Abstract: A radiation shielding overlay for a portion of a valve controller or a valve assembly. The radiation shielding overlay includes a layer including a base material and a second material infused within the base material. The base material has a first density and the second material has a second density higher than the first density, increasing a density of the layer. The layer is adapted to be disposed over a surface of a housing of a valve controller or a valve assembly, such that the layer blocks radiation from reaching a component disposed within the housing.

Abstract: A nuclear waste cask in one embodiment includes an axially elongated cask body defining a longitudinally-extending opening forming an entrance to an internal storage cavity of the cask configured for holding radioactive nuclear waste materials. A closure lid detachably coupled to the cask body at the top opening seals the cavity. A cask locking mechanism includes a plurality of first locking protrusions spaced apart on the lid which are selectively interlockable with a plurality of second locking protrusions spaced apart on the cask body to lock the lid to the cask body. The first locking protrusions may be disposed on slideable locking bars moveable between locked and unlocked positions while the lid remains stationary on the cask body. Hydraulic or pneumatic actuators may be used to change position of the locking bars. The cask and lid may include other features such as impact absorbers and lifting elements.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to controlling radiation and protecting biological organisms from exposure to radiation and particularly, but not exclusively, to apparatuses, methods, and systems for minimizing and/or eliminating exposure of humans to stray radiation used for medical imaging and therapy.

Abstract: Electromagnetically shielded and self-supporting panels form a shielded enclosure. The use of prefabricated, shielded and self-supporting panels to construct an enclosure reduces the time and cost of constructing such an enclosure.

Abstract: A composite is synthesized by pyrolysis of a mixture of tannin and melamine. The synthesis process comprises dissolving the tannin and the melamine in water to form a homogeneous solution; evaporating the solution to yield a dry solid; and subjecting powders of the dry solid to a heat treatment at a temperature for a duration of time effective to produce the composite.

Abstract: A radome constructed from a plurality of interconnectable segments and a novel connector assembly for use in connecting together the radome segments.

Abstract: A telescopic lead blanket lifting frame and method for shielding workers from a radiation source. The lifting frame includes, first and second hollow vertical tubular members attached orthogonally on first ends thereof to first and second ends of a horizontal base member. Third and fourth vertical tubular members and slidably disposed in the first and second hollow vertical tubular members. A first cross member is attached orthogonally to second ends of the first and second hollow vertical tubular members. A second cross member is attached orthogonally to distal ends of the third and fourth vertical tubular members. A plurality of hooks are attached to the first and second cross members on side portions thereof for engaging lead blankets. A lifting gear is provided for telescopically extending and retracting the third and fourth vertical tubular members and second cross member in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A system to create a magnetic field around the outside of a spacecraft to afford human occupants and electronic equipment with protection from cosmic and solar radiation. Using electromagnets to generate magnetic fields placed on the outer surface of the spacecraft, cosmic and solar radiation may be deflected from entering the main body of the spacecraft. In addition, the magnetic field lines are kept away from the human occupants and interior electronic equipment. Side electromagnets are placed on the side outer surface of the spacecraft and separate electromagnetics are positioned in a cross shaped configuration at the front and rear of the spacecraft in alignment with the side electromagnets. Magnetic field lines are channeled around the outside of the spacecraft or centered on the center of quadrupole magnets placed either at the front of rear of the spacecraft.

Abstract: A magnetic shielding material includes a material comprising manganese bismuth (MnBi) and tungsten (W), where a ratio of MnBi:W is in a range of 50:50 to about 70:30. A radiation shielding product includes a part including manganese bismuth (MnBi) and tungsten (W), and a plurality of layers having a defined thickness in a z-direction, wherein each layer extends along an x-y plane perpendicular to the z-direction. At least some of the plurality of layers form a functional gradient in the z-direction and/or along the x-y plane, and the functional gradient is defined by a first layer comprising a ratio of MnBi:W being less than 100:0 and an nth layer above the first layer comprising a ratio of MnBi:W greater than 0:100.

