Radionuclide Generator

Description

1 / 82 Radionuclide Generator Reference to Related Deposit Requests

[001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC § 119(e) of US Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 458,296, filed April 10, 20235, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Field of Invention

[002] The modalities described are related to radionuclide generators and related methods of use. Fundamentals

[003] Radionuclides such as lead-212 (212Pb) can be used in various applications. For example, 212Pb can be used as a therapeutic in radiation treatments for various health conditions, including several types of cancer. Lead-212 can be formed as a progeny radionuclide in the decay chain of a parent radionuclide, such as thorium, radon, or radium. Summary

[004] In some embodiments, a method for generating a radionuclide may comprise receiving a container in a receptacle of a radionuclide generator, moving the container in the receptacle from a first pose to a second pose, and exposing an inner surface of the container to a precursor radionuclide source. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, page 10 / 110 2 / 82 while the container is in the second pose. The method may further comprise allowing sufficient time for the precursor radionuclide source to decay into one or more progeny radionuclides and emanate one or more progeny radionuclides into the container. The method may include isolating the precursor radionuclide source from the container while the container is in the first pose.

[005] In further embodiments, a radionuclide generator may comprise a container module including a container receptacle configured to receive a container. The container module may be configured to move the container in the container receptacle between a first pose and a second pose. The radionuclide generator may further comprise a source module configured to receive a precursor radionuclide source and configured to selectively expose an inner surface of the container to the precursor radionuclide source in an exposed configuration and to isolate the inner surface of the container from the precursor radionuclide source in an isolated configuration.

[006] It should be considered that the concepts mentioned above, and additional concepts discussed below, can be arranged in any suitable combination, since the present description is not limited in this respect. Furthermore, other advantages and features Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, p. 11 / 110 3 / 82 innovative aspects of the present description will become evident from the detailed description below of various non-limiting embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures. Brief Description of the Drawings

[007] In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in several figures may be represented by a similar number. For clarity, not all components may have labels in all drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a thorium decay chain; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a radionuclide generator according to one embodiment, with the loading cap removed from the loading port; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a radionuclide generator in a loading configuration, according to one embodiment; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a radionuclide generator in a generation configuration, according to one embodiment; Figure 5A is a top view of a source module of a radionuclide generator, in which the precursor radionuclide source is in an extended configuration; Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, page 12 / 110 4 / 82 Figure 5B is a side view in cross-section of the source module of Figure 5A, in which the precursor radionuclide source is in an extended configuration; Figure 5C is a side view in cross-section of the source module of Figure 5A, in which the precursor radionuclide source is in a retracted configuration; Figure 6 is a side view of a source fitting of a radionuclide generator, according to one embodiment; Figure 7A is a top cross-sectional view of a source socket of a radionuclide generator with a source module inserted into the source socket and a source socket latch in an engaged position; Figure 7B is a top cross-sectional view of the power supply fitting of Figure 7A, with the latch in a disengaged position; Figure 8 is a side view in cross-section of a receptacle of a radionuclide generator according to one embodiment, with a container disposed inside the receptacle; Figure 9 is a top view of a container drive assembly of a radionuclide generator according to one embodiment; Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, page 13 / 110 5 / 82 Figure 10 is a cross-sectional side view of a container drive assembly of a radionuclide generator according to one embodiment; Figure 11 is a perspective view of portions of a container drive assembly of a radionuclide generator according to one embodiment; Figure 12 is a schematic illustration of a radionuclide generator, according to one embodiment; Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of a radionuclide generator, according to one embodiment; Figure 14 is a perspective view of a radionuclide generator, according to one embodiment; Figure 15A is a schematic illustration of a radionuclide generator with a plurality of vessels in a first pose, according to an embodiment; Figure 15B is a schematic illustration of the radionuclide generator according to the embodiment of Figure 15A with the plurality of containers in a second pose; Figure 15C is a schematic illustration of the radionuclide generator according to the embodiment of Figure 15A with a plurality of precursor radionuclide sources in an extended configuration; and Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating a radionuclide using a radionuclide generator, according to one embodiment. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, page 14 / 110 6 / 82 Detailed Description

[008] Radionuclides can be used for a variety of applications in fields such as medicine, biology, physics, and other industries. Some radionuclides that have relatively short half-lives may be suitable for use in various medical applications, such as targeted alpha-particle therapy (TAT). Radionuclides with relatively short half-lives may be preferred for some applications because they can be administered to a patient to treat a particular condition (for example, any of several types of cancer, such as prostate or carcinoid cancer) while limiting the patient's exposure time to radioactivity. Treatments with radionuclides that have shorter half-lives may therefore result in fewer or less severe side effects than treatments with radionuclides that have longer half-lives.In some applications, lead-212 (212Pb) may be a desirable radionuclide for use in TAT or other treatments or applications because it has a half-life of about 10.6 hours.

[009] Although the shorter half-lives of some radionuclides may be desirable for therapeutic purposes, this can also impose certain difficulties in distributing and storing the radionuclides before administering a Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, page 15 / 110 7 / 82 ​​treatment. For example, it may be difficult to ship and / or store 212Pb because its shorter half-life may cause it to decay into daughter, granddaughter, or other undesirable radionuclide progeny during transport or storage before it can be administered. On the other hand, a parent, grandparent, or other precursor radionuclide may have a longer half-life, so the precursor radionuclide can be transported and / or stored for longer periods without significantly decaying into undesirable progeny radionuclides.

[0010] In view of the foregoing, the inventors recognized and considered the benefits of a radionuclide generator that can produce a desired progeny radionuclide (or “target radionuclide”) from a parent, grandparent, or other precursor radionuclide that has a longer half-life. Radionuclide generators according to the present description may allow the production of the target radionuclide at or near the location where the target radionuclide will be used. The target radionuclide may therefore have less time to decay into undesirable progeny radionuclides before use. This may facilitate a greater quantity and / or purity of the target radionuclide, thus improving the effectiveness of the target radionuclide during use. For example, a generator may be able to produce 212Pb from a precursor radionuclide such as thorium-228. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, page 16 / 110 8 / 82 (228Th), radium-224 (224Ra), or any other precursor radionuclide that can be transported or stored for significant periods before the production of 212Pb. 212Pb can be produced in the generator at a hospital or treatment center immediately or shortly before 212Pb is administered to a patient. In some of these applications, 212Pb will have less time to decay before administration. Therefore, when 212Pb is administered, the quantity and / or purity of 212Pb (and consequently, the effectiveness of the treatment) may be greater than if the 212Pb had been produced off-site and distributed over a period of time to the point of administration.

[0011] Of course, the generators described in this document are not limited to operation in hospitals, treatment facilities, or other points of use. Instead, some generators described in this document may additionally or alternatively be suitable for generating a target radionuclide at a production facility and / or at another location distant from where the target radionuclide may be used. In this respect, some embodiments that are fully or partially automated, semi-automated, or otherwise mechanized, as described below, may facilitate a reliable and / or consistent generation process. This reliability and / or consistency may be desirable at any location, including a production facility, a Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, page 17 / 110 9 / 82 treatment facility and / or any other suitable location for generating a target radionuclide.

[0012] In some embodiments, a generator according to the present description may receive a container in which the target radionuclide can be generated and / or collected. A container may comprise a vessel for collecting or containing the radionuclide and / or a solution containing the radionuclide, such as a flask, a balloon, an ampoule, a bottle, or any other suitable container. In some embodiments, the generator may be configured to expose one or more portions of the container (e.g., an inner surface and / or an inner volume of the container) to a precursor radionuclide. The precursor may decay into one or more progeny radionuclides, including the target radionuclide. In some embodiments, at least one of one or more progeny radionuclides may be a gas at or near ambient pressure and temperature, such that at least one progeny radionuclide can emanate from the precursor radionuclide as a gas.For example, radon-220 (220Rn) can emanate in a gaseous form as a progeny radionuclide from a precursor radionuclide comprising radium-224 (224Ra), thorium-228 (228Th), and / or any other suitable precursor radionuclide. However, some gaseous radionuclides, such as 220Rn, may have a short half-life and may decay into a progeny radionuclide that may be a... Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, page 18 / 110 10 / 82 solid or liquid at or near ambient pressure and temperature. In the example above, 220Rn may have a half-life of less than one minute, and may decay to 212Pb, which may be a solid at ambient pressure and temperature. Consequently, it should be considered that exposure of an inner surface of a container to a precursor radionuclide comprising 224Ra and / or 228Th may cause 212Pb to deposit on the inner surface, since the precursor radionuclide decays and emanates from the precursor as a gaseous 220Rn, which further decays to a solid 212Pb when exposed to the ambient conditions within the container that may correspond to a surrounding internal temperature and pressure (although other temperatures and pressures suitable to allow the formation of liquid or solid lead on the inner surface of the container may be used).

[0013] It is clear that, although this sequence is described in this document with specific reference to a decay chain in the thorium series, from 228Th to 212Pb, it should be considered that the present description is not limited to any particular radionuclide or to any particular decay chain. In this respect, a generator according to the present description can be configured to receive any suitable precursor radionuclide, including 232Th, 228Ra, 228Ac, 228Th, 227Th, 227Ac, ​​226Ra, 224Ra, 223Rn, 222Rn, 219Rn, Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 19 / 110 11 / 82 any combination of the aforementioned, or any other suitable radionuclide or combination of radionuclides. Similarly, a generator of the present description may be configured to produce any suitable radionuclide, including 222Rn, 220Rn, 219Rn, 216Po, 214Pb, 214Bi, 214Po, 212Pb, 212Bi, 212Po, 211Pb, 211Bi, 211Po, 210Pb, 210Bi, 210Po, 208Tl, 208Pb, any combination of the aforementioned, or any other suitable radionuclide or combination of radionuclides. Additionally, although portions of a thorium decay series have been described in this document, it should be considered that a generator according to the present description may be configured to accommodate other decay chains or portions thereof, including a neptunium series, a uranium or radium series, an actinium series, or any portion thereof.

[0014] In some applications, the operation of a generator or other methods for producing a target radionuclide from a precursor radionuclide can be performed manually. For example, in some applications, an inner surface of a container can be exposed to a precursor radionuclide by manually inserting the precursor radionuclide into the container. Additionally, the precursor radionuclide can be removed from the container manually. As will be considered, these manual processes can lead to several undesirable results. For example, Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, page 20 / 110 12 / 82 Manual insertion and removal of the precursor radionuclide may lead to accidental and / or incidental contact between the precursor radionuclide and a portion of the container (e.g., an inner surface of the container, an edge of the container, an outer surface of the container, etc.). This may cause a quantity of the precursor radionuclide to deposit on the portion of the container that is in contact. This deposit of precursor radionuclides on an outer portion of the container may be undesirable because this deposit of unshielded radioactive material would represent a danger to anyone exposed to the container. A deposit of precursor radionuclides on an inner portion of the container may be undesirable due to the resulting contamination of the target radionuclide with the precursor radionuclide.In medical applications, it may be desirable to maintain a specific purity, quantity, and composition of the product during manufacturing to provide an appropriate composition for a prescribed treatment.

