006Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroki Nasu, Yoshio Kitaoka, Akinori Takei
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Patent number: 8884259Abstract: A system and method of transferring a radioactive payload using a shield-gate apparatus, including a method of performing work within a cavity of a shielding container using a shield-gate apparatus and shielding block, in one embodiment, the invention is a system comprising: a shield-gate apparatus comprising a body, a passageway extending along an axis through the body, and one or more movable shielding gates; a shielding block positioned atop the body of the shield-gate apparatus to enclose a first opening of the passageway; and a retaining feature that prevents relative transverse movement between the shielding block and the shield-gate apparatus while allowing relative rotation between the shielding block and the shield-gate apparatus about a central axis of the shielding block.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2012Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Inventor: Stephen J. Agace
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Publication number: 20140306130Abstract: A radioisotope elution system including a radioisotope generator having an alignment structure. The alignment structure may be configured to interface with a complementary alignment structure of an auxiliary radiation shield assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2014Publication date: October 16, 2014Inventors: Duane L. Horton, Andrew D. Speth
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Patent number: 8822963Abstract: Example embodiments include a vapor forming apparatus, system and/or method for producing vapor from radioactive decay material. The vapor forming apparatus including an insulated container configured to enclose a nuclear waste container. The nuclear waste container includes radioactive decay material. The insulated container includes an inlet valve configured to receive vapor forming liquid. The radioactive decay material transfers heat to the vapor forming liquid. The insulated container also includes an outlet valve configured to output the vapor forming liquid heated by the radioactive decay material.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2011Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: Eric P. Loewen, Jordan E. Hagaman
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Patent number: 8822964Abstract: A radioactive substance storage container 100 includes a body 10 and a lid 10 having a sealed structure, and a basket 5 housed in the body 1 to hold fuel assemblies. The basket 5 includes a neutron shielding material. The radioactive substance storage container 100 includes a subcritical-performance reinforcing member 20 including a neutron shielding material and located between an inner periphery of the body 1 and an outer periphery of the basket 5.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2011Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Kiichiro Sakashita
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Patent number: 8822950Abstract: A column assembly of a radionuclide generator includes a column that retains a parent radionuclide that spontaneously decays to a relatively short-lived daughter radionuclide. A fluid path extends from an inlet port to the column and then to an outlet port and allows daughter radionuclide to be eluted from the radionuclide generator for use. Improved retention of parent radionuclide in the column is accomplished by preventing fluid from entering the flow path in a liquid state, such as during sterilization. Proper column chemistry is also promoted by preventing excess moisture from coalescing in the column, which may promote a higher and/or more reliable yield of daughter radionuclide from a radionuclide generator.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2013Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc.Inventor: John Henry Evers
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Patent number: 8811564Abstract: A lid frame for a nuclear fuel assembly shipping container and a shipping container for nuclear fuel assemblies are provided. The shipping container includes a lower container having a cradle, an upper container detachably coupled to the lower container, and a base frame coupled to the cradle with at least one nuclear fuel assembly placed thereon. The lid frame includes a plurality of supports installed apart from each other so as to surround the nuclear fuel assembly placed on the base frame, a plurality of clamps separated from each other, coupled to the supports so as to be perpendicular to the supports, rotatably hinged to the base frame, and clamping the nuclear fuel assembly, and a plurality of gap compensators coupled to inner surfaces of the supports in order to compensate for a gap between the inner surfaces of the supports and the nuclear fuel assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2010Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Kepco Nuclear Fuel Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hung Soon Chang, Chang Hwan Hwang, Deuk Yeon Kim, Jae Soon Choi, Weon Chan Hwang, Se Yong Shin, Young Hoon Kim
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Patent number: 8804895Abstract: The invention concerns a cask for a canister containing radioactive material, comprising a canister extraction assembly and designed so that it can bring the canister to an extraction position inside the cask housing in which this canister is free of any contact with the inner surface. Also, one of two elements from among a carriage and a support structure of the assembly is provided with a guide ramp cooperating with a ramp follower provided on the other of the two elements, the ramp being designed so that a relative translational movement between the carriage and the structure, in the longitudinal direction of the cask, causes the changeover of the two elements from a drawn-together position to a drawn-apart position, or conversely.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2006Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: TN InternationalInventors: Jean-Pierre Bersegol, Justo Garcia
