Systems, devices, and methods for beam target exchange and volatile object storage.

Abstract

Embodiments are provided relating to the replacement of a device or assembly holding a target used in a beam system. Using these embodiments, a used target can be quickly and safely replaced with a new target to enable continued operation in a clinical or other environment. Also provided are embodiments of a valve having a relatively low profile that facilitates engagement and disengagement of beamline sections for access to the target device or assembly. All or a portion of the valve can be part of the target assembly. Also provided are embodiments of a storage container for storing volatile objects, such as objects with atmospheric air-sensitive compositions and / or objects that are radioactive. The storage container can include a two-part shell case assembly configured to contain the volatile object between two parts that engage with each other and form an airtight seal therebetween.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 048,633, filed Jul. 6, 2020, entitled "SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR BEAM TARGET EXCHANGE"; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 060,831, filed Aug. 4, 2020, entitled "SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR BEAM TARGET EXCHANGE"; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 173,275, filed Apr. 9, 2021, entitled "SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR RADIOACTIVE BEAM TARGET STORAGE AND EXCHANGE"; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 173,285, filed Apr. 9, 2021, entitled "SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR VOLATILE OBJECT STORAGE". The entire content of each is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0002] The subject matter described herein generally relates to systems, devices, and methods for removing and / or replacing target devices within a beam system and storing objects, such as objects sensitive to atmospheric conditions, used during operation of the beam system.

Background Art

[0003] Systems that generate high-energy particle beams typically include beam-receiving components or devices. These components may include devices used to manipulate or transform the incident beam, workpieces modified by the incident beam, components used for shielding, and others. Depending on the implementation of the beam system, such as the composition and purpose of the receiving device, the type of beam, and the beam energy, these components may become radioactive over time and require special handling and / or storage to minimize human exposure.

[0004] One embodiment of such a beam system is the neutron beam system used in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). A neutron beam system used for BNCT typically includes a target device that generates a neutron beam capable of treating cancerous tumors when collided with a beam of high-energy protons. The target device is typically composed of either lithium or beryllium. For example, a lithium target can generate a beam of epithermal neutrons produced via the nuclear reaction 7Li(p,n)7Be. The target device is typically integrated into a target assembly, which may include secondary structures to support the use of the target in the overall system, such as cooling conduits, shielding, structures for engaging and disengaging the assembly, and equivalents. The target assembly used to generate neutrons has a finite lifespan and may require replacement multiple times per year.

[0005] As a byproduct of the treatment, the target assembly becomes radioactive and may emit various gamma rays through various nuclear decay processes, for example, with a lifespan of several months. The expected dose to personnel in close proximity to the irradiated target assembly exceeds the acceptable annual whole-body dose of 20 millisieverts (mSv), which could therefore complicate removal, storage, and / or transport procedures, as well as any unforeseen maintenance issues.

[0006] Reactor-based BNCT systems employ methods similar to those used in commercial nuclear power plants and the isotope production industry for handling radioactive materials. Examples of these methods include remote handling with mechanical assistance or robots, and shielded lifting tables or hoists for moving materials into and from the equipment into glove boxes or shielded containers.

[0007] The tools and storage containers used to handle radioactive materials are constructed in an arrangement specific to the equipment and the weighing of the radioactive materials being handled. Incorporating existing technologies, such as those outlined above, with respect to reactor-based equipment would require significant modifications to work with different system designs, such as those configured for accelerator-based BNCTs and the equipment housing such systems. Target handling systems for reactor-based systems are generally not feasible for accelerator-based solutions, due to any constraints of surface area, volume, mass, or material.

[0008] Three common techniques for keeping personnel safe by removing and handling irradiated target assemblies and reducing exposure are limiting exposure time, maximizing the distance between the target and personnel, and / or adding a large amount of gamma shielding between the target and personnel. These options are often impractical and cost-ineffective. Furthermore, the facilities in which BNCT procedures are performed may have constraints that further limit practical and cost-effective solutions. Existing solutions for target removal and replacement generally cannot be applied satisfactorily within many existing safety and facility constraints.

[0009] Materials such as magnesium, sodium, and lithium (e.g., materials used in target devices in BNCT systems) are known to be reactive under atmospheric conditions. These materials are highly volatile, and therefore, even exposure to small amounts of oxygen and / or moisture in atmospheric conditions, such as when assembling target assemblies to be used in BNCT systems, can cause them to react and form oxides and / or hydroxides. For applications requiring pure elemental materials, this reaction results in inferior or unusable material properties.

[0010] To ensure that air-sensitive materials, such as highly reactive elemental materials, maintain a high level of purity during storage and transport, there is a need for systems and methods to isolate air-sensitive materials and objects from atmospheric conditions. [Overview of the Initiative] [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] Exemplary embodiments of systems, devices, and methods for removing radioactive components from a beam system, introducing replacement components into a beam system, and both are described herein. Embodiments may include a movable device for transporting components and a guide structure for guiding the movement of the movable device. Components can be moved quickly, reliably, and efficiently from a first location, e.g., an operating position in the beam system, to a second location, e.g., a position in a shielding container, in order to remove them from the system while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding personnel.

[0012] Embodiments of the component may include a compact valve for maintaining a vacuum environment within the component. The valve may have a compact design that allows for the removal of the component through a minimally sized opening in the adjacent radiation shield. The compact design also allows the storage container for the component to be kept relatively small. The valve can be easily uncoupled from the beamline, thereby allowing for the rapid replacement of the component by technical personnel, for example, by placing the spent radioactive component in a shielding container and replacing the spent radioactive component with a new component, while minimizing radioactive exposure.

[0013] Exemplary embodiments of the component removal system can also be used to introduce replacement components, and thus perform and replace functionality. Exemplary embodiments of equipment for housing the replacement system are also described herein.

[0014] An exemplary shielding container for storing radioactive components includes an inner container shell. The inner container shell may have a plurality of inner shell walls that collectively define a first hollow interior for housing the radioactive components. The shielding container may include an outer container shell. The outer container shell may have a plurality of outer shell walls that collectively define a second hollow interior for housing the inner container shell.

[0015] Exemplary embodiments also provide storage for objects sensitive to atmospheric conditions, such as those reactive with oxygen, water, and / or equivalents. In various embodiments, the storage container for storing volatile objects includes a shell case assembly. In various embodiments, the shell case assembly includes a first shell case side and a second shell case side. In some of these embodiments, the shell case assembly defines an outer surface and a sealed internal volume defined within the respective internal portions of the first and second shell case sides and configured for storing volatile objects. In various embodiments, the first shell case side is configured to engage with the second shell case side, forming an airtight seal between them. In various embodiments, the storage container further includes a coupling device configured to fix the first shell case side to the second shell case side. In various embodiments, the first shell case side includes a vacuum-activated check valve extending through it. In various embodiments, the vacuum-activated check valve is configured to open at a pressure on the outer surface of the first shell case that is lower than the pressure in the inner portion of the first shell case.