[0015] In view of the above, the inventors recognized and considered the benefits of a radionuclide generator whose operation can be fully or partially automated, semi-automated, or otherwise mechanized. This mechanization can reduce the risks associated with purely manual operations in the generation process, including, for example, the risks of exposure and Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, page 21 / 110 13 / 82 contamination. These generators can additionally facilitate a more reliable and / or reproducible generation process by reducing the variation associated with manual operations. In several embodiments, a generator according to the present description can be configured to selectively expose an internal surface of a container to a precursor radionuclide in a consistent manner. In some embodiments, a generator may include a container module configured to receive the container and a source module configured to receive a precursor radionuclide. The container module and the source module can interact in various ways to expose an internal surface of the container to the precursor radionuclide. For example, the container module and the source module can be configured to cooperatively align the precursor radionuclide with an opening in the container so that the precursor radionuclide can be selectively inserted into and / or removed from the container.In some embodiments, the container module may include a container receptacle sized and shaped to receive the container, and may be configured to move the container receptacle and / or to move the container within the container receptacle.

[0016] Additionally, in some modes, a generator or container module can be configured to move the container between two or more poses. As used Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, page 22 / 110 14 / 82 in this document, a pose can be a specific position of the container in three-dimensional space in combination with a specific orientation of the container (which may include an angular orientation). Consequently, moving a container between two poses (e.g., a first pose and a second pose) may involve translating the container, rotating the container, or both translating and rotating the container. The mechanized movement of the container between two or more poses, as described in this document, can facilitate the reliable positioning and / or alignment of the container during various operations, before, during, or after the generation process. For example, a container can be loaded into the generator in a first pose and moved to a second pose (e.g., translated from a first position to a second position and / or rotated from a first orientation to a second orientation).According to some embodiments, when the container is in the first pose, the container may be aligned with a generator loading port, which may be an opening in an enclosure, a container module, or another portion of the generator. Thus, when the container is in the first pose, the container may be removable from the generator through the loading port. Additionally, or alternatively, when the container is in the second pose, the container or an opening thereof may be aligned with, in contact with, Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, p. 23 / 110 15 / 82 and / or otherwise positioned and / or oriented appropriately with reference to a source module to allow the interior volume of the container to be selectively exposed to a precursor radionuclide. Consequently, when the container is in the second pose, the precursor radionuclide can be inserted through an opening in the container to expose an inner surface of the container to the source. In operation, the inner surface of the container can be exposed to the source for an appropriate exposure time to allow the precursor radionuclide to decay into one or more progeny radionuclides and to allow at least one gaseous radionuclide to emanate from the precursor radionuclide. The exposure time may be additionally sufficient, or additional time may be allowed, to allow the gaseous progeny radionuclide(s) to deposit on the inner surface of the container (as a solid, a liquid, or both).It should be considered that the exposure time can be predetermined to generate a predetermined quantity of a target progeny radionuclide. In several embodiments, the container can be moved back to the first pose for discharge, or the container can be moved to a third pose different from the first pose so that the container can be discharged from the generator. It should be considered that a generator and / or a container module thereof can be configured to move one. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, page 24 / 110 16 / 82 container and / or a container between any appropriate number of poses.

[0017] In addition, in some embodiments, a source module may be configured to facilitate selective and / or consistent exposure of the container (or an internal surface thereof) to the precursor radionuclide. A precursor radionuclide may be disposed of in a portion of the source module. In some embodiments, the source module may include a precursor radionuclide source in which the precursor radionuclide may be disposed. As described below, a precursor radionuclide source (or simply, source) may be any material that includes a precursor radionuclide. The source module may include a source holder configured to receive a source. Furthermore, the source module may be configured to selectively expose or isolate the precursor radionuclide and / or the precursor radionuclide source. For example, the source module may be configured to selectively move a source between an exposed configuration and a retracted configuration.In some embodiments, the source module may comprise a shaft. The shaft may include a source holder configured to receive the source, and may allow the precursor radionuclide and / or the source to be movable between a retracted and an extended position. In the retracted position, the source may be isolated within the source module. For example, in... Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, page 25 / 110 17 / 82 In the retracted position, the source can be isolated from a container and / or environment by one or more gas-tight seals. In the extended position, the source can be exposed. For example, in some embodiments, the generator can be configured so that the precursor radionuclide and / or source is extendable into a container within the container module. Consequently, in some embodiments, when the precursor radionuclide and / or source is in the extended position, the source or source support can be extended through an opening in the container to expose an inner surface of the container to the precursor radionuclide. After a period of exposure time, the precursor radionuclide and / or source can be moved to the retracted position to isolate the inner surface of the container from the precursor radionuclide.

[0018] To further reduce the risk of the precursor radionuclide contaminating the container, the source module may be additionally configured to maintain a gap between the source or source holder and the container during at least a portion of the generation process, or during the entire generation process. In some embodiments, a source module or a shaft thereof may be configured to maintain a gap between the source holder, as well as the source contained therein, and the container (or an inner surface thereof) in the retracted position. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, page 26 / 110 18 / 82 extended, and / or during movement between the retracted and extended positions. For example, a source module can be configured to selectively extend and retract the shaft, source holder, and / or source through an opening in the container, while maintaining a gap between the container and the shaft or source holder.

[0019] Another risk associated with manual operations during a generation process is that a radionuclide (e.g., a precursor radionuclide and / or a progeny radionuclide) may be exposed to the surrounding environment. In some applications, a gaseous progeny radionuclide (e.g., 220Rn) may emanate from the precursor radionuclide into the surrounding environment. This leakage of gaseous radionuclides is undesirable.

[0020] In view of the foregoing, the inventors recognized and considered the benefits of a radionuclide generator that can reliably and consistently isolate the precursor radionuclide from a surrounding environment when exposure is not desired. Some generators, according to the present description, can isolate the precursor radionuclide in any appropriate manner, for example, by forming one or more gas-tight seals between a space containing a precursor radionuclide and / or a progeny radionuclide and a surrounding external environment. In embodiments that include a source module, the source module may be Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, page 27 / 110 19 / 82 configured to selectively isolate the precursor radionuclide and / or the precursor radionuclide source. For example, in embodiments that have a source module that includes a shaft, the source module may additionally include a sheath surrounding at least partially the shaft. The shaft may be extendable and retractable through the sheath, for example, to move the precursor radionuclide and / or the source between extended and retracted configurations. In some embodiments, the shaft and sheath may be configured to cooperatively form one or more gas-tight seals between them to isolate the precursor radionuclide. Some embodiments may include one or more O-rings, gaskets, compatible materials, or other seals included in the source module, for example, on the shaft, the sheath, or both.In some embodiments, a precursor radionuclide may be placed in a portion of the shaft that lies between two seals formed with the sheath, so that the precursor radionuclide can be isolated between the two seals when the shaft is retracted into the sheath.

[0021] In addition to the above, some generators may include materials that can at least partially block emitted nuclear radiation from escaping the generator during use. For example, some generators may include enclosures and / or shielding components that may be formed from dense and / or radiation-opaque metals, alloys, or composites. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, page 28 / 110 20 / 82 which may include steel, lead, tungsten, tin, antimony, bismuth, aluminum, copper and / or any of other suitable shielding materials. While useful for safety purposes, some of these materials may be difficult and / or expensive to obtain, manufacture, handle, ship or otherwise work with in the production of generators.

[0022] In view of the foregoing, the inventors recognized and considered the benefits of a radionuclide generator that has at least one portion that can be removed or replaced without the need to replace the entire generator. In some embodiments, at least one portion of a source module can be configured to be removed from a generator, so that a single generator can be used with several different source modules and / or precursor radionuclide sources. For example, a user can replace a source module if the source is depleted, or if a different precursor radionuclide is desired. According to some embodiments, a source module can be selectively coupled to a generator or generator housing using a source fitting that may include one or more latches, fasteners, fittings, magnets, fasteners, adapters, stops, threaded couplings, or any other suitable coupling.In addition, the power supply fitting can be configured to form a gas-tight seal at an interface between the power supply module and the generator. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, page 29 / 110 21 / 82 generator enclosure, and / or to align a portion of the source module (e.g., a shaft, a sheath, a source support, and / or a precursor radionuclide source) with the container or a portion thereof (e.g., an edge and / or an opening of the container).

[0023] Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, at least a portion of a source module may be configured to be removable from the source module, so that portions of a source module may be reused with multiple different sources or precursor radionuclides. In embodiments where the source module includes a shaft and / or sheath, several portions of the shaft and / or several portions of the sheath may be removable so that the various portions may be replaced and / or reused. For example, in some embodiments, a shaft of a source module may comprise a source holder on which a source may be disposed, and a rod configured to allow the source holder to be extended and retracted. The source holder may be coupled to the rod by one or more pins, fasteners, fittings, adapters, threads, stops, clips, friction fittings, magnets and / or any other suitable coupling.Disconnecting the rod from the power supply can allow the rod to be removed and coupled to a different power supply. Additionally, in some embodiments where the shaft is... Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, p. 30 / 110 22 / 82 at least partially surrounded by a sheath, the sheath or a portion thereof may optionally remain attached to the source support in order to maintain an isolated configuration from the source support. For example, in embodiments where one or more gas-tight seals are formed between the shaft and the sheath to isolate the source, the gas-tight seal may be retained during removal of the rod and / or other portion(s) of the source module.

[0024] As will be further considered, the various materials and components of a generator may be exposed to radiation from radionuclides within the generator. Radiation may cause deterioration and / or damage to the generator materials over time. The rate of deterioration and / or damage to the materials, and consequently to the material's lifespan, may be influenced by the intensity of radiation emitted from the radionuclides. For example, a component adjacent to a precursor radionuclide source with a radiation intensity of 10 gigabecquerels (GBq) may deteriorate more rapidly and / or have a shorter lifespan than a similar component adjacent to a source with a radiation intensity of 10 megabecquerels (MBq).

[0025] In view of the above, the inventors recognized and considered the benefits of a generator that can accommodate multiple precursor radionuclide sources and / or multiple containers associated with the multiple sources. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, page 31 / 110 23 / 82 In some embodiments, a generator may include two or more source modules and / or two or more container modules. In embodiments that have a plurality of sources and / or a plurality of containers, each individual source can be selected to have a lower radiation intensity without significantly reducing the production rate of a desired progeny radionuclide compared to a single-source generator with a comparatively higher radiation intensity. This reduced intensity emitted by each individual source can improve the lifespan of the generator or its various components compared to the higher-intensity single-source generator.

[0026] It is clear that the number of sources and / or containers that a generator can be configured to accommodate, as well as the radiation intensity of the source or sources, can vary greatly depending on the application. In this respect, the description of generators having multiple sources will not preclude the usefulness of a high-intensity source or a single-source generator. Furthermore, it should be considered that generators configured to accommodate multiple sources and / or multiple containers can be used with sources of any intensity, as there may be other benefits to a generator configured to accommodate multiple high-intensity sources that will become apparent from the present description. For example, the ability to expose and / or isolate Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, page 32 / 110 24 / 82 Multiple sources by a single action of a user or operating system (e.g., by activating a single actuator) and / or the ability to move multiple containers between multiple poses by a single action, can offer efficiency benefits during operation. Consequently, it should be considered that both single-source and multiple-source generators can be configured to accommodate any radiation intensity, as the description is not limited in this respect.