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Patent number: 8801977Abstract: A composition of matter that experiences an increase rate of radioactive emission is presented. The composition comprises a radioactive material and particles having affinity for Hydrogen or its isotopes. When exposed to Hydrogen, the composition's emission rate increases. Methods of production are also presented.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2012Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Brown-Cravens-TaylorInventor: Dennis Cravens
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Patent number: 8759768Abstract: A movable device for measuring physical quantities of nuclear materials contained in a shielded cell, which device can be brought up against the shielded cell and can be retracted therefrom, the device configured to carry out the measurement in the position in which it is against the shielded cell. The device includes a carriage, a support member placed on the carriage, and a shielded container placed on the support member. The shielded container includes a transfer container configured to store the nuclear material to be measured, and an opening configured to be aligned with an opening in one wall of the shielded cell. The support member is made of graphite and includes a housing accommodating a neutron emission module, a casing covering the shielded container, the casing being made of graphite, and a neutron measurement mechanism fastened to the casing.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2009Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et Aux Energies AlternativesInventors: Nicolas Hupont, Philippe Bernard, Jean-Francois Mante, Jean-Pierre Coulon, Nicolas Saurel
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Patent number: 8754387Abstract: A radioactive material handling assembly (10) includes an outer housing (12) and an inner cell (14). The inner cell defines a radioactive material containment/handling chamber (16) and is removably mountable inside the outer housing. Handling means is operable from outside the inner cell to handle radioactive materials located in the containment/handling chamber. At least one of the outer housing and the inner cell is predominantly of a shielding material which is opaque to radioactivity.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2010Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation LimitedInventor: Johannes Samuel Frederik Botha
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Publication number: 20140155675Abstract: The invention includes a radioactive waste containment system for containing a radioactive waste material. The radioactive waste containment system includes a radioactive waste containment system outermost exterior containment layer comprised of an exterior containment layer glass material having an exterior containment layer property. The radioactive waste containment system includes a radioactive waste containment system adjacent interior containment layer, the adjacent interior containment layer comprised of an adjacent interior containment layer glass material having an adjacent interior containment layer property, the radioactive waste containment system adjacent interior containment layer is fused with the radioactive waste containment system outermost exterior containment layer with the properties not equal wherein the fused adjacent interior containment layer and the radioactive waste containment system outermost exterior containment layer are in compression.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2011Publication date: June 5, 2014Inventor: Edward Murphy
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Patent number: 8716686Abstract: A canister for transporting and/or storing radioactive materials, the canister comprising two concentric shells between which is housed a radiological protection device comprising at least a first and a second metal components adjacent along a circumferential direction. According to the invention, the first component is supported against the outer shell and at a distance from the inner shell, whereas the second component is supported against the shell and at a distance from the shell. In addition, the components are in contact with each other along an interface taking, in section along any plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and crossing this interface, the form of a straight line segment defining with a radial straight line crossing it at its centre an acute angle (A).Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2010Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: TN InternationalInventors: Olivier Bardon, Guilaume Foussard, Stavros Kitsos
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Patent number: 8718221Abstract: An apparatus and method for inter-unit transfer of spent nuclear fuel. In one aspect, the invention is a method of transferring high level radioactive waste comprising: a) loading high level radioactive waste into a water-filled cavity of a canister body having an open top end at a first location; b) coupling a lid to the canister body to enclose the open top end; c) removing a volume of water from the cavity so that a water level of the water within the cavity is above a top end of the high level radioactive waste and a space exists between the water level and a bottom surface of the lid; d) hermetically sealing the cavity; and e) transferring the canister to a second location, the water level remaining above the top end of the high level radioactive waste during the transfer.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2010Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Inventors: Krishna P. Singh, John D. Griffiths
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Patent number: 8718220Abstract: A system and method for storing multiple canisters containing high level waste below grade that afford adequate ventilation of the spent fuel storage cavity. In one aspect, the invention is a ventilated system for storing high level waste emitting heat, the system comprising: an air-intake shell forming an air-intake cavity; a plurality of storage shells, each storage shell forming a storage cavity; a lid positioned atop each of the storage shells; an outlet vent forming a passageway between an ambient environment and a top portion of each of the storage cavities; and a network of pipes forming hermetically sealed passageways between a bottom portion of the air-intake cavity and at least two different openings at a bottom portion of each of the storage cavities such that blockage of a first one of the openings does not prohibit air from flowing from the air-intake cavity into the storage cavity via a second one of the openings.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2010Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Inventor: Krishna P. Singh
