Having Plural Storage Compartments Or Plural Nested Receptacles Patents (Class 250/507.1)
  • Patent number: 7786456
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for providing additional radiation shielding to a container holding radioactive materials. The invention utilizes a sleeve-like structure that is slid over a container holding high level radioactive materials to add radiation shielding protection. Because the sleeve-like structure and container are non-unitary and slidably separable from one another, crane lifting capacity is not affected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventors: Krishna P. Singh, Stephen Agace
  • Patent number: 7781752
    Abstract: Transport and storage of nuclear fuel assemblies may require double confinement depending on the circumstances. A device and a method are described to perform this double conditioning without the need of a hot containment, and in which the loading and pre-positioning steps can take place in a pool. The device (10) includes a metallic inner leak tight conditioning receptacle (20) and a metallic outer leak tight receptacle (30). When the inner receptacle (20) is located in the outer receptacle (30), a passage (15, 25) remains free between the two receptacles, from the open end to the bottom of the outer receptacle. The outer receptacle (30) can be drained through this passage, particularly by a dip tube (33).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Cogema Logistics
    Inventor: René Chiocca
  • Publication number: 20100155626
    Abstract: A vessel for storing and transporting hazardous substances, like for example Uranium Hexafluoride, includes a body having an internal region that is subdivided into two or more isolated regions. The vessel further includes end members that house ingress and egress valves. A cover assembly is affixed to the vessel to shield the valves from damage due to exposure and/or impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: COLUMBIANA HI TECH LLC
    Inventor: Thomas F. DOUGHERTY
  • Patent number: 7741628
    Abstract: A long-term storage container (1) for storage of radioactive material to inhibit radioactive radiation therefrom to the outside of the container, the top of said container to be closed by a screw-on radioactive radiation inhibiting lid (7), said container having an integral inner container part (2; 34; 62; 62?) of a first material, e.g. plastic material, an integral outer container part (3; 43; 69) of a second material, e.g. plastic material, and radioactive radiation inhibiting material (4; 38; 68) in an inter-space between the walls and bottoms of said inner and outer container parts. To fill the inter-space an inter-space container part (4; 38; 68) is integrally moulded through injection or pressure moulding and then fitted onto the inner container part (2; 34; 62; 62?) to subsequently mould the outer container part (3; 43; 69) onto the outside of the inter-space container part (4; 38; 68). A specially made container lid (7) is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Nuclear Protection Products AS
    Inventor: Frank Stengrimsen
  • Patent number: 7715517
    Abstract: A fuel rack for supporting radioactive fuel assemblies in an underwater (or other submerged) environment that reduces the depth required for the pool to effectuate the fuel rack loading procedure. The fuel rack is specially designed to afford lateral loading. In one embodiment, the fuel rack comprises a body structure comprising at least one substantially vertically oriented elongated cell for receiving a nuclear fuel assembly, the body having a top, a bottom and a first lateral side; at least one elongated slot in the first lateral side of the body structure that forms a passageway into the cell through which a vertically oriented fuel assembly can be loaded; and means for supporting a fuel assembly within the cell in a substantially vertical orientation. In another embodiment, the invention is a method of laterally loading a fuel rack that utilizes rotation of the fuel assembly to secure the fuel assembly within its designated cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventors: Krishna P. Singh, Evan Rosenbaum
  • Publication number: 20100084585
    Abstract: A process for cleaning containers (pigs) in which radioactive drugs are shipped to health care providers, after than are returned to a pharmacy and may contain residual radioactive material, blood, microorganisms and other contaminants. Those pigs that are contaminated with radioactive material are removed from the cleaning process until they have decayed to the background radiation level. The upper and lower portions of each blood contaminated pig is disinfected. Each pig is washed at a temperature of at least 180° Fahrenheit for a least one minute to kill bacteria and viruses. The combination of a disinfectant and high washing temperature water provides an optimum level of sterilization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: Rodney Wayne Prosser
  • Patent number: 7693250