[0016] Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be obvious to those skilled in the art, in accordance with the following figures and detailed description. All such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are included in this description, within the scope of the subject matter described herein, and are intended to be protected by the accompanying claims. In no way should the features of the exemplary embodiments be construed as limiting the accompanying claims, even if a clear enumeration of such features is absent in the claims. The present invention provides, for example, the following: (Item 1) A removal system for radioactive components of a beam system, wherein the removal system is A mobile device configured to transport radioactive components, A guide structure configured to receive the movable device and to guide the movement of the radioactive component from a first position to a second position, A removal system equipped with the following features. (Item 2) The movable device is configured as a carrier in the removal system described in item 1. (Item 3) The removal system according to item 2, wherein the carrier is configured to secure the radioactive components, and the carrier is equipped with one or more wheels. (Item 4) The aforementioned guide structure is configured as a track, in the removal system described in item 1. (Item 5) The removal system according to item 4, wherein the track comprises recessed spaces configured to hold the wheels of the movable device and allow them to rotate. (Item 6) The removal system according to item 1, wherein the guide structure is configured such that the movement of the movable device along the guide structure changes the position and orientation of the radioactive component. (Item 7) The removal system according to item 6, wherein the first position is an operating position within the beam system, and the second position is a position within the shielding container. (Item 8) It is a neutron beam system, A target exchange system comprising a movable device and a guide structure, wherein the movable device is configured to transport a radioactive target assembly along the guide structure, and the guide structure is configured to guide the movement of the movable device from the beam shaping assembly to the shielding container. A neutron beam system equipped with this system. (Item 9) The neutron beam system according to item 8, wherein the movable device is a carrier having one or more wheels, and the guide structure is a track configured to receive the one or more wheels. (Item 10) The neutron beam system according to item 8, wherein the guide structure comprises a first linear section, a second linear section, and a third curved section positioned between the first and second sections. (Item 11) The neutron beam system according to item 10, wherein the first linear section has an endpoint in the beam forming assembly and is oriented along the beam axis of the beam system. (Item 12) The neutron beam system according to item 11, wherein the second linear section has an endpoint in a space configured to hold a shielding container. (Item 13) The neutron beam system according to item 12, wherein the second linear section is oriented along an axis that transverses the beam axis of the beam system. (Item 14) A method for removing radioactive components from a beam system, To move the radioactive component from its operating position within the beam system to a position within the shielding container along the guide structure. Methods that include... (Item 15) The method according to item 14, wherein the guide structure induces the movement of the radioactive component. (Item 16) The method according to item 14, wherein moving the radioactive component includes moving the radioactive component upstream from the operating position. (Item 17) The method of item 16, wherein moving the radioactive component further includes moving the radioactive component through an opening in the radiation shield. (Item 18) The method of item 16, wherein moving the radioactive component further includes moving the radioactive component along a curved section of the guide structure such that the radioactive component changes its position and orientation. (Item 19) The method according to item 18, wherein moving the radioactive component further includes moving the radioactive component from a curved section of the guide structure to an upper straight section, and then changing the direction of motion to move the radioactive component along the upper straight section at a second time. (Item 20) The method according to item 19, wherein moving the radioactive component further includes moving the radioactive component from the upper linear section to the lower linear section and into the shielding container. (Item 21) The method according to any one of items 14-20, wherein the movable structure is a carrier equipped with wheels, and the guide structure is a track configured to receive the wheels and allow them to rotate. (Item 22) The method according to any one of items 14-21, wherein the radioactive component is a target assembly configured to generate neutrons when struck by a proton beam. (Item 23) The beam system is configured for use in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) according to any of the methods described in items 14-22. (Item 24) A removal system for radioactive components of a beam system, wherein the removal system is A radioactive component having a first side that is relatively more radioactive than the second side, A guide structure configured to guide the movement of the radioactive component into the shielding container such that the first side enters the shielding container in front of the second side. A removal system equipped with the following features. (Item 25) The removal system according to item 24, wherein the radioactive component is coupled with a movable device configured to move along the guide structure. (Item 26) The removal system according to item 25, wherein the movable device is fixed to the radioactive component. (Item 27) The removal system according to item 25, wherein the movable device is configured as a carrier having at least one wheel. (Item 28) The aforementioned guide structure is configured as a track in the removal system described in item 27. (Item 29) The removal system according to item 28, wherein the track comprises a recessed space configured to hold at least one wheel of the carrier and allow it to rotate. (Item 30) The removal system according to any one of items 24-29, wherein the guide structure is configured such that the movement of the radioactive component along the guide structure changes the position and orientation of the radioactive component. (Item 31) The removal system according to item 30, wherein the guide structure comprises a first straight track section, a second straight track section, and a curved track section, the curved track section being coupled between the first and second straight track sections. (Item 32) The removal system according to item 31, wherein the first linear trajectory section is oriented along the beam axis of the beam system, and the second linear trajectory section is oriented across the beam axis. (Item 33) The removal system according to item 32, wherein the second straight track section is oriented across the space for the installation of the shielding container. (Item 34) The removal system according to item 30, wherein the guide structure comprises a first guide section and a second guide section, the second guide section being configured to pivot relative to the first guide section. (Item 35) The removal system according to item 34, further comprising a releasable locking mechanism configured to lock the second guide section in a position aligned with the first guide section. (Item 36) The removal system according to item 34, further comprising a biasing member configured to assist the pivotal movement of the second guide section. (Item 37) The biasing member is a damping spring, as described in item 36 of the removal system. (Item 38) The removal system according to item 34, further comprising an automatic descent mechanism configured to assist the descent of the radioactive components along the second guide section in a pivoting state. (Item 39) The removal system according to any one of items 24-38, wherein the guide structure is configured to move the radioactive component from an operating position in the beam system to a position in the shielding container. (Item 40) A target exchange system, A guide structure configured to interface with a target assembly, wherein the target assembly has a first side with a radioactive target and a second side, and the guide structure is configured to guide the movement of the target assembly into the shielding container such that the first side of the target assembly enters the shielding container in front of the second side. A target exchange system equipped with this system. (Item 41) The target replacement system according to item 40, wherein the target assembly is coupled with a movable device configured to move along the guide structure. (Item 42) The target exchange system according to item 41, wherein the movable device is a carrier having one or more wheels, and the guide structure is a track configured to receive the one or more wheels. (Item 43) The target exchange system according to item 40, wherein the guide structure comprises a first straight section, a second straight section, and a third curved section positioned between the first and second sections. (Item 44) The target exchange system according to item 43, wherein the first linear section has an endpoint in the beam forming assembly and is oriented along the beam axis of the beam system. (Item 45) The target exchange system according to item 44, wherein the second linear section has an endpoint in a space configured to hold a shielding container. (Item 46) The target exchange system according to item 45, wherein the second linear section is oriented along an axis that traverses the beam axis of the beam system. (Item 47) The target exchange system according to item 40, wherein the guide structure comprises a first guide section and a second guide section, the second guide section being configured to pivot relative to the first guide section. (Item 48) The target exchange system according to item 47, further comprising a releasable locking mechanism configured to lock the second guide section in a position aligned with the first guide section. (Item 49) The target exchange system according to item 47, further comprising a biasing member configured to assist the pivotal movement of the second guide section. (Item 50) The biasing member is a damping spring, as described in item 49, for the target replacement system. (Item 51) The target exchange system according to item 47, further comprising an automatic descent mechanism configured to assist the descent of the radioactive component along the second guide section in a pivot state. (Item 52) The target exchange system according to any one of items 40-51, wherein the guide structure is configured to move the radioactive component from an operating position in the beam system to a position in the shielding container. (Item 53) The target exchange system according to item 40, further comprising a beamline and the target assembly. (Item 54) The target exchange system according to item 53, further comprising a valve coupled between the beamline and the target assembly. (Item 55) The target exchange system according to item 54, wherein the valve comprises a first housing which is releasably coupled to a second housing, the first housing being fixed to the target assembly, and the second housing being fixed to the beamline. (Item 56) The target replacement system according to item 55, wherein the valve comprises a rotatable or pivotable sealing member coupled to the first housing and configured to seal the internal space of the target assembly. (Item 57) A method for removing a radioactive component from a beam system, wherein the radioactive component has a first side that is relatively more radioactive than a second side. The first side moves the radioactive component from its operating position in the beam system to a position within the shielding container such that it enters the shielding container in front of the second side, wherein at least part of the movement is along a guide structure. Methods that include... (Item 58) The method according to item 57, wherein the guide structure induces the movement of the radioactive component. (Item 59) The method according to item 57, wherein moving the radioactive component includes moving the radioactive component upstream along the guide structure from its operating position. (Item 60) The method according to any one of items 57-59, wherein moving the radioactive component further includes moving the radioactive component through an opening in the radiation shield. (Item 61) The method according to any one of items 57-60, wherein moving the radioactive component further includes moving the radioactive component along a curved section of the guide structure such that the radioactive component changes its position and orientation. (Item 62) The method according to item 59, wherein moving the radioactive component further includes moving the radioactive component from a curved section of the guide structure to an upper straight section, and then changing the direction of motion to move the radioactive component along the upper straight section at a second time. (Item 63) The method according to item 59, wherein moving the radioactive component further includes moving the radioactive component from the upper linear section to the lower linear section and into the shielding container. (Item 64) Moving the aforementioned radioactive component further involves, Moving the radioactive component along the first guide section to the second guide section, The second guide section is pivoted so that the radioactive component also pivots. The method described in any of items 57-60, including the method described in any of items 57-60. (Item 65) The method according to item 64, further comprising unlocking the second guide section prior to pivoting the second guide section. (Item 66) The method according to item 64, wherein the second guide section and the radioactive component are pivoted with the support of a biasing member. (Item 67) The method according to item 66, wherein the biasing member is a damping spring. (Item 68) The method according to item 64, further comprising moving the pivoted radioactive component into the shielding container along the pivoted second guide section. (Item 69) The method of item 64, further comprising, at least in part, using an automated descent mechanism to move the pivoted radioactive component into the shielding container along the pivoted second guide section. (Item 70) The method according to any one of items 64-69, further comprising inserting a replacement component into the first guide section. (Item 71) The method according to any one of items 57-70, wherein the movable structure is a carrier equipped with wheels, and the guide structure is a track configured to receive the wheels and allow them to rotate. (Item 72) The method according to any one of items 57-71, wherein the radioactive component is a target assembly configured to generate neutrons when struck by a proton beam. (Item 73) The beam system is configured for use in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) according to any of the methods described in items 57-72. (Item 74) A method for removing a radioactive target assembly from a neutron beam system, Moving the target assembly along the guide structure, To pivot a part of the guide structure and the target assembly, Moving the pivotable target assembly into the shielding container Methods that include... (Item 75) Decouple the target assembly from the beamline section, To remove the aforementioned beamline section and The method described in item 74, further including the method described in item 74. (Item 76) The method of item 75, wherein disconnecting the target assembly from the beamline section includes releasing a locking mechanism on the valve assembly. (Item 77) The method of item 76, further comprising closing the valve assembly prior to uncoupling the target assembly from the beamline section. (Item 78) The valve assembly is closed by rotating or pivoting a sealing member, as described in item 77. (Item 79) The aforementioned part is a second part, and moving the target assembly along the guide structure is The target assembly is moved from proximity to the beam shaping apparatus, along the first part of the guide structure, through an opening in the retractable radiation shield, to the second part of the guide structure. The method described in item 74, including the method described in item 74. (Item 80) The method according to item 79, wherein the target assembly is moved from the first part to the second part of the guide structure without the retraction of the radiation shield. (Item 81) The method according to item 79, wherein the target assembly comprises a valve that moves through the opening in the retractable radiation shield. (Item 82) The method according to any one of items 74-81, further comprising moving the pivoted target assembly into a shielding container with the assistance of an automated descent mechanism. (Item 83) The method according to any one of items 74-82, further comprising sealing the shielding container in which the target assembly is contained. (Item 84) The method according to any one of items 74-83, wherein the target assembly has a radioactive target located at the downstream end of the target assembly, and the downstream end of the target assembly is moved into the shielding container in front of the upstream end of the target assembly. (Item 85) It is equipment, A neutron beam system equipped with a target assembly, A beam forming apparatus configured to receive the aforementioned target assembly, A retractable radiation shield, the retractable radiation shield having an opening through which the target assembly can pass, A target exchange system configured to facilitate the removal of the target assembly without the retraction of the radiation shield, Equipment that includes the following features. (Item 86) The aforementioned neutron beam system further, Ion source and, A first beamline coupled to the ion source, An accelerator coupled to the first beamline, A second beamline coupled between the accelerator and the target assembly The equipment described in item 85, which includes the following: (Item 87) The apparatus according to item 86, wherein the second beamline comprises a removable section coupled to the target assembly. (Item 88) The neutron beam system further comprises a valve assembly having a first housing removably coupled to a second housing, wherein the first housing is fixed to the target assembly and the second housing is fixed to the removable section, as described in item 87. (Item 89) The valve assembly comprises a rotatable or pivotable seal, as described in item 88. (Item 90) The valve assembly comprises a releasable locking mechanism for releasably coupling the first housing with the second housing, as described in item 89. (Item 91) The valve assembly is sized to pass through the opening in the radiation shield, as described in any of items 88-90. (Item 92) The retractable radiation shield comprises a first shield door and a second shield door, the opening being formed by the interface between the first and second shield doors, as described in any of items 85-91. (Item 93) The target exchange system is the equipment described in any of items 85-92, configured in accordance with any of items 17-33. (Item 94) The target exchange system is the equipment according to any one of items 85-93, having a support structure comprising a first portion located between the beam shaping assembly and the first side of the radiation shield, and a second portion located on the second side of the radiation shield. (Item 95) A valve assembly, sealing member and A first housing connected to the sealing member, A second housing configured to be coupled with the first housing, A releasable locking mechanism configured to releasably lock the first housing to the second housing, Equipped with, The sealing member is configured to pivot or rotate from an open position to a closed position. The valve assembly is configured such that when the sealing member is in the open position, it allows the passage of a charged particle beam through it. Valve assembly. (Item 96) The valve assembly according to item 95, further comprising an actuator for manual operation of the sealing member. (Item 97) The actuator is a rotatable lever or crank, as described in item 96 of the valve assembly. (Item 98) The valve assembly according to item 95, further comprising an actuator for the automatic operation of the sealing member. (Item 99) The valve assembly according to item 95, wherein the first housing comprises an interface for a gas-impermeable seal with the target assembly of the neutron beam system, and the second housing comprises an interface for a gas-impermeable seal with the beamline of the neutron beam system. (Item 100) The valve assembly according to item 95, further comprising a port for pressurizing or depressurizing the internal space of the valve assembly. (Item 101) A shielding container for storing radioactive components, wherein the shielding container is An inner container shell having a plurality of inner shell walls that collectively define a first hollow interior for housing the radioactive components, An outer container shell having a plurality of outer shell walls that collectively define a second hollow interior for housing the inner container shell, A shielding container equipped with the following features. (Item 102) The shielding container according to item 101, wherein each of the plurality of inner shell walls comprises at least one gamma-ray shielding material, and each of the plurality of outer shell walls comprises at least one gamma-ray shielding material. (Item 103) The shielding container according to item 102, wherein the at least one gamma-ray shielding material includes one or more of bismuth, iron, nickel, lead, depleted uranium, aluminum, or copper. (Item 104) The inner container shell further defines an open end, and the inner container shell further, An open configuration that provides access to the first hollow interior of the inner container shell, A closing configuration that prevents access to the first hollow interior of the inner container shell and A shielding container according to item 101, comprising a door assembly that can be configured between the following: (Item 105) The outer container shell further defines an open end, and the outer container shell further, An open configuration that provides access to the second hollow interior of the outer container shell, A closing configuration that prevents access to the second hollow interior of the outer container shell and A shielding container according to item 101, comprising a door assembly that can be configured between the following: (Item 106) The shielding container according to item 105, wherein the door assembly of the outer container shell comprises a mechanical linkage that is operable to move the door between the open configuration and the closed configuration. (Item 107) The door assembly comprises at least one gamma-ray shielding material, as described in item 106. (Item 108) The shielding container according to item 107, wherein the at least one gamma-ray shielding material includes one or more of bismuth, iron, nickel, lead, depleted uranium, aluminum, or copper. (Item 109) The mechanical linkage comprises a handle, as described in item 106. (Item 110) The mechanical linkage defines at least two pivot points, as described in item 106. (Item 111) The mechanical linkage is a 5-bar linkage, as described in item 106. (Item 112) The shielding container according to item 106, wherein the door assembly comprises a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the door assembly in the closed configuration. (Item 113) The shielding container according to item 101, further comprising an intermediate shell having a plurality of intermediate shell walls that collectively define a third hollow interior for housing the inner container shell, wherein the outer container shell is configured to house the intermediate shell within a second hollow interior of the outer container shell. (Item 114) The shielding container according to item 101, wherein the inner shell wall defines a variable thickness profile that defines a first portion of the inner shell wall having a first thickness and a second portion of the inner shell wall having a second thickness, and the first thickness exceeds the second thickness. (Item 115) The shielding vessel according to item 114, wherein the variable thickness profile is defined by an inner shell wall thickness that varies based on the proximity of the radioactive component to the target. (Item 116) The shielding container according to item 101, wherein the outer shell wall defines a variable thickness profile that defines a first portion of the outer shell wall having a first thickness and a second portion of the outer shell wall having a second thickness, and the first thickness is greater than the second thickness. (Item 117) The shielding vessel according to item 116, wherein the variable thickness profile is defined by an outer shell wall thickness that varies based on the proximity of the radioactive component to the target. (Item 118) The shielding container according to item 113, wherein the plurality of intermediate shell walls define a variable thickness profile that defines a first portion of the intermediate shell wall having a first thickness and a second portion of the intermediate shell wall having a second thickness, and the first thickness exceeds the second thickness. (Item 119) The shielding vessel according to item 118, wherein the variable thickness profile is defined by an intermediate shell wall thickness that varies based on the proximity of the radioactive component to the target. (Item 120) A method for storing radioactive components, wherein the method is The radioactive component is placed within an inner container shell having a plurality of inner shell walls that collectively define a first interior for housing the radioactive component, wherein the inner container shell is located within an outer container shell having a plurality of outer shell walls that collectively define a second interior for housing the inner container shell. Closing the inner container shell and the outer container shell Methods that include... (Item 121) After the decay of the radioactive components over a certain period of time, the outer container shell is opened. Removing the inner container shell from the outer container shell It further includes, A method for storing radioactive components according to item 120, wherein the outer container shell and the inner container shell each include at least one gamma-ray shielding material. (Item 122) A method for storing radioactive components as described in item 121, wherein the at least one gamma-ray shielding material includes one or more of bismuth, iron, nickel, lead, depleted uranium, aluminum, or copper. (Item 123) A method for storing radioactive components as described in item 120, wherein closing the inner and outer container shells includes moving the handle of the outer container shell from a first position to a second position, the handle of the outer container shell being part of a mechanical linkage, and moving the handle from the first position to the second position moves the door of the outer container shell from an open configuration to a closed configuration. (Item 124) A method for storing radioactive components as described in item 120, wherein closing the inner container shell and the outer container shell comprises rotating a drive key, the drive key being connected in a gear drive relationship to the door of the outer container shell such that the rotation of the drive key moves the door of the outer container shell from the open configuration to the closed configuration. (Item 125) A method for storing radioactive components according to item 120, further comprising positioning the inner container shell within an intermediate container shell, positioning the intermediate container shell within the outer container shell, and closing the intermediate container shell. (Item 126) After the decay of the radioactive components over the first period, the outer container shell is opened. Removing the intermediate container shell from the outer container and A method for storing radioactive components as described in item 121, further including the above. (Item 127) After the decay of the radioactive components over a second period that occurs consecutively with the first period, the intermediate vessel shell is opened. Removing the inner container shell from the intermediate container shell and It further includes, A method for storing radioactive components according to item 122, wherein the outer container shell, the intermediate container shell, and the inner container shell each include at least one gamma-ray shielding material. (Item 128) A method for storing radioactive components as described in item 127, wherein the at least one gamma-ray shielding material includes one or more of bismuth, iron, nickel, lead, depleted uranium, aluminum, or copper. (Item 129) The method for storing a radioactive component according to item 120, wherein the placement of the radioactive component within the inner container shell includes guiding the radioactive component into the inner container shell along a guide structure. (Item 130) A removal system for radioactive components of a beam system, wherein the removal system is Radioactive components and, A shielded container, An inner container shell having a plurality of inner shell walls that collectively define a first hollow interior for housing the radioactive components, An outer container shell having a plurality of outer shell walls that collectively define a second hollow interior for housing the inner container shell, A shielding container equipped with, A guide structure configured to guide the movement of the radioactive component into the first hollow interior of the inner vessel shell of the shielding container, A removal system equipped with the following features. (Item 131) The removal system according to item 130, wherein the radioactive component is coupled with a movable device configured to move along the guide structure. (Item 132) The aforementioned guide structure is configured as a track in the removal system described in item 130. (Item 133) The removal system according to item 130, wherein the guide structure is configured such that the movement of the radioactive component along the guide structure changes the position and orientation of the radioactive component. (Item 134) The guide structure comprises a first straight track section, a second straight track section, and a curved track section. The first linear trajectory section is oriented along the beam axis of the beam system, The second linear trajectory section is oriented across the shielding container and oriented across the beam axis, The curved track section is connected between the first straight track section and the second straight track section. The removal system described in item 133. (Item 135) The removal system according to item 130, wherein the guide structure is configured to move the radioactive component from its operating position in the beam system to a position within the first hollow interior of the inner vessel shell of the shielding container. (Item 136) The removal system according to item 130, wherein the shielding container further comprises an intermediate shell having a plurality of intermediate shell walls that collectively define a third hollow interior for housing the inner container shell, and the outer container shell is configured to house the intermediate shell within a second hollow interior of the outer container shell. (Item 137) The removal system according to item 130, wherein the inner shell wall defines a variable thickness profile that defines a first portion of the inner shell wall having a first thickness and a second portion of the inner shell wall having a second thickness, the first thickness being greater than the second thickness. (Item 138) The removal system according to item 130, wherein the outer shell wall defines a variable thickness profile that defines a first portion of the outer shell wall having a first thickness and a second portion of the outer shell wall having a second thickness, the first thickness being greater than the second thickness. (Item 139) The removal system according to item 138, wherein the intermediate shell wall defines a variable thickness profile that defines a first portion of the intermediate shell wall having a first thickness and a second portion of the intermediate shell wall having a second thickness, and the first thickness is greater than the second thickness. (Item 140) The removal system according to item 130, wherein the outer container shell and the inner container shell each include at least one gamma-ray shielding material. (Item 141) The removal system according to item 140, wherein the at least one gamma-ray shielding material includes one or more of bismuth, iron, nickel, lead, depleted uranium, aluminum, or copper. (Item 142) A target exchange system, A shielded container, An inner container shell having a plurality of inner shell walls that collectively define a first hollow interior for housing the radioactive components, An outer container shell having a plurality of outer shell walls that collectively define a second hollow interior for housing the inner container shell, A shielding container equipped with, A guide structure configured to interface with a target assembly, wherein the guide structure is configured to guide the movement of the target assembly into a first hollow interior of the inner container of the shielding container, and A target exchange system equipped with this system. (Item 143) The target exchange system according to item 142, wherein the guide structure comprises a first linear section, a second linear section, and a third curved section positioned between the first and second sections. (Item 144) The first linear section is oriented along the beam axis of the beam system, The second linear section is oriented across the shielding container and oriented across the beam axis, The curved track section is connected between the first straight section and the second straight section. The target exchange system described in item 143. (Item 145) The target exchange system according to item 142, wherein the guide structure is configured to move the radioactive component from an operating position in the beam system to a position within a first hollow interior of the inner vessel shell of the shielding container. (Item 146) The target exchange system according to item 142, wherein the shielding container further comprises an intermediate shell having a plurality of intermediate shell walls that collectively define a third hollow interior for housing the inner container shell, and the outer container shell is configured to house the intermediate shell within a second hollow interior of the outer container shell. (Item 147) The target exchange system according to item 142, wherein the inner shell wall defines a variable thickness profile that defines a first portion of the inner shell wall having a first thickness and a second portion of the inner shell wall having a second thickness, the first thickness being greater than the second thickness. (Item 148) The target exchange system according to item 142, wherein the outer shell wall defines a variable thickness profile that defines a first portion of the outer shell wall having a first thickness and a second portion of the outer shell wall having a second thickness, the first thickness being greater than the second thickness. (Item 149) The target exchange system according to item 146, wherein the intermediate shell wall defines a variable thickness profile that defines a first portion of the intermediate shell wall having a first thickness and a second portion of the intermediate shell wall having a second thickness, and the first thickness exceeds the second thickness. (Item 150) The target exchange system according to item 142, wherein the outer container shell and the inner container shell each include at least one gamma-ray shielding material. (Item 151) The target exchange system according to item 150, wherein the at least one gamma-ray shielding material includes one or more of bismuth, iron, nickel, lead, depleted uranium, aluminum, or copper. (Item 152) A storage container for storing volatile substances, wherein the storage container is A shell case assembly comprising a first shell case side and a second shell case side, wherein the shell case assembly defines an outer surface and a sealed internal volume defined within the internal portions of the first shell case side and the second shell case side, configured to store volatile objects, and the first shell case side is configured to engage with the second shell case side to form an airtight seal between them. A coupling device configured to fix the first shell case side to the second shell case side, Equipped with, A storage container comprising a first shell case side equipped with a vacuum-activated check valve extending through it, wherein the vacuum-activated check valve is configured to open at a pressure on the outer surface of the first shell case side that is lower than the pressure in the internal portion of the first shell case side. (Item 153) The first shell case side defines a first flange extending around the outer circumference of the first shell case side, and the second shell case side defines a second flange extending around the outer circumference of the second shell case side. The first flange is configured to engage with the second flange and to form the airtight seal between the first shell case side and the second shell case side. The storage container described in item 152. (Item 154) The storage container according to item 152, wherein the second shell case side comprises a second vacuum-activated check valve extending through it, the second vacuum-activated check valve being configured to open at a lower pressure on the outer surface of the second shell case side. (Item 155) The storage container according to item 152, wherein the first shell case side further comprises a retaining member fixed to the inner surface of the internal portion of the first shell case side, the retaining member being configured to frictionally engage with the surface of the volatile substance. (Item 156) The storage container according to item 155, wherein the second shell case side further comprises a second retaining member fixed to the inner surface of the internal portion of the second shell case side, the second retaining member being configured to frictionally engage with the second surface of the volatile substance. (Item 157) The storage container according to item 155, wherein the retaining member is an O-ring seated in a channel defined within the inner surface of the first shell case. (Item 158) The storage container according to item 152, wherein the shell case assembly has at least a substantially circular outer circumference, and the coupling device is a ring clamp configured to extend around at least the substantially circular outer circumference of the shell case assembly. (Item 159) The aforementioned shell case assembly is a storage container as described in item 152, comprising aluminum. (Item 160) The storage container according to item 152, wherein the vacuum-activated check valve is configured to open when the pressure on the outer surface of the first shell case is at least 1 mbar lower than the pressure in the sealed internal volume. (Item 161) The storage container described in item 152, wherein the first shell case side is the same as the second shell case side. (Item 162) The aforementioned shell case assembly is A closing configuration in which the first shell case side engages with the second shell case side, forming an airtight seal between them, The first shell case side is separated from the second shell case side, and the storage container has an open configuration that allows access to the sealed internal volume from the outside. A storage container as described in item 152, which can be configured between the following. (Item 163) The storage container according to item 162, wherein the first shell case side is movably fixed to the second shell case side in the open configuration. (Item 164) A packaged volatile substance, A shell case assembly comprising a first shell case side and a second shell case side, wherein the shell case assembly defines an outer surface and a sealed internal volume defined within the internal portions of the first shell case side and the second shell case side, and the first shell case side is configured to engage with the second shell case side to form a gas seal between them. A volatile substance located within the enclosed internal volume Equipped with, A packaged volatile object, wherein the enclosed internal volume is at a first atmospheric pressure lower than a second atmospheric pressure outside the enclosed internal volume. (Item 165) The packaged volatile object according to item 164, wherein the first shell case side comprises a check valve extending through it, the check valve configured to open at a lower pressure on the outer surface of the first shell case side. (Item 166) The packaged volatile object as described in item 164, wherein the first atmospheric pressure is a vacuum pressure and the second atmospheric pressure is the ambient pressure outside the enclosed internal volume. (Item 167) The packaged volatile substance as described in item 165, wherein the check valve is a vacuum-activated check valve and the gas seal is an airtight seal. (Item 168) The packaged volatile object according to item 164, further comprising a coupling device configured to fix the first shell case side to the second shell case side. (Item 169) The first shell case side defines a first flange extending around the outer circumference of the first shell case side, and the second shell case side defines a second flange extending around the outer circumference of the second shell case side. The first flange engages with the second flange and is configured to form the gas seal between the first shell case side and the second shell case side. Packaged volatile substances as described in item 164. (Item 170) The packaged volatile object according to item 165, wherein the second shell case side comprises a second check valve extending through it, the second check valve being configured to open at a lower pressure on the outer surface of the second shell case side. (Item 171) The packaged volatile object according to item 164, wherein the first shell case side further comprises a retaining member fixed to the inner surface of the internal portion of the first shell case side, the retaining member being configured to frictionally engage with the surface of the volatile object. (Item 172) The packaged volatile object according to item 171, wherein the second shell case side further comprises a second retaining member fixed to the inner surface of the internal portion of the second shell case side, the second retaining member being configured to frictionally engage with the second surface of the volatile object. (Item 173) The retaining member is an O-ring seated in a channel defined within the inner surface of the first shell case side, as described in item 171 for the packaged volatile substance. (Item 174) The packaged volatile object according to item 164, wherein the shell case assembly has at least a substantially circular outer circumference, and the coupling device is a ring clamp configured to extend around at least the substantially circular outer circumference of the shell case assembly. (Item 175) The volatile object is a packaged volatile object as described in item 174, having at least a substantially circular outer circumference. (Item 176) The aforementioned shell case assembly is a packaged volatile object as described in item 164, comprising aluminum. (Item 177) The packaged volatile object according to item 165, wherein the check valve is configured to open when the pressure on the outer surface of the first shell case is at least 1 millibar (mbar) lower than the pressure in the enclosed internal volume. (Item 178) The packaged volatile substance as described in item 164, wherein the first shell case side is the same as the second shell case side. (Item 179) The aforementioned shell case assembly is A closing configuration in which the first shell case side engages with the second shell case side, forming a gas seal between them, The first shell case side is separated from the second shell case side, and the volatile object is accessible from outside the shell case assembly in an open configuration. A packaged volatile substance as described in item 164, which can be composed of between the following. (Item 180) The packaged volatile object according to item 164, comprising a metal disc and a volatile composition coated on a first side of the metal disc. (Item 181) The metal disc is a packaged volatile substance as described in item 180, containing copper. (Item 182) The volatile composition is a packaged volatile object as described in item 180, comprising one of lithium, sodium, or magnesium. (Item 183) The packaged volatile object described in item 164 is configured to generate a neutron beam when collided with a beam of high-energy protons. (Item 184) A method for storing volatile substances, wherein the method is The volatile object, the first shell case side, and the second shell case side are in an environment with a first pressure, while the volatile object is placed inside one of the internal parts of the first shell case side or the second shell case side. By engaging the first shell case side with the second shell case side, a closed shell case assembly is formed around the volatile object, thereby forming a sealed internal volume within the closed shell case assembly that houses the volatile object. The coupling device is fixed to the closed shell case assembly, and the first shell case side is fixed to the second shell case side, The closed shell case assembly is subjected to a second pressure exceeding the first pressure, thereby forming a gas seal between the first shell case side and the second shell case side. Methods that include... (Item 185) The method according to item 184, wherein the first shell case side comprises a check valve extending through it, and the check valve is configured to open at a pressure present on the outer surface of the first shell case side that is lower than that present on the inner portion of the first shell case side. (Item 186) The method according to item 184, further comprising exposing the closed shell case assembly to the second pressure, then exposing the closed shell case assembly to a third pressure at least 1 millibar (mbar) lower than the first pressure in the sealed internal volume, opening the check valve, and through the check valve, making the first pressure in the sealed internal volume equal to the third pressure. (Item 187) The method according to item 186, wherein the check valve is a vacuum-activated check valve and the first pressure is a vacuum pressure. (Item 188) The second shell case side is provided with a second vacuum-activated check valve extending through it, the second vacuum-activated check valve being configured to open at a lower pressure on the outer surface of the second shell case side. Exposing the closed shell case assembly to a vacuum pressure at which the vacuum pressure is at least 1 mbar lower than the pressure in the sealed internal volume, in addition to opening the second vacuum-activated check valve, and equalizing the pressure in the sealed internal volume with the vacuum pressure via the vacuum-activated check valve and the second vacuum-activated check valve, The method described in item 187. (Item 189) The method according to item 184, wherein one of the first or second shell case sides further comprises a retaining member fixed to the inner surface within the internal portion of the first or second shell case side, and forming the closed shell case assembly involves frictionally engaging the retaining member with the surface of the volatile material. (Item 190) The method according to item 184, wherein both the first shell case side and the second shell case side further include retaining members fixed to the inner surfaces within the internal portions of the first shell case side and the second shell case side, and forming the closed shell case assembly includes frictionally engaging the retaining member on the first shell case side with a first surface of the volatile substance and frictionally engaging the retaining member on the second shell case side with a second surface of the volatile substance. (Item 191) The first shell case side defines a first flange extending around the outer circumference of the first shell case side, and the second shell case side defines a second flange extending around the outer circumference of the second shell case side. Forming a closed shell case assembly includes engaging the first flange with the second flange and forming the gas seal between the first shell case side and the second shell case side. The method described in item 184. (Item 192) It is packaging, A shell case assembly comprising a first shell case side and a second shell case side, wherein the shell case assembly defines an outer surface and a sealed internal volume defined within the internal portions of the first shell case side and the second shell case side, and the first shell case side is configured to engage with the second shell case side, forming a gas seal between them. Equipped with, A package in which the enclosed internal volume is at a first atmospheric pressure lower than a second atmospheric pressure outside the enclosed internal volume. (Item 193) The packaging according to item 192, wherein the first shell case side comprises a check valve extending through it, the check valve configured to open at a lower pressure on the outer surface of the first shell case side. (Item 194) The packaging according to item 192, wherein the first atmospheric pressure is the vacuum pressure and the second atmospheric pressure is the ambient pressure outside the sealed internal volume. (Item 195) The packaging according to item 192, further comprising a coupling device configured to fix the first shell case side to the second shell case side. (Item 196) The first shell case side defines a first flange extending around the outer circumference of the first shell case side, and the second shell case side defines a second flange extending around the outer circumference of the second shell case side. The first flange engages with the second flange and is configured to form the gas seal between the first shell case side and the second shell case side. The packaging described in item 192. (Item 197) The packaging according to item 193, wherein the second shell case side comprises a second check valve extending through it, the second check valve being configured to open at a lower pressure on the outer surface of the second shell case side. (Item 198) The packaging according to item 192, wherein the first shell case side comprises a retaining member fixed to the inner surface of the internal portion of the first shell case side, the retaining member being configured to frictionally engage with the surface of a volatile substance. (Item 199) The packaging according to item 198, wherein the second shell case side comprises a second retaining member fixed to the inner surface within the internal portion of the second shell case side, the second retaining member being configured to frictionally engage with the second surface of the volatile substance. (Item 200) The retaining member is an O-ring seated in a channel defined within the inner surface of the first shell case, as described in item 198. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] Details of the subject matter described herein, both in terms of its structure and operation, can be made clear by a close examination of the accompanying diagrams, where similar reference numbers refer to similar parts. Components in the diagrams are not necessarily to scale; instead, the emphasis is on illustrating the principles of the subject matter. Furthermore, all diagrams are intended to convey concepts, and relative sizes, shapes, and other detailed attributes may be illustrated graphically rather than literally or precisely.