[0027] As noted above, in various embodiments, a precursor radionuclide source may include any suitable substrate material with which a precursor radionuclide can be incorporated. In some embodiments, a source may be impregnated, coated, or otherwise loaded with the precursor radionuclide in any appropriate manner. This may include loading the substrate with a liquid and / or solid precursor radionuclide. The substrate may be porous in some embodiments to facilitate infiltration and / or coating of the substrate with the precursor radionuclide. Furthermore, the precursor radionuclide source may comprise any suitable natural or synthetic substrate material for carrying the precursor radionuclide, including any ceramic, plastic, polymer, metal, natural fiber, synthetic fiber, glass, mineral, paper, quartz, or any other material of Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, page 33 / 110 25 / 82 suitable substrate. In some embodiments, a precursor radionuclide source may include a woolen material, for example quartz wool, glass wool, mineral wool, metal wool (e.g., steel wool). Additionally, a precursor radionuclide source may be formed in any suitable regular or irregular geometry. In some embodiments, a precursor radionuclide source may be formed as a disk, an elongated disk, a cylinder (including an annular cylinder, a solid cylinder, or a combination thereof), a pellet, a block, a chip, a sphere, a sheet, a plate, a ball, a rod, or any other suitable geometry.

[0028] In addition to the above, it should be considered that the rate at which a gaseous source progeny can emanate from the source may be influenced by the surface area of ​​the source substrate material. Therefore, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide a porous source substrate material to increase the emanation rate by increasing the surface area of ​​the source. For example, in several embodiments, a source material may have any appropriate porosity. In some embodiments, a source material may have a porosity greater than or equal to 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, or any other appropriate porosity. Additionally or alternatively, the source material may have a porosity less than or equal to 99%, 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, p. 34 / 110 26 / 82 or any other appropriate porosity. Combinations of the aforementioned items are also contemplated, including, for example, greater than or equal to 30% and less than or equal to 99%, greater than or equal to 50% and less than or equal to 90%, and / or any other appropriate combination of the aforementioned items. It is clear that, although specific ranges for the porosity of the source material are provided above, it should be considered that other porosities, both greater and less than those provided, are also contemplated, as the description is not limited in this respect.

[0029] Additionally, in several embodiments, a source substrate material may have any appropriate pore size and the pores may be interconnected to form an open porous structure. In some embodiments, a source material may have a pore size greater than or equal to 0.5 micrometers (μm), 5 μm, 30 μm, 40 μm, 50 μm, or any other appropriate pore size. Additionally, or alternatively, the source material may have a pore size less than or equal to 200 μm, 100 μm, 80 μm, 60 μm, or any other appropriate pore size. Combinations of the items mentioned above are also contemplated, including, for example, greater than or equal to 0.5 qm and less than or equal to 200 μ^, greater than or equal to 30 qm and less than or equal to 40 μ^, and / or any other appropriate combination of the items mentioned above. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, p. 35 / 110 27 / 82 It is clear that, although specific ranges for the pore size of the source material are provided above, it should be considered that other pore sizes, both larger and smaller than those provided, are also contemplated, as the description is not limited in this respect.

[0030] In addition, a precursor radionuclide may be provided from a radionuclide generator (e.g., a precursor radionuclide disposed in a precursor radionuclide source) in any appropriate mass or quantity. In some embodiments, a precursor radionuclide source may have a mass greater than or equal to 10 micrograms (µg), 50 μg, 100 μg, 250 μg, 500 μg, or any other appropriate mass. Additionally, in some embodiments, a precursor radionuclide source may have a mass less than or equal to 1,000 μg, 750 μg, 500 μg, 250 μg, or any other appropriate mass. Combinations of the aforementioned items are also contemplated, including greater than or equal to 10 μg and less than or equal to 1,000 μg, greater than or equal to 50 μg and less than or equal to 250 μg, greater than or equal to 250 μg and less than or equal to 500 μg, or any other appropriate combination of the aforementioned items.It is clear that, although specific ranges for the mass of the precursor radionuclide are provided above, it should be considered that other masses, both larger and smaller than those provided, are also contemplated, since the description is not. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, page 36 / 110 28 / 82 limited in this respect. It should be considered that the mass or quantity of the precursor radionuclide disposed in a precursor radionuclide source can influence the lifespan of the precursor radionuclide source.

[0031] Similarly, a precursor radionuclide source can be configured to emit any appropriate radiation intensity. In some embodiments, a precursor radionuclide source may have an intensity mass greater than or equal to 10 MBq, 100 MBq, 250 MBq, 500 MBq, or any other appropriate intensity. Additionally, in some embodiments, a precursor radionuclide source may have an intensity less than or equal to 10 GBq, 4 GBq, 2 GBq, 1 GBq, or any other appropriate intensity. Combinations of the aforementioned items are also contemplated, including greater than or equal to 10 MBq and less than or equal to 10 GBq, greater than or equal to 10 MBq and less than or equal to 100 MBq, greater than or equal to 1 GBq and less than or equal to 4 GBq, greater than or equal to 1 GBq and less than or equal to 2 GBq, or any other appropriate combination of the aforementioned items.It is clear that, although specific ranges for the intensity of the precursor radionuclide are provided above, it should be considered that other masses, both larger and smaller than those provided, are also contemplated, since the description is not limited in this respect. This should be considered. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, page 37 / 110 29 / 82 that the mass or quantity of the precursor radionuclide disposed in a precursor radionuclide source can influence the lifespan of the precursor radionuclide source.

[0032] Returning to the Figures, specific non-limiting embodiments are described in more detail. It should be understood that the various systems, components, features and methods described in relation to these embodiments may be used individually and / or in any desired combination, as the description is not limited to the specific embodiments described in this document.

[0033] Figure 1 represents an illustrative diagram of a decay chain of the thorium series starting with thorium-232 (232Th). The half-life of each radionuclide in the decay chain is indicated in the figure. Note that the radionuclide radon-220 (220Rn) has a half-life of only 55.6 seconds and decays to polonium-216 (216Po) for a brief period (note that the half-life of 216Po is only 0.145 seconds) before decaying to a lead-212 (212Pb) radionuclide. It will also be observed in Figure 1 that 220Rn can be a gas at room pressure and temperature. Consequently, it must be considered that when a source containing a precursor radionuclide for 220Rn (e.g., 224Ra, 228Th, 228Ra, 232Th, or 228Ac) is exposed to a portion of a container, the precursor radionuclide may decay into gaseous 220Rn. Gaseous 220Rn may then decay into 212Pb and Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, page 38 / 110 30 / 82 can be deposited on the exposed portion of the container as 212Pb.

[0034] Figure 2 represents a perspective view of a radionuclide generator 100 according to one embodiment. In the embodiment presented, the generator 100 may include an enclosure 102 configured to at least partially contain, surround, or otherwise enclose various portions of the generator 100. The enclosure 102 may be formed from any suitable material, including any metal, plastic, ceramic, composite, or other appropriate material. In some embodiments, the enclosure may be formed from stainless steel or any other appropriate material. Optionally, the enclosure 102 may have a shielding function, such that the enclosure 102 may resist the leakage of nuclear radiation out of the generator 100. In some of these embodiments, the enclosure 102 or some portion thereof may be formed from an appropriate shielding material, such as lead, tungsten, or any other appropriate material.

[0035] In some embodiments, the enclosure 102 may include a loading port 104. The loading port 104 may comprise an opening in the enclosure 102 through which a container may pass in order to load the container onto the generator 100 and / or unload the container from the generator. In this respect, the port of Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, p. 39 / 110 31 / 82 Loading 104 may be sized and shaped to receive a container and allow the container to pass through the loading port. Additionally, the generator 100 may further comprise a loading cover 106. The loading cover 106 may be configured to selectively open and close the loading port 104. For example, the loading cover 106 or a portion thereof may be partially insertable and removable from the loading port 104 to open and close the loading port. In various embodiments, the loading cover may be selectively attachable and / or retained within the loading port using fittings, latches, fasteners, threads, stops, friction fittings or any other suitable interface. Furthermore, the loading cover and the loading port may be configured to form a gas-tight seal when the loading cover is inserted into the loading port.For example, at least one of the loading covers and the loading door may include one or more gaskets, O-rings, conforming material, or any other suitable type of seal. In some embodiments, both the loading cover and the loading door may include gaskets, O-rings, or other seals.

[0036] Additionally, in some embodiments, generator 100 may include one or more actuators to enable Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, p. 40 / 110 32 / 82 that various portions of the generator are moved between different poses (i.e., translated and / or rotated) or otherwise manipulated. An actuator may move, manipulate and / or control a portion of a generator in any appropriate manner, including the use of a button, a dial, a handle, a switch, a cable, a push rod, a plunger, a lever, a linear actuator, a rotary actuator, an activation element and / or any other appropriate manual or automated control or combination of controls. In some embodiments, an actuator may facilitate and / or permit the movement of a container, the movement of a precursor radionuclide source, the movement of a portion of the generator and / or the movement of any other appropriate component. In the embodiment presented, the generator 100 may include a first lever 116 having a first cable 120A and a second lever 118 having a second cable 120B.As will be discussed in detail below, the first and second levers 116, 118, can be configured to move a container within a container receptacle. For example, the operation of each of the first and second levers can cause a rotation and / or translation of the container within the container receptacle to move the container between a first pose and a second pose. Additionally, a power supply module 110 may include a 120A power supply cable configured to allow movement of... Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, page 41 / 110 33 / 82 a precursor radionuclide source. For example, the 120A source cable can be operated to move the source between an extended and a retracted configuration, as will be described below (see Figures 5A to 5C).

[0037] As best shown in the cross-sectional views of Figures 3 and 4 show that a generator can include a container module 108 and a source module 110. The container module 108 can be configured to receive a container 112. In some embodiments, a container module can include a container receptacle 114. The container receptacle 114 can be configured to receive the container 112, for example, by including a cavity with a size and shape to receive the container. The container module 108 can be configured to move the container within the container receptacle. In some embodiments, the container module can be configured to move the container between various poses within the container receptacle. For example, a container 112 can be loaded into a generator 100 in a first pose (e.g., the container's position and orientation in Figure 3) and moved to a second pose (e.g., the container's position and orientation in Figure 4).In the first pose, the container can be positioned and / or oriented to be loaded or unloaded from the generator, for example, by aligning the container (or a portion of it, such as an opening, a neck, a rim). Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, page 42 / 110 34 / 82 or any other suitable portion) with a generator loading port. In the second pose, the container can be positioned and / or oriented to selectively receive a precursor radionuclide source through the container opening into an internal volume of the container. In some embodiments, when the container is in the second pose, the container and / or an opening thereof may be aligned with a precursor radionuclide source and / or with a portion of a source module 110 (e.g., a shaft, a sheath, or another portion of a source module).