    Abstract: A fast reactor 1 controlled with a reflector comprises: a reactor vessel 7 accommodating therein a coolant 5; a reactor core 2 disposed in the reactor vessel 7 and immersed in the coolant 5; and a reflector 4 that vertically moves for adjusting leakage of neutrons generated from the reactor core 2 to control a reactivity of the reactor core 2, the reflector 4 including a neutron reflecting part 4a disposed on an outside of the reactor core 2 in a vertically movable manner, the neutron reflecting part 4a having a neutron reflecting ability higher than that of the coolant 5, and a cavity part 4b positioned above the neutron reflecting part 4a, the cavity part 4b having a neutron reflecting ability lower than that of the coolant 5. The neutron reflecting part 4a is formed of a plurality of metal plates 37 that are stacked on each other. Each of the metal plates 37 has a plurality of coolant channels 36 through which the coolant 5 flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Takanari Inatomi, Yasuhiro Sakai, Toshiyuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7676016
    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 system comprising: an air-intake shell forming a substantially vertical air-intake cavity; a plurality of storage shells, each storage shell forming a substantially vertical storage cavity; a hermetically sealed canister for holding high level waste positioned in one or more of the storage cavities so that a gap exists between the storage shell and the canister, the horizontal cross-section of each of the storage cavities accommodating no more than one canister; a removable lid positioned atop each of the storage shells so as to form a lid-to-shell interface, each lid containing an outlet vent forming passageways between an ambient environment and the storage cavity; and a network of pipes forming a passageway between a bottom portion of the intake cavity and a bottom portion of each of the storage cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Krishna P. Singh
  • Publication number: 20100032591
    Abstract: A container for transporting a receptacle (2) containing a radioactive substance for medical use. includes a shielded body made up of a belt of side walls connected to a base element and defining a top opening, and a shielded closing lid attachable to the top opening by locking elements shaped so as to be activated by a translational movement of the lid in the top opening, this “locking movement” taking place along the axis of the opening and towards the opposing base element. The lid is further equipped with elements for deactivating the locking elements to enable it to be separated from the container body. In one advantageous embodiment, the lid has a plurality of retractable projecting studs designed to fit by a snap-action type phenomenon into at least one complementary housing formed in the opening of the container body during the locking movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: Pierre-Marie Lemer
  • Publication number: 20090318745
    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: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    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: 20090294700
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals. Typically, the apparatus is a two-part assembly, each part having an exterior shell, a radiation shield and a non-porous lining. Additionally, the assembled apparatus has a sealed internal chamber suitable for carrying a syringe or a sharps container containing a syringe. The internal chamber of the radiopharmaceutical pig is lined with a non-porous lining, typically a durable plastic, that prevents contamination of the radiopharmaceutical doses, the radiation shield, or the environment. Additionally, the non-porous lining can be quickly and easily cleaned and sterilized, avoiding the often difficult, to impossible, task of cleaning and sterilizing the radiation shield of the radiopharmaceutical pig. The non-porous lining is surrounded by a radiation shield that is typically comprised of elemental lead. The radiation shield prevents radiation from the radiopharmaceutical from contaminating the user or environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Monty Mong Chen Fu, Bing Bing Zhu
  • Patent number: 7627090
    Abstract: A medical radiotherapeutic instrument comprising a ray source body, a switch and an end collimation body, a pre-collimation hole and a ray source cavity for placing ray source are defined on the ray source body; the switch is at least one pillar, each pillar is coupled with a drive unit, the pillars are disposed inside the ray source body, a middle collimation hole is defined on each pillar; under the driving of the drive unit, the pillar arise a displacement to move the middle collimation hole into or out of alignment with the pre-collimation hole; the end collimation body is disposed inside the ray source body, and an end collimation hole is defined on the end collimation body, the end collimation hole is connected with the pre-collimation hole through the middle collimation hole to form a therapy path. The present invention is simplified in structure and low in cost, with this structure, it can control the switch separately, and continuously adjust the radiate amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Yanxiong Qiu
  • Publication number: 20090278061
    Abstract: A containment medical apparatus for use in association with medical treatments requiring radioactive substances has a tubular housing with a cap configured for closing an open end of the tubular housing. A quick release mechanism holds the cap on an open end of the tubular housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Donald L. Powers
  • Publication number: 20090272920