[0018] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a neutron beam system.

[0019] [Figure 1B] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a neutron beam system.

[0020] [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the downstream portion of a neutron beam system.

[0021] [Figure 3A] Figures 3A-3D are perspective views depicting exemplary embodiments of a target exchange system at various stages of use for removing a target assembly from an exemplary neutron beam system. [Figure 3B]Figures 3A-3D are perspective views depicting exemplary embodiments of a target exchange system at various stages of use for removing a target assembly from an exemplary neutron beam system. [Figure 3C] Figures 3A-3D are perspective views depicting exemplary embodiments of a target exchange system at various stages of use for removing a target assembly from an exemplary neutron beam system. [Figure 3D] Figures 3A-3D are perspective views depicting exemplary embodiments of a target exchange system at various stages of use for removing a target assembly from an exemplary neutron beam system.

[0022] [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a beamline within a boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) facility.

[0023] [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the beamline during disassembly.

[0024] [Figure 5A] Figures 5A–5E are perspective views of exemplary embodiments of beamline and target exchange systems during various stages of disassembly and target exchange. [Figure 5B] Figures 5A–5E are perspective views of exemplary embodiments of beamline and target exchange systems during various stages of disassembly and target exchange. [Figure 5C] Figures 5A–5E are perspective views of exemplary embodiments of beamline and target exchange systems during various stages of disassembly and target exchange. [Figure 5D] Figures 5A–5E are perspective views of exemplary embodiments of beamline and target exchange systems during various stages of disassembly and target exchange. [Figure 5E] Figures 5A–5E are perspective views of exemplary embodiments of beamline and target exchange systems during various stages of disassembly and target exchange.

[0025] [Figure 5F] Figure 5F is a perspective view of the upstream portion of an exemplary embodiment of the target exchange system.

[0026] [Figure 5G] Figure 5G is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the target exchange system.

[0027] [Figure 5H] Figure 5H is a perspective view depicting an exemplary embodiment of a target exchange system during the loading of an exchange target assembly.

[0028] [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the target assembly.

[0029] [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is an external perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the valve assembly.

[0030] [Figure 6C] Figure 6C is an external perspective view with a side cut of an exemplary embodiment of a valve assembly.

[0031] [Figure 6D] Figure 6D is an external perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a valve assembly, including a side cut.

[0032] [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a top and bottom plan view of a portion of a BNCT facility, including an exemplary embodiment of the neutron beam system and the target exchange system housed within it.

[0033] [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the target assembly.

[0034] [Figure 9A] Figure 9A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a shielding container configured for manual operation.

[0035] [Figure 9B] Figure 9B is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a shielding container configured for automated operation.

[0036] [Figure 9C] Figure 9C is a close-up perspective view of the drive mechanism of the shielding container shown in Figure 9B.

[0037] [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a series of container shells for a shielding container.

[0038] [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the inner shell to be inserted into the outer shell of the shielding container.

[0039] [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a side cross-section view of an exemplary embodiment of a shielding container for enclosing a target assembly.

[0040] [Figure 13] Figure 13 is an exploded view of a vacuum-operated storage container that encloses the target device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0041] Detailed explanation Before the subject matter is described in detail, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described and is therefore naturally subject to change. Furthermore, it should be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure, as it will be limited only by the appended claims.

[0042] The term “particle” is used herein in a broad sense and, unless otherwise limited, may be used to describe electrons, protons (or H+ ions), or neutrons, as well as species having one or more electrons, protons, and / or neutrons (e.g., other ions, atoms, and molecules).

[0043] The term “atmosphere” or “atmospheric air” is used to refer to the components of atmospheric air, including, but not limited to, oxygen, moisture (e.g., water vapor, humidity, rain, snow, ice, and / or equivalents), and / or other components of atmospheric air that are reactive with certain compositions. Exemplary implementation environment

[0044] A system for generating a high-energy particle beam typically includes components or devices that receive the beam. These components may include devices used to manipulate or transform the incident beam, workpieces modified by the incident beam, components used for shielding, and others.

[0045] One embodiment of such a beam system is the neutron beam system used in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). A neutron beam system used for BNCT typically includes a target device that generates a neutron beam capable of treating cancerous tumors when collided with a beam of high-energy protons. An exemplary target device embodies itself as a metallic (e.g., copper) disk having a layer of either lithium or beryllium on one side. For example, a lithium target can generate a beam of epithermal neutrons produced via the nuclear reaction 7Li(p,n)7Be. The target device is typically integrated into a target assembly (e.g., detachably integrated), which may include secondary structures to support the use of the target in the overall system, such as cooling conduits, shielding, structures for engaging and disengaging the assembly, and equivalents. The target assembly is also constructed to maintain ideal environmental conditions within it to prevent unwanted decomposition / reaction of the target device material. For example, the target assembly can be well-sealed to maintain a vacuum environment or an inert environment within it. The target assemblies used to generate neutrons have a finite lifespan and may require replacement multiple times a year. Therefore, replacement target devices are needed and must be carefully installed in the target assembly when the used target device reaches the end of its lifespan.

[0046] In one example, the production of a neutron-generating target device for BNCT involves a process for creating a layer of high-purity lithium (e.g., having a thickness of approximately 100 micrometers) on the surface of a metal (e.g., copper) base plate. The process of applying lithium to the metal base plate typically requires specialized coating equipment, and therefore, this process is generally carried out in a manufacturing facility that is not on-site at the location where the BNCT procedure is performed. However, once the layer of lithium is applied to the metal base plate, the entire target device must be stored and transported until its placement in the target assembly of the BNCT system.

[0047] However, lithium can be extremely difficult to handle because the material is highly reactive and corrosive under atmospheric conditions where it is exposed to air (containing oxygen and moisture) at ambient temperatures, such as in a typical laboratory environment. When exposed to atmospheric air, lithium reacts with oxygen, nitrogen, and moisture in the air to form nitrides and hydroxides, namely lithium hydroxide (LiOH and LiOH-H2O), lithium nitride (Li3N), and lithium carbonate (Li2CO3, the result of a secondary reaction between LiOH and CO2), which can detach from metal substrates in the form of dust. Air and moisture act as catalysts for such a series of reactions.

[0048] As discussed herein, preserving a layer of lithium in an undamaged and non-reactive state within a container with an inert gas or complete vacuum is an effective method for minimizing the potential for exposure to atmospheric air. Following the application of lithium (or other elemental materials highly reactive to substrates) under inert gas or vacuum conditions, the resulting target device is placed and sealed in storage and transport containers as discussed herein, while remaining under these inert gas or vacuum conditions, in order to maintain the viability of the lithium (or other reactive material) during storage, shipping, and transport.

[0049] Exemplary embodiments of systems, devices, and methods for the storage and transport of target devices manufactured in a vacuum or inert gas environment (e.g., a manufactured disk having a layer of highly reactive material thereon) are described herein. These systems, devices, and / or methods can be used in conjunction with beam systems, including particle accelerators, and corresponding target device removal and / or storage systems and methods. Target devices used in conjunction with particle accelerators are only one embodiment; however, embodiments such as those described herein can be configured to provide storage and transport solutions for devices containing highly reactive materials used in other intended applications.

[0050] Some exemplary embodiments described herein are examples of systems, devices, and methods for target removal or replacement systems for use in conjunction with beam systems, including particle accelerators.

[0051] The particle accelerator is a general embodiment, and the embodiments described herein can be used in any particle accelerator application, either in conjunction with any type of particle accelerator or in any particle accelerator application involving the generation of a charged particle beam at a specified energy for supply to the particle accelerator. The exemplary beam system is suitable for supplying a negative particle beam to a tandem accelerator, but this is only an exemplary type of accelerator. The embodiments described herein can be used with beam systems used as scientific tools for nuclear physics research, etc., beam systems used in industrial or manufacturing processes such as semiconductor chip manufacturing, accelerators for modifying material properties (surface treatment, etc.), beam systems for food irradiation, and beam systems for pathogen destruction in medical sterilization. The embodiments can also be used in combination with imaging applications such as cargo or container inspection. In another non-exclusive embodiment, the embodiments can be used in combination with beam systems for medical applications such as medical diagnostic systems, medical imaging systems, or radiotherapy systems. However, again, the use of various embodiments in association with beam systems is only one example, and other embodiments can be configured for use in association with other industries, such as the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries and / or other industrial applications requiring the storage and / or transport of materials that are highly reactive under atmospheric conditions.

[0052] In context, one application of the embodiments discussed herein is the storage and transport of target devices used in radiotherapy systems such as BNCT systems. For ease of explanation, many of the embodiments described herein would be carried out in the context of neutron beam systems for use in BNCT, but the embodiments are not limited to neutron beam or BNCT applications only. Exemplary BNCT applications

[0053] Looking at the figures in detail, Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of beam system 10 for use with embodiments of the present disclosure. In Figure 1A, beam system 10 includes a source 12, a low-energy beamline (LEBL) 14, an accelerator 16 coupled to the low-energy beamline (LEBL) 14, and a high-energy beamline (HEBL) 16 extending from the accelerator 16 to a target 100. The LEBL 14 is configured to transport the beam from the source 12 to the input of the accelerator 16, which is configured to generate the beam by accelerating the beam transported by the LEBL 14. The HEBL 18 transports the beam from the output of the accelerator 16 to the target 100. The target 100 may be a structure configured to produce a desired result in response to a stimulus applied by the incident beam, or it may be able to modify the properties of the beam. The target 100 may be a component of system 10, or at least partially a workpiece tuned or manufactured by system 10.

[0054] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a neutron beam system 10 for use in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). Here, source 12 is an ion source and accelerator 16 is a tandem accelerator. The neutron beam system 10 includes a pre-accelerator system 20 which acts as a charged particle beam injector, a high-voltage (HV) tandem accelerator 16 coupled to the pre-accelerator system 20, and a HEBL 18 extending from the tandem accelerator 16 to a neutron target assembly 200 which houses a target 100 (not shown). In this embodiment, target 100 is configured to generate neutrons in response to the influence of protons of sufficient energy and may be referred to as a neutron generating target. The neutron beam system 10 and the pre-accelerator system 20 can also be used for other applications, such as their other embodiments described herein, and are not limited to BNCT.

[0055] The pre-accelerator system 20 is configured to transport an ion beam from the ion source 12 to the input (e.g., the input aperture) of the tandem accelerator 16, and therefore also acts as the LEBL 14. Powered by a coupled high-voltage power source 42, the tandem accelerator 16 can generally produce a proton beam with an energy equal to twice the voltage applied to the accelerating electrodes located within the accelerator 16. The energy level of the proton beam can be achieved by accelerating a beam of negative hydrogen ions from the input of the accelerator 16 to the innermost high-potential electrode, taking two electrons from each ion, and then accelerating the resulting protons downstream by the same applied voltage.

[0056] HEBL18 can transfer a proton beam from the output of accelerator 16 to a target in a neutron target assembly 200, located at the end of a beamline branch 70 extending into a patient treatment room. System 10 can be configured to direct the proton beam to any number of targets and associated treatment areas. In this embodiment, HEBL18 includes three branches 70, 80, and 90 that may extend into three different patient treatment rooms, each branch being terminated in a target assembly 200 and a downstream beam shaping device (not shown). HEBL18 may include a pump chamber 51, quadrupole magnets 52 and 72 for preventing beam out-focusing, dipole or bending magnets 56 and 58 for steering the beam into the treatment room, a beam corrector 53, diagnostics such as current monitors 54 and 76, a fast beam position monitor 55 section, and a scanning magnet 74.

[0057] The design of HEBL18 depends on the configuration of the treatment facility (e.g., a single-story treatment facility, a two-story treatment facility, and equivalents). The beam can be delivered to a target assembly 200 (e.g., located near the treatment room) using a bending magnet 56. A quadrupole magnet 72 may then be included to focus the beam to a certain size on the target. The beam then passes through one or more scanning magnets 74, which provide lateral movement of the beam on the target surface in a desired pattern (e.g., spiral, curved, stepped in rows and columns, combinations thereof, and others). Lateral beam movement can help achieve a smooth and uniform time-averaged distribution of the proton beam on the lithium target, prevent overheating, and make neutron generation as uniform as possible within the lithium layer.

[0058] After being incident on the scanning magnet 74, the beam can be delivered into a current monitor 76, which measures the beam current. The target assembly 200 can be physically separated from the HEBL volume using a gate valve 77. The primary function of the gate valve is to separate the target from the vacuum volume of the beamline while loading targets and / or replacing used targets with new ones. In this embodiment, the beam may not be bent 90 degrees by the bending magnet 56, but rather travels in a straight line to the right in Figure 1B and then is incident on the quadrupole magnet 52, which is located in the horizontal beamline. The beam may then be bent to the required angle, depending on the building and room configuration, by another bending magnet 58. Otherwise, the bending magnet 58 may be replaced with a Y-shaped magnet to split the beamline in two directions for two different treatment rooms located on the same floor.

[0059] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the downstream portion of the beam system 10 configured for use in a BNCT procedure. Here, a portion of the HEBL 18 is shown together with an adjustable length device 250. The adjustable length device 250 can be configured to alter or adjust its length along the beam axis, allowing components to be removed or added from the beamline. In this embodiment, the adjustable length device 250 is configured to expand or contract along the beam axis and is structurally configured as a bellows.