[0038] In various embodiments, a container module may include any actuator suitable for moving the container receptacle and / or the container within the container receptacle. For example, a container module may include one or more of: a button, a dial, a handle, a switch, a cable, an actuator, a push rod, a plunger, a lever, a linear actuator, a rotary actuator, an actuating element and / or any other suitable manual or automated control or combination of controls. In addition, one or more of the actuators may optionally be configured to be actuated and / or manipulated manually, semi-automatically, automatically and / or in any other suitable manner, for example, using an end effector or manipulator of a robot or other machine. In the embodiment shown, the module of Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, page 43 / 110 35 / 82 The container may include the first and second levers 116, 118 having the first and second cables 120A, 120B. Each of the first and second cables 120A, 120B may be configured to facilitate actuation of the corresponding lever by an end effector or manipulator of a robot or other machine. For example, each cable may have a straight or cuboid geometry to provide flat, opposing surfaces to facilitate engagement of the cable by an end effector or manipulator. It should be considered, of course, that a lever may alternatively be configured to facilitate actuation in any appropriate manner, including manual actuation. For example, the power cable 120C of the power module 110 may be tapered, rounded, or otherwise ergonomically shaped to facilitate manual operation, for example, by an operator wearing a lead glove.It should be considered that the power cable may alternatively be configured for mechanized actuation, for example, by having a straight or cuboid geometry, a T-shaped geometry, or any other geometry in which an end effector or manipulator of a robot or other mechanized actuator can engage.

[0039] In some embodiments, a container module 108 may include several actuators, such as the first and second levers 116, 118. Each actuator may be Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, p. 44 / 110 36 / 82 configured to move container 112 between two or more poses, for example, translating container 112 and / or container receptacle 114 to change a position of container 112, and / or rotating the container and / or container receptacle to change an orientation of container 112. In some embodiments, a first actuator may rotate the container and / or container receptacle, and a second actuator may translate the container and / or container receptacle. For example, the first lever 116 can rotate about a geometric axis 122 of the first lever in the direction of arrow 124. The first lever 116 can be functionally coupled to the container receptacle 114, so that when the first lever 116 is rotated about the geometric axis 122 of the first lever, the container receptacle 114 and any container 112 disposed therein can also be rotated about the geometric axis 122 of the first lever.This rotation can at least partially control an alignment of the container 112 or an opening thereof with the source module 110 or a portion thereof (for example, a source 132, a source holder and / or an axis 134 of the source module 110).

[0040] Additionally, or alternatively, the second lever 118 can be rotated in the direction(s) of arrow 126 in order to selectively extend, retract or otherwise actuate a container drive assembly 128. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, p. 45 / 110 37 / 82 As will be described below, a drive tip 214 can be selectively extended and retracted in the drive direction(s) of arrow 130 by rotating the second lever 118. In some configurations (for example, when the container receptacle 114 has been rotated to align the container 112 with the source module 110, as illustrated in Figure 4), the extension and retraction of the drive tip can move the container 112 along the drive direction 130. For example, the drive tip 214 can engage the container receptacle 114 or a portion thereof to propel the container 112 within the container receptacle in the first drive direction toward the source module 110 and / or to the second position. Additionally, retraction of the drive tip 214 may cause or allow the container 112 to move in a second direction opposite to the first drive direction (for example, away from the source module 110).For example, in some embodiments, the receptacle of container 114 may include an activation element to propel the container in the second actuation direction, such as a compression spring, an extension spring, an air spring, a pneumatic cylinder, or any other appropriate activation element configured to apply a force that activates the container toward the source module. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, page 46 / 110 38 / 82

[0041] Although container module 108 has been shown and described with two actuators, it should be considered that any appropriate number of actuators may be included in a container or generator module of the present description, including a single actuator, three actuators, or any other appropriate number, as the description is not limited in this respect. Additionally, one or more actuators other than rotary cables may be used to provide a desired actuation, as indicated above.

[0042] The source module 110 can be configured to receive a precursor radionuclide source 132 (the dashed lines in the views of Figures 3 and 4 denote internal structures). In some embodiments, the source module 110 may include a shaft 134 on which the precursor radionuclide source 132 can be disposed. The source module 110 can be further configured to selectively expose an internal surface of the container to the precursor radionuclide source in an exposed configuration and to isolate the internal surface of the container from the precursor radionuclide source in an isolated configuration. For example, the shaft 134 can be selectively extendable and retractable, so that the source module 110 can be configured to move the source 132 between a retracted configuration in which the source 132 is isolated from the container 112 (e.g., the configuration in Figure 3) and a configuration Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, page 47 / 110 39 / 82 extended in which the inner surface of the container 112 is exposed to the source 132 (for example, the configuration of Figure 4). In other words, an exposed configuration can be an extended configuration, and / or an isolated configuration can be a retracted configuration, although exposed and isolated configurations may additionally or alternatively correspond to other arrangements. In some embodiments, the shaft may include a cable 120 to facilitate or allow movement of the source 132 between the retracted and extended configurations, for example, in the directions of arrow 136.

[0043] In some embodiments, the power supply module 110 or a portion thereof may be removable from the generator 100. For example, the generator 100 or an enclosure thereof may be configured to receive the power supply module 110 in a removable manner. In some embodiments, the enclosure may include a power supply fitting 138, which may be configured to receive the power supply module 110 in a removable manner or any portion thereof. In various embodiments, a power supply fitting may couple the power supply module or a portion thereof to the enclosure or to the generator in any appropriate manner, including the use of one or more latches, fasteners, fittings, stops, clips, magnets, threaded couplings and / or any other appropriate coupling. Additionally, in some embodiments, a power supply fitting and / or a power supply module may be configured to provide a gas-tight seal. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, page 48 / 110 40 / 82 at an interface between the power supply fitting and the power supply module, for example, using one or more gaskets, O-rings, compatible materials or other gas-tight seals at the interface.

[0044] In addition, in some embodiments, the source fitting 138 may include and / or be coupled to a source shield 140. The source shield 140 may be configured to at least partially block nuclear radiation from escaping the generator during use. In some embodiments, the source shield may include an internal cavity sized and shaped to receive and at least partially encircle the source and / or receive a shaft, sheath, source support and / or other portion(s) of a source module. In some embodiments, the cavity may extend from a first end portion of the source shield 140 to a second end portion, so that the source can be extended and / or retracted along the entire length of the source shield.It should be considered that this source shielding can be formed from any material adequately opaque to radiation, including any suitable metal such as steel, lead, tungsten, tin, antimony, bismuth, aluminum, copper, and / or any other suitable material or combination of materials capable of providing sufficient shielding for the generator. Additionally, a source shield can be formed in any geometry. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, p. 49 / 110 41 / 82 appropriate, including any appropriate irregular or regular geometry, such as a cylindrical geometry, a conical geometry, a cuboid geometry, a pyramidal geometry, or any combination of regular or irregular geometries. For example, in the embodiment shown, the source shield 140 may be formed having a stepped cylindrical geometry, such that the source shield may have a first end, a second end, and an intermediate section between the first and second ends. The first end may be formed as a first cylinder having a first diameter, and the second end may be formed as a second cylinder having a second diameter larger than the first diameter. The intermediate section may be formed as a cone, the cone having a variable diameter that may increase from the first end to the second end.It should be considered that a diameter at any given point along a length of the source shield can be selected based on the expected degree or amount of nuclear radiation at that location. For example, in applications where the source is expected to reside predominantly in the second end portion, the diameter in the second end portion may be larger than the diameter in the first end portion removed from the source. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 50 / 110 42 / 82

[0045] Figure 5A depicts a top view of a source module 110 according to an embodiment. The source module 110 may have a proximal end portion 142 and a distal end portion 144. The proximal end portion 142 may be configured to be inserted into a generator or a portion thereof (e.g., into a source fitting, a shielding element, and / or a generator housing). In some embodiments, the distal end portion may be configured to extend from the generator when the proximal end portion is inserted into the generator. A shaft 134 may extend between the distal end portion and the proximal end portion. In some embodiments, a source module may include a sheath that may at least partially encircle and extend along a length of at least a portion of a shaft.For example, sheath 146 may at least partially encircle shaft 134 along at least a portion of the shaft's length. Shaft 134 may be configured to be selectively extensible and retractable through sheath 146, for example, by pushing or pulling in an axial direction on a source cable 120C disposed at a distal end of the shaft. In some embodiments, source module 110 may be configured to limit shaft movement within the sheath. For example, in the embodiment shown, shaft 134... Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, p. 51 / 110 43 / 82 may include a pin 148 that extends radially outward from the shaft. The pin 148 may be disposed of, or capable of being disposed of, within a slot 150 formed in the sheath 146. The slot 150 may be an elongated opening formed along a portion of the sheath 146, and may be sized and shaped to receive the pin 148 and allow the pin 148 to move between a first end of the slot 150 and a second end of the slot, thus limiting the linear translation of the shaft in at least one extension direction (i.e., in a direction towards the proximal end 142) and one retraction direction (i.e., in a direction towards the distal end 144) which may be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the shaft in some embodiments.

[0046] In some embodiments, a power supply module may be configured to be removable from a generator or a portion thereof (for example, a generator enclosure or power supply fitting). For example, a power supply module may include a coupling 154. In several embodiments, a power supply module may include any coupling suitable for removablely coupling the power supply module or a portion thereof to the generator, including one or more latches, fasteners, fittings, stops, clips, magnets, threaded couplings and / or any other suitable coupling. A non-limiting embodiment of a coupling will be described in detail with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Additionally, in some Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, page 52 / 110 In embodiments 44 / 82, a source module can be configured to provide a gas-tight seal at an interface between the generator and the source module, for example, using one or more gaskets, O-rings, or other gas-tight seals at the interface. In the embodiment shown, coupling 154 can include an O-ring 152 to form a gas-tight seal at an interface between the generator and the source module.

[0047] Figures 5B and 5C represent cross-sections of the source module 110 of Figure 5A taken along line AA. Figure 5B represents the source 132 in an extended configuration, while Figure 5C represents the source 132 in a retracted configuration. In some embodiments, a shaft of a source module may include several components. For example, the shaft 134 may include a rod 156, an adapter 158, a shielding element 160, and a source support 162. In some embodiments, the rod 156 may be an elongated member configured to extend from a distal end portion 144 of the source module 110 to the proximal end portion 142. Additionally, the rod 156 may include or may be coupled to a source cable 120C at a distal end of the rod to allow the shaft 134 (or a rod thereof) to be displaced.In some embodiments, a 160 shielding element may be included in the shaft (e.g., at a location distal to the source) in order to block it. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, p. 53 / 110 45 / 82 at least partially prevents nuclear radiation from escaping from the source generator 132. As with other shielding components described in this document, a shielding element can be formed from any suitable material, including lead, tungsten, and / or others described in this document or otherwise known in the art. A source holder 162 can be configured to receive a precursor radionuclide source, for example, by including an opening, slit, or other receptacle sized and shaped to receive the source. In the embodiment shown, a source slit 258 can be formed in the source holder 162. The source slit 258 can be sized and shaped to receive the source 132, which can be formed as an elongated disc in the embodiment shown.Although the font is represented as an elongated disc in the embodiment shown, it should be considered that a font can be formed in any suitable regular or irregular geometry, including a cylinder (including an annular cylinder, a solid cylinder, or a combination thereof), a disc, a pellet, a block, a chip, a sphere, a sheet, a plate, a ball, a rod, or any other suitable geometry.