Abstract: An EMP-protective composite structure may include at least one enclosure having walls, a ceiling, at least one ingress/egress portal and a base, each including at least one blast-resistant structural panel and at least one layer of an EMP barrier having CCR that provides magnetic conduction, field absorption, and field reflection fully-enclosing the structural panel. A blast- resistant structural panel may include a frame constructed of a spaced-apart frame members of a ferrous material, frame reinforcing members extending between the frame members, a cementitious layer in which the frame is embedded, and an EMP absorbing mesh embedded in the cementitious layer. The composite structure may further include an encapsulation barrier and a HEMP protective door formed in the enclosure to absorb and deflect HEMP.

Abstract: Electromagnetically shielded and self-supporting panels form a shielded enclosure. The use of prefabricated, shielded and self-supporting panels to construct an enclosure reduces the time and cost of constructing such an enclosure.

Abstract: A radiation shielded vault structure includes a rigid outer structure comprising a plurality of rigid structural components that are interconnected at elongated joints to define an interior space. The structural components include a layer of lower atomic number (Z) material such as aluminum alloy and one or more layers of higher atomic number (Z) material titanium and/or tantalum. The vault structure may include radiation shield members extending along the elongated joints to provide radiation shielding at the elongated joints. The shield members comprise a higher atomic number (Z) material such as titanium or tantalum. The rigid structural components may comprise plate members that are interconnected along side edges thereof. End plates may be attached to the plate members to close off the interior space.

Abstract: A wall constructed of building blocks designated as basic and modified, which have both convex and concave surface features. The convex and concave surface features are present both in the longitudinal and latitudinal direction. The convex and concave surface features are in parallel planes with one another. A curve in the wall is introduced with variation of these blocks with use of acute angle cutoff present on the latitudinal edge of the blocks. A curve in the wall can also be made with a bent on a block's longitudinal plane creating an obtuse angle at the outer longitudinal edge. The wall layers and ends are terminated by two types of filling blocks that are essentially one-half section of either the basic of modified block separated along the longitudinal direction or the latitudinal direction. The building blocks can also have a cavity used for filling in some compound.

Abstract: Directional radiation detectors and systems, methods, and computer-readable media for using directional radiation detectors to locate a radiation source are provided herein. A directional radiation detector includes a radiation sensor. A radiation attenuator partially surrounds the radiation sensor and defines an aperture through which incident radiation is received by the radiation sensor. The aperture is positioned such that when incident radiation is received directly through the aperture and by the radiation sensor, a source of the incident radiation is located within a solid angle defined by the aperture. The radiation sensor senses at least one of alpha particles, beta particles, gamma particles, or neutrons.

Abstract: A safe. A safe lid is connected to a safe box via a hinge attachment. The safe is locked shut by utilization of a latch assembly. A Nitinol wire is connected to a latch assembly opening device. The latch assembly opening device is connected to the latch assembly. A user can open the safe by inputting the correct pass code into a keypad. An electrical signal is then transferred to the Nitinol wire causing the Nitinol wire to shorten. The shortening of the Nitinol wire causes the latch assembly opening device to open the latch assembly. In a preferred embodiment a key lock is also configured to control the latch assembly opening device and the key lock may be used as another method to open the safe.

Abstract: An ambulatory surgical center can include a hybrid operating room. The hybrid operating room can include at least four lead-shielded walls, a floor, and a ceiling. The ambulatory surgical center can also include an imaging device disposed in a central area of the hybrid operating room. The ambulatory surgical center can further include an operating table disposed in the central area of the hybrid operating room. The ambulatory surgical center can additionally include a power room adjacent to the operating room. The power room can include a power supply for the imaging device. The ambulatory surgical center can also include a conduit from the power room to the imaging device configured to deliver power to the imaging device. The ambulatory surgical center can further include an emergency power source for the imaging device configured to permit continuity of surgery in the hybrid operating room during a power outage.

Abstract: A nuclear fusion reactor first wall component includes a copper alloy element, an intermediate metal layer made from niobium and a beryllium element, directly in contact with the intermediate metal layer. The intermediate niobium layer is further advantageously associated with a mechanical stress-reducing layer formed by a metal chosen from copper and nickel. This mechanical stress-reducing layer is in particular arranged between the intermediate niobium layer and the copper alloy element. Furthermore, when the mechanical stress-reducing layer is made from pure copper, a layer of pure nickel can be inserted between the niobium and the pure copper before diffusion welding. Such a component presents the advantage of having an improved thermal fatigue behavior while at the same time preventing the formation of intermetallic compounds at the junction between the beryllium and the copper alloy.