[0060] HEBL18 includes a removable beam section (e.g., a spool) 260 that is removable for maintenance or other purposes. The beam section 260 is, in turn, connected to a target assembly 200, which carries a neutron generating target device 196 at or near the downstream end 202 of the assembly (e.g., forming the downstream endpoint of the assembly). The target assembly 200 is at least partially housed within a beam shaping assembly (or apparatus) (BSA) 270. The BSA 270 can be configured to relax the neutron energy in the neutron beam generated by the target to an optimal level for clinical use, shape the neutron beam for focused propagation from the BSA output 271 to the patient (e.g., using shields and reflectors), and otherwise customize or configure the neutron beam for optimal use in BNCT procedures. One or more retractable radiation shields 280 can be positioned between the target assembly 200 and HEBL18. Here, two shields 280 (one shown) can slide together using roller tracks or other mechanisms. The two shields 280 can work together to form an opening 281 (in a closed shape, e.g., a circle, ellipse, square, or equivalent) that surrounds the line section 260 and allows the line section 260 to pass through the shields 280. Retraction of the shields 280 can allow the line section 260 to be removed, which in turn can allow the target assembly 200 to be removed from the BSA 270 (e.g., by retracting it upstream 282) for the purpose of maintenance or replacement with a new target assembly, as described below.

[0061] Valve 291 is located at or near the upstream end 201 of the target assembly 200. Valve 291 is set in an open state, allowing a charged particle beam to pass through during the operation of system 10, when the interior of HEBL 18 is in a vacuum (near vacuum) state. To maintain the vacuum state and prevent the release of radioactive material, valve 291 is closed during disassembly for HEBL 18 maintenance or target replacement. Another valve 292 is located upstream of the line section 260, and this is also kept open during operation and then closed to maintain the vacuum state inside HEBL 18 and allow for the removal of the line section 260. In this embodiment, valves 291 and 292 are configured as gate valves with a sealing wall that rises to open the valve and lowers to close it; however, other valve configurations, including compact valve configurations described elsewhere in this specification, can also be used.

[0062] The removal and replacement of the target assembly 200 can be carried out via any of the various methodologies and corresponding mechanisms. For example, the target replacement system may include a series of rails or other guide structures and containers to facilitate the positioning of the target assembly within the HEBL 18 and to facilitate the removal of the target assembly from the HEBL 18, minimizing the potential risk of radiation exposure to technicians when disconnecting the target assembly 200 from the HEBL 18 and guiding the radioactive target assembly 200 into a shielded container for storage while the radioactive emission from the target assembly 200 diffuses. The target replacement system may be specifically configured for the placement of the target assembly 200 in a shielded container with an orientation that facilitates access to the downstream end 202 of the target assembly 200 and allows access to the enclosed target device 196 therein (facilitating its replacement). Access to the target assembly 200 in the shielded container may be restricted while the radioactivity of the target assembly 200 decreases, and therefore the shielded container can be easily sealed to prevent radioactive leakage while the level of radioactivity of the target assembly 200 decreases.

[0063] However, in other embodiments, the target assembly 200 may simply remain (and remain sealed within) a shielding container until the level of radioactivity decreases to a level safe for handling by a technician, and the target assembly 200 may then be manually removed from the shielding container and moved to an inert or vacuum environment (with a negligible amount of atmospheric air), such as in a sealed glove box, where the target assembly 200 can be disassembled for removal and replacement of the included target device 196.

[0064] Figures 3A-3D are perspective views depicting exemplary embodiments of a target exchange system 300 for use with the neutron beam system 10 and to facilitate installation within the shielding container 390. The system 300 may include one or more guide structures to guide the movement of the target assembly 200 from its operating position within the BSA 270 to its extraction position within the shielding container 390 (Figure 3D), or alternatively, a new target assembly 200 may be removed from the transport container and introduced into the BSA 270 in the opposite manner. The system 300 thus allows for the removal of a used (radioactive) target assembly 200 (or other system components), the insertion or introduction of a new target assembly 200, or both (replacement of the target assembly).

[0065] The removal guide structure can be configured as one or more tracks, channels, passages, supports, rails, conduits, or other structures fixed in place and capable of interfaceing with the target assembly 200 (or other radiation receiving devices or components), or as a mechanism (e.g., carrier, conveyor, or cart) coupled with the target assembly 200 to guide its movement from within or near the BSA 270 to the shielding container 390. In some embodiments, the movement of the target assembly 200 is limited only to that which is enabled by the guide structure.

[0066] In this embodiment, the target exchange system 300 includes two tracks adapted to receive the wheels of a carrier configured to hold and / or transport the assembly 200. For example, the tracks may include recessed spaces that hold the wheels and allow the wheels to rotate along the recessed spaces in the direction of the tracks. The target assembly 200 can be moved or slid along the tracks from one position to another. The movement can be manually actuated (e.g., by pushing and / or pulling by an engineer) or automatically actuated using an electric carrier, electromagnetic force, pneumatic devices, one or more robotic arms, and / or equivalents.

[0067] Here, the carrier (obscured within the track) is mounted directly onto the target assembly 200. The adjustable length device 250 can be extended and retracted to cause or enable the movement of the target assembly 200. When the device 250 is extended, the target assembly 200 can be inserted into the BSA 270 (Figure 2), which can be disposed in a permanent or semi-permanent manner that is relatively more difficult to remove and / or replace compared to the target assembly 200. When the device 250 is retracted, the target assembly 200 can be moved from within the BSA 270 into the shielding container 390. In some embodiments, the line section 260 may need to be removed, but this may not be necessary depending on the configuration of the system 300.

[0068] The track may include multiple sections or parts 302, 304, 306, and 308. Track section 302 is adjacent to the BSA 270. The downstream end or endpoint of section 302 may extend into the BSA 270, as shown, or may stop just outside the BSA 270. The orientation of track sections 302-308 relative to each other may vary in any desired manner to assist the movement of the target assembly 200 between the BSA 270 and the container 390. Track sections 302-308 may be supported by a group of stands or legs 310. Track sections 302-308 may be configured as rigid supports bearing the weight of the target assembly 200 and the carrier, and thus can be positioned without the need for additional supports. Orbital segments 302-308 and system 300 as a whole can consist of materials that do not readily become radioactive in the presence of radiation generated by system 10, such as nuclear-suitable materials, and thus the introduction of additional radiation can be minimized.

[0069] Figures 3A-3D depict one exemplary embodiment that can be used in combination with a shielding container 390 as discussed herein, but other configurations are also permitted. In the embodiment of Figure 3A-3D, the track section 302 extends along the beam axis or the upstream-downstream axis (e.g., an axis that allows movement in the upstream or downstream direction). In this embodiment, the section 302 extends horizontally or substantially horizontally, but deviations from horizontal are also permitted. The track section 302 extends through the opening 281 of the shield 280. The track section 302 transitions to a curved (e.g., having a radius of curvature) or bent track section 304, which transitions to a relatively straight upper track section 306. The upper track section 306 transitions to a lower track section 308, which is also straight and leads to a space 312 in which a shielding container 390 may be installed. The upper section 306 and the lower section 308 are oriented along an axis that crosses the axis of section 302 (for example, at a certain angle thereto). The main axes of sections 306 and 308 may be along the direction of gravity (up and down) as described herein, or they may be oriented laterally (for example, side to side), or any combination thereof. In this embodiment, sections 306 and 308 may extend in a vertical or substantially vertical manner, but deviations from the vertical are also permitted. The change in axis between section 302 and sections 306 and 308 will determine the amount of curvature present in section 304.

[0070] Figure 3A depicts the target assembly 200 being partially removed from BSA 270. The target assembly 200 is being moved along trajectory section 302 in the upstream direction 282. In Figure 3B, the target assembly 200 is being moved from section 302 to section 304, and the orientation of the target assembly 200 changes to follow the orientation of the trajectory section, for example, from upstream-downstream orientation to progressively lateral orientation. The carrier (obscured by the trajectory) is located between the midpoint of the target assembly 200 and the downstream end 202. Thus, as the target assembly 200 moves along trajectory section 304, the upstream end 201 pivots to a position close to the space 312 in which the shielding container 390 (Figure 3D) is installed. This allows the portion of the target assembly 200 that carries the target 196 to be initially placed inside the shielding container 390, thus minimizing the amount of time that the most radioactive portion of the target assembly 200 is exposed to the environment and any personnel within range.

[0071] The continuous movement of the target assembly 200 from section 304 to the upper section 306 completes the change in orientation of the target assembly 200 to a vertical orientation. The downward movement of the target assembly in direction 290 from the upper track section 306 to the lower track section 308 moves the target assembly to a position in space 312, as depicted in Figure 3C. This position is again shown in Figure 3D, except for the presence of the shielding container 390. The target assembly 200 can be loaded directly into the container 390 to which the carrier is mounted, and the container 390 can then be closed and sealed to minimize the amount of time the assembly 200 is exposed to the surrounding environment. Thus, the lower track section 308 may have an open endpoint at the bottom, allowing the carrier to slide directly from the track 308 into the container 390. In other embodiments, a latch, a removable or releaseable guard or stopper, or other mechanism may be present to prevent the target assembly 200 from falling prematurely off the track.

[0072] Figure 4A depicts another exemplary embodiment of the HEBL 18 portion of system 10 within a BNCT treatment facility. This embodiment utilizes a compact valve assembly 600 at the upstream end 201 of the target assembly 200. The compact valve assembly 600 allows for faster disassembly of the line section 260 from the target assembly 200 and also allows technical personnel to have greater confidence in the shielding 280 during the replacement process. The valve assembly 600 is described in more detail with respect to Figures 6A–6D.

[0073] Figures 5A–5G are a set of figures depicting another exemplary embodiment of the target replacement system 300. Figure 5A is a partial cross-sectional and perspective view depicting the target assembly 200 in the BSA 270 prior to the assisted removal of the target replacement system 300. Various other aspects of the system 10 and HEBL 18 are omitted for clarity. Figure 5B is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 5A, showing a side view of the assembly 200 and the system 300 in more detail.

[0074] In this embodiment, the system 300 includes a support 500 with a downstream portion 521 located between the BSA 270 and the radiation shield 280, and an upstream portion 522 located on the upstream side of the shield 280. The support 500 may have one or more guide structures for guiding the movement of the target assembly 200 to a position within the container 390. Here, the support 500 has guide structures on the opposite side of the assembly 200, and each guide structure includes guide sections 502, 504. Sections 502, 504 include struts of the support 500 that are coupled to (respectively) tracks 503, 505 for interface with the carrier 602 of the assembly 200 (Figure 6A). In this embodiment, described as tracks, portions of the guide structure that interface with the carrier 602 may be configured as channels, passages, struts, rails, conduits, or other structures. Track 503 extends between the two support portions through an opening 281 in the shield 280. Instead of continuously moving the assembly 200 along a guide structure to reorient the assembly 200 for insertion into the container 390, this embodiment incorporates a reorientation capability that allows the orientation of the target assembly 200 to be changed without motion along the guide structure trajectory. The reorientation of the assembly 200 can be performed in various ways, and in this embodiment, it is performed by altering the orientation of section 504 through pivoting or rotational movement.

[0075] When disassembling HEBL18 begins, valves 600 and 292 are transitioned from the open position to the closed position. The adjustable length device 250 can then be disconnected from the line section 260 and shortened to allow removal of at least a portion of the line section 260. Figure 5C depicts HEBL18 after the device 250 has been retracted and a portion of the line section 260 has been disconnected and removed. Assembly 200 now moves freely along the track section 502 upstream 282 through the opening 281 to a position where the remainder of the line section 260 is accessible on the upstream side of the opening 281. The coolant line 284 (shown in partial cross-section) can be removed from the target assembly 200. The remaining line sections 260 are coupled to the upstream housing 612 of valve 600, and these can be disconnected from the downstream housing 611 of valve 600 and removed. Valve 600 is described in more detail with respect to Figures 6A–6D. Figure 4B depicts the HEBL 18 after the housings 611 and 612 of the valve 600 have been discoupled.

[0076] The assembly 200 can then be moved further upstream 282 from track 503 to track 505 of guide section 504, where the assembly 200 can be moved to the fully retracted position as depicted in Figure 5D. The interface between track 503 and track 505 is indicated by 506. Figure 5E depicts the assembly 200 in this fully retracted position in more detail. A stopper member may be present on track section 504 to stop the movement of the assembly 200 in the fully retracted position. The assembly 200 can be locked in this fully retracted position on track 505 to prevent movement during reorientation.

[0077] The assembly 200 can then be reoriented for insertion into the container 390. The reoriented assembly 200 is described with reference to Figure 5F, a perspective view of the upstream portion 502 of the support 500, and Figure 5G, a side view depicting the system 300 after the reoriented assembly 200.

[0078] Each guide section 504 (including the horizontal support column and track 505) is pivotably or rotatably coupled to the vertical support column of the support 500 using a hinge 508. The guide sections 504 can be locked in a horizontal position (Figures 5A-5E) using a locking mechanism 510. In this embodiment, each locking mechanism 510 is configured as an operable release pin. In other embodiments, a single locking mechanism 510 may be used to lock both guide sections 504 in place, thereby requiring only one locking / unlocking action to release both sections 504. Each guide section 504 is coupled to a biasing member 512 that is biased to resist reorientation. Locking / unlocking the locking mechanism 510 releases the pivoting of the guide section 504. This pivoting motion is damped by the biasing member 512, which in this embodiment is configured as a gas-biased damping spring to facilitate control of reorientation. Other structures, such as spiral or torsion springs and equivalents, can also be used as biasing members 512.

[0079] In the reorientation position depicted in Figure 5G, the downstream end 202 of assembly 200 is in nearest proximity to the vessel 390. When assembly 200 is locked in place on track 505, the lock can be engaged and disengaged, and assembly 200 is lowered into vessel 390 with the downstream end 201 entering first, thereby allowing the most radiant portion of assembly 200 to be quickly placed in the deepest part of the shielding vessel 390. The lowering of assembly 200 can be assisted using a manual or automatic lowering mechanism 580, which in this embodiment is configured as an electric winch. The cable and pulley mechanism (not shown) of winch 580 are coupled to the upstream end 201 of assembly 200 and can be used to lower assembly 200 into vessel 390. Alternatively, assembly 200 can be lowered manually into vessel 390. In some embodiments, a detachable, retractable stopper is present on the guide member 504 to prevent the assembly 200 from falling into the container 390 while it is being lowered. Once positioned within the container 390, the assembly 200 can be disconnected from any lowering mechanism, and the container 390 can be sealed to prevent further exposure to nearby personnel.

[0080] Figure 5H is a perspective view depicting the loading of a new target assembly 200 into the target exchange system 300. Once the guide sections 504 in their pivot positions are released from the track 503, the new target assembly 200 can be positioned as shown, either manually or with the assistance of a hoist or other lifting and / or loading mechanism. The carrier 602 can be aligned with the interface 506 and inserted into the track 503 in the upstream direction 283. The guide sections 504 can then be pivoted back to their fixed position and locked in place using the locking mechanism 510. The exchange process can then be repeated in reverse to insert the new target assembly 200 into the BSA 270 and reassemble the HEBL 18.

[0081] Figure 6A is a perspective view depicting an exemplary embodiment of the target assembly 200. Here, the assembly 200 includes a hollow main body 204. A target device 196 (not shown) is located within the downstream end 201, which receives and outputs coolant using a line 285. A carrier 602 is coupled to the main body 204 at the upstream end 201. The carrier 602 can be configured in any way that allows the assembly 202 to interface with a guide structure. In this embodiment, the carrier 602 includes a frame 603 having wheels 604 rotatably coupled thereto. The wheels 604 are sized to rotate within tracks 503 and 505. A downstream housing 611 of the valve 600 is also present at the downstream end 202. The valve 600 includes a pivot seal 614 coupled to a hinge 616. The seal 614 is shown here in the closed position. The actuator 618 can be used to move the seal 614 from the fully closed position to the open position.

[0082] A side view of this exemplary embodiment of valve 600, together with both housings 611 and 612, is described here with reference to Figures 6B-6D. Figure 6B is a perspective view, Figure 6C is a perspective view with a side cutaway, and Figure 6D is a perspective view with a top cutaway of valve 600. In this embodiment, actuator 618 is shown to be a manual actuator (e.g., a rotatable crank), but in other embodiments it may be an automatic (e.g., electric) actuator. Rotation of actuator 618 moves seal 614 from a closed position to an open position in direction 615 (Figure 6C). The use of seal 614 that pivots or rotates between a closed position and an open position allows the overall size of valve 600 to be minimized and thus allows its movement through the opening 281 of the radiation shield 280 without requiring the shield 280 to be opened.

[0083] Housings 611 and 612 have complementary edge profiles and are joined together with a gas-impermeable seal at interface 620. Housings 611 and 612 are locked together using one or more releasable locking mechanisms 622, which in this embodiment are configured as pull clamps. A similar locking mechanism 622 may be located on the opposite side of valve 600. The locking mechanism 622 is preferably a rapid release mechanism to allow rapid disintegration of the line section 260 in the presence of potential radioactivity. Embodiments of rapid release locking mechanisms are mechanisms that, in the manual case, require one or fewer, two or three or fewer independent actions to unlock the discrete mechanism 622, in contrast to mechanisms that are not easily releasable, such as nuts and bolts, and are releasable by pushing, pulling, and / or pivoting. Automated locking mechanisms may involve a more complex sequence of motions to unlock and can therefore be performed rapidly on the premise of an automated nature, or can be performed without the presence of human personnel. Other types of locking mechanisms can also be used. As described with reference to Figures 4B and 5C-5E of this specification, after the valve 600 is closed, the operation of the releaseable locking mechanism 622 allows the housing 612 to be removed from the housing 611.

[0084] The housing 611 has an interface 624 for forming a gas-impermeable seal with the target assembly body 204. Similarly, the housing 612 has an interface 626 for forming a gas-impermeable seal with the linear section 260. The gas-impermeable seal can be formed using an O-ring (not shown) or other similar elastic sealing member. The valve 600 also includes, for example, an access port 628 for pressurizing and depressurizing the valve internal space.

[0085] Valve 600 is described herein as having two housings or portions 611 and 612, but the valve mechanism itself is contained within housing 611 and therefore the mechanism may be referred to as the valve, and housings 611 and 612 are referred to as beamline portions.

[0086] As described above, the target assembly 200 is expected to become radioactive after use, emitting gamma rays through a nuclear decay process with varying half-life characteristics. While the radioactivity of the consumed target assembly 200 decays, each irradiated target assembly 200 can be stored in a shielding container 390 until the observed level of radioactivity reaches a manageable or acceptable level (e.g., 1.25 microsieverts per hour (μSv / hour) or less). Once the level of radioactivity reaches an acceptable level, the target assembly 200 can be disassembled, the used target device 196 can be removed, and a replacement target device 196 can be reassembled into the target assembly 200. This disassembly and reassembly of the target assembly can be carried out under vacuum or in an inert gas environment to minimize the potential for unwanted reactions of lithium or other compositions that are highly reactive in an atmospheric environment.