[0048] Similarly, although source slot 258 is represented as a cavity or excavated portion of the source holder, it will be understood that a source holder may include any properly fitted source receptacle. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, p. 54 / 110 46 / 82 shaped to receive a font with a corresponding shape. For example, in some embodiments, the font holder can be configured to engage and hold a font around a perimeter and / or periphery of the font while opposite sides of the font are exposed. For example, two opposite openings can be formed in the font holder to retain the font. Additionally, or alternatively, a single opening can extend through the font holder from one side of the font holder to a second opposite side, and the opening can be configured to engage and retain the font while allowing opposite sides of the font to be exposed. These constructions can increase the surface area of ​​the font that is exposed when the font is in an extended configuration.

[0049] In addition to the above, in some embodiments, the fountain support may include a fountain column extending proximally from its proximal end which may be sized and shaped to be inserted into a hole or orifice of a corresponding fountain. For example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of a fountain may be formed as a cylinder including a hole formed through at least a portion of the cylinder (e.g., along a central axis of the cylinder) so as to form an annular cylinder. In some of these embodiments, the fountain support may be configured to receive the annular cylinder, for example, by including a fountain column of size and Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, p. 55 / 110 47 / 82 format to be inserted into the hole. Additionally, in some of these embodiments, a fixing opening may be formed in a transverse direction (e.g., a radial direction) through the fountain and the fountain column, so that a dowel can be inserted into the fixing opening to secure the fountain to the fountain support. However, it should be considered that an annular cylinder may be fixed to a fountain support rod in these embodiments using any appropriate method or construction, including a press fit or friction press fit, a press fit, an adhesive, a threaded coupling, or any combination thereof.

[0050] In some embodiments, a font cover 260 may be additionally provided with the font holder 162. A font cover 260 may be a removable portion of the font holder 162, and may be sized and shaped to at least partially cover the font 132 when the font is disposed in the font holder. The font cover may be any suitable shielding or non-shielding material, including any suitable metal, plastic, natural or synthetic polymer, or any other suitable material.

[0051] In some embodiments, an adapter may be included to couple several shaft components together and / or to provide and / or facilitate a sliding engagement between the shaft and an inner surface of a sheath or cavity in Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, p. 56 / 110 48 / 82 which shaft can be disposed of. In the embodiment presented, the adapter 158 can engage with the rod 156 at a distal end portion of the adapter and with the shielding element 160 at a proximal end portion of the adapter. In various embodiments, an adapter can engage with a rod, a shielding element, or another portion of a shaft by any suitable permanent or removable coupling, including one or more fittings, friction fittings, threaded fittings, stops, magnets, fasteners, pins, dowels, adhesives, welds, and / or any other suitable coupling.

[0052] Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, two or more portions of a shaft can be joined directly (i.e., without the use of an adapter) using any appropriate coupling, including those described in this document. For example, in the embodiment shown, a shielding element 160 and a power supply support 162 can be joined by a pin 164. The pin 164 can extend through the respective holes of the power supply support and the shielding element, which can be aligned to allow the pin 164 to pass through them. In some embodiments, a pin can be removable. For example, in the embodiment shown, the pin 164 can be configured to align with an opening 166 formed in the sheath 146. The opening 166 can allow a user Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, p. 57 / 110 49 / 82 remove pin 164, thus detaching the power supply support 162 from the shielding element 160.

[0053] In addition to the pin 164 being removable, the pin 148 may be removable from the shaft or the shielding element 160. For example, the pin 148 may be a threaded fastener, engageable with a threaded hole in the shaft or a portion thereof (e.g., a threaded hole in the shielding element, adapter, rod, or other portion). It should be considered that when the pin 148 and the pin 164 are removed, the power supply module 110 may be partially disassembled so that the power supply cable 120C, the rod 156, the adapter 158, and the shielding element 160 may be removed from the sheath 146, while the power supply support 162 may remain insulated and / or sealed within the sheath.In some embodiments, this may allow certain portions of the source module 110 (e.g., the source cable, rod, adapter, and / or shielding element) to be reused, while other portions (e.g., source support and / or sheath) may remain coupled and / or in isolated engagement with the precursor radionuclide source 132.

[0054] In the retracted configuration shown in Figure 5C, the precursor radionuclide source 132 can be isolated from a container or an internal surface thereof, from a portion of the generator and / or from the surrounding environment. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 58 / 110 50 / 82 generator or source module. In some embodiments, when the source is isolated from an object or area, a gaseous progeny radionuclide that may emanate from a precursor radionuclide disposed in the source may be inhibited from reaching and / or contacting the object or area. Consequently, in some embodiments, a source module may include at least one seal configured to form a gas-tight interface to isolate the source. For example, a source module may include a plurality of seals, each forming a gas-tight interface between the shaft and the sheath. Some of these seals may be gas-tight, movable and / or sliding, and / or resealable. In some embodiments, a plurality of seals may include one or more seals located on a first side of a source, and one or more seals located on a second side of the source.For example, in the embodiment shown, one or more seals (e.g., O-rings 152, although other types of seals may be incorporated in addition to, or instead of, O-rings) may be arranged on a proximal side of the source 132 to form a gas-tight interface on the proximal side. In this respect, when the source module 110 is installed in a generator and a container is loaded into the generator, the container may be isolated from the source by one or more O-rings 152 (or other seal(s)). Additionally, or alternatively, one or more seals (e.g., two O-rings 152 as shown) may be used. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 59 / 110 51 / 82 shown in the Figure) can be arranged on a distal side of the source 132 to form a gas-tight interface on the distal side, so that the seals can isolate the source 132 from an environment. It is clear that, although the embodiment shown represents two O-rings on the distal side and one O-ring on the proximal side, it should be considered that any number of O-rings or other types of seals can be included in any appropriate location in a source module according to the present description. For example, in some embodiments, two or more seals may be included on the proximal and / or distal side of a source, as the description is not limited in this respect. In some embodiments, the sheath may additionally or alternatively include O-rings or other sealing members to form a gas-tight interface between the sheath and the shaft.In addition, an O-ring 152 or other sealing member may be provided on an outer portion of the sheath 146 to form a gas-tight interface between the source module 110 and a generator source fitting when the source module is inserted into the source fitting.

[0055] In addition to the above, a source module may include one or more seals to selectively engage and form a gas-tight interface with a container to prevent a gaseous progeny radionuclide from escaping through the interface between the source module. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pages 60 / 110 52 / 82 and the container. For example, the source module 110 and / or the sheath 146 may include a container seal 262 disposed at its proximal end. The container seal 262 may be configured to engage a container or a portion thereof (e.g., a rim or an opening of a container) to form a gas-tight interface between the container and the source module and / or the sheath. In various embodiments, the container seal 262 may comprise any suitable seal, including an O-ring, a gasket, a portion or lining of a compatible material, or any other structure suitable for forming a gas-tight interface with the container.

[0056] Figure 6 represents a cross-sectional view of a font fitting 138 according to an embodiment; the font fitting has been removed from the generator for clarity of illustration. A font fitting 138 can be configured to receive a removable font module 110. In some embodiments, a font fitting may include a collar 168 configured to receive a portion of the font module. For example, the collar 168 may include an opening 264 sized and shaped to receive a portion of a font module, including a shaft, a sheath, a font, and / or any other appropriate portion of a font module. In some embodiments, the collar or its opening may include a seal configured to form a Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 61 / 110 53 / 82 gas-tight interface between the collar and a source module received herein. For example, collar 168 may include one or more O-rings, gaskets, compatible materials or other sealing members in opening 264.

[0057] Additionally, in some embodiments, a locking assembly 170 may extend or be formed adjacent to the collar 160. The locking assembly may be removablely and / or selectively engaged with a power supply module or a coupling thereof to allow the power supply module to be inserted into and removed from the power supply housing 138. In some embodiments, a locking assembly may include a latch 172. The latch 172 may be configured to engage with a tongue of a power supply module, as will be described with reference to Figure 7. The latch 172 may be functionally actuated with a camshaft 174 configured to actuate the latch 172 to engage and / or disengage the power supply module. The latch 172 may include a first through hole 180. A cam portion 176 of the camshaft 174 may be disposed in the first through hole 180.A diameter of the first through hole 180 may be larger than a diameter of the cam portion 176, so that the latch 172 may move relative to the cam portion 176 by a distance equal to the difference between the diameters. Additionally, a cross-section of the cam portion 176 may be eccentric to a central axis BB of the camshaft 174, so that the rotation. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 62-110 The rotation of the camshaft 174 around its central axis BB (54 / 82) may cause an eccentric rotation of the cam portion 176, which may, in turn, cause the cam portion 176 to actuate the lock 172. In some embodiments, the camshaft 174 may be fixed to, or integrally formed with, a source release lever 178, such that rotation of the source release lever 178 may cause rotation of the camshaft 174 around the central axis BB. Additionally, in some embodiments, a source release lever 178 may include or be coupled to a source release lever 120D, which may be configured to facilitate automated, semi-automated, mechanized, or manual operation, as described above.

[0058] Figures 7A and 7B show top views of a cross-section of the 138 source fitting taken along the DC line, with a 110 source module included to illustrate the selective engagement between the source module and the source fitting. Figure 7A shows a latch assembly in an engaged position according to an embodiment, in which the 138 source fitting can be cooperatively coupled with the 110 source module to retain the source module in the generator. Figure 7B shows a latch assembly in a disengaged position, in which the source module can be released from the source fitting so that the source module can be removed from the generator. As Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 63 / 110 55 / 82 illustrated in the figures, the latch 172 can be selectively engaged with a tongue 189 formed in the source module 110 or a coupling thereof. The latch 172 may include a second through hole, which can be engaged in a pivot column 182 of the source fitting. As will be understood with reference to the figures, a diameter of the pivot column can be substantially similar to a diameter of the second through hole, so that the engagement between the latch and the pivot column can restrict a translational movement of the latch 172, while allowing the latch 172 to pivot around the pivot column 182. A torsion spring 186 can be installed around the pivot column 182 and in contact with the latch 172, so that the torsion spring 186 can propel the latch 172 in the direction of arrow 184A. This propulsive force can maintain contact between an inner surface of the first through hole 180 and the cam portion 176.

[0059] In operation, a source module 110 can slide into the collar 168 of the source fitting 138. An inclined portion of the tongue 189 can contact and slide in opposition to a corresponding inclined and / or hooked portion of the latch 172 to propel the latch in the direction of arrow 184B as the source module progressively slides into the collar. When the inclined portion of the tongue has slid past the inclined portion of the latch, the torsion spring can propel the latch. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 64 / 110 56 / 82 in the direction of arrow 184A to the engaged position. When the power supply module needs to be removed, the camshaft 174 can be rotated in the direction of arrow 184B, for example, by actuating the power supply release lever 178. When the camshaft 174 is rotated around its central axis BB in the direction 184B, the eccentricity of the cam portion 176 in cooperation with the propulsion force of the torsion spring 186 can cause the cam portion to drive the latch to rotate around the pivot column 182 in the direction of arrow 184B to the disengaged position, thus allowing the latch to slide back from the latch so that the power supply module can be removed.