Abstract: A radiation shielded cockpit comprises a radiation blocking material which creates a semi-enclosed work space and which is provided with a structure for receiving and supporting an articulated robot arm and an articulated robot arm that engages the supporting structure in a readily removable manner.

Abstract: A laser protection cabin separates a working space for laser processing from a working space environment and includes a first wall area, in particular a ceiling area, and a second wall area, in particular a lateral wall area. The second wall area, on its interior side facing the working area, in particular in a sub-area adjacent to the first wall area, has a laser beam reflector in order to reflect laser radiation, created during laser processing, onto the first wall area. The first wall area has a surface, on its interior side facing the working area, which absorbs and/or diffusely scatters the laser radiation.

Abstract: An observation window is provided for use with a spray booth during a spray coating process where the observation window is located in a position to permit an operator to observe the spray coating process. The observation window is controlled to provide light transmission in the window suitable for the specific spray process being performed. The control can be automatic or operator controlled. The window is adapted to have a different light transmission during different spray processes such as plasma spray and HVOF spray.

Abstract: A nuclear fusion reactor first wall component includes a copper alloy element, an intermediate metal layer made from niobium and a beryllium element, directly in contact with the intermediate metal layer. The intermediate niobium layer is further advantageously associated with a mechanical stress-reducing layer formed by a metal chosen from copper and nickel. This mechanical stress-reducing layer is in particular arranged between the intermediate niobium layer and the copper alloy element. Furthermore, when the mechanical stress-reducing layer is made from pure copper, a layer of pure nickel can be inserted between the niobium and the pure copper before diffusion welding. Such a component presents the advantage of having an improved thermal fatigue behaviour while at the same time preventing the formation of intermetallic compounds at the junction between the beryllium and the copper alloy.

Abstract: An X-ray obscuration (XRO) film comprising one or more metallic wire mesh layers and an adjacent layer of indium foil having portions which extend into openings of the wire mesh and in contact with metallic portions thereof. The XRO film can be capable of absorbing at least a portion of X-ray energy thereby creating an interference pattern when the XRO film is coupled with an electronic circuit and placed between an X-ray source and an X-ray detector and subjected to radiographic inspection. The interference pattern can create sufficient visual static to effectively obscure circuit lines in the electronic circuit when subjected to radiographic inspection techniques. The XRO film can be substantially thinner than existing solutions for preventing X-ray inspection with an exemplary embodiment being no more than 5 mils thick. The metallic XRO film can also provide electromagnetic shielding and/or heat dissipation for electronic circuits.

Abstract: Articles of manufacture and a method of how to utilize the same in order to create a radiation shielding barrier wall assembly. A metal stud and a metal support bar and a metal restraining bar and a prefabricated radiation shielding lead panel whereby the assembly of these components in the manner as directed and in conjunction with commercially available preexisting metal stud components will result in all radiation shielding lead panels overlapping at all interior field joints, and will result in no punctures or damage in any way to the radiation shielding lead created by the attachment method, creating a radiation shielding leak-proof metal stud system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a neutron reflector block. The neutron reflector block comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a first end face and oppositely located intermediate shoulders which are spaced from the first end face. The first end face and the intermediate shoulders are bounded by spaced side faces and spaced upper and lower faces. The second portion protrudes from the first portion between the intermediate shoulders and has spaced side faces and spaced upper and lower faces. The second portion side faces are more narrowly spaced relative to the first portion side faces. The second portion also has a second end face located oppositely to the first end face.