[0087] Figure 7 is a top and bottom plan view of a portion of a BNCT facility 700 with an exemplary embodiment of a neutron beam system 10 and a target exchange system 300 housed therein. The facility 700 includes a first room 702 in which various aspects of the neutron beam system 10, such as the source 12, LEBL 14, and accelerator 16 (not shown), can be housed. A first wall 703 separates room 702 from a second room 704 in which elements of the HEBL 18 and target exchange system 300 are housed. In the configuration shown herein, radiation shielding doors 280 in their closed position form an opening 281 around the beamline 50. The radiation shielding doors 280 can be retracted, for example, along a roller track (not shown) in the direction of arrow 286 into a door storage space 288 within the facility wall 715. When in the closed position, the door 280 divides room 704 into a downstream space 711 and an upstream space 712, which can be exposed to higher levels of radioactivity due to the presence of the target assembly 200 within it. The division of the target exchange system 300 such that the downstream portion 521 is located within space 711 while the upstream portion 522 is isolated within space 712 by the door 280 allows much of the target exchange procedure to be performed by personnel within space 712, thus protecting personnel from higher levels of radioactivity exposure.

[0088] The target assembly 200 is partially located within space 711 and is inserted into a cavity 275 within the beam forming assembly 270. The facility wall 705 separates room 704 from the patient treatment room 706, which contains a BSA output 271 directed toward a patient support device 701 in the form of a bed or platform in this embodiment.

[0089] Embodiments of the target exchange system 300 thus allow the target assembly to be moved directly from its operating position in the BSA 270 to its position in the shielding container 390, for example, in a smooth motion sequence. The new target assembly can be introduced into the trajectory section 308, and the motion sequence can be reversed to place the new target assembly 200 in the BSA 270. The compact arrangement of the system 300 allows for storage with minimal interruption or disassembly of the system 10, thus minimizing system downtime. For example, the target assembly 200 can be removed, and the new assembly 200 can be placed without removing or adjusting any part of the beam optics (e.g., steering magnets) on the HEBL 16. This further minimizes the need to recalibrate the beam system 10 after the new target assembly 200 has been placed. Exemplary shielding container

[0090] To simultaneously meet safety and facility requirements that minimize the risk of exposure to personnel while maintaining a storage container configuration that is sufficiently usable to facilitate use, various embodiments provide a multi-shell shielded container 390 in which the outer shell is removed and reused as the level of radioactivity of the target assembly 200 (an embodiment of which is shown in Figure 8) stored in the innermost shell decreases. In one embodiment, one or more of the shells have variable wall thickness to provide sufficient shielding to the target assembly 200, while having a unique radioactivity intensity profile, spatial distribution, and time dependence in gamma-ray emission, and at the same time minimizing the storage container volume to meet the allocated space requirements within the facility.

[0091] Each wall of one or more shells is configured to block gamma radiation emissions from the target assembly from escaping from the storage container configuration. Thus, each wall of one or more shells includes at least one gamma shielding material such as bismuth, iron, nickel, lead, depleted uranium, aluminum, or copper. Each wall of one or more shells may be at least substantially a single-material structure (e.g., solid lead). In other embodiments, each wall may be a multilayer structure having layers of aluminum, copper, and lead (e.g., a single layer of each of the multiple materials or multiple layers of each of the multiple materials).

[0092] Generally, the tools used to handle radioactive materials are highly specific to the equipment and the measurement of the radioactive material being handled. Furthermore, the time dependence and variable intensity of the radiation field dramatically affect the amount of shielding required over time.

[0093] Figure 9A illustrates an exemplary shielding container 390 according to one embodiment. The shielding container 390 illustrated in Figure 9A includes a plurality of container shells 392a-c to address the time-dependent decrease in radioactivity (and thus the time-dependent decrease in the required shielding of the radioactive target assembly 200), each container shell being embodied as a plurality of lead shell walls for enclosing the discarded target assembly 200 and any included container shell. In one exemplary embodiment, the shielding container 390 may include three container shells 392a-c, including an outermost shell 392a for use in short-term storage, an intermediate shell 392b for use in intermediate storage, and an innermost shell 392c which may be used for permanent storage and / or shipment of the discarded target assembly 200. The outer container shell 392a may include a plurality of outer container shell walls (e.g., having separate doors), the intermediate container shell 392b may include a plurality of intermediate container shell walls, and the inner container shell 392c may include a plurality of inner container shell walls. Multiple vessel shells 392a-c can be configured to nest within each other (for example, Figure 9A shows the outermost shell 392a and Figure 11 shows a two-shell configuration with the innermost vessel shell 392c inserted into the outer vessel shell 392a), and so when the vessel shells 392a-c are nested within each other, the shell walls can provide additional shielding protection due to the combined wall thickness of all the vessel shells 392a-c. Thus, as the level of radioactive decay decreases over time, the outermost shell 392a can be removed, thereby reducing the additional thickness of the lead shielding while maintaining adequate shielding to prevent radioactive leakage from the vessel 390.

[0094] Referring to Figure 9A, there is a system of one or more nested smaller container shells within the illustrated exemplary outer container shell 392a (shown in a closed configuration in Figure 9A and in an open configuration in Figure 11). Each smaller container shell can be combined with one or more container shells located within it to accommodate the desired amount of shielding over a specific duration. This is conceptually shown in Figure 10, and the exemplary shielded container includes a plurality (e.g., three) container shells 392a, 392b, and 392c. Figure 11 also illustrates a perspective view of the insertion of the innermost container shell 392c into the outer container shell 392a in a two-shell configuration (note that for the purposes of discussion, the innermost container shell 392c is shown positioned within the outer container shell 392c, and the innermost container shell 392c is also shown outside the outer container shell 392a). When the target assembly 200 is being removed from the accelerator, while the target assembly 200 is at its most radioactive point in time, it can be placed in the innermost vessel shell 392c, which is located inside the intermediate storage vessel shell 392b and the outermost short-term storage vessel shell 392a, to provide the maximum shielding thickness (for example, by which the vessel shell thickness of three layers) resulting from the use of all three vessel shells.

[0095] As the target assembly 200 undergoes radioactive decay, the dose rate decreases, and therefore the target assembly 200 is moved to a less shielded configuration (for example, in the intermediate storage configuration illustrated in Figure 10, where the target assembly 200 remains within the innermost shell 392c, the innermost shell remains within the intermediate shell 392b, but the outermost shell 392a is removed), thereby allowing the outermost storage shell 392a to be used for another target assembly 200. Subsequently, once the target assembly 200 has decayed properly, the innermost container shell 392c (for example, which may be specifically configured for shipment in one embodiment) is removed from the intermediate storage container shell 392b, thereby allowing the intermediate storage container shell 392b to be used for storing another target assembly 200.

[0096] In summary, the target assembly 200 is stored in the inner vessel shell 392c, the intermediate vessel shell 392b, and the outer vessel shell 392c for a first period immediately following the placement of the target assembly 200 in the vessel 390, while the target assembly's radioactivity is at its peak. The outer vessel shell 392a can then be removed, and the target assembly 200 can be stored in the inner vessel shell 392c and the intermediate vessel shell 392b for a second period immediately following the first period, during which the target assembly's radioactivity is at a moderate level. The intermediate vessel shell 392b can then be removed, and the target assembly 200 can be stored in the inner vessel shell 392c for a third period immediately following the second period, during which the target assembly's radioactivity is at a low level. Thus, during the second and third periods, the outer vessel shell 392a can be reused for storing a different target assembly. Similarly, during the third period, the intermediate container shell 392b can be reused for storing different target assemblies.

[0097] Furthermore, each storage container shell can be designed according to the radiation intensity and spatial distribution of the target assembly 200, as reflected in Figures 9A-9B. Therefore, the walls of each storage container shell can vary in thickness to address areas of higher or lower radioactivity in the target assembly 200. Examples of storage container shells with various wall thicknesses are shown in Figure 12.

[0098] In an exemplary embodiment, the shielding container 390 includes a plurality of lead walls and a door assembly, including a door 394 (e.g., a shielded lead-based door), which can allow selective access to the interior of the shielding container 390 when the target assembly 200 is placed inside the shielding container 390 and / or when one or more inner container shells 392b-c are removed. In the exemplary embodiment depicted in Figure 9A, the exemplary outermost shell 392a includes a plurality of lead shell walls that collectively define an encasing having an open end 393. The outermost shell 392a also includes a door assembly, which includes a door 394 located at the open end 393 and movable between a closed configuration (e.g., as shown in Figure 9A) and an open configuration that allows access to the interior of the container shell 392a. In various embodiments, the door assembly includes a mechanical linkage 395 (e.g., a two-bar linkage, a three-bar linkage, a four-bar linkage, a five-bar linkage, and / or equivalent) configured to move the door 394 relative to the enclosure 392 and ensure that the door 394 maintains proper alignment with the open end 393 without requiring careful concentration from the user. In various embodiments, the door 394 can maintain at least substantially parallel orientation to the opening 393 during movement between the open and closed configurations, and between the closed and open configurations. Thus, the door 394 can be moved quickly and easily between the closed and open configurations (and vice versa) by the user, by a robot, or by any other suitable source of mechanical force.

[0099] In an exemplary embodiment, the mechanical linkage 395 includes a plurality of (e.g., two) bars that are fixed to the door 394 at individual ends of the plurality of bars (e.g., pivotably fixed). The opposite ends of the bars can be fixed at pivot points that are fixed to the encasing 392. The plurality of bars can also be pivotably fixed to each other (e.g., via one or more transverse member bars) and can be pivotably fixed to a handle member 396. The handle member extends across the width of the encasing 392 so that it can be easily operated by a force source (e.g., a user's foot, a user's hand, a robot, a solenoid, and / or equivalent) between a first position (e.g., corresponding to the closed position of the door 394, as shown in Figure 9A) and a second position (e.g., corresponding to the open position of the door 394, as shown in Figure 11). The mechanical linkage can be configured to convert the rotational movement of the handle 396 about a pivot point between a first position and a second position into at least substantially linear movement of the door 394. In other embodiments, the mechanical linkage can be configured to convert the rotational movement of the handle about a corresponding pivot point between a first position and a second position into rotational movement of the door 394 relative to the encased body 392, while maintaining a parallel relationship between the door 394 and the open end 393 of the encased body and facilitating the movement of the door 394 between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

[0100] In one embodiment, the container shell 392a may also define one or more bar stops 397, which, along with a rim surrounding the open end 393, serve to support the door 394 and mechanical linkage 395 in a closed configuration. In another embodiment, the container shell 392a may also define one or more locking mechanisms 398 that may be movable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration with respect to one or more of the open configuration and / or closed configuration of the container shell 392a. Thus, for example, after the target assembly 200 is placed inside the container 390, the container may be set to a locked configuration to prevent unintended opening of the container while it is closed and the target assembly continues to decay radioactively.

[0101] In one embodiment, the mechanical linkage 395 and / or door 394 can be operationally connected to the mechanical linkage and / or door of a smaller container shell located within the container shell 392a. This operational connection between the nested container shells allows the multiple nested container shells to be opened or closed using a single actuation (e.g., of a handle 396), thereby enabling the target assembly 200 to be placed within the innermost container shell of the multiple nested container shells without requiring individual actuation of the doors of each nested container shell. In other embodiments, one container (e.g., the outermost or innermost container shell) may be independently openable, and the remaining containers may be mechanically connected to allow the remaining containers to be opened or closed using a single actuation. The operational connection between the nested container shells can also be selectively engaged and / or disengaged via corresponding mechanisms accessible through the outermost container shell 392a. Selective engagement and / or disengagement between the door assemblies of the nested container shells 392a-c can be used, for example, to disengage the operational connection between the door assemblies of the nested container shells when removing the nested container shells 392b-c from the outermost container shell 392a without exposing the contained radioactive target assembly 200.

[0102] It should be understood that in some embodiments, each container shell 392a-c may be able to operate independently between individual open and closed configurations. A container shell 392a-c nested within another container shell 392a-c may be able to operate between individual open and closed configurations while installed within the containing container shell 392a-c (for example, while the containing container shell is in an open configuration). In other embodiments, a container shell 392a-c may be able to operate between open and closed configurations when removed from any containing container shell 392a-c.

[0103] Figures 9B-9C illustrate a shielding container 390 having a configuration similar to that of Figure 9A, except that the mechanical linkage is configured for operation by an external drive mechanism. As specifically shown in the close-up view of Figure 9C, the outer container shell 392a includes a drive key 401, configured to be inserted into a drive mechanism (e.g., a rotary motor, a separate linkage for converting rotational movement provided by the user at a safe distance away from the target assembly 200 into rotational movement in the shielding container 390). It should be understood that the drive mechanism is configured for insertion into the drive key 401, which has a female configuration. The drive key 401 is mechanically connected to the mechanical linkage 395 via a gear drive relationship such that rotation of the drive key 401 causes movement of the mechanical linkage 395, opening or closing the door assembly of the shielding container 390. In such a configuration, the user does not need to interact closely with the shielding vessel 390 during the insertion of the radioactive target assembly 200 within it, but can instead remain at a safe distance away from the radioactive target assembly 200 while relying on a mechanized system to close and / or open the door assembly of the shielding vessel 390.

[0104] Figure 11 illustrates one embodiment relating to the insertion of the innermost container shell 392c into the outer container shell 392a in a two-shell embodiment. It should be understood that a similar process may be used for the insertion of the intermediate container shell 392b in a three-shell configuration (for example, and for the insertion of the innermost container shell 392c into the intermediate container shell 392b in a three-shell configuration). As shown in Figure 11, the innermost container shell 392c defines an outer surface configured to slide inside the outer container shell 392a. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer surface of the innermost container shell 392c is substantially smooth to allow the innermost container shell 392c to slide easily inside the outer container shell 392a. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the outer surface of the innermost container shell 392c may define one or more matching features, such as rails, tracks, and / or other matching features, that mesh with and engage with corresponding matching features on the inner surface of the outer container shell 392a in order to facilitate the alignment and sliding of the innermost container shell 392c into the interior of the outer container shell 392a. Also, although not shown, one of the outer surface of the innermost container shell 392c or the inner surface of the outer container shell 392a may include one or more bearings (e.g., ball bearings, sliding surfaces, and / or equivalents) to reduce the frictional force between the outer container shell 392a and the innermost container shell 392c.

[0105] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the innermost vessel shell 392c defines an opening on its end, configured to receive the target assembly 200 into it. As shown, the opening in the innermost vessel shell 392c allows portions of the target assembly 200, which are expected to have lower levels of radioactivity, to be located outside the innermost vessel shell 392c, and shielding of these portions can be provided specifically by the outer vessel shell 392a (and / or intermediate vessel shell 392b in a three-shell configuration). As referred to herein, the innermost vessel shell 392c is defined by a shielding wall such as a lead-based wall, but other shielding materials and / or layered structures can also be utilized, as discussed herein. In addition, as reflected in Figure 11, the innermost vessel shell 392c may define a handle 399 to facilitate insertion and removal of the innermost vessel shell 392c into and out of the outer vessel shell 392a (or intermediate vessel shell 392b). The handle 399 can also play a role in ensuring the proper positioning of the innermost container shell 392c within the outer container shell 392a, for example, by stopping the movement of the innermost container shell 392c when the handle 399 contacts the inner surface of the outer container shell 392a. It should be understood that the intermediate container shell 392b, although not shown in Figure 11 (in the case of a three-shell configuration), may have a configuration similar to that of the innermost container shell 392c, but with an interior that is sized to accommodate the innermost container shell 392a.

[0106] Referring to Figure 12, the walls of each vessel shell 392a-c may have a thickness profile specifically configured to provide adequate shielding to the target assembly 200, more specifically, to the radioactivity of individual parts of the target assembly 200. Thus, any of the thickness profiles of the vessel shells 392a-c define a wall thickness that varies based on the proximity of the target assembly 200 to the target 100 when the target assembly 200 is positioned within the vessel shell. Specifically, a portion of the vessel shell 392 (whether the outer vessel shell 392a, the intermediate vessel shell 392b, or the inner vessel shell 392c) has a thicker vessel shell closer to the target 100 than a portion of the vessel shell located further away from the target 100. Therefore, as shown in Figure 12, the shell wall may have a variable wall thickness, such as between a first shell wall thickness portion 1201 (for example, having a thin wall thickness to shield an area of ​​the target assembly that is expected to have a relatively low level of radioactivity) and a second shell wall thickness portion 1202 (for example, having a thick wall thickness to shield an area of ​​the target assembly that is expected to have a relatively high level of radioactivity). The thickness of the shell wall (specifically, the thickness of each portion of the shell wall, such as the first shell wall thickness portion 1201 and the second shell wall thickness portion 1202) is adjusted to the location of the radioactive target 100 in the target assembly 200 so that when the target assembly is housed in the container shell 392, the portion of the shell wall closer to the radioactive target 100 is thicker than the portion of the shell wall further away from the radioactive target 100, providing additional shielding from radiation from the radioactive target 100. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 12, when the target assembly is housed within the container shell 392, the first shell wall thickness portion 1201 is thinner than the second shell wall thickness portion 1202 because the second shell wall thickness portion 1202 is closer to the expected location of the radioactive target 100. In one embodiment, the second shell wall thickness portion 1202 is at least twice as thick as the first shell wall thickness portion 1201.

[0107] The vessel shell 392 illustrated in Figure 12 is molded to house the target assembly 200 shown in Figure 12, and the vessel shell 392 in Figure 12 has wall thickness portions to accommodate the expected radiation levels from various parts of the target assembly 200 (for example, as mentioned, when the target assembly 200 is positioned within the vessel shell 392, the first shell wall thickness portion 1202 is thicker than the second shell wall thickness portion 1201 due to the expected location of the radioactive target 100). However, the vessel shell 392 may have other shapes and wall thickness configurations to house other target assembly configurations, such as to house the target assembly 200 with the included compact valve assembly 600 shown in Figure 6A.

[0108] It should be understood that the thickness illustrated in Figure 12 is merely an example, and that any of the various thickness profiles with different thickness values ​​and different levels of thickness variability between the thinnest and thickest parts of the container shell wall 391 may be provided. It should also be understood that each of multiple nested container shells may be characterized by differences in thickness profiles. For example, as the level of radioactivity of the target device decays, the difference in radioactivity between the least radioactive part of the target device and the most radioactive part of the target device decreases (for example, as radioactive decay typically occurs according to an exponential decay curve), and therefore the innermost container shell 392c, which should be used alone when the target device 200 has decayed sufficiently to minimize safety concerns, can be characterized by a wall thickness profile with a minimum level of difference between the thickest part of the wall 391 and the thinnest part of the wall 391.