[0060] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional side view of a container 112 disposed in a container receptacle 114 according to one embodiment. As indicated above, the container receptacle 114 may include a cavity 186 formed in a first end portion 202 of the container receptacle. The cavity 186 may be sized and shaped to receive the container 112. In some embodiments, the cavity 186 may optionally be sized and shaped to receive a container fitting 188, which may be configured to receive and / or secure the container 112 within the container receptacle 114 or a cavity thereof. In some embodiments, the container fitting 188 may be removable from the receptacle. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 65 / 110 57 / 82 container 114, so that the container can be loaded into the container housing outside the generator, and the container housing can be loaded into the container receptacle with the container disposed therein. Additionally, in some embodiments, the container housing may comprise two or more parts. For example, in the embodiment shown, the container housing 188 may include a first portion 190 and a second portion 192. In some embodiments, the first portion 190 may include a retaining collar 191 configured to retain the container within the container housing. The first and second portions 190, 192 may be configured to be loosely engaged with each other, so that the parts can be disassembled to allow a container to be inserted into and / or removed from the container housing 188.In various embodiments, the portions of a container fitting can be engaged in a releasable manner by any suitable coupling, including a friction fitting, a threaded fitting, one or more fittings, one or more magnets, one or more stops, and / or any other suitable coupling. Additionally, in various embodiments, the container fitting 188 can be formed from any suitable material, including any metal, plastic, ceramic, composite, rubber, or any other suitable material or combination of materials. For example, in some embodiments, the container fitting... Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 66 / 110 58 / 82 may comprise a plastic such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), nylon, polyethylene (including high-density or low-density polyethylene), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), or any other suitable plastic. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the container fitting may comprise a natural or synthetic rubber, such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), styrene-butadiene rubber, butyl, nitrile butadiene rubber, silicone, or any other suitable rubber.

[0061] Some container modules or container receptacles may optionally be configured to allow, facilitate, and / or enable the movement of a container within the container. In some embodiments, a container receptacle may include a container drive assembly configured to allow, facilitate, and / or enable translation of the container in at least one direction. For example, container receptacle 114 may include a container drive assembly 194 configured to move container 112 in the first and second directions of arrows 130A, 130B. In some embodiments, container drive assembly 194 Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 67 / 110 59 / 82 may include a spring 198 and a piston 200 disposed within a hole 206 of the container. The hole 206 may be sized and shaped to receive the spring 198 and the piston 200, and may be formed in a second end portion 204 of the container, opposite a first end portion 202 in which the cavity 186 may be formed. In the embodiment presented, a first end 208 of the piston may be in contact with, or otherwise functionally engaged with, the container fitting 189. In this respect, the first end 208 of the piston may be functionally engaged with the container fitting 189 in any suitable manner, including friction fitting, threaded fitting, press fitting, magnetic fitting and / or any other suitable coupling.Furthermore, it should be considered that, in embodiments that do not include a container fitting, the first end 208 of the piston may be in contact with, or otherwise functionally engaged with, the container itself (for example, the piston may simply press against the container, or the piston may include a portion configured to form a friction fit or other engagement with the container). A second end 210 of the piston may be in contact with a spring 198 disposed in the orifice 206. In some embodiments, the spring 198 may be a compression spring configured to activate the tilting of the piston 200 towards the. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 68 / 110 60 / 82 second end portion 204 of the receptacle of container 114 (for example, in the second drive direction 130B), so that the container fitting 188 and / or the container 112 can be activated for the second end portion 204.

[0062] In some embodiments, the receptacle of the container 114 may additionally include an end piece 212 at least partially disposed of and / or extending from the orifice 206 in the second end portion 204. The end piece 212 may be configured to limit a movement of the piston 200 in the direction of the second end portion 204 (e.g., in the second drive direction 130B), for example, by including a flange that may cooperate with a corresponding rim in the second end 210 of the piston 200 to stop the movement of the piston 200. The end piece 212 may additionally be configured to receive a drive tip 214 from a container drive assembly 128 (see Figure 1 above and Figures 9 to 11 below), for example, by including an orifice of size and shape to receive a drive tip of corresponding size and shape 214.The drive tip 214 can be extended and retracted through the end 212 to engage the piston 200 and to propel the piston 200 in the direction of the first end portion 202 of the receptacle of the container 114 (for example, in the... Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pages 69 / 110 61 / 82 first drive direction 130A). In some embodiments, the movement of the drive tip 214 against the piston 200 towards the first end portion 202 can drive the container 212 into contact with a seal 262 of a source module to form a gas-tight interface between the container and the source module.

[0063] As illustrated in Figure 9, a container drive assembly 128 may include a drive tip 214 configured to be selectively extended and retracted into a housing of the drive assembly 228 of the container drive assembly. In some embodiments, the container drive assembly 128 may be functionally connected to a lever such that operation of the lever may selectively extend and / or retract the drive tip. For example, in the embodiment presented, the container drive assembly 128 may include an external drive cylinder 216, which may be functionally connected to a second lever (e.g., the second lever 118 in Figures 1 to 3), such that rotating the second lever may cause a corresponding rotation of the external drive cylinder 216.

[0064] As best understood with reference to Figures 10 and 11, rotation of the external drive cylinder 216 can cause a corresponding extension or retraction of the Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 70 / 110 62 / 82 actuating tip 214. In some embodiments, the external actuating cylinder 216 can be functionally coupled to an internal actuating cylinder 218, which can be disposed in a hole 224 of the external actuating cylinder. The hole 224 can be sized and shaped to receive the internal actuating cylinder. As shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 10, taken along line DD of Figure 9, the external actuating cylinder 216 can be functionally coupled to the internal actuating cylinder 218 by an actuating pin 220. The actuating pin 220 can extend radially outward from the internal actuating cylinder 218.It should be considered that the drive pin 220 may be integrally formed with the inner drive cylinder or may be formed separately and mounted on the inner drive cylinder by any suitable mounting method, including a threaded engagement, a friction fit, a press fit, adhesives, magnets and / or any other coupling. The drive pin 220 may extend from the inner drive cylinder 218 to a drive slot 222 formed in the outer drive cylinder 216. As illustrated in Figure 11, the drive slot 222 may be an elongated opening formed in the outer drive cylinder 216. The drive slot 222 may be formed at an angle to a drive direction (e.g. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 71 / 110 63 / 82 example, the drive direction of arrow 130) of the container drive assembly, so that the rotation of the external drive cylinder 216 can produce a linear translation of the internal drive cylinder 218 in the drive direction.

[0065] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to limit a range of motion of the drive cylinder. Thus, the linear translation of the internal drive cylinder 218 may be guided and / or limited by a limiting pin 224 extending radially from the internal drive cylinder 218. The limiting pin 224 may extend into a linear slot 226 formed in the housing of the drive assembly 228. The linear slot may be an elongated opening in the housing of the drive assembly, and may be sized and shaped to receive the limiting pin 224 and allow the limiting pin 224 to move between a first end of the linear slot 226 and a second end of the linear slot, thus limiting the linear translation of the internal drive cylinder to a distance corresponding to a length of the linear slot 226.

[0066] The limiting pin 224 may additionally couple the internal drive cylinder 218 to a cylinder cap 230. The cylinder cap 230 may be disposed at one end of the internal drive cylinder 218 and may define an end hole 232 within which Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 72 / 110 64 / 82 A drive piston 234 may be at least partially disposed. The limiting pin 224 may extend through a through hole in the cylinder cover 230 from the inner drive cylinder 218 to secure the cylinder cover 230 to the inner drive cylinder 218. The drive piston 234 may be attached to the drive tip 214, for example, by threaded engagement as shown, or by friction fitting, fittings, stops, magnets or any other suitable engagement. In some embodiments, a compatible member may be disposed between the drive tip 214 and the cylinder cover 230. For example, in the embodiment shown, a spring 236 may propel the drive tip 214 towards an extended position.The spring 236 can additionally provide compatibility with an engagement between the actuating tip 214 and a portion of a container or receptacle (for example, the piston 200, or a container fitting in some embodiments), in order to reduce the risk that the container (which may be formed from fragile materials such as glass) may break when the container is driven in the actuation direction (for example, in the direction of the power supply module).

[0067] Figures 12 to 14 represent alternative arrangements for radionuclide generators 100 that incorporate the concepts of the present description. In the schematic representation of Figure 12, the generator 100 can Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 73 / 110 65 / 82 include a container feeder 238 configured to hold one or more containers (e.g., the first and second containers 112A, 112B) and to move one or more containers to or through one or more poses. In some embodiments, the container feeder 238 may be configured to advance one or more containers through a series of poses. The series of poses may include and / or terminate in a generating pose, in which the container may be disposed in a container receptacle 114, and in which the container or an opening thereof may be aligned with a precursor radionuclide source 132 disposed on or in a source module 110. A container may be advanced through at least part of a series of poses by sequential translational movement of the container in a container feeder, for example, from a stack of containers to a generating pose, as shown.In some embodiments, a generator may include a valve 248 configured to isolate the receptacle 114 from the source 132. The valve 248 may be configured to be open to allow the source 132 to pass through it, or closed to prevent the source 132 from passing through it, for example, by the operation of a valve cable 120E.

[0068] In some modes, each container can be loaded into a respective pose, and each container can be advanced through a respective number of poses before Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 74 / 110 66 / 82 to be advanced to the generation pose. For example, the first container 112A may be loaded into a first pose of the feeder and may be advanced directly from the first pose of the feeder to the generator pose, while the second container 112B may be loaded into a second pose of the feeder and may be advanced from the second pose of the feeder to the first pose of the feeder before being advanced to the generation pose. It is clear that it should be considered that a container feeder may be configured to accommodate any appropriate number of containers, and advance each container through any appropriate number of poses, as the description is not limited in this respect. In addition to the above, in some embodiments, the container feeder 238 may include a feeder cable 120F configured to advance one or more containers loaded in the container feeder to one or more sequential poses, including the generation pose.Additionally, or alternatively, a container feeder may be gravity-operated, so that removing a first container from a spawning pose may cause a second container to advance from a feeder pose to the spawning pose due, wholly or partly, to gravity.

[0069] Generator 100 in Figure 12 may additionally comprise a discharge module 240 configured for Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 75 / 110 67 / 82 move a container from a generation pose to one or more discharge poses (e.g., after a generation process has been completed). In some embodiments, the discharge module 240 may include a first discharge cable 120G configured to move a container from a generation pose (e.g., the third container pose 112C) to at least one first discharge pose (e.g., the fourth container pose 112D). For example, the first discharge cable 120G may translate a container from the generation pose to the first discharge pose, for example, in the direction of arrow 242 which is directed away from the source 132. In some embodiments, the second cable may include or be functionally attached to a first gripper arm 244A, which may be functionally attached to a first gripper 246A.The first clamp 246A can be configured to form a friction fit with a container and / or to otherwise engage with a container to move the container from the generation pose to at least the first discharge position. In some embodiments, the discharge module 240 can be further configured to move a container from the first discharge pose (e.g., the fourth container pose 112D) to a second discharge pose (e.g., the fifth container pose 112E, illustrated in dashed lines to distinguish it from the fourth container 112D). For example, the first discharge cable. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 76-110 68 / 82 The 120G can be further configured to rotate the container from the first discharge pose to the second discharge pose. It should be understood that a discharge module or a cable thereof can be configured to translate and rotate a container sequentially or simultaneously. For example, while the above description contemplates translating a container from a generation pose to a first discharge pose, and rotating the container from the first discharge pose to a second discharge pose, the description also contemplates simultaneously translating and rotating the container from the generation pose directly to the second discharge pose. A 240 discharge module can be further configured to remove a container from the generator and / or to facilitate the removal of a container from the generator.For example, generator 100 of Figure 12 may include a second discharge cable 120H configured to remove a container (e.g., the fifth container 112E), which may be functionally attached to a second gripper arm 244B and / or a second gripper 246B, which may be configured to form a suitable friction fit and / or to otherwise engage a container to remove the container from the generator.