Abstract: An overall lead-free X-ray shielding rubber compound material. The overall lead-free X-ray shielding rubber compound material uses rare earth mixture to replace lead, simultaneously adds metal tin and compounds thereof, metal tungsten and compounds thereof and bismuth and compounds thereof as shielding main materials and is further compounded with rubber to prepare the compound material which can realize the overall shielding and the complete lead-free property within the energy range of 40-170 kVp. When rare earth and bismuth materials are used, the way of combined use of two metal element inorganic compounds and unsaturated organic complexes is adopted, and the in-situ reaction and the compounding with a polymer matrix are carried out, thereby leading the shielding element disperse phase to form nano-micro-level dispersed particles.

Abstract: An elastomeric matrix impregnated with at least 70% by weight of a high atomic number radiopaque substance, and cured with an organic peroxide, to form carbon-carbon links between elastomer molecular chains. The radiopaque elastomeric matrix may be used to create a flexible, lightweight, carbon-carbon linked, multilaminated protection material against ionizing radiation. The multilaminated protec tion material may include a mechanical reinforcement cloth layer to avoid material expansion or rupture; and additional external elastomeric layers for protection against aging, physical, biological and chemical hazards, as well as allowing mechanical memory of the material and easy cleaning, desinfection and sterilization.

Abstract: A thermal neutron shield comprising boron shielding panels with a high percentage of the element Boron. The panel is least 46% Boron by weight which maximizes the effectiveness of the shielding against thermal neutrons. The accompanying method discloses the manufacture of boron shielding panels which includes enriching the pre-cursor mixture with varying grit sizes of Boron Carbide.

Abstract: Boron cage compound-containing materials for shielding and absorbing neutrons. The materials include BCC-containing composites and compounds. BCC-containing compounds comprise a host polymer and a BCC attached thereto. BCC-containing composites comprise a mixture of a polymer matrix and a BCC filler. The BCC-containing materials can be used to form numerous articles of manufacture for shielding and absorbing neutrons.

Abstract: A method of using automatic whole body personnel contamination monitors and/or means for decontaminating individuals exposed to radioactive material contamination is provided. The inventive method involves the use of these monitors and/or decontamination means in intermodal containers of mobile-unit structures dedicated to responding to radiological emergency situations. Also provided are such mobile-unit structures, as well as systems that employ such mobile-unit structures.

Abstract: A method and device of shielding an area from radiation are provided. A radiation shield device may include first and second shells at least partially surrounding the area with the second shell being spaced apart from and further away from the area than the first shell. Both the first and second shells include a plurality of coils that are arranged in paired coil groupings and that encircle the area to be shielded from radiation. The coil groupings of the first shell may be configured to support current flow in an opposite direction to that in which the paired coil groupings of the second shell are configured to support current flow. As such, each coil grouping of the first shell has north and south poles that are correspondingly oppositely positioned from the north and south poles of the paired coil grouping of the second shell.

Abstract: An observation window is provided for use with a spray booth during a spray coating process where the observation window is located in a position to permit an operator to observe the spray coating process. The observation window is controlled to provide light transmission in the window suitable for the specific spray process being performed. The control can be automatic or operator controlled. The window is adapted to have a different light transmission during different spray processes such as plasma spray and HVOF spray.

Abstract: A laser protection cabin separates a working space for laser processing from a working space environment and includes a first wall area, in particular a ceiling area, and a second wall area, in particular a lateral wall area. The second wall area, on its interior side facing the working area, in particular in a sub-area adjacent to the first wall area, has a laser beam reflector in order to reflect laser radiation, created during laser processing, onto the first wall area. The first wall area has a surface, on its interior side facing the working area, which absorbs and/or diffusely scatters the laser radiation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for aligning collimators in an imaging system includes a transmitter coupled to a first detector and configured to transmit a beam, and a receiver coupled to a second detector and configured to receive the beam transmitted from the first detector. The alignment system also includes a cart comprising an alignment device with the cart configured to hold at least two collimators. The system includes a control system configured to align the first and second detectors with the at least two collimators using the alignment device.

Abstract: A method, a product and an apparatus suited to transform radioactive waste by forming an amalgam of crushed hazardous radioactive waste, such as spent nuclear fuel rods, mixed with copious amounts of lead pellets, also granulated, to form a mixture in which lead granules overwhelm, and which is then further enclosed between solid lead slabs and compressed between rollers under high pressure to render the rolled end product a compacted amalgam radiation-free for integration into the environment.