[0109] In contrast, the outermost shielding container shell 392a, used to assist in containing the radioactivity of the target assembly while it is most radioactive, is characterized by the largest difference in thickness between the thickest and thinnest parts of the container wall 391 of the container shell 392a (therefore, to address a significantly higher level of radioactivity in a part of the target assembly 200). Conversely, the intermediate storage container shell 392b is characterized by an intermediate difference in wall thickness between the thinnest and thickest parts of the container wall 391, which can reflect the intermediate level of radioactivity of the target assembly 200 during a second period.

[0110] The shielding container 390, as discussed herein, when used in conjunction with the target assembly exchange configuration discussed herein, offers the advantage of enabling the exchange and storage of the target assembly 200 while minimizing personnel exposure to any radioactive isotopes emitted from the target assembly 200. Furthermore, by providing multiple nesting container shells 392a-c, one or more container shells 392a-c can be reused without exposing the radioactive target assembly 200 contained in the surrounding environment, thereby simultaneously providing safety to personnel handling or otherwise working with the target assembly 200 contained within the shielding container 390, and minimizing the amount of shielding material required to provide adequate shielding to multiple target assemblies 200 (e.g., sequentially exchanged target assemblies 200). Additionally, the mechanical linkage 395 and handle configuration 396 discussed herein enable mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and / or manual operation of the door assembly, thereby enabling operation of the door assembly at a safe distance from the shielding container 390.

[0111] A shielding vessel 390, including multiple shielding vessel shells 392a-c, can be provided in a configuration specific to a target assembly 200 (or other radioactive device) to be stored therein during radioactive decay, being movable, having a minimal cross-section, being compact. The shielding vessel 390 (and individual shielding vessel shells 392a-c) can be further tailored to the overall shape of the target assembly 200, the unique radiation profile of the target assembly 200, the unique decay time characteristics of the target assembly 200, and / or other unique characteristics specific to the equipment.

[0112] The provided embodiments include three shielding container shells 392a-c, but it should be understood that the shielding container 390 may include any number of shielding container shells, such as two shielding container shells, two shielding container shells, five shielding container shells, and / or equivalents. In one embodiment, a single shielding container shell may be used for storing a target assembly 200. Exemplary vacuum-activated storage container

[0113] To minimize the risk of exposing the replacement target device 196 (or other volatile objects) to potentially damaging reactions in the atmospheric environment, the target device 196 is maintained in a vacuum and / or inert environment during manufacturing, storage, transport, placement in the target assembly 200 (a separation diagram of which is shown in Figure 8), and use. As discussed herein, the target assembly 200 itself is configured to maintain a vacuum environment around the target device 196 even when the target assembly 200 is not placed in the particle accelerator. However, the replacement target device 196 must be transported from the place of manufacture to a placement location where the target device 196 is exposed to the surrounding environment while the target assembly 200 is opened and the target device 196 is inserted into the target assembly 200. To maintain the vacuum or inert environment surrounding the target device 196 during storage and transport, a vacuum-activated storage container is provided that reliably stores the target device 196 within it while maintaining a vacuum or inert environment within it.

[0114] Figure 13 is an exploded view of a vacuum-activated storage container 1000 according to one embodiment. As shown, the illustrated vacuum-activated storage container 1000 stores a volatile substance, which is embodied as a target device 196 shown inside. It should be understood that other volatile substances (e.g., disks of solid volatile materials, slurries of volatile materials, and / or equivalents) may also be stored in the vacuum-activated storage container 1000 according to one embodiment.

[0115] As shown in Figure 13 and discussed above, the target device 196 is embodied as a disk (e.g., at least a substantially circular disk) having a first surface 197 and an opposite second surface (not shown) separated by a peripheral edge 198. The disk may contain a metallic material such as copper, but other metallic materials can also be used for various target device 196 configurations. In addition, the target device 196 may contain a volatile composition (e.g., lithium, magnesium, sodium, and / or equivalents) coated on the first surface 197 of the disk. The coating may extend to the edge of the first surface of the disk, or the edge of the coating may be spaced a distance inside the edge of the disk such that a ring of exposed metallic material surrounds the coating on the first surface 197 (in some embodiments, a retaining member discussed herein may engage with the exposed metal when the target device 196 is positioned in a vacuum-activated storage container 1000 so as not to interfere with the coating).

[0116] The vacuum-activated storage container 1000 illustrated in Figure 13 includes a shell case assembly and a coupling device 1050 (embodied as a ring clamp in the illustrated embodiment of Figure 13). The shell case assembly includes a first shell case side 1010 and a second shell case side 1020. In the illustrated embodiment, the first shell case side 1010 and the second shell case side 1020 have at least substantially the same configuration; however, it should be understood that in some embodiments, various features of the first shell case side 1010 may differ from those of the second shell case side 1020. In some embodiments, the first shell case side 1010 and the second shell case side 1020 may include aluminum; however, other rigid materials that do not undergo gas permeation through aluminum may also be used in other embodiments (e.g., stainless steel, rigid polymers, and / or equivalents). The structural material, thickness, and overall dimensions of the first shell case side 1010 and the second shell case side 1020 can be selected to prevent deformation of either the first shell case side 1010 and / or the second shell case side 1020 (e.g., mechanical deformation such as bending or twisting, thermal deformation such as bending, twisting, expansion or contraction, and / or equivalent) because deformation of either the first shell case side 1010 and / or the second shell case side 1020 may include an airtight seal formed between them. Furthermore, the manufacturing of the first shell case side 1010 and the second shell case side 1020 can be carried out to ensure very precise surface positioning and finish in order to mitigate imperfections within the first shell case side 1010 or the second shell case side 1020, which may include an airtight seal between them. For example, each of the first shell case sides 1010 can be machined (e.g., milled) to tight dimensional tolerances and with a very precise surface finish to maximize the effectiveness of the airtight seal formed between the first shell case side 1010 and the second shell case side 1020. However, it should be understood that any of the various manufacturing techniques such as stamping, molding, casting, and / or equivalents may be used.

[0117] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 13, the first shell case side 1010 and the second shell case side 1020 each have at least a substantially circular shape. However, it should be understood that other shapes are also usable and that the first shell case side 1010 and the second shell case side 1020 may have matching shapes that allow their respective sealing surfaces (e.g., the inner surfaces of the flanges, as discussed herein) to engage with each other so as to form an airtight seal between them.

[0118] As shown, the first shell case side 1010 defines an outer surface 1011 (located outside the vacuum-activated storage container 1000 when in a closed configuration) and an opposite inner portion. The inner portion is defined by an inner surface 1012 that is inserted into the outer periphery of the inner portion. When the inner portion is aligned with the inner portion of the second shell case side 1020, it forms a sealed internal volume of the vacuum-activated storage container 1000 in which a volatile object (e.g., a target device 196) can be positioned. The inner surface 1012 of the illustrated embodiment also defines an insert channel (not shown) surrounding an adjacent inner surface 1012 on its outer periphery. As shown in Figure 13, a retaining member 1030 seats in the insert channel so as to extend outward from the inner surface 1012. The retaining member 1030 of the illustrated embodiment includes an elastic material having a higher coefficient of friction than the inner surface 1012. As an example, the retaining member 1030 may include a rubber material, an elastic polymer material, and / or equivalent. The retaining member 1030 may include a material that is not reactive with the material of the first shell case side 1010, the metallic material of the disk of the target device 196, or the coating composition of the target device 196. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining member 1030 is embodied as an O-ring seated in a plug channel. The retaining member 1030 is configured to contact the first surface 197 of the target device 196 when the vacuum activated storage container 1000 is in a closed configuration, thereby frictionally engaging with it, providing a supportive retaining force to the target device 196, and mitigating potential damage to the target device 196 that may result from the target device 196 colliding with the surface of the enclosed internal volume during transport of the vacuum activated storage container 1000.

[0119] As shown in Figure 13, the first shell case side 1010 further defines a flange 1014 extending around the outer circumference of the first shell case side 1010. The flange 1014 defines an outer surface 1015 extending around the outer surface 1011 of the first shell case side 1010, and an opposite inner surface (not shown) extending around the inner portion of the first shell case side 1010. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer surface 1015 is offset with respect to the outer surface 1011 of the first shell case side 1010. The offset between the outer surface 1015 of the flange 1014 and the outer surface 1011 of the first shell case side 1010 can be dimensional based on the corresponding dimensions of the coupling device 1050 such that the outer surface 1011 of the first shell case side 1010 is at least substantially planar with the edge of the coupling device 1050 when the coupling device 1050 is attached to it. Furthermore, the outer surface 1015 of flange 1014 is chamfered and extends from a thick portion immediately adjacent to the outer surface 1011 of the first shell case side 1010 to a thin portion defining the overall outer periphery of the first shell case side 1010. The inner surface of flange 1014 is a smooth, at least substantially planar surface configured to engage with the inner surface 1026 of flange 1024 of the second shell case side 1020, forming an airtight seal between them. In some embodiments, one or both of the inner surface of flange 1014 or the inner surface 1026 of flange 1026 may have a sealing coating (e.g., pressure-activated adhesive, elastic material, and / or equivalent) to facilitate the formation of an airtight seal between the inner surface of flange 1014 and the inner surface 1026 of flange 1024.

[0120] By providing a chamfer on the outer surface 1015 of flange 1014, the coupling device 1050 (e.g., a ring clamp) is positioned around the outer circumference of the first shell case side 1010 and the second shell case side 1020 so that the coupling device 1050 engages with the outer surface 1015 of flange 1014, and tightening the coupling device 1050 (e.g., by reducing the diameter of the ring clamp) generates force vectors that compress the inner surfaces of flanges 1014 and 1024 of the first shell case side 1010 and the second shell case side 1020 relative to each other, thereby promoting the formation of an airtight seal between them.

[0121] As shown in Figure 13, the first shell case side 1010 includes a vacuum-activated check valve 1060 located in a hole 1017 that extends through the first shell case side 1010 from the outer surface 1011 to the inner surface 1012. The vacuum-activated check valve 1060 includes a piston 1061 that is axially movable within the hole 1017. Although not visible in Figure 13, the hole 1017 defines a piston seat against which the surface of the piston 1061 rests in a sealing configuration, forming an airtight seal between them. The piston seat may also include a sealing member 1065 (e.g., an O-ring) against which the surface of the piston 1061 sits when in the sealing configuration. The piston seat may be a chamfered portion for engaging with the outer surface of the piston 1061 having a corresponding chamfer. Alternatively, the piston seat may be a stepped surface within the hole 1017 against which the outer surface of the piston 1061 engages when in the sealing configuration. It should be understood that other piston seat configurations can also be used according to various embodiments.

[0122] The vacuum-activated check valve also includes a spring 1062 that biases the piston to a sealed configuration relative to the piston seat. In one embodiment, the spring 1062 may have a compressive force that can be overcome to move the piston 1061 to an open configuration by an ambient pressure difference of at least 1 mbar between the pressure at the outer end of the hole 1017 (on the outer surface 1011) and the pressure at the inner end of the hole 1017 (on the inner surface 1012), where the pressure at the inner end of the hole 1017 is at least 1 mbar higher than the pressure at the outer end of the hole 1017. Such a spring constant ensures that the vacuum pressure is maintained within the enclosed internal volume of the vacuum-activated storage container 1000, while allowing the inside of the vacuum-activated storage container 1000 to be equal to the ambient pressure outside the vacuum-activated storage container 1000 when the pressure outside the vacuum-activated storage container 1000 is lower than the pressure inside the enclosed interior of the vacuum-activated storage container 1000. As shown in Figure 13, the components of the vacuum-activated check valve 1060, including the piston 1061 and the spring 1062, are held in the hole 1017 by a cap 1063 which is fastened to the first shell case side 1010 via fasteners 1064 (e.g., screws).

[0123] As described above, the second shell case side 1020 can have the same configuration as that of the first shell case side 1010.

[0124] Therefore, the second shell case side 1020 defines an outer surface 1021 (located outside the vacuum-activated storage container 1000 when in a closed configuration) and an opposite inner portion. The inner portion is defined by an inner surface 1022 that is inserted into the outer periphery of the inner portion. When the inner portion is aligned with the inner portion of the first shell case side 1010, it forms a sealed internal volume of the vacuum-activated storage container 1000 in which a volatile object (e.g., a target device 196) can be positioned. The inner surface 1022 of the illustrated embodiment also defines an insert channel 1023 surrounding the inner surface 1022 adjacent to the outer periphery of the inner surface 1022. As shown in Figure 13, a retaining member 1040 is seated in the insert channel 1023 so as to extend outward from the inner surface 1022. The retaining member 1040 of the illustrated embodiment includes an elastic material having a higher coefficient of friction than the inner surface 1022. The retaining member 1040 may be the same as the retaining member 1030 discussed above. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining member 1040 is an O-ring seated in the insertion channel. The retaining member 1040 is configured to contact the second surface of the target device 196 when the vacuum-activated storage container 1000 is in a closed configuration, thereby frictionally engaging with it, providing a supportive retaining force to the target device 196, and mitigating potential damage to the target device 196 that may result from the target device 196 colliding with the surface of the enclosed internal volume during transport of the vacuum-activated storage container 1000.

[0125] As shown in Figure 13, the second shell case side 1020 further defines a flange 1024 extending around the outer circumference of the second shell case side 1020. The flange 1024 defines an outer surface (not shown) extending around the outer surface 1021 of the second shell case side 1020, and an opposite inner surface 1026 extending around the inner portion of the second shell case side 1020. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer surface is offset with respect to the outer surface 1021 of the second shell case side 1020. The offset between the outer surface of the flange 1024 and the outer surface 1021 of the second shell case side 1020 can be dimensional based on the corresponding dimensions of the coupling device 1050 such that the outer surface 1020 of the second shell case side 1020 is at least substantially planar with the edge of the coupling device 1050 when the coupling device 1050 is fixed to it. Furthermore, the outer surface of flange 1024 is chamfered and extends from a thick portion immediately adjacent to the outer surface 1021 of the second shell case side 1020 to a thin portion defining the overall outer edge of the second shell case side 1020. The inner surface 1026 of flange 1024 is a smooth, at least substantially planar surface configured to engage with the inner surface of flange 1014 of the first shell case side 1010, forming an airtight seal between them.

[0126] By providing a chamfer on the outer surface of flange 1024, the coupling device 1050 (e.g., a ring clamp) is positioned around the outer circumference of the first shell case side 1010 and the second shell case side 1020 so that the coupling device 1050 engages with the outer surface of flange 1024, and tightening the coupling device 1050 (e.g., by reducing the diameter of the ring clamp) generates force vectors that compress the inner surfaces of flanges 1014, 1024 of the first shell case side 1010 and the second shell case side 1020 relative to each other, thereby promoting the formation of an airtight seal between them.

[0127] As shown in Figure 13, the second shell case side 1020 includes a vacuum-activated check valve 1070 located in a hole 1027 that extends through the second shell case side 1020 from the outer surface 1021 to the inner surface 1022. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the second shell case side 1020 does not have a check valve 1070. The illustrated vacuum-activated check valve 1070 includes a piston 1071 that is axially movable within the hole 1027. Although not visible in Figure 13, the hole 1027 defines a piston seat against which the surface of the piston 1071 rests in a sealing configuration, forming an airtight seal between them. The piston seat may also include a sealing member 1075 (e.g., an O-ring) against which the surface of the piston 1071 sits when in the sealing configuration. The piston seat may be a chamfered portion for engaging with the outer surface of the piston 1071 having a corresponding chamfer. The piston seat can alternatively be a stepped surface within the bore 1027, to which the outer surface of the piston 1071 engages when in a sealing configuration. It should be understood that other piston seat configurations may also be used according to various embodiments.

[0128] The vacuum-activated check valve also includes a spring 1072 that biases the piston to a sealed configuration relative to the piston seat. In one embodiment, the spring 1062 may have a compressive force that can be overcome to move the piston 1071 to an open configuration by an ambient pressure difference of at least 1 mbar between the pressure at the outer end of the hole 1027 (at the outer surface 1021) and the pressure at the inner end of the hole 1027 (at the inner surface 1022), where the pressure at the inner end of the hole 1027 is at least 1 mbar higher than the pressure at the outer end of the hole 1027. Such a spring constant ensures that the vacuum pressure is maintained within the enclosed internal volume of the vacuum-activated storage container 1000, while allowing the inside of the vacuum-activated storage container 1000 to be equal to the ambient pressure outside the vacuum-activated storage container 1000 when the pressure outside the vacuum-activated storage container 1000 is lower than the pressure inside the enclosed interior of the vacuum-activated storage container 1000. As shown in Figure 13, the components of the vacuum-activated check valve 1070, including the piston 1071 and the spring 1072, are held in the hole 1027 by a cap 1073 which is fastened to the first shell case side 1020 via fasteners 1074 (e.g., screws).

[0129] The illustrated second shell case side 1020 is described as including a vacuum-activated check valve 1070, but in one embodiment, only the first shell case side 1010 includes a vacuum-activated check valve 1060, and the second shell case side 1020 does not define any holes extending through it, and therefore the vacuum-activated check valve 1060 of the first shell case side 1010 is configured to maintain the vacuum pressure within the sealed internal volume of the vacuum-activated storage container 1000.

[0130] Furthermore, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 13, the first shell case side 1010 is disconnected from the second shell case side 1020 when the vacuum activated storage container 1000 is in an open configuration. However, in other embodiments, the first shell case side 1010 may remain movably connected to the second shell case side 1020 when in an open configuration, for example, via hinges, floating hinges, flexible lines extending between components, and / or equivalent.

[0131] The embodiment illustrated in Figure 13 further includes a coupling device 1050 configured to fix the first shell case side 1010 to the second shell case side 1020 when the pressure within the sealed internal portion is at least substantially equal to the ambient pressure surrounding the vacuum-activated storage container 1000. When a vacuum pressure is formed within the sealed internal portion of the vacuum-activated storage container 1000, and the pressure inside the sealed internal portion is lower than the ambient pressure surrounding the vacuum-activated storage container 1000, the ambient pressure surrounding the vacuum-activated storage container 1000 generates a holding force that maintains the first shell case side 1010 and the second shell case side 1020 in a closed and sealed configuration. However, when the pressure within the sealed internal volume is at least substantially equal to the ambient pressure surrounding the vacuum-activated storage container 1000, such as immediately after the placement of volatile substances into the vacuum-activated storage container 1000, the coupling device 1050 provides a retaining force, maintaining the desired position of the first shell case side 1010 relative to the second shell case side 1020, such that the inner surfaces of the flanges 1014 and 1024 create an airtight seal between them. Once the external pressure of the vacuum-activated storage container 1000 begins to rise (for example, when removing the vacuum-activated storage container 1000 from a vacuum environment during transport), the atmospheric pressure surrounding the vacuum-activated storage container 1000 provides an additional retaining force, maintaining the vacuum-activated storage container 1000 in a sealed configuration. As will be discussed in more detail herein, this additional retaining force can prevent or hinder the opening of the vacuum-activated storage container 1000 when it is in an atmospheric environment, where exposure of volatile substances could result in undesirable reactions with components of the atmospheric air.