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the system comprises a system for storing radioactive material, wherein the system includes a storage pool for storing a plurality of radioactive objects submersed in a radiation shielding and cooling liquid. The system additionally includes an assembly building located above the storage pool for constructing one or more radioactive articles using the radioactive objects transferred from the storage pool. Furthermore, the system includes at least one transfer shaft connecting the storage pool and the assembly building. The transfer shaft(s) are used for transferring the radioactive objects directly from within the storage pool to an interior of the assembly building and directly from the interior of the assembly building into the storage pool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: John Hannah, William Earl Russell, II
  • Patent number: 7608831
    Abstract: A radioactivity dose calibrator system measures the quantity of radioactive material contained in a sample-vial or syringe without removing the vial or syringe from its primary radiation shield. The system comprises a first radiation detector, a second radiation detector, a transportable, shielded radioactive material sample-holder, a signal-processing circuit and a video display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventors: James F Lamb, Lewis Carroll
  • Patent number: 7592605
    Abstract: A device for producing a fluid containing a radioactive constituent, comprising a shielded chamber (5) with an opening for receiving an isotope container (6) housing a radioactive isotope (7); a chamber closure (18) adapted for cooperating with and closing the chamber opening; a first fluid port comprising a first hollow needle projecting into the shielded chamber from the chamber closure for fluid communication with the isotope container; a second fluid port comprising a second hollow needle projecting into the shielded chamber from the closed end of the chamber opposite the chamber closure for fluid communication with the isotope container; first and second compressible buffers (28, 29) mounted so as to surround at least partially the respective first and second hollow needles (12, 13), each buffer providing an outer surface for contact with opposed ends of the isotope container; and a spacer of a predetermined thickness associated with one or each of the first and second compressible buffers for determinin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Peter Stewart Weisner, Terence Robert Frederick Forrest
  • Patent number: 7590213
    Abstract: A system and method for storing spent nuclear fuel that affords adequate cooling capabilities under “smart flood” criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventor: Krishna P. Singh
  • Publication number: 20090152477
    Abstract: A shielded radioactive medical apparatus has a tubular housing with a quick release cap configured for closing an open end of the tubular housing. A quick release mechanism holds the quick release cap on an open end of the tubular housing. A data display module on the housing communicates with an outside computer for receiving and transmitting information. The data display model also calculates and displays the radioactivity of a dose within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Donald L. Powers, Henry M. Chilton, Craig H. Fischer
  • Patent number: 7514701
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shielding wall (12) with a puncture-resistant shield for a container (1), said wall (12) comprising support means (20) as well as the following respective stacked elements (24, 26, 28, 30, 32): an outer plate (24); a first dampening layer (26); an intermediate plate (28); a second dampening layer (30); an inner plate (32). According to the invention, the intermediate plate (28) is positioned non-rigidly with respect to the support means (20). The invention likewise relates to a container (1) comprising at least one shielding wall (12) such as the one described above. Application to the field of transporting/storing nuclear materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Cogema Logistics
    Inventor: Yves Chanzy
  • Patent number: 7504646
    Abstract: The invention is directed to improved containers for pharmaceuticals and any tubing and tubing connectors associated therewith, particularly containers for pharmaceuticals which are irradiated, heated or otherwise subjected to increased pressure. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is directed to an improved container for use in a radioisotope generator, such as a rubidium-82 generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest Balestracci, James A. Melchore, Jr., Jo Anna Monteferrante, Irene Kucharewicz Ropiak, Ernst Schramm, Julius P. Zodda, Charles Quirico
  • Patent number: 7498594
    Abstract: A container device (11) for the long-term storage of hazardous material, particularly for the ultimate disposal of nuclear fuel, comprises at least one elongate, cylindrical first containment body (A) having walls defining a first compartment (14) for accommodating at least one hazardous-material body (F) formed by the hazardous material or containing or supporting the hazardous material. The first compartment (14) comprises support means for supporting the hazardous-material body centrally in the first compartment and spaced from the walls thereof. The container device also comprises an elongate, cylindrical second containment body (B) having walls defining a cylindrical second compartment (22). The second compartment (22) comprises support means for supporting the first containment body (A) centrally in the second containment body (B) and spaced from the walls thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Oyster International N.V.