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Patent number: 8710476Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an x-ray shielding system including a flexible layer including a support structure having a plurality of interconnected interstitial spaces that provide a circulation network for an x-ray shielding fluid composition.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Inventors: Philip A. Eckhoff, William H. Gates, III, Peter L. Hagelstein, Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Robert Langer, Erez Lieberman, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Michael Schnall-Levin, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
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Patent number: 8712001Abstract: A fuel basket spacer, and system and method for storing high level radioactive waste. In one aspect, the invention is an apparatus for transporting and/or storing radioactive materials comprising: a body having a cavity for receiving radioactive materials; a basket positioned in the cavity comprising a plurality of cells; and a structure having an outer surface and an inner surface forming a central passageway; the structure positioned in the cavity so that the basket extends through the central passageway of the structure; and wherein the internal perimeter of the structure corresponds to the external perimeter of the basket in size and shape and the external perimeter of the structure corresponds to the perimeter of the cavity in size and shape. Circumferential clearances are provided between structure and the basket and the structure and the body that are eliminated when exposed to a residual heat load of the radioactive waste.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2007Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Inventors: Krishna Singh, Stephen Agace
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Patent number: 8705683Abstract: A plurality of first plate members 10 is stacked with long side ends 10LT1 and 10LT2 thereof abutting to each other. Plate member joint bodies 100 are formed by attaching connecting members 30 to side surfaces 10S of the stacked first plate members 10, and connecting the first plate members 10. Further, the plate member joint bodies 100 are so disposed to face each other, and the connecting members 30 projecting from the side surfaces 10S of the first plate members 10 are inserted into recesses formed at both long side ends of second plate members 20. A recycled fuel assembly storage basket 1 is thus formed. Recycled fuel assemblies are stored in spaces surrounded by the first plate members 10 and the second plate members 20.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2009Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Hiroki Tamaki
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Patent number: 8696540Abstract: According to one general aspect there is a needle package apparatus that comprises a top portion and a bottom portion; a plurality of needle slots exact distance apart that allows to place a plurality of needles that contain radioactive seeds; a cylindrical coil that is inserted to the plurality of needle slots to hold said plurality of needles, wherein said cylindrical coil prevents the leakage of the radiation from the radioactive seeds; a set of hinges located at the end of said needle package within the outer most said plurality of needle slots; wherein the hinges can be bend to change the angle of said top portion of said needle package by a medical personnel to create a stand; and a single end enclosure located at the distal end of said cylindrical coil to provide an enclosed cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Best Medical International, Inc.Inventors: Rohit Mehta, Rashmi Amin
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Publication number: 20140084187Abstract: A shielding assembly for an infusion system includes a plurality of compartments and a door for each compartment, and provides a radioactive radiation barrier for the compartments. One of the compartments contains a radioisotope generator of the infusion system and another of the compartments may contain a waste bottle of the infusion system. An opening into each of the generator and waste bottle compartments may be oriented upward, and the opening into the latter may be at a higher elevation than the opening into the former, for example, to facilitate independent removal and replacement of each. A door of at least one of the compartments, other than the generator compartment, when closed, may prevent the door of the generator compartment from being opened. A cabinet structure for the infusion system may enclose the shielding assembly and secure the generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: Bracco Diagnostics Inc.Inventors: Charles R. Quirico, Ernest Balestracci, Daniel Darst, Eric J. Krause, Vishal N. Lokhande, Jacob S. Childs, Peter B. Madson, Daniel V. Clements
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Publication number: 20140077105Abstract: Disclosed is a radioactive contaminant container including a wall that defines a containing space for containing radioactive contaminants and shields at least a portion of radiation irradiated from the radioactive contaminants, and the wall has an outer shape of a hexagonal cylinder or a substantially hexagonal cylinder.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: KAWAHARA TECHNICAL RESEARCH CO., LTD.Inventor: Satoshi KAWAHARA