[0132] As shown, the coupling device 1050 may be a ring clamp that can be mounted around the outer circumference of the shell case assembly. The coupling device 1050 may contain the same material as the first shell case side 1010 and the second shell case side 1020, or it may contain a different material from the first shell case side 1010 and the second shell case side 1020. In an example, the coupling device 1050 may contain steel.

[0133] The ring clamp in the illustrated embodiment includes a clamping mechanism 1051 that can be tightened to reduce the diameter of the ring clamp, thereby clamping the coupling device 1050 onto the flanges 1014 and 1024. As described above, at least in part, due to the chamfered outer surfaces of the flanges 1014 and 1024, tightening the ring clamp generates a compressive pressure that seals the inner surfaces of the flanges 1014 and 1024 against each other. Exemplary use of a vacuum-activated storage container

[0134] In a method of using the vacuum-activated storage container 1000, the vacuum-activated storage container 1000 is in an open configuration, and while the first shell case side 1010 is separated from the second shell case side 1020, the volatile material can be placed inside it. During use, while the volatile material and the vacuum-activated storage container 1000 are located in a vacuum environment such as inside a glove box operating under vacuum pressure, the volatile material is placed inside the vacuum-activated storage container 1000.

[0135] Specifically, the volatile object is placed inside either the first shell case side 1010 or the second shell case side 1020. The surface of the volatile object is in contact with the retaining members 1030, 1040. The other of the first or second shell case side 1020 is provided to enclose the shell case assembly such that the inner surfaces of the flanges 1014, 1024 are in contact with each other. The other retaining members 1030, 1040 are in contact with the other side of the volatile object so that the volatile object is positioned between the retaining members 1030, 1040.

[0136] The coupling device 1050 is then positioned around the outer circumference of the shell case assembly and tightened to generate force vectors on flanges 1014 and 1024, compressing the inner surfaces of flanges 1014 and 1024 against each other, creating an airtight seal between them. By tightening the coupling device 1050, the retaining members 1030 and 1040 are also compressed against the individual surfaces of the volatile devices, creating frictional engagement with the volatile devices and preventing them from shifting within the vacuum-activated storage container 1000. Tightening the coupling device 1050 thereby installs the vacuum-activated storage container 1000 in a closed and sealed configuration.

[0137] The sealed vacuum-activated storage container 1000 is then removed from the vacuum environment, thereby exposing the vacuum-activated storage container 1000 to a pressure difference where the external pressure is higher than the vacuum pressure within the sealed internal volume of the vacuum-activated storage container 1000. This pressure difference generates an additional retaining force that seals the vacuum-activated storage container 1000 in its sealed configuration.

[0138] If the sealed vacuum-activated storage container 1000 is subsequently exposed to an ambient vacuum environment such that the external pressure of the vacuum-activated storage container 1000 falls below the pressure inside the sealed internal volume of the vacuum-activated storage container 1000 (for example, by at least 1 mbar), the vacuum-activated check valve 1060 (and, if present, the vacuum-activated check valve 1070) will open to equalize the pressure inside the sealed internal volume with that outside the vacuum-activated storage container 1000.

[0139] To open the sealed vacuum-activated storage container 1000, such as when removing the target device 196 which has been sealed for placement in the target assembly 200, the vacuum-activated storage container 1000 is placed in a vacuum environment such that the external pressure of the vacuum-activated storage container 1000 is at least substantially equal to the pressure in the sealed internal volume of the vacuum-activated storage container 1000. The coupling device 1050 is then loosened and removed from the shell case assembly. The first shell case side 1010 is removed from the second shell case side 1020, thereby configuring the vacuum-activated storage container 1000 in an open configuration, exposing the sealed volatile device which can then be freely removed, such as for placement in the target assembly 200.

[0140] Various aspects of this subject matter are described below as a review of and / or complement to the embodiments described above, with the interrelationships and interchangeability of the following embodiments being emphasized here. In other words, it is emphasized that each feature of an embodiment can be combined with any other feature unless otherwise explicitly stated or logically impossible.

[0141] A removal system for radioactive components of a beam system is provided in the implementations discussed herein. The beam system includes a mobile device configured to transport radioactive components, and a guide structure configured to receive the mobile device and guide the movement of the radioactive components from a first position to a second position. In exemplary embodiments, the mobile device is configured as a carrier. The carrier may be configured to secure the radioactive components, and the carrier may include one or more wheels (for example, to facilitate movement along a guide trajectory). In some exemplary implementations, the guide structure is embodied as a guide trajectory. The guide trajectory may include recessed spaces configured to hold the wheels of the mobile device and allow them to rotate.

[0142] In some embodiments, the guide structure is configured such that the movement of a movable device along the guide structure changes the position and orientation of the radioactive components. The first position may be the operating position within the beam system, and the second position may be the position within the shielding vessel.

[0143] In many embodiments, a neutron beam system is provided that includes a target exchange system comprising a movable device and a guide structure, wherein the movable device is configured to transport a radioactive target assembly along the guide structure, and the guide structure is configured to guide the movement of the movable device from the beam shaping assembly to a shielding vessel. In some of these embodiments, the movable device is a carrier comprising one or more wheels, and the guide structure is a track configured to receive one or more wheels.

[0144] In some of these embodiments, the guide structure includes a first linear section, a second linear section, and a third curved section positioned between the first and second linear sections. The first linear section may have an endpoint in a beam forming assembly and may be oriented along the beam axis of the beam system. The second linear section may have an endpoint in a space configured to hold a shielding container. The second linear section may be oriented along an axis traversing the beam axis of the beam system.

[0145] In many embodiments, a method is provided for removing radioactive components from a beam system, the method including the step of moving the radioactive components from an operating position in the beam system to a position in a shielding container along a guide structure.

[0146] In some of these embodiments, the guide structure guides the movement of the radioactive component. In some embodiments, the step of moving the radioactive component includes moving the radioactive component upstream from its operating position. The step of moving the radioactive component may further include moving the radioactive component through an opening in the radiation shield. The step of moving the radioactive component may include moving the radioactive component along a curved section of the guide structure so that the radioactive component changes its position and orientation. The step of moving the radioactive component may further include moving the radioactive component from a curved section of the guide structure to an upper linear section, and then changing the direction of motion so that the radioactive component moves along the upper linear section at a second time. The step of moving the radioactive component may further include moving the radioactive component from an upper linear section to a lower linear section, and into a shielding container.

[0147] In some of these embodiments, the movable structure is a carrier including wheels, and the guide structure is a track configured to receive the wheels and allow them to rotate.

[0148] In some of these embodiments, the radioactive component is a target assembly configured to generate neutrons when struck by a proton beam. A beam system in one embodiment is configured for use in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT).

[0149] In many embodiments, a removal system for radioactive components of a beam system is provided, the removal system including a radioactive component having a first side which is relatively more radioactive than a second side, and a guide structure configured to guide the movement of the radioactive component into the shielding container such that the first side enters the shielding container before the second side.

[0150] In some embodiments, the radioactive component can be coupled with a movable device configured to move along a guide structure. The movable device can be fixed to the radioactive component. The movable device can be configured as a carrier, including at least one wheel. The guide structure can be configured as a track. The track may include recessed spaces configured to hold at least one wheel of the carrier and allow its rotation.

[0151] In some embodiments, the guide structure is configured such that the movement of radioactive components along the guide structure changes the position and orientation of the radioactive components. The guide structure may include a first linear trajectory section, a second linear trajectory section, and a curved trajectory section, the curved trajectory section being coupled between the first linear trajectory section and the second linear trajectory section. The first linear trajectory section may be oriented along the beam axis of the beam system, and the second linear trajectory section may be oriented across the beam axis. The second linear trajectory section may be oriented across space for the installation of a shielding vessel.

[0152] In some embodiments, the guide structure may include a first guide section and a second guide section, the second guide section being configured to pivot relative to the first guide section. The system may include a releasable locking mechanism configured to lock the second guide section in a position aligned with the first guide section. The system may include a biasing member configured to assist the pivotal movement of the second guide section. The biasing member may be a damping spring. The system may include an automatic descent mechanism configured to assist the descent of radioactive components along the second guide section in the pivoted state.

[0153] In some embodiments, the guide structure is configured to move the radioactive component from its operating position within the beam system to its position within the shielding container.

[0154] In many embodiments, a target exchange system is provided, which includes a guide structure configured to interface with a target assembly, the target assembly having a first side with a radioactive target and a second side, and the guide structure is configured to guide the movement of the target assembly into the shielding container such that the first side of the target assembly enters the shielding container in front of the second side.

[0155] In some embodiments, the target assembly may be coupled with a movable device configured to move along a guide structure. The movable device may be a carrier including one or more wheels, and the guide structure is a track configured to receive one or more wheels.

[0156] In some embodiments, the guide structure may include a first linear section, a second linear section, and a third curved section positioned between the first and second linear sections. The first linear section may have an endpoint in a beam forming assembly and may be oriented along the beam axis of the beam system. The second linear section may have an endpoint in a space configured to hold a shielding container. The second linear section may be oriented along an axis traversing the beam axis of the beam system.

[0157] In some embodiments, the guide structure may include a first guide section and a second guide section, the second guide section being configured to pivot relative to the first guide section. The system may further include a releasable locking mechanism configured to lock the second guide section in a position aligned with the first guide section. The system may further include a biasing member configured to assist the pivotal movement of the second guide section. The biasing member may be a damping spring. The system may further include an automatic descent mechanism configured to assist the descent of radioactive components along the second guide section in the pivoted state.

[0158] In some embodiments, the guide structure is configured to move the radioactive component from its operating position within the beam system to its position within the shielding container.

[0159] In some embodiments, the system further includes a beamline and a target assembly. The system may include a valve coupled between the beamline and the target assembly. The valve may include a first housing which is releasably coupled to a second housing, the first housing being fixed to the target assembly and the second housing being fixed to the beamline. The valve may include a rotatable or pivotable sealing member coupled to the first housing and configured to seal the internal space of the target assembly.

[0160] In many embodiments, a method is provided for removing a radioactive component from a beam system, wherein the radioactive component has a first side that is relatively more radioactive than a second side, and the method includes the step of moving the radioactive component from an operational position in the beam system to a position in a shielding container such that the first side enters the shielding container before the second side, wherein at least part of the movement is along a guide structure.

[0161] In some embodiments, the guide structure induces the movement of the radioactive components.

[0162] In some embodiments, the step of moving the radioactive component includes moving the radioactive component upstream along a guide structure from its operating position.

[0163] In some embodiments, the step of moving the radioactive component further includes the step of moving the radioactive component through an opening in the radiation shield.

[0164] In some embodiments, the step of moving the radioactive component further includes moving the radioactive component along a curved section of the guide structure such that the radioactive component changes its position and orientation. The step of moving the radioactive component further includes moving the radioactive component from a curved section of the guide structure to an upper linear section, and then changing the direction of motion so that the radioactive component moves along the upper linear section at a second time. The step of moving the radioactive component further includes moving the radioactive component from an upper linear section to a lower linear section, and into a shielding container.

[0165] In some embodiments, the step of moving the radioactive component further includes moving the radioactive component along a first guide section to a second guide section, and pivoting the second guide section so that the radioactive component also pivots. The method may further include a step of unlocking the second guide section prior to pivoting it. The second guide section and the radioactive component can be pivoted with the assistance of a biasing member, which may be a damping spring.

[0166] In some embodiments, the method may further include the step of moving the pivoted radioactive component into the shielding container along a second pivoted guide section.

[0167] In some embodiments, the method may further include, at least in part, the step of moving a pivoted radioactive component into a shielding vessel along a pivoted second guide section using an automated descent mechanism.

[0168] In some embodiments, the method may further include the step of inserting a replacement component into the first guide section.

[0169] In some embodiments, the movable structure is a carrier including wheels, and the guide structure is a track configured to receive the wheels and allow them to rotate.

[0170] In some of these embodiments, the radioactive component is a target assembly configured to generate neutrons when struck by a proton beam.

[0171] In some of these embodiments, the beam system is configured for use in BNCT.

[0172] In many embodiments, a method is provided for removing a radioactive target assembly from a neutron beam system, the method comprising the steps of moving the target assembly along a guide structure, pivoting a portion of the guide structure and the target assembly, and moving the pivoted target assembly into a shielding container.

[0173] In some embodiments, the method further includes the steps of disengaging a target assembly from a beamline section and removing the beamline section. The step of disengaging a target assembly from a beamline section may include the step of releasing a locking mechanism on a valve assembly. The method may further include the step of closing a valve assembly prior to disengaging a target assembly from a beamline section. The valve assembly may be closed by rotating or pivoting a sealing member.

[0174] In some of these embodiments, the part is a second part, and the step of moving the target assembly along the guide structure includes moving the target assembly from proximity to the beamforming apparatus along the first part of the guide structure, through an opening in the retractable radiation shield, to the second part of the guide structure. The target assembly can be moved from the first part of the guide structure to the second part without retraction of the radiation shield. The target assembly may include a valve that moves through an opening in the retractable radiation shield.

[0175] In some of these embodiments, the method further includes the step of moving a pivoted target assembly into a shielding container with the assistance of an automated descent mechanism.

[0176] In some of these embodiments, the method further includes the step of sealing a shielding container in which the target assembly is contained.

[0177] In some of these embodiments, the target assembly has a radioactive target located at the downstream end of the target assembly, and the downstream end of the target assembly is moved into a shielding container in front of the upstream end of the target assembly.

[0178] In many embodiments, the equipment is provided and includes a neutron beam system including a target assembly; a beam shaping device configured to receive the target assembly; a retractable radiation shield having an opening through which the target assembly can pass; and a target exchange system configured to facilitate the removal of the target assembly without retraction of the radiation shield.

[0179] In some embodiments, the neutron beam system further includes an ion source, a first beamline coupled to the ion source, an accelerator coupled to the first beamline, and a second beamline coupled between the accelerator and a target assembly. The second beamline may include a removable section coupled to the target assembly. The neutron beam system may further include a valve assembly having a first housing that is removably coupled to a second housing, the first housing being fixed to the target assembly, and the second housing being fixed to the removable section. The valve assembly may include a rotatable or pivotable seal. The valve assembly may include a removable locking mechanism for removably coupling the first housing to the second housing. The valve assembly may be sized to pass through an opening in the radiation shield.

[0180] In some embodiments, the retractable radiation shield includes a first shield door and a second shield door, and the opening is formed by the interface between the first and second shield doors.

[0181] In some of these embodiments, the target exchange system is configured according to one of the embodiments described herein.

[0182] In some of these embodiments, the target exchange system has a support structure comprising a first portion located between the beam shaping assembly and the first side of the radiation shield, and a second portion located on the second side of the radiation shield.

[0183] In many embodiments, a valve assembly is provided which includes a sealing member, a first housing coupled to the sealing member, a second housing configured to coupled to the first housing, and a releasable locking mechanism configured to releasably lock the first housing to the second housing, wherein the sealing member is configured to pivot or rotate from an open position to a closed position, and the valve assembly is configured to allow the passage of a charged particle beam through the sealing member when it is in the open position. In some of these embodiments, the valve assembly further includes an actuator for manual operation of the sealing member. The actuator may be a rotatable lever or a crank. In some of these embodiments, the valve assembly further includes an actuator for automatic operation of the sealing member.

[0184] In some of these embodiments, the first housing includes an interface for a gas-impermeable seal with the target assembly of the neutron beam system, and the second housing includes an interface for a gas-impermeable seal with the beamline of the neutron beam system.

[0185] In some of these embodiments, the valve assembly further includes a port for pressurizing or depressurizing the internal space of the valve assembly.

[0186] In various embodiments, a shielding container for storing radioactive components includes an inner container shell having a plurality of inner shell walls that collectively define a first hollow interior for storing the radioactive components, and an outer container shell having a plurality of outer shell walls that collectively define a second hollow interior for storing the inner container shell.

[0187] In some of these embodiments, each of the multiple inner shell walls includes at least one gamma-ray shielding material, and each of the multiple outer shell walls includes at least one gamma-ray shielding material. In some of these embodiments, the at least one gamma-ray shielding material includes one or more of bismuth, iron, nickel, lead, depleted uranium, aluminum, or copper.

[0188] In some of these embodiments, the inner container shell further includes a door assembly that defines an open end and is configurable between an open configuration that provides access to a first hollow interior of the inner container shell and a closed configuration that prevents access to the first hollow interior of the inner container shell.

[0189] In some of these embodiments, the outer vessel shell further includes a door assembly configurable between an open configuration, which defines an open end and provides access to a second hollow interior of the outer vessel shell, and a closed configuration, which prevents access to the second hollow interior of the outer vessel shell. In some of these embodiments, the door assembly of the outer vessel shell includes a mechanical linkage operable to move the door between the open and closed configurations. In some of these embodiments, the door assembly includes at least one gamma-ray shielding material. In some of these embodiments, the at least one gamma-ray shielding material includes one or more of bismuth, iron, nickel, lead, depleted uranium, aluminum, or copper.

[0190] In some of these embodiments, the mechanical linkage includes a handle. In some of these embodiments, the mechanical linkage defines at least two pivot points. In some of these embodiments, the mechanical linkage is a five-bar linkage. In some of these embodiments, the door assembly includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the door assembly in a closed configuration.

[0191] In some of these embodiments, the shielding vessel further includes an intermediate shell having a plurality of intermediate shell walls that collectively define a third hollow interior for housing the inner vessel shell. In some of these embodiments, the outer vessel shell is configured to house the intermediate shell within a second hollow interior of the outer vessel shell.

[0192] In some of these embodiments, the inner shell wall defines a variable thickness profile that defines a first portion of the inner shell wall having a first thickness and a second portion of the inner shell wall having a second thickness. In some of these embodiments, the first thickness exceeds the second thickness.

[0193] In some of these embodiments, the outer shell wall defines a variable thickness profile that defines a first portion of the outer shell wall having a first thickness and a second portion of the outer shell wall having a second thickness. In some of these embodiments, the first thickness exceeds the second thickness.

[0194] In some of these embodiments, the multiple intermediate shell walls define a variable thickness profile that defines a first portion of the intermediate shell wall having a first thickness and a second portion of the intermediate shell wall having a second thickness. In some of these embodiments, the first thickness exceeds the second thickness.