    Inventor: Hans Georgii
  • Patent number: 7474726
    Abstract: An unirradiated nuclear fuel assembly component transport system that includes a clamshell-type inner liner that opens either along its axial dimension or from the top to load and unload the fuel assembly being transported. The exterior dimensions of the liner conform to a generic overpack tubular container that protects the liner from impact loads and fires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Co LLC
    Inventors: Brian E. Hempy, John Dexter Malloy, III, Richard Forsythe Rochow
  • Patent number: 7473918
    Abstract: A radiation-shielding container for storing a syringe includes a body assembly and a cap assembly securable to the body assembly such that first and second chamber portions define a chamber for storing the syringe. The body assembly includes a body shield formed of radiation shielding material, a body shell that defines a first cavity having an open end for receiving the body shield and defines a first chamber portion for receiving a portion of the syringe, wherein an inner wall of the body shell separates the first cavity and the first chamber portion, and a body plug secured to the body shell to cover the open end of the first cavity and retain the body shield within the first cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Vulcan Global Manufacturing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul H. Yanke, Matthew R. Macur, Brian M Schaber, Thomas J. Ray
  • Patent number: 7450679
    Abstract: Abstract A container device (11) for the long-term storage of hazardous material F), particularly for use for the ultimate disposal of nuclear fuel, comprises a plurality of containment bodies (A, B, C, D), placed successively one with in the other. Each containment body comprises a casing wall and an upper and a lower end wall and has a compartment defined by these walls. The innermost containment body (A) holds the hazardous material and each of the other containment bodies B, C, D) contains a respective next inner containment body (A, B, C). Self-compacting concrete is used to fill the spaces between the containment bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Oyster International, N.V.
    Inventor: Hans Georgii
  • Patent number: 7435983
    Abstract: Device for injecting electromagnetic radiation into a reactor and a reactor comprising this device A device for injecting electromagnetic radiation into a reactor for carrying out free-radical gas-phase reactions and a reactor comprising such a device are described. This comprises the elements: a) a compartment which is separated from the reaction space of the reactor and is b) connected to the reaction space of the reactor via at least one opening, c) at least one feed line for introducing a flushing gas into the compartment, and also d) at least one source of electromagnetic radiation which is arranged so that e) the electromagnetic radiation passes through the compartment and the reaction space of the reactor adjoining the compartment. The device and reactor make an increase in the yield of free-radical chain reactions possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Uhde GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Benje
  • Publication number: 20080210891
    Abstract: The invention relates to the handling of radioactive material. For instance, a radiation shield of the invention may include a body having a cavity therein for receiving radioactive material. An opening to the cavity may be defined in the body. A base may be releasably attachable to the body (generally toward the opening) to at least partially enclose the radioactive material in the cavity. In the case that the radiation shield includes a plurality of interchangeable bases, one of the bases may have at least one of a shorter length and a lighter weight than another of the bases. The base(s) may be designed to enclose more than one size and/or shape of container in the cavity. The base(s) may include a hand grip to facilitate manual gripping of the radiation shield. The base(s) may include a guard to reduce exposure to radiation from manual handling of the radiation shield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Gary S. Wagner, Elaine E. Hayes, Yogesh P Patel
  • Patent number: 7414254
    Abstract: A radio-pharmaceutical transport system includes a pig and a disposable plastic insert. Together, the pig and the disposable plastic insert provide a mechanism for transporting a syringe containing a dose of a radio-pharmaceutical composition. The pig includes a tungsten cylinder that defines an elongated cavity therein that is substantially coaxial with the tungsten cylinder. The cavity is of sufficient size to receive therein a syringe. The tungsten cylinder has a thickness sufficient to shield users from a PET radio-pharmaceutical without requiring additional shielding. The disposable plastic insert is disposed within the cavity and includes an elongated plastic envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: United Pharmacy Partners, Inc.