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Publication number: 20140070118Abstract: A system and method of transferring a radioactive payload using a shield-gate apparatus, including a method of performing work within a cavity of a shielding container using a shield-gate apparatus and shielding block, in one embodiment, the invention is a system comprising: a shield-gate apparatus comprising a body, a passageway extending along an axis through the body, and one or more movable shielding gates; a shielding block positioned atop the body of the shield-gate apparatus to enclose a first opening of the passageway; and a retaining feature that prevents relative transverse movement between the shielding block and the shield-gate apparatus while allowing relative rotation between the shielding block and the shield gate apparatus about a central axis of the shielding block.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Inventor: Stephen J. Agace
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Patent number: 8660230Abstract: A system for receiving and storing high level radioactive waste comprising: an enclosure comprising walls having inlet ventilation ducts, a roof comprising an array of holes, and a floor; an array of metal shells located in an internal space of the enclosure, the array of metal shells being co-axial with the array of holes in the roof so that containers holding high level radioactive waste can be lowered through the array of holes in the roof and into the array of metal shells; the array of metal shells acting as load bearing columns for the roof; and each of the metal shells comprising (i) an expansion joint for accommodating thermal expansion and/or contraction of the metal shells; and (ii) one or more holes at a bottom portion of the metal shell.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Inventors: Krishna P. Singh, Stephen J. Agace
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Patent number: 8660231Abstract: A storage rack arrangement (10) for the storage of nuclear fuel elements in a storage pool includes at least two storage racks (1.1-1.3) which each contain a plurality of vertical channels (9) arranged next to one another for the reception of the fuel elements, with positioning elements (6) being provided at the storage racks at the bottom. The storage racks are connected to one another at the top and the storage rack arrangement (10) additionally includes one or more base plates (2.1-2.3) which are provided with positioning members (8) which fit with the positioning elements (6) of the storage racks (1.1-1.3) and which, together with the positioning elements, position the storage racks with respect to the base plate or base plates (2.1-2.3) to prevent a displacement of the storage racks on the base plate or plates.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2010Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: CCI AGInventor: Stanislaw Kielbowicz
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Patent number: 8653482Abstract: Disclosed is a method of freezing a body or a portion thereof. The method comprises exposing at least a part of the body to a coolant having a temperature below the freezing point of the body, and at the same time operating an electromagnetic heater, as to maintain the at least part of the body at a temperature above its freezing point; and reducing the electromagnetic heating to allow the at least a part of the body to freeze. The electromagnetic heater comprises a resonator, and the heated part of the body is heated inside the resonator.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2007Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Goji LimitedInventor: Eran Ben-Shmuel
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Publication number: 20140035196Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal conduction element (20) for a package for transporting and/or storing radioactive materials, comprising: an internal part (30) intended to be in contact with a lateral body (14) of the package; an external part (34) intended to form a portion of an external envelope (24) of said package, holding radiological protection means (22); an intermediate part (32) arranged between the internal and external parts, the internal, external and intermediate parts being produced from copper and one of the alloys thereof. According to the invention, the external part (34) is equipped, at each of its two opposite ends, with an area (36) for connection by welding to another thermal conduction element (20), each connection area (36) being produced from steel.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2012Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: TN INTERNATIONALInventors: Herve Ripert, Emmanuel Mercier, Sylvain Lauret
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Patent number: 8634514Abstract: The invention concerns a vessel for processing, transfer, accumulation and/or transfer of material containing civilian or military origin plutonium, in the form of plutonium oxide, carbide and/or nitride. The plutonium is preferably present in a concentration not higher than a guaranteed maximum between 20 and 50% wt. in said material, possibly with other actinides such as americium, neptunium, or curium. Said material is preferably in form of powder, granulate and/or tablets. The vessel comprises a volume of 20 to 70 liters for containing said material, demarcated at least by two substantially parallel walls, these two walls being separated by a distance e between 8 and 15 cm.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2007Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Belgonucleaire SAInventor: Alain Vandergheynst
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Patent number: 8633461Abstract: In one characterization, the present invention relates to a radiation-shielding assembly for holding a container having a radioactive material disposed therein. The assembly may, at least in one regard, be referred to as an elution shield and/or a dispensing shield. The assembly includes a body at least partially defining a cavity. There is at least one opening through the body into the cavity. The assembly may include a cap that at least generally hinders escape of radiation from the assembly through the opening. The cap may be releasably attached to the body in one orientation and may establish non-attached engagement with the body in another orientation. The assembly may include an adjustable spacer system for adapting the assembly for use with containers having different heights.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2011Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Mallinckrodt LLCInventors: Frank M. Fago, David W. Wilson, Gary S. Wagner, Ralph E. Pollard, Jr.