[0195] In various embodiments, a method for storing radioactive components includes the step of placing the radioactive components in an inner vessel shell having a plurality of inner shell walls that collectively define a first interior for storing the radioactive components. In some of these embodiments, the inner vessel shell is located within an outer vessel shell having a plurality of outer shell walls that collectively define a second interior for storing the inner vessel shell. In some of these embodiments, the method further includes the step of closing the inner vessel shell and the outer vessel shell.

[0196] In some of these embodiments, the method further includes the step of opening the outer vessel shell after the decay of the radioactive components over a period of time. In some of these embodiments, the method further includes the step of removing the inner vessel shell from the outer vessel shell. In some of these embodiments, the outer vessel shell and the inner vessel shell each include at least one gamma-ray shielding material.

[0197] In some of these embodiments, at least one gamma-ray shielding material includes one or more of bismuth, iron, nickel, lead, depleted uranium, aluminum, or copper.

[0198] In some of these embodiments, the step of closing the inner and outer vessel shells includes moving the handle of the outer vessel shell from a first position to a second position. In some of these embodiments, the handle of the outer vessel shell is part of a mechanical linkage. In some of these embodiments, the step of moving the handle from a first position to a second position moves the door of the outer vessel shell from an open configuration to a closed configuration.

[0199] In some of these embodiments, the step of closing the inner and outer vessel shells includes the step of rotating a drive key. In some of these embodiments, the drive key is connected in a gear drive relationship to the door of the outer vessel shell such that the rotation of the drive key moves the door of the outer vessel shell from an open configuration to a closed configuration.

[0200] In some of these embodiments, the inner container shell is positioned within an intermediate container shell, the intermediate container shell is positioned within an outer container shell, and the further step includes closing the intermediate container shell.

[0201] In some of these embodiments, the method further includes the step of opening the outer vessel shell after the decay of the radioactive components over a first period. In some of these embodiments, the method further includes the step of removing the intermediate vessel shell from the outer vessel.

[0202] In some of these embodiments, the method further includes the step of opening the intermediate vessel shell after the decay of the radioactive components over a second period occurring consecutively with the first period. In some of these embodiments, the method further includes the step of removing the inner vessel shell from the intermediate vessel shell. In some of these embodiments, the outer vessel shell, the intermediate vessel shell, and the inner vessel shell each include at least one gamma-ray shielding material. In some of these embodiments, the at least one gamma-ray shielding material includes one or more of bismuth, iron, nickel, lead, depleted uranium, aluminum, or copper.

[0203] In some of these embodiments, the step of placing the radioactive component inside the inner vessel shell includes the step of guiding the radioactive component into the inner vessel shell along a guide structure.

[0204] In various embodiments, a removal system for radioactive components of a beam system includes radioactive components and a shielding vessel, which includes an inner vessel shell having a plurality of inner shell walls collectively defining a first hollow interior for housing the radioactive components, and an outer vessel shell having a plurality of outer shell walls collectively defining a second hollow interior for housing the inner vessel shell. In some of these embodiments, the removal system further includes a guide structure configured to guide the movement of the radioactive components into the first hollow interior of the inner vessel shell of the shielding vessel.

[0205] In some of these embodiments, the radioactive component is coupled to a movable device configured to move along a guide structure.

[0206] In some of these embodiments, the guide structure is configured as a track.

[0207] In some of these embodiments, the guide structure is configured such that the movement of the radioactive component along the guide structure changes the position and orientation of the radioactive component.

[0208] In some of these embodiments, the guide structure includes a first linear trajectory section, a second linear trajectory section, and a curved trajectory section. In some of these embodiments, the first linear trajectory section is oriented along the beam axis of the beam system, the second linear trajectory section is oriented across the shielding container and oriented across the beam axis, and the curved trajectory section is coupled between the first linear trajectory section and the second linear trajectory section.

[0209] In some of these embodiments, the guide structure is configured to move the radioactive component from an operational position within the beam system to a position within a first hollow interior of the inner vessel shell of the shielding vessel.

[0210] In some of these embodiments, the shielding vessel further includes an intermediate shell having a plurality of intermediate shell walls that collectively define a third hollow interior for housing the inner vessel shell. In some of these embodiments, the outer vessel shell is configured to house the intermediate shell within a second hollow interior of the outer vessel shell.

[0211] In some of these embodiments, the inner shell wall defines a variable thickness profile that defines a first portion of the inner shell wall having a first thickness and a second portion of the inner shell wall having a second thickness. In some of these embodiments, the first thickness exceeds the second thickness.

[0212] In some of these embodiments, the outer shell wall defines a variable thickness profile that defines a first portion of the outer shell wall having a first thickness and a second portion of the outer shell wall having a second thickness. In some of these embodiments, the first thickness exceeds the second thickness.

[0213] In some of these embodiments, the intermediate shell wall defines a variable thickness profile that defines a first portion of the intermediate shell wall having a first thickness and a second portion of the intermediate shell wall having a second thickness. In some of these embodiments, the first thickness exceeds the second thickness.

[0214] In some of these embodiments, the outer vessel shell and the inner vessel shell each include at least one gamma-ray shielding material.

[0215] In some of these embodiments, at least one gamma-ray shielding material includes one or more of bismuth, iron, nickel, lead, depleted uranium, aluminum, or copper.

[0216] In various embodiments, the target exchange system includes a shielding vessel comprising an inner vessel shell having a plurality of inner shell walls that collectively define a first hollow interior for housing radioactive components, and an outer vessel shell having a plurality of outer shell walls that collectively define a second hollow interior for housing the inner vessel shell. In some of these embodiments, the shielding vessel further includes a guide structure configured to interface with a target assembly. In some of these embodiments, the guide structure is configured to guide the movement of the target assembly into the first hollow interior of the inner vessel of the shielding vessel.

[0217] In some of these embodiments, the guide structure includes a first linear section, a second linear section, and a third curved section positioned between the first and second sections.

[0218] In some of these embodiments, the first linear section is oriented along the beam axis of the beam system, the second linear section is oriented across the shielding container and oriented across the beam axis, and the curved trajectory section is coupled between the first linear section and the second linear section.

[0219] In some of these embodiments, the guide structure is configured to move the radioactive component from an operational position within the beam system to a position within a first hollow interior of the inner vessel shell of the shielding vessel.

[0220] In some of these embodiments, the shielding vessel further includes an intermediate shell having a plurality of intermediate shell walls that collectively define a third hollow interior for housing the inner vessel shell. In some of these embodiments, the outer vessel shell is configured to house the intermediate shell within a second hollow interior of the outer vessel shell.

[0221] In some of these embodiments, the inner shell wall defines a variable thickness profile that defines a first portion of the inner shell wall having a first thickness and a second portion of the inner shell wall having a second thickness. In some of these embodiments, the first thickness exceeds the second thickness.

[0222] In some of these embodiments, the outer shell wall defines a variable thickness profile that defines a first portion of the outer shell wall having a first thickness and a second portion of the outer shell wall having a second thickness. In some of these embodiments, the first thickness exceeds the second thickness.

[0223] In some of these embodiments, the intermediate shell wall defines a variable thickness profile that defines a first portion of the intermediate shell wall having a first thickness and a second portion of the intermediate shell wall having a second thickness. In some of these embodiments, the first thickness exceeds the second thickness.

[0224] In some of these embodiments, the outer vessel shell and the inner vessel shell each include at least one gamma-ray shielding material.

[0225] In some of these embodiments, at least one gamma-ray shielding material includes one or more of bismuth, iron, nickel, lead, depleted uranium, aluminum, or copper.

[0226] In various embodiments, a storage container for storing volatile substances includes a shell case assembly comprising a first shell case side and a second shell case side. In some of these embodiments, the shell case assembly defines an outer surface and a sealed internal volume defined within the respective internal portions of the first and second shell case sides and configured for storing volatile substances. In some of these embodiments, the first shell case side is configured to engage with the second shell case side, forming a gas seal between them. In some of these embodiments, the sealed internal volume is at a first atmospheric pressure lower than a second atmospheric pressure outside the sealed internal volume. In some embodiments, the first atmospheric pressure is a vacuum pressure, and the second atmospheric pressure is the ambient pressure outside the sealed internal volume. In some of these embodiments, the storage container further includes a coupling device configured to fix the first shell case side to the second shell case side. In some of these embodiments, the first shell case side includes a check valve extending through it. In some of these embodiments, the check valve is configured to open at a pressure on the outer surface of the first shell case that is lower than the pressure in the inner portion of the first shell case. In some embodiments, the check valve is a vacuum-activated check valve.

[0227] In some of these embodiments, the first shell case side defines a first flange extending around the outer circumference of the first shell case side, and the second shell case side defines a second flange extending around the outer circumference of the second shell case side. In some of these embodiments, the first flange is configured to engage with the second flange to form a gas seal between the first and second shell case sides.

[0228] In some of these embodiments, the second shell case side includes a second check valve extending through it. In some of these embodiments, the second check valve is configured to open at a lower pressure on the outer surface of the second shell case side.

[0229] In some of these embodiments, the first shell case side also includes a retaining member fixed to the inner surface of the internal portion of the first shell case side. In some of these embodiments, the retaining member is configured to frictionally engage with the surface of a volatile substance.

[0230] In some of these embodiments, the second shell case side also includes a second retaining member fixed to the inner surface within the internal portion of the second shell case side. In some of these embodiments, the second retaining member is configured to frictionally engage with the second surface of the volatile substance.

[0231] In some of these embodiments, the retaining member is an O-ring seated in a channel defined within the inner surface of the first shell case.

[0232] In some of these embodiments, the shell case assembly has at least a substantially circular outer circumference, and the coupling device is a ring clamp configured to extend around at least the substantially circular outer circumference of the shell case assembly.

[0233] In some of these embodiments, the shell case assembly includes aluminum.

[0234] In some of these embodiments, the check valve is configured to open when the pressure on the outer surface of the first shell case is at least 1 mbar lower than the pressure in the sealed internal volume.

[0235] In some of these embodiments, the first shell case side is the same as the second shell case side.

[0236] In some of these embodiments, the shell case assembly can be configured between a closed configuration in which a first shell case side engages with a second shell case side, forming a gas seal between them, and an open configuration in which the first shell case side is separated from the second shell case side, allowing access to the sealed internal volume from outside the storage container.

[0237] In some of these embodiments, the first shell case side is movably fixed to the second shell case side in an open configuration.

[0238] In various embodiments, the packaged volatile object includes a shell case assembly comprising a first shell case side and a second shell case side. In some of these embodiments, the shell case assembly defines an outer surface and a sealed internal volume defined within the respective internal portions of the first and second shell case sides. In some of these embodiments, the first shell case side is configured to engage with the second shell case side, forming a gas seal between them. In some of these embodiments, the packaged volatile object further includes a volatile object located within the sealed internal volume. In some of these embodiments, the sealed internal volume is at vacuum pressure. In some of these embodiments, the first shell case side includes a check valve extending through it. In some of these embodiments, the check valve is configured to open at a lower pressure on the outer surface of the first shell case side.

[0239] In some of these embodiments, the packaged volatile object further includes a coupling device configured to secure the first shell case side to the second shell case side.

[0240] In some of these embodiments, the first shell case side defines a first flange extending around the outer circumference of the first shell case side, and the second shell case side defines a second flange extending around the outer circumference of the second shell case side. In some of these embodiments, the first flange is configured to engage with the second flange to form a gas seal between the first and second shell case sides.

[0241] In some of these embodiments, the second shell case side includes a second check valve extending through it. In some of these embodiments, the second check valve is configured to open at a lower pressure on the outer surface of the second shell case side.

[0242] In some of these embodiments, the first shell case side also includes a retaining member fixed to the inner surface of the internal portion of the first shell case side. In some of these embodiments, the retaining member is configured to frictionally engage with the surface of a volatile substance.

[0243] In some of these embodiments, the second shell case side also includes a second retaining member fixed to the inner surface within the internal portion of the second shell case side. In some of these embodiments, the second retaining member is configured to frictionally engage with the second surface of the volatile substance.

[0244] In some of these embodiments, the retaining member is an O-ring seated in a channel defined within the inner surface of the first shell case.

[0245] In some of these embodiments, the shell case assembly has at least a substantially circular outer circumference, and the coupling device is a ring clamp configured to extend around at least the substantially circular outer circumference of the shell case assembly.

[0246] In some of these embodiments, the volatile substance has at least a substantially circular outer circumference.

[0247] In some of these embodiments, the shell case assembly includes aluminum.

[0248] In some of these embodiments, the check valve is configured to open when the pressure on the outer surface of the first shell case is at least 1 mbar lower than the pressure in the sealed internal volume.

[0249] In some of these embodiments, the first shell case side is the same as the second shell case side.

[0250] In some of these embodiments, the shell case assembly can be configured between a closed configuration in which a first shell case side engages with a second shell case side, forming a gas seal between them, and an open configuration in which the first shell case side is separated from the second shell case side, allowing access to volatile materials from outside the shell case assembly.

[0251] In some of these embodiments, the volatile object comprises a metal disc and a volatile composition coated on a first side of the metal disc. In some of these embodiments, the metal disc comprises copper.

[0252] In some of these embodiments, the volatile composition comprises lithium, sodium, or magnesium.

[0253] In some of these embodiments, the volatile material is configured to generate a neutron beam when struck by a beam of high-energy protons.

[0254] In various embodiments, a method for storing a volatile object includes the step of placing the volatile object within an internal portion of either the first or second shell case side, while the volatile object, a first shell case side, and a second shell case side are in an environment with a first pressure. In some of these embodiments, the first shell case side includes a check valve extending through it. In some of these embodiments, the check valve is configured to open at a pressure on the outer surface of the first shell case side that is lower than the pressure in the internal portion of the first shell case side. In some of these embodiments, the method further includes the step of forming a closed shell case assembly around the volatile object by engaging the first shell case side with the second shell case side, thereby forming a sealed internal volume that houses the volatile object within the closed shell case assembly. In some of these embodiments, the method further includes the step of fixing a coupling device to the closed shell case assembly and fixing the first shell case side with the second shell case side. In some of these embodiments, the method further includes the step of exposing a closed shell case assembly to a second pressure exceeding a first pressure to form a gas seal between the first shell case side and the second shell case side.

[0255] In some of these embodiments, the method further includes the steps of exposing a closed shell case assembly to a second pressure, then exposing the closed shell case assembly to a third pressure at least 1 mbar lower than a first pressure in the sealed internal volume, opening a check valve, and thereby equalizing the first pressure in the sealed internal volume with the third pressure via the check valve. In some embodiments, the check valve is a vacuum-activated check valve, and the first pressure is a vacuum pressure.

[0256] In some of these embodiments, the second shell case side includes a second check valve extending through it. In some of these embodiments, the second check valve is configured to open at a lower pressure on the outer surface of the second shell case side. In some of these embodiments, the step of exposing the closed shell case assembly to a vacuum pressure at least 1 mbar lower than the pressure in the sealed internal volume also opens the second check valve, making the pressure in the sealed internal volume and the check valve equal to the vacuum pressure.

[0257] In some of these embodiments, one of the first or second shell case sides also includes a retaining member fixed to the inner surface within the internal portion of the first or second shell case side. In some of these embodiments, the step of forming a closed shell case assembly includes the step of frictionally engaging the retaining member with the surface of a volatile substance.

[0258] In some of these embodiments, both the first and second shell case sides include, in addition, retaining members fixed to the inner surfaces within the internal portions of the first and second shell case sides. In some of these embodiments, the step of forming a closed shell case assembly includes the steps of frictionally engaging the retaining member on the first shell case side with a first surface of the volatile substance, and frictionally engaging the retaining member on the second shell case side with a second surface of the volatile substance.

[0259] In some of these embodiments, the first shell case side defines a first flange extending around the outer circumference of the first shell case side, and the second shell case side defines a second flange extending around the outer circumference of the second shell case side. In some of these embodiments, the step of forming a closed shell case assembly includes engaging the first flange with the second flange to form a gas seal between the first shell case side and the second shell case side.

[0260] In various embodiments, the packaging includes a shell case assembly comprising a first shell case side and a second shell case side. In some of these embodiments, the shell case assembly defines an outer surface and a sealed internal volume defined within the respective internal portions of the first and second shell case sides. In some of these embodiments, the first shell case side is configured to engage with the second shell case side, forming a gas seal between them. In some of these embodiments, the sealed internal volume is at a first atmospheric pressure lower than a second atmospheric pressure outside the sealed internal volume.

[0261] In some of these embodiments, the first shell case side includes a check valve extending through it. In some of these embodiments, the check valve is configured to open at a lower pressure on the outer surface of the first shell case side. In some of these embodiments, the first atmospheric pressure is the vacuum pressure, and the second atmospheric pressure is the ambient pressure outside the sealed internal volume.

[0262] In some of these embodiments, the packaging includes a coupling device configured to fasten a first shell case side to a second shell case side. In some embodiments, the first shell case side defines a first flange extending around the outer circumference of the first shell case side, and the second shell case side defines a second flange extending around the outer circumference of the second shell case side. In some of these embodiments, the first flange engages with the second flange and is configured to form a gas seal between the first and second shell case sides.

[0263] In some of these embodiments, the second shell case side includes a second check valve extending through it. In some of these embodiments, the second check valve is configured to open at a lower pressure on the outer surface of the second shell case side.

[0264] In some of these embodiments, the first shell case side includes a retaining member fixed to the inner surface within the internal portion of the first shell case side. In some of these embodiments, the retaining member is configured to frictionally engage with the surface of the volatile substance. In some of these embodiments, the second shell case side includes a second retaining member fixed to the inner surface within the internal portion of the second shell case side. In some of these embodiments, the second retaining member is configured to frictionally engage with the second surface of the volatile substance. In some embodiments, the retaining member is an O-ring seated in a channel defined within the inner surface of the first shell case side.

[0265] It should be noted that all features, elements, components, functions, and steps described in relation to any embodiment provided herein are intended to be freely combined and substituted with those from any other embodiment. If a feature, element, component, function, or step is described in relation to only one embodiment, it should be understood that that feature, element, component, function, or step may be used in conjunction with all other embodiments described herein unless otherwise expressly stated. This paragraph therefore serves as a premise and descriptive aid for the introduction of claims that may, from time to time, combine features, elements, components, functions, and steps from different embodiments, or substitute features, elements, components, functions, and steps from one embodiment with those from another embodiment, even if the following description does not explicitly state that such combinations or substitutions are possible in particular cases. In particular, it is explicitly recognized that a clear enumeration of all possible combinations and substitutions would be undue burdensome, given that the permissibility of any such combinations and substitutions would be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0266] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural nouns unless the context otherwise clearly determines.

[0267] The embodiments are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples of which are shown in the drawings and described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that these embodiments are not limited to any particular form disclosed, but rather encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, any feature, function, step, or element of an embodiment may be enumerated or added to the claims, along with any negative limitations that define the inventive scope of the claims, such as features, functions, steps, or elements