    Inventors: Perry Polsinelli, Jeff D. D'Alonzo, Steven B. West
  • Patent number: 7385213
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved high dosage radioactive drug subpackaging shielding device, which allows for transversal rotational movements by means of a disk, while outer grooves of support posts hook into inner grooves of long supports, thereby enabling longitudinal rotational adjustments of a drug canister disposed on the long supports. Position of the canister is fixed with a screw down device after making transversal rotational adjustments, and a catch device functioning in coordination with a round-hole perforated disk enables fixing the angle of the canister after making longitudinal rotational adjustments. Furthermore, hook grooves of a carry support are used to hook into inner grooves of support posts, thereby facilitating a user to conveniently detach and transport the canister, and enables the human body to avoid coming in direct contact with the canister containing radioactive drugs, thus preventing radioactive radiation from endangering the human body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Becquerel & Sievert Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Kuang Chen
  • Patent number: 7372060
    Abstract: A container (10) for fissile material comprises an inner annular shaped receptacle (12) contained within an outer annular enclosure (14). The receptacle (12) and the enclosure (14) define an inner chamber (16) surrounded by an outer chamber (18). A closure mechanism (20) fastens the receptacle (12) to the enclosure (14) and seals there between. Two opposing openings (22) are provided in the top of the container (10) to allow fissile material to be introduced into and removed from the inner chamber (16). The openings (22) are shielded by flanges (24) and vented caps (23) seal the openings (22). The annular container (10) is impact resistance. The outer chamber (18) acts as a buffer to protect the inner chamber (16). If the outer chamber (18) ruptures the fissile contents of the inner chamber (16) are contained. The outer chamber (18) also acts to contain any spillage of the fissile material in the event that the inner receptacle (12) fails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: John H Barnes, Ronald I Kliene
  • Patent number: 7351989
    Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a fiber-reinforced concrete cask that ensures easy working, enables reducing working cost, excels in strength, durability and heat resistance and enables minimizing cracking; a process for fabrication of the same; and a supporting frame for molding the concrete cask. In particular, concrete cask (10) formed through injecting and solidification of concrete (11) is characterized in that sheets of reinforcement fibers having a thermal expansion coefficient equal to or lower than that of concrete (11) are provided on at least the outer circumferential surface and the inner circumferential surface of the concrete cask (10) and that the inner circumferential surface of outer sheet (21) and the outer circumferential surface of inner sheet (22) are connected with each other by strings of reinforcement fibers (23). Preferably, carbon fibers are used as the reinforcement fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Haruo Morishige
  • Patent number: 7335902
    Abstract: A urethane based polymer composition is provided that exhibits superior shielding properties during and after exposure to high level radiation. The composite is formed by mixing a liquid isocyanate monomer, preferably 4,4?-diisocyanate monomer with a liquid phenolic resin, preferably phenol formaldehyde resin, and a phosphate ester flame retardant. An optional pyridine catalyst may be added to shorten the cure time. The resulting composition cures at room temperature and can be utilized in several manners, including spraying or pouring the composition prior to curing over radioactive material to prevent leakage of radiation. The uncured composite can be sprayed on the walls of a room or container to prevent leakage of radiation and can also be used to contain radiation prior to demolition. The uncured composite can also be molded into bricks or panels for use in construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Hanford Nuclear Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Rengarajan Soundararajan
  • Patent number: 7330526
    Abstract: A system and method for storing high level waste. In one aspect, the invention is a system comprising: an inner shell forming a cavity for receiving high level waste, the cavity having a top and a bottom; an outer shell surrounding the inner shell so as to form a space between the inner shell and the outer shell; at least one opening in the inner shell at or near the bottom of the cavity, the at least one opening forming a passageway from the space into the cavity; a lid positioned atop the inner and outer shells, the lid having at least one inlet vent forming a passageway from an ambient atmosphere to the space and at least one outlet vent forming a passageway from the cavity to the ambient atmosphere. In another aspect, the invention is a method of using the system to store high level waste. In yet another aspect, the invention does not require the aforementioned lid but further comprises a floor plate wherein the inner and outer shells rest atop and are connected to the floor plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Krishna P. Singh