Abstract: Radiation therapy equipment includes a multi-divided irradiation collimator leaf plates for setting irradiation field as approximately close to a target region as possible by avoiding backlashes due to a plurality of gears for driving a plurality of leaf plates. The plurality of leaf plates is respectively connected to a plurality of constant force springs that are coaxially supported by a pair of rotation shafts so as to be constantly forced in a closing direction. Each leaf plate is moved in an opening direction by rolling up a wire connected to the leaf plate.

Abstract: Articles of manufacture and a method of how to utilize the same in order to create a radiation shielding barrier wall assembly. A metal stud and a metal support bar and a metal restraining bar and a prefabricated radiation shielding lead panel whereby the assembly of these components in the manner as directed and in conjunction with commercially available preexisting metal stud components will result in all radiation shielding lead panels overlapping at all interior field joints, and will result in no punctures or damage in any way to the radiation shielding lead created by the attachment method, creating a radiation shielding leak-proof metal stud system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiation protective slat arrangement comprising a guide and several radiation protective slats movably arranged along the guide. The arrangement can be converted from an open state into a closed state by displacing and rotating the slats. Adjacent slats are arranged to overlap each other and are articulated to each other.

Abstract: Irradiation device for proton and/or ion beam therapy, said device comprising a radiation source, a beam guiding device, and a therapy room comprising a treatment site and an access, wherein the therapy room is arranged in a first plane, and the treatment beam is directed into the therapy room from a second plane above or below the first plane, and oriented towards the treatment site so that the treatment beam is directed away from the access. In the therapy room, a shielding is provided, which is open towards the treatment site and associated with the entrance region of the treatment beam into the therapy room so that the access is arranged on the side of the shielding opposing the treatment site, and a labyrinth leading from the access to the treatment site is provided laterally offset to the treatment beam proceeding in the therapy room and to the shielding.

Abstract: A shield for absorbing radiation emitted during generation of a radioisotope. The shield includes an inner portion fabricated from a first type of shielding material. The shield also includes an outer portion fabricated from a second type of shielding material wherein the outer portion serves as a mold for forming the inner portion. The inner portion may be fabricated from a material which shields against gamma rays such as concrete. The outer portion may be fabricated from a material which moderates neutrons such as high density polyethylene. Additional shielding materials may be embedded into the inner portion as desired.

Abstract: A particle therapy system that includes at least one irradiation chamber, in which an object is irradiated with a treatment beam, an antechamber, which is screened off from radiation occurring in the irradiation chamber and from which access is made to the irradiation chamber, and an access area, which leads to the irradiation chamber and connects the irradiation chamber to the antechamber, is provided. A support for a patient moves along a path of travel from the antechamber, through the access area, to the irradiation chamber. A radiation protection door is arranged in the access area, and the access area is configured geometrically in such a way that the path of travel in the access area is substantially rectilinear.

Abstract: A device containment apparatus includes a vessel for storing an explosive device and minimizing dispersal of radioactive material. The vessel includes an outer wall defining an interior area. A first frame supports the vessel and supports a first or outer radiation shield that is spaced from the vessel. A second or inner radiation shield can also be provided, supported adjacent the vessel's outer wall by a second frame that includes upper and lower frame rings. The vessel and the second radiation shield can be generally spherical, while the first frame is substantially rectangular, and the first radiation shield includes substantially planar sides.

Abstract: In a shielded chamber for neutron therapy including a therapy room which has a central beam axis along which a high-energy therapy beam is introduced into the Chamber through one end wall thereof and which includes at the opposite end a labyrinth entrance with at least two shielding wall sections displaced longitudinally along the central beam axis and extending into the room from opposite side walls, the wall sections include structures for causing spallation to thereby generate from the high energy neutrons in the high energy neutron beam a plurality of low energy neutrons which are then moderated by the wall sections.

Abstract: Boron cage compound-containing materials for shielding and absorbing neutrons. The materials include BCC-containing composites and compounds. BCC-containing compounds comprise a host polymer and a BCC attached thereto. BCC-containing composites comprise a mixture of a polymer matrix and a BCC filler. The BCC-containing materials can be used to form numerous articles of manufacture for shielding and absorbing neutrons.