[0070] According to the embodiment of Figure 13, a generator 100 may include a motion platform 250 configured to receive a container 112. The motion platform may be movably attached to one or more Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 77 / 110 69 / 82 movement tracks 252 to facilitate selective movement of the vessel into and out of the generator. The movement platform can be movable on the movement tracks in any suitable manner. For example, the movement tracks can be any suitable tracks or rails, including sliding rails, roller rails, flow rails, guide rails, telescopic rails, pneumatic rails, or any other suitable type of rail and / or track. Furthermore, the movement platform can be movably mounted to the movement tracks in any suitable manner, including track rollers, carriages, trolleys, roller trolleys, roller bearings, frictionless bearings, air bearings, pneumatic bearings, ball bearings, or any other suitable movable accessory.Additionally, the motion platform can be driven by a ball screw drive, a linear motor, a linear actuator, a servo motor, a motor in conjunction with a transmission, a pneumatic or motor drive and / or any other suitable drive, motor or actuator, including a manual drive (e.g., a lever connected to the motion platform).

[0071] In some modalities, the movement lanes can form a movement trajectory along which the 250 movement platform can be configured. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 78 / 110 70 / 82 to move. The motion path can be any suitable shape, including any suitable linear or curvilinear shape. For example, the motion path indicated by arrow 266 can be a linear motion path along motion tracks 252. The motion tracks and the motion platform can cooperate to allow a container to be translated from a first pose to a second pose, for example, by translating the container along the motion path. In some modes, the container 112 may be in a position outside a generator enclosure 102 when the container is in the first pose and / or the container may be in a position at least partially inside the enclosure when the container is in the second pose.Additionally, or alternatively, the container may be in an orientation such that the container and / or an opening thereof may be aligned with a source module 110 or a precursor radionuclide source 132 thereof when the container is in the second pose.

[0072] According to the embodiment in Figure 14, a generator 100 may include a turntable 254. In some embodiments, a container module 108, a source module 110, an enclosure 102 and / or any other suitable portion of the generator may be arranged on the turntable 254. The turntable 254 may be Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 79-110 71 / 82 configured to rotate the generator or portion(s) thereof in one or more directions, for example, in the directions of arrows 256. In some embodiments, a turntable may be functionally coupled to one or more cables to facilitate rotation of the turntable and / or generator. For example, turntable 254 may include a locking cable 120J configured to selectively permit or resist rotation of turntable 254. Additionally, or alternatively, turntable 254 may include one or more rotating cables 120K configured to facilitate rotation of the turntable. In some embodiments, turntable 254 may facilitate rotation of the generator in order to control an orientation of the source 132. For example, the generator may be rotated from a first orientation in which the source is oriented toward a generator operator to a second orientation in which the source is oriented away from the operator.In some applications, this arrangement can reduce the risk of the operator being exposed to nuclear radiation emitted by source 132.

[0073] In some embodiments, a radionuclide generator can be configured to receive two or more containers and / or two or more sources. For example, in the embodiment of Figures 15A to 15C, a container module 108 of a generator 100 can be configured to receive a Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 80 / 110 72 / 82 plurality of receptacles 112. Additionally, or alternatively, a source module 110 may be configured to receive a plurality of sources 132. The receptacle module 108 may include a plurality of receptacles 114, each receptacle configured to receive a respective receptacle as described in this document. The source module 110 may include a plurality of axes 134, each configured to receive a respective source 132 as described in this document.

[0074] A container module having multiple container receptacles can be configured to move each container receptacle between two or more poses, so that each container can be moved between two or more poses within a respective container receptacle. In some embodiments, each container and / or container receptacle can be configured to move between poses individually. In some of these systems, each container and / or container receptacle can be associated with a respective actuator as described in this document. Alternatively, two or more containers and / or container receptacles can be associated with a shared container actuator, so that the operation of the shared container actuator can move the containers and / or container receptacles between multiple poses. For example, Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 81 / 110 73 / 82 in the embodiment shown, a shared container lever 116A can be actuated to move the containers 112 together between a first pose (as shown in Figure 15A) and a second pose (e.g., the generation pose of Figures 15B and C). As with other embodiments, a shared actuator may include a cable 120 to facilitate automated, partially automated and / or mechanized operation of the generator 100, as described in this document.

[0075] Similarly, in a source module having multiple axes, each axis can be extendable and retractable via a respective sheath to move a precursor radionuclide and / or source between extended and retracted configurations as described in this document, so that each precursor radionuclide and / or source can be selectively exposed and isolated from a corresponding container. In some embodiments, each axis can be configured to extend and retract individually, so that each source can be exposed or isolated individually. In some of these systems, each axis and / or source can be associated with a respective actuator as described in this document. Alternatively, two or more axes can be associated with a shared source actuator, so that the operation of the shared actuator can extend and retract the axes together to expose and Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 82-110 74 / 82 selectively isolate multiple sources together. For example, in the embodiment shown, a shared source lever 116B can be actuated to retract and extend the shafts 134 together to move the sources 132 together between retracted configurations where each source 132 is isolated from a respective container 112 (as shown in Figure 15A), and extended configurations where each source 132 is exposed to its respective container 112 (Figures 15B and C).

[0076] It should be considered that embodiments accommodating multiple sources and / or multiple containers may be implemented using any appropriate arrangement, including any of the various means described throughout this description and / or any combination thereof. For example, such multi-source / multi-container generators may include any aspects of the generators described in this document, including any aspects of the container modules, source modules, container drive assemblies, source fittings, source supports, container fittings, sheaths, source shields, and / or any other components or assemblies described in this document.

[0077] According to the embodiment of Figure 16, a method of generating a radionuclide may comprise receiving a container into a generator in step 100. Receiving the container Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 83 / 110 75 / 82 in the generator may include removing a loading cover from a loading port and inserting a container through the loading port. Additionally, or alternatively, receiving the container in the generator may include receiving the container into a generator container receptacle as described in this document. In some embodiments, receiving the container in the generator may include removing a container fitting, as described in this document, from the generator or a container receptacle thereof, receiving the container into the container fitting, and receiving the container fitting into the generator or container receptacle. In some of these embodiments, receiving the container into the container fitting may comprise removing a first portion of the container fitting from a second portion of the container fitting, receiving the container into the second portion, and joining the first portion to the second portion to secure the container within the container fitting.

[0078] In some methods, step 1600 may involve receiving a plurality of containers in a generator. Receiving the plurality of containers in the generator may include receiving the plurality of containers in a plurality of container receptacles. Each container receptacle may be configured to receive a corresponding container. Furthermore, each container receptacle may include a corresponding container docking, so Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 84 / 110 76 / 82 that, for each container receptacle, receiving the corresponding container may include removing the respective container fitting, receiving the container into the container fitting, and receiving the container into the container receptacle.

[0079] In step 1602, the container (or plurality of containers) can be moved from a first pose to a second pose. In some embodiments, the container(s) can be moved from the first pose to the second pose within the container(s). Moving the container(s) from the first pose to the second pose may include rotating the container(s) to change an orientation of the container(s), translating the container(s) to change the position of the container(s), or both rotating and translating the container(s) to change both an orientation and a position of the container(s). In some embodiments, the method may additionally include advancing the container(s) through a series of poses, which may include any appropriate number of poses as described in this document.In some modes, moving the container from one pose to another (for example, from the first pose to the second pose) may include moving the container to a generator pose in which the container or an opening thereof may be properly aligned with a source, a source module, or a portion of a module. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 85 / 110 77 / 82 source (e.g., a shaft, a sheath, a source holder, a seal, etc.) so that the interior volume of the container can be selectively exposed to the source. Similarly, in embodiments having a plurality of containers, each container can be moved to a generation pose in which an opening of each container is aligned with a respective source or source module. Additionally, with respect to multi-container embodiments, step 1602 may include moving the plurality of containers from the first pose to the second pose using a single actuator, for example, a shared container actuator or a shared container lever.

[0080] In step 1604, an inner surface of the container may be exposed to the precursor radionuclide source. In embodiments with a plurality of containers, an inner surface of each container may be exposed to its respective precursor radionuclide source. According to some embodiments, exposing the inner surface of the container(s) to the source(s) may involve moving the source(s) from a retracted configuration, in which the source(s) is / are isolated from the container, to an extended configuration, in which the inner surface(s) of the container(s) is / are exposed to the precursor radionuclide source. In some of these embodiments, moving the source from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pages 86 / 110 78 / 82 extended may include extending a shaft of a generator source module out of a source module sheath and through a container opening to expose the container's inner surface to the source, as the source may be disposed on the shaft. In multiple source embodiments, each source may be associated with a respective shaft and / or a respective source module sheath, such that each shaft may be extended out of a corresponding sheath through a container opening. Extending the shaft(s) out of the sheath(s) and through the container opening(s) may comprise forming a gas-tight seal at an interface (or at each interface) between the sheath(s) and the container(s) and maintaining the gas-tight seal(s) at the interface(s) while extending the shaft(s) through the opening(s).In some embodiments, exposing the internal surface(s) of the container(s) to the source(s) may additionally comprise attaching the source module to an enclosure, a source fitting, or another portion of the generator. In multi-source embodiments, step 1604 may include moving the plurality of sources from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration using a single actuator, for example, a shared source actuator or a shared source lever. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 87 / 110 79 / 82

[0081] In step 1606, sufficient time may be provided to allow the precursor radionuclide source(s) to decay into at least one progeny radionuclide and to allow at least one progeny radionuclide to emanate from the source(s) into an internal volume of the container(s). In some embodiments, this may additionally include emitting a gaseous progeny radionuclide that may further decay into a solid or liquid target radionuclide disposed on an internal surface of the container(s) after an appropriate period of time. In various embodiments, any suitable time may be provided for the source(s) to decay and / or for the progeny to emanate from them, including greater than or equal to 5 hours, 10 hours, 12 hours, 20 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, or any other appropriate period of time.Additionally, the time provided may be less than or equal to 120 hours, 96 hours, 72 hours, 48 ​​hours, 36 hours, 24 hours, 12 hours, or any other appropriate time period. Combinations of the aforementioned items are also contemplated, including, for example, greater than or equal to 5 hours and less than or equal to 120 hours, greater than or equal to 36 hours and less than or equal to 72 hours, and / or any other appropriate combination of the aforementioned items. It is clear that, although specific time ranges are provided above, other ranges, both greater and less than those indicated, should be considered. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 88 / 110 80 / 82 above, should also be considered, as the description is not limited to this aspect.