  • Patent number: 7312466
    Abstract: Embodiments of a radiation shield are disclosed. One non-limiting embodiment of the radiation shield may comprise a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer may include a neutron moderating material. The second layer may be adjacent the first layer and may include a neutron absorbing material. The third layer may be adjacent the second layer, and may include a photonic radiation attenuating material. At least the first layer and the second layer may be removable from the radiation shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: TDY Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven G. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 7307265
    Abstract: A radio-pharmaceutical pig for transporting a syringe containing a radio-pharmaceutical includes a first cylindrical member having a first tungsten body defining a first cavity therein. A second cylindrical member has a second tungsten body defining a second cavity therethrough and is capable of engagement with the first cylindrical member so that the first cavity is in substantial alignment with the second cavity. A third cylindrical member includes a third tungsten body defining a third cavity and is capable of engagement with the second cylindrical member so that the third cavity is in substantial alignment with the second cavity. The first cavity, the second cavity and the third cavity are shaped so as to be complimentary in shape of the syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: United Pharmacy Partners, Inc.
    Inventors: Perry Polsinelli, Jeff D. D'Alonzo, Steven B. West
  • Patent number: 7268359
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals. Typically, the apparatus is a two-part assembly, each part having an exterior shell, a radiation shield and a non-porous lining. Additionally, the assembled apparatus has a sealed internal chamber suitable for carrying a syringe or a sharps container containing a syringe. The internal chamber of the radiopharmaceutical pig is lined with a non-porous lining, typically a durable plastic, that prevents contamination of the radiopharmaceutical doses, the radiation shield, or the environment. Additionally, the non-porous lining can be quickly and easily cleaned and sterilized, avoiding the often difficult, to impossible, task of cleaning and sterilizing the radiation shield of the radiopharmaceutical pig. The non-porous lining is surrounded by a radiation shield that is typically comprised of elemental lead. The radiation shield prevents radiation from the radiopharmaceutical from contaminating the user or environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Cardinal Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Monty Mong Chen Fu, Bing Bing Zhu
  • Patent number: 7215728
    Abstract: Corner of each square pipe is molded into a terrace shape having steps. When a basket is constructed by these square pipes, steps of adjoining square pipes are assembled together face to face. Fuel rod aggregates are housed inside the square pipes and in a cells formed between the square pipes. Since the adjoining square pipes are assembled in a staggered arrangement, boundaries of the cells are defined by the walls of the square pipes itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsunari Ohsono, Toshihiro Matsuoka, Shinji Ookame
  • Patent number: 7205537
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ion guide consisting of RF multipole segments to transfer ions from an ion source into a mass analyzer. The invention consists in having movable RF multipole segments in the ion guide which extend or electrically connect other RF multipole segments along the axis of the ion guide, in which spaces have arisen as a result of a change in configuration of the mass spectrometer, comprising ion source, ion guide and mass analyzer. The moved RF multipole segments bridge the spaces which have arisen between the components of the mass spectrometer and facilitate the transfer of the ions from the ion source to the mass analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Bruker Daltonic GmbH
    Inventor: Evgenij Nikolaev
  • Patent number: 7186993
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container system for the transport and storage of highly reactive materials, which comprises an outer container (1) that encompasses at least one inner container (2) in which the radioactive material is disposed. The inner container (2) is resiliently received in the inner container so as to absorb shocks. The outer container (1) comprises a cylinder (4) whose jacket (5) consists of prestressed reinforced concrete molded by centrifugal action and is provided with a lid (6) and a bottom pate (7) that consist of reinforced concrete. Like the outer container (1), an intermediate container may consist of prestressed reinforced concrete molded by centrifugal action and may encompass the inner container (2). Preferably, the concrete parts of the outer container (1) and the intermediate container (3) are provided with, e.g., boroxyde as an additional neutron absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Polygro Trading AG
    Inventor: Friedhelm Timpert