Abstract: A radiation attenuation corridor couples a radiation therapy room and a control room. The radiation attenuation corridor is made of a material that substantially absorbs ionizing radiation and substantially blocks the transmission of the ionizing radiation. Specific wall portions at the entrance of the corridor are covered with borated polyethylene (BPE). Specific wall portions diverge from an axis defined by the corridor by from about 10 degrees to about 45 degrees. The corridor thus leads out of the room and angles laterally across the wall of the therapy room, before angling again and opening to a safe room. The added angles in the radiation corridor increase the distance of radiation travel, and make the path more indirect, thereby increasing the contact of the radiation emissions with the radiation shielding and further attenuating the radiation.

Abstract: A shielding (11) for reducing the amount of radiation passing through the shielding comprises a first part (111) and a second part (112), wherein the first part is arranged for being withdrawn from the second part and wherein said first and second parts comprise abutments. At least one pair of corresponding abutments of said first and second parts has a transverse section which is curvilinearly shaped along a portion of at least half of said transverse section.

Abstract: A thermally switched optical downconverting (TSOD) filter is a self-regulating device including a downconverter that converts incoming light at a variety of wavelengths into longer-wavelength radiation and then directs it using one or more bandblock filters in either the inward or outward direction, depending on the temperature of the device. This control over the flow of radiant energy occurs independently of the thermal conductivity or insulating properties of the device and may or may not preserve the image and color properties of incoming visible light. The TSOD filter is energy-efficient as it can be used to regulate the internal temperature and illumination of buildings, vehicles, and other structures without the need for an external power supply or operator signals. The TSOD filter has unique aesthetic and optical properties not found in traditional windows, skylights, stained glass, light fixtures, glass blocks, bricks, or walls.

Abstract: The present (or current) nuclear shielding is bulky and difficult to handle due to the reduced stopping power of the neutral radiations (X, gamma, n) in materials. It is proven that these radiations are reflecting at grazing incidence angles on special substrates called super-mirrors that contain nano-layers of various materials. The usage of nano-structures in an ordered manner or of nano-tubes may create inside the nano-structure the super-mirror reflection conditions and makes these nano-structures act like wave-guide for this neutral radiation driving it and turning at angles greater than 90 degrees requiring a total thickness a few microns only. The usage of ferro or piezo electric nano-structures generates a “shield” structure that has the wave-guides inside with the path dependent on a control voltage.

Abstract: There is a structure element, in particular for radiation shielding constructions, having at least one floor plate and at least one wall section and/or at least one ceiling section. The structure element is characterized in that the at least one wall section and/or the at least one ceiling section comprise/comprises at least two shell elements made from metal, plastic and/or wood and a layer which lies in between and is made from radiation shielding materials. In addition, a construction, in particular a radiation shielding construction, is proposed having at least one floor plate and/or ceiling plate which delimits a storey and a structure element described above.

Abstract: A radiation shielding system includes at a first shielding member and at least a second shielding member that is coupled to the first shielding member. Each of the first and second shielding member includes a moderator material. At least the first shielding member includes at least one locking member extending from a surface of a region where the at least one locking member is disposed. At least the second shielding member includes at least one recessed area on a side of the second shielding member corresponding to the side of the first shielding member. The second shielding member is coupled to the first shielding member by the recessed area receiving the locking member.

Abstract: A thermally switched optical downconverting (TSOD) filter is a self-regulating device including a downconverter that converts incoming light at a variety of wavelengths into longer-wavelength radiation and then directs it using one or more bandblock filters in either the inward or outward direction, depending on the temperature of the device. This control over the flow of radiant energy occurs independently of the thermal conductivity or insulating properties of the device and may or may not preserve the image and color properties of incoming visible light. The TSOD filter is energy-efficient as it can be used to regulate the internal temperature and illumination of buildings, vehicles, and other structures without the need for an external power supply or operator signals. The TSOD filter has unique aesthetic and optical properties not found in traditional windows, skylights, stained glass, light fixtures, glass blocks, bricks, or walls.