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Patent number: 8630384Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for storing or transporting spent nuclear fuel. In one embodiment, a container for storing spent nuclear fuel comprises a plurality of elongated tubes that receives spent nuclear fuel rods. Each tube has four sidewalls and four corners defining a rectangular cross section. The plurality of tubes is arranged in an alternating pattern. An attachment means attaches together the plurality of tubes at the corners so that two adjacent sidewalls of adjacent tubes are substantially aligned.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2004Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: NAC International, Inc.Inventors: George Carver, Andy Langston, Michael Yaksh, Gerald Jones
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Patent number: 8624211Abstract: In one embodiment, a neutron shielding material is formed of boron-adding stainless steel of either austenite-ferrite two-phase stainless steel or ferritic stainless steel, the austenite-ferrite two-phase stainless steel containing, in mass %, B: 0.5% to 2.0%, Ni: 3.0 to 10.0%, and Cr: 21.00 to 32.00%, the ferritic stainless steel containing, in mass %, B: 0.5% to 2.0%, Ni: 4.0% or less, and Cr: 11.00 to 32.00%, and the boron-adding stainless steel being well in ductility and thermal conduction property.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2013Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Masanori Kibata, Yuuji Saito, Motoji Tsubota, Yoshitaka Doken, Makoto Sato, Shunichi Hatano, Masanori Ishiga, Go Ono
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Publication number: 20130334443Abstract: Components and systems for a PET radiopharmacy include a transport shield for a radioisotope cartridge, a cassette for dispensing from a transport shield, a cassette synthesis platform for a cassette, and a synthesizer shield.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: GE HEALTHCARE LIMITEDInventors: Colin Steel, Sajinder Kaur Luthra, Robin Fortt, Farah Shah
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Patent number: 8576976Abstract: Apparatus for supporting radioactive fuel assemblies, such as spent nuclear fuel. In one aspect, the invention is an apparatus, which can be in the form of a fuel basket, fuel rack, or the like, in which hexagonal storage tubes are used not only for their internal cells but are also strategically patterned to create resultant cells with their outside surfaces. In another aspect, the invention is an apparatus having flux traps surrounding each cell wherein the size of the flux traps decrease with distance from the center of the storage grid.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2008Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Inventors: Krishna P. Singh, Stephen J. Agace
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Patent number: 8569713Abstract: A column assembly of a radionuclide generator includes a column that retains a parent radionuclide that spontaneouosly decays to a relatively short-lived daughter radionuclide. A fluid path extends from an inlet port to the column and then to an outlet port and allows daughter radionuclide to be eluted from the radionuclide generator for use. Improved retention of parent radionuclide in the column is accomplished by preventing fluid from entering the flow path in a liquid state, such as during sterilization. Proper column chemistry is also promoted by preventing excess moisture from coalescing in the column, which may promote a higher and/or more reliable yield of daughter radionuclide from a radionuclide generator.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2009Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc.Inventor: John Henry Evers
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Patent number: 8548112Abstract: A fuel basket apparatus, system and method for storing high level radioactive waste. In one aspect, the invention is an apparatus suitable for transporting and/or storing spent nuclear fuel rods comprising: a basket formed from a honeycomb-like gridwork of plates arranged in a rectilinear configuration, the gridwork of plates forming a plurality of cells for receiving spent nuclear fuel rods; the basket comprising one or more flux traps that regulate production of neutron radiation; and wherein the plates are constructed of a metal matrix composite material.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2007Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Inventors: Krishna Singh, Stephen Agace
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Patent number: 8541763Abstract: A shield for absorbing radiation emitted by a target during operation of a cyclotron. The shield includes an inner box structure having a recess for receiving the target. In addition, the shield includes a first plurality of shield elements arranged in a layered configuration about the inner box structure. The shield also includes an outer box structure for receiving the inner box structure and the first plurality of shield elements. Further, a second plurality of shield elements is arranged in a layered configuration about the outer box structure. The shield elements are arranged in both horizontal and vertical orientations and are removable.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2012Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventor: Michael P. Roy
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Patent number: 8513632Abstract: In one characterization, the present invention relates to a radiation-shielding assembly for holding a container having a radioactive material disposed therein. The assembly may, at least in one regard, be referred to as an elution shield and/or a dispensing shield. The assembly includes a body at least partially defining a cavity. There is at least one opening through the body into the cavity. The assembly may include a cap that at least generally hinders escape of radiation from the assembly through the opening. The cap may be releasably attached to the body in one orientation and may establish non-attached engagement with the body in another orientation. The assembly may include an adjustable spacer system for adapting the assembly for use with containers having different heights.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Mallinckrodt LLCInventors: Frank M. Fago, David W. Wilson, Gary S. Wagner, Ralph E. Pollard, Jr.