  • Patent number: 7186994
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for shipping hazardous materials, such as radioactive liquids and materials, that comply with certain international and national regulations for the transport of hazardous materials. According to one embodiment, hazardous material samples are placed inside inner containers, such as glass bottles. Inner containers are placed inside secondary containers, surrounded and cushioned by high density polyethylene (“HDPE”) foam inserts. Secondary containers are placed inside cutouts in a HDPE custom insert. Custom insert is inside an outer container made with HDPE and held together with extruded aluminum hardware, closed-end aluminum and steel rivets, and a sealant applied to the seams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: The S.M. Stoller Corporation
    Inventor: David M. Spruce
  • Patent number: 7170072
    Abstract: Packaging system for radioactive materials having: a vial with closure for accommodating the radioactive material; a first casing to be opened, enclosing the vial, and essentially made from a transparent material, which has a capture cross-section selected for shielding at least a part of the emitted radiation; and a second casing to be opened, made from a material with a high capture cross-section (Z) for essentially shielding the remaining radiation, the second casing enclosing the first casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: AEA Technology QSA GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Schwarz, Joachim Kahl
  • Patent number: 7138644
    Abstract: A rotatable and replaceable plunger type multi-source radiator is provided for equipment correlation and radiation experiment. The rotatable and replaceable plunger type multi-source radiator comprising a radiation source rod, a rotatable radiation source selection device, staircases radiation aperture, radiation shields, and a mechanic operation arm for replacing radiation source. The plunger type rotatable and replaceable multi-source radiator of the present invention is capable of preventing radiation leakage and mutual interferences among radiation sources, providing precise positioning, safety operation, and simple replacement of radiation sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research
    Inventors: Shi Hwa Su, Chun Liang Chen, Wen Song Hwang
  • Patent number: 7119349
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to obtain a containment concrete cask which has heat removal capacity maintained at the conventional level or beyond it and which prevents radiation from leaking to the outside. In a concrete cask, a shielding body composed of concrete and heat transfer fins made from metal are provided between an inner shell and an outer shell made from metal, and an accommodation portion for accommodating a radioactive substance is provided inside the inner shell. The accommodation portion has a containment structure to be insulated from the outside of the cask. In the heat transfer fins, the portions thereof at the outer shellside are provided in contact with the outer shell and the portions thereof at the inner shell side are cut so as to form a separation portion with respect to the inner shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho, Taisei Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Shimojo, Hiroaki Taniuchi, Yutaka Sugihara, Eiji Owaki, Akihito Hata, Katsuhiko Hirakawa, Shigeyoshi Miyahara
  • Patent number: 7097609
    Abstract: The invention relates to an after loader apparatus for treatment of tumours in an animal body comprising a housing with at least one exchangeable radiation source connected to a first end of a transport wire, which wire is connected with its other end to transport means for advancing said transport wire and said radiation source through a guide tube to and from a tumour in said body, where at least the radiation source and the transport wire are mounted in an exchangeable radiation shielded after loader cartridge, which cartridge can be placed in a suitable receptable opening present in said housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Nucletron B.V.
    Inventors: Johann Kindlein, Frits van Krieken, Arie Luite Visscher
  • Patent number: 7086133
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting syringes containing radioactive material. The apparatus includes a radiopharmaceutical pig having an inner chamber in which a sharps container can be secured. The sharps container has a housing and an attachable cap. The method includes assembling the radiopharmaceutical pig so that the chamber of the radiopharmaceutical pig contains the syringe in the sharps container housing. The radiopharmaceutical pig is disassembled, where upon the syringe is removed, discharged, and then replaced in the sharps container housing. The cap of the sharps container is affixed to the housing of the sharps container, thus enclosing the contaminated syringe therein. The radiopharmaceutical pig is assembled so that its chamber contains the sharps container and the syringe. The radiopharmaceutical pig is transported to a disposal area, where it is disassembled and the sharps container containing the syringe is placed in a particular disposal container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Cardinal Health 414, Inc.