[0082] In step 1608, the precursor radionuclide source(s) may be isolated from the inner surface(s) of the container(s). In some embodiments, isolating the source(s) from the container may involve moving the source(s) from an extended configuration to a retracted configuration, for example, by retracting the shaft(s) of the source holder(s) through an opening in the container (or a respective opening in each container) and into the sheath(s) of the source holder(s), and / or forming at least one gas-tight seal between the shaft(s) and the sheath(s) to isolate the source(s).In some embodiments, forming at least one gas-tight seal may comprise forming a first gas-tight seal between the shaft and sheath (or between each shaft and each sheath) on a proximal side of the precursor radionuclide source to isolate the precursor radionuclide source from the container, and forming a second gas-tight seal between the shaft and sheath on a distal side of the precursor radionuclide source opposite the proximal side to isolate the precursor radionuclide source from a surrounding environment. In multi-source embodiments, step 160 may include moving the plurality of sources from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration using a single actuator, for example. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 89 / 110 81 / 82 a shared source actuator or a shared source lever.

[0083] In step 1610, the container(s) may optionally be removed from the generator. In some modes, the container(s) may be moved from the second pose to the first pose. In other modes, the container(s) may be moved from the second pose to a third pose different from the first pose. Additionally, or alternatively, removing the container(s) from the generator may include removing one or more loading covers from one or more generator loading ports to open the loading port(s), and removing the container(s) through the loading port(s).

[0084] It should be considered that any or all of the methods and / or steps of the methods described in this document may be carried out in any appropriate manner, including the use of any appropriate automated, semi-automated or otherwise mechanized system. It is also clear that it should be considered that any or all of the methods and / or steps of the methods described in this document may additionally or alternatively be carried out manually, as the description is not limited in this respect.

[0085] Although the present teachings have been described in conjunction with various modalities and examples, not Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pp. 90 / 110 82 / 82 It is not intended that the present teachings be limited to these modalities or examples. On the contrary, the present teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Consequently, the aforementioned description and drawings are only by way of example. Petition 870250107617, dated 11 / 25 / 2025, pages 91 / 110

Claims

1 / 12 CLAIMS 1. A method for generating a radionuclide, the method characterized in that it comprises: receiving a container in a receptacle of a radionuclide generator; moving the container in the receptacle from a first pose to a second pose; exposing an interior surface of the container to a precursor radionuclide source while the container is in the second pose; allowing sufficient time for the precursor radionuclide source to decay into one or more progeny radionuclides and emanate one or more progeny radionuclides into the container; and isolating the precursor radionuclide source from the container while the container is in the first pose.

2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that exposing the inner surface of the container to the precursor radionuclide source comprises moving the precursor radionuclide source from a retracted configuration, in which the precursor radionuclide source is isolated from the container, to an extended configuration, in which the inner surface of the container is exposed to the precursor radionuclide source.

3. Method according to claim 2, Petition 870250091917, dated 10 / 08 / 2025, page 34 / 46 2 / 12 characterized in that moving the precursor radionuclide source from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration comprises extending a shaft of a source module of the radionuclide generator out of a sheath of the source module and through an opening of the container to expose the interior surface of the container to the precursor radionuclide source disposed on the shaft.

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that extending the shaft out of the sheath and through the opening of the container comprises extending a source support of the shaft out of the sheath and through the opening of the container to expose the inner surface of the container to the precursor radionuclide source disposed in the source support.

5. A method according to claim 4, characterized in that extending the source support out of the sheath and through the opening of the container comprises extending the precursor radionuclide source disposed in a source slot of the source support, the source slot formed as a cavity in the source support with size and shape to receive the precursor radionuclide source.

6. Method, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the precursor radionuclide source is formed as at least one of: a disk, an elongated disk, a pellet, a block, a chip, a sphere, a sheet, a plate or a ball.

7. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that extending the source support out of the sheath and through the opening of the container comprises extending the precursor radionuclide source arranged in a source column, the source column extending from the axis.

8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the precursor radionuclide source is formed as a cylinder, and in that at least a portion of the cylinder is an annular cylinder.

9. A method according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the shaft includes a shielding element disposed at a location distal to the precursor radionuclide source, the shielding element configured to at least partially block nuclear radiation from the precursor radionuclide source from escaping the radionuclide generator.

10. A method according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that exposing the inner surface of the container to the precursor radionuclide source further comprises coupling the source module to a radionuclide generator enclosure.

11. Method, according to any of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that extending the shaft out of the sheath and through the opening of the container comprises forming a gas-tight seal at an interface between the sheath and the container and maintaining the gas-tight seal at the interface while extending the shaft through the opening.

12. A method according to any one of claims 3 to 11, characterized in that isolating the precursor radionuclide source from the container comprises: moving the precursor radionuclide source from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration by retracting the shaft through the opening of the container and into the sheath; and forming at least one gas-tight seal between the shaft and the sheath to isolate the precursor radionuclide source.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that forming at least one gas-tight seal comprises forming a first gas-tight seal between the shaft and the sheath on a proximal side of the precursor radionuclide source to isolate the precursor radionuclide source from the container, and forming a second gas-tight seal between the shaft and the sheath on a distal side of the precursor radionuclide source opposite the proximal side to isolate the precursor radionuclide source from a surrounding environment.

14. A method, according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that moving the container in the receptacle from the first pose to the second pose comprises translating and / or rotating the receptacle within the radionuclide generator to move the container from the first pose to the second pose.

15. A method, according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that moving the container in the container receptacle from the first pose to the second pose comprises translating and / or rotating the container within the container receptacle to move the container from the first pose to the second pose.

16. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it further comprises moving the container in the container receptacle from the second pose to the first pose, and removing the container from the container receptacle.

17. A method according to claim 16, characterized in that the container is a first container, the method further comprising receiving a second container into the container receptacle.

18. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the precursor radionuclide source comprises a thorium-228 (228Th) radionuclide and / or a radium-224 radionuclide.

19. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that one or more progeny radionuclides comprise a radon-220 (220Ra) radionuclide and / or a lead-212 (212Pb) radionuclide.

20. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the precursor radionuclide source is arranged in a substrate material, the substrate material comprising at least one selected from the list consisting of: ceramic, plastic, polymer, metal, natural fiber, synthetic fiber, glass, mineral, paper, and quartz.

21. Method according to claim 16, characterized in that the substrate material comprises quartz wool.

22. Radionuclide generator, characterized in that it comprises: a container module including a container receptacle configured to receive a container, the container module configured to move the container in the container receptacle between a first pose and a second pose; and a source module configured to receive a precursor radionuclide source and configured to selectively expose an interior surface of the container to the precursor radionuclide source in an exposed configuration and to isolate the interior surface of the container from the precursor radionuclide source in an isolated configuration.

23. Generator, according to claim 22, characterized in that the source module is configured to move the precursor radionuclide source between the isolated configuration and the exposed configuration.

24. Generator, according to claim 22 or claim 23, characterized in that the precursor radionuclide source is arranged on a shaft of the source module, the source module further comprising a sheath at least partially encircling at least a portion of the shaft, the shaft configured to extend selectively out of the sheath through an opening in the container to expose the interior surface of the container, and to retract into the sheath to isolate the interior surface of the container from the precursor radionuclide source.

25. Generator, according to claim 24, characterized in that the shaft includes a source holder configured to receive the precursor radionuclide source.

26. Generator, according to claim 25, characterized in that the source holder includes a source slot formed as a cavity in the source holder with size and shape to receive the precursor radionuclide source.

27. Generator, according to any one of claims 22 to 26, characterized in that the precursor radionuclide source is formed as at least one of: a disk, an elongated disk, a pellet, a block, a chip, a sphere, a sheet, a plate or a ball.

28. Generator, according to any one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that the source support comprises a source column extending from the shaft.

29. Generator, according to any one of claims 22 to 26 or claim 28, characterized in that the precursor radionuclide source is formed as a cylinder, and in which at least a portion of the cylinder is an annular cylinder.

30. Generator, according to any one of claims 24 to 29, characterized in that the shaft includes a shielding element disposed at a location distal to the precursor radionuclide source, the shielding element configured to at least partially block nuclear radiation from the precursor radionuclide source from escaping the radionuclide generator. Petition 870250091917, dated 10 / 08 / 2025, pp. 41 / 46 9 / 12 31. Generator, according to any one of claims 24 to 30, characterized in that the source module further comprises at least one seal configured to form at least one gas-tight interface between the shaft and the sheath when the shaft is retracted into the sheath to isolate the inner surface of the container from the precursor radionuclide source.

32. Generator, according to claim 31, characterized in that at least one seal comprises a first seal and a second seal disposed on the shaft, the first seal disposed on a proximal side of the precursor radionuclide source and configured to isolate the precursor radionuclide source from the container, the second seal disposed on a distal side of the precursor radionuclide source opposite the proximal side and configured to isolate the precursor radionuclide source from a surrounding environment.

33. Generator, according to any one of claims 24 to 32, characterized in that it further comprises an enclosure at least partially surrounding the container module, the enclosure configured to receive the source module in a removable manner and configured to align the axis with an opening in the container when the container is in the second pose.

34. Generator, according to any of the claims 24 to 33, characterized in that it further comprises an enclosure at least partially surrounding the container module, the enclosure configured to receive the source module in a removable manner.

35. Generator, according to any one of claims 24 to 34, characterized in that the source module comprises a seal configured to form a gas-tight interface between the source module and the container when the interior surface of the container is exposed to the precursor radionuclide source.

36. Generator, according to any one of claims 22 to 35, characterized in that the container module is configured to move the container in the container receptacle between the first pose and the second pose, translating and / or rotating the container within the radionuclide generator.

37. Generator, according to any one of claims 22 to 36, characterized in that the container module comprises a first lever functionally connected to the container receptacle for rotating the container receptacle around a lever axis between the first pose and the second pose.

38. Generator, according to any one of claims 22 to 37, characterized in that the container module comprises a container drive assembly selectively engageable with the container receptacle, the container drive assembly configured to selectively translate the container receptacle in at least one linear direction.

39. Generator, according to claim 38, characterized in that the container module comprises a second lever functionally connected to the linear actuator for selectively engaging or disengaging the container drive assembly and the container receptacle.

40. Generator, according to any one of claims 22 to 39, characterized in that the container module includes a removable container fitting configured to be selectively inserted into and removed from the container receptacle, the container fitting having a size and shape to receive the container, and the container receptacle having a size and shape to selectively receive the container fitting.

41. Generator, according to any one of claims 22 to 40, characterized in that it further comprises the precursor radionuclide source.

42. Generator, according to claim 41, characterized in that the precursor radionuclide source comprises a thorium-228 (228Th) radionuclide and / or a radium-224 radionuclide.

43. Generator, according to any one of claims 41 and 42, characterized in that the precursor radionuclide source is configured to emit one or more progeny radionuclides comprising a radon-220 (220Ra) radionuclide and / or a lead-212 (212Pb) radionuclide.

44. Generator, according to any one of claims 41 to 43, characterized in that the precursor radionuclide source is arranged in a substrate material, the substrate material comprising at least one of: ceramic, plastic, polymer, metal, natural fiber, synthetic fiber, glass, mineral, paper and quartz.

45. Generator, according to claim 44, characterized in that the substrate material comprises quartz wool. Petition 870250091917, dated 08 / 10 / 2025, pp. 45 / 46

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