Shielded Receptacles For Radioactive Sources Patents (Class 250/506.1)
  • Patent number: 9443625
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Krishna P. Singh
  • Patent number: 9395263
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Zhiwu Wang
  • Patent number: 9200839
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: TN INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Lilian Viallon, Roger Lahille, Laurent Stachetti
  • Patent number: 9142327
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: TN INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Christophe Valentin, Olivier Bardon, Stavros Kitsos
  • Patent number: 9117558
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: NAC INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Charles W. Pennington
  • Patent number: 9040946
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: TN INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Herve Ripert, Emmanuel Mercier, Sylvain Lauret
  • Patent number: 8999235
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert Harttig, Ralf Heinrich, Stefan Konig
  • Patent number: 8998488
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: SPEC Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher John Cole
  • Patent number: 8991436
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Evan Tyler Birch
  • Patent number: 8995605
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20150069274
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Holtec International, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Agace
  • Patent number: 8929504
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventors: Krishna P. Singh, Stephen J. Agace
  • Patent number: 8927954
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: TN International
    Inventors: Mohamed Zibouche, Florent Ferry, Patrick Jacot
  • Publication number: 20140361198
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Malcolm James Clough, Austin Thomas Jackson, Clifford John Joseph Dugal, Daniel Harry Martin, James Edward Allan McGregor, William Thomas Diamond
  • Patent number: 8908821
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Nasu, Yoshio Kitaoka, Akinori Takei
  • Patent number: 8884259
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen J. Agace
  • Publication number: 20140306130
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Duane L. Horton, Andrew D. Speth
  • Patent number: 8822963
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC
    Inventors: Eric P. Loewen, Jordan E. Hagaman
  • Patent number: 8822964
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiichiro Sakashita
  • Patent number: 8822950
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: John Henry Evers
  • Patent number: 8811564
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 8804895
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: TN International
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Bersegol, Justo Garcia
  • Patent number: 8801977
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Brown-Cravens-Taylor
    Inventor: Dennis Cravens
  • Patent number: 8759768
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et Aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Nicolas Hupont, Philippe Bernard, Jean-Francois Mante, Jean-Pierre Coulon, Nicolas Saurel
  • Patent number: 8754387
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation Limited
    Inventor: Johannes Samuel Frederik Botha
  • Publication number: 20140155675
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Edward Murphy
  • Patent number: 8716686
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: TN International
    Inventors: Olivier Bardon, Guilaume Foussard, Stavros Kitsos
  • Patent number: 8718221
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventors: Krishna P. Singh, John D. Griffiths
  • Patent number: 8718220
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Krishna P. Singh
  • Patent number: 8710476
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventors: 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.
  • Patent number: 8712001
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventors: Krishna Singh, Stephen Agace
  • Patent number: 8705683
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroki Tamaki
  • Patent number: 8696540
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Best Medical International, Inc.
    Inventors: Rohit Mehta, Rashmi Amin
  • Publication number: 20140084187
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: 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
  • Publication number: 20140077105
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: KAWAHARA TECHNICAL RESEARCH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Satoshi KAWAHARA
  • Publication number: 20140070118
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen J. Agace
  • Patent number: 8660230
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventors: Krishna P. Singh, Stephen J. Agace
  • Patent number: 8660231
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: CCI AG
    Inventor: Stanislaw Kielbowicz
  • Patent number: 8653482
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Goji Limited
    Inventor: Eran Ben-Shmuel
  • Publication number: 20140035196
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: TN INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Herve Ripert, Emmanuel Mercier, Sylvain Lauret
  • Patent number: 8634514
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Belgonucleaire SA
    Inventor: Alain Vandergheynst
  • Patent number: 8633461
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt LLC
    Inventors: Frank M. Fago, David W. Wilson, Gary S. Wagner, Ralph E. Pollard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8630384
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: NAC International, Inc.
    Inventors: George Carver, Andy Langston, Michael Yaksh, Gerald Jones
  • Patent number: 8624211
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Masanori Kibata, Yuuji Saito, Motoji Tsubota, Yoshitaka Doken, Makoto Sato, Shunichi Hatano, Masanori Ishiga, Go Ono
  • Publication number: 20130334443
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: GE HEALTHCARE LIMITED
    Inventors: Colin Steel, Sajinder Kaur Luthra, Robin Fortt, Farah Shah
  • Patent number: 8576976
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventors: Krishna P. Singh, Stephen J. Agace
  • Patent number: 8569713
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: John Henry Evers
  • Patent number: 8548112
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventors: Krishna Singh, Stephen Agace
  • Patent number: 8541763
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael P. Roy
  • Patent number: 8513632
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt LLC
    Inventors: Frank M. Fago, David W. Wilson, Gary S. Wagner, Ralph E. Pollard, Jr.