    Inventor: Don E. Reich
  • Patent number: 7060998
    Abstract: The invention relates to a component support (29) for use in a radioisotope generator, the component support comprising a latching member (5) movable between an engaging position and an open position characterised by further including a bracing member (13) mechanically associated with the latching member and adapted to prevent movement of the latching member to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Terence Robert Frederick Forrest, Mark Teucher, Philip Walsh
  • Patent number: 7040856
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting syringes containing radioactive material. The apparatus includes a radiopharmaceutical pig having an inner chamber in which a sharps container can be secured. The sharps container has a housing and an attachable cap. The method includes assembling the radiopharmaceutical pig so that the chamber of the radiopharmaceutical pig contains the syringe in the sharps container housing. The radiopharmaceutical pig is disassembled, where upon the syringe is removed, discharged, and then replaced in the sharps container housing. The cap of the sharps container is affixed to the housing of the sharps container, thus enclosing the contaminated syringe therein. The radiopharmaceutical pig is assembled so that its chamber contains the sharps container and the syringe. The radiopharmaceutical pig is transported to a disposal area, where it is disassembled and the sharps container containing the syringe is placed in a particular disposal container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Cardinal Health, 414 Inc.
    Inventor: Don E. Reich
  • Patent number: 7019317
    Abstract: Encapsulation of an inner facing surface of a lead shield of a radiopharmaceutical pig. The inner facing surface defines a chamber in which is inserted a radiopharmaceutical syringe. The encapsulation protects the inner facing surface against contamination due to leaks of the contents of the radiopharmaceutical syringe and further obviates the need for a sharps container to enclose the syringe during transport. The outer facing surface may likewise be encapsulated and secured to the encapsulation of the inner facing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Biodex Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew R. Martin, Kenneth A. Paladino
  • Patent number: 6990166
    Abstract: A primary lid is set in a top opening of a vessel body that contains radioactive substance, and closes the top opening. The peripheral edge portion of the primary lid is welded to the inner peripheral surface of the vessel body. As the primary lid is welded, steam in the vessel body is discharged to the outside through a discharge hole in the primary lid, and a shield gas is filled into or run through a space in the outer peripheral portion of the primary lid, so as to prevent the steam from flowing into the welding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Matsunaga, Ganji Abe, Kazuo Murakami, Koichi Ue, Takashi Shige, Etsuryo Kita, Shizuo Inoue, Tsuneo Mandai
  • Patent number: 6963073
    Abstract: A radiopharmaceutical pig device that includes two pig sections and two complementary engaging elements that engage each other. One of the two complementary engaging elements in integral with one of the two pig sections. By holding the other of the two complementary engaging elements stationary while the two complementary engaging elements are engaged, the other section of the pig may be removed from the pig without having to grasp the sidewall of the one of the two pig sections. This other of the complementary engaging elements may be part of a pig retainer brace, a shipping container, and L-Block shield or a counter top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Biodex Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew R. Martin, Kenneth Paladino
  • Patent number: 6958483
    Abstract: A container device (10) for storing hazardous material comprises a substantially cylindrical container block which has a central axial cylindrical through passage (13) and includes a group of storage vessels (12) for the hazardous material positioned between the central passage and the circumferential surface of the container block and which further includes a cylindrical concrete body (14) enveloping the group of storage vessels. The storage vessels (12) are positioned adjacent to one another along a closed curve, and sections of the circumferential surfaces of adjacent storage vessels (12) form the predominant part of the wall of the central passage (13). The concrete body directly contacts the storage vessels (12) over substantially all the parts of said circumferential surfaces, which do not constitute said sections. When the container device is made, the remaining parts of the circumferential surfaces of the storage vessels (12) form a permanent formwork in which the concrete body (14) is cast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Oyster International N.V.
    Inventor: Hans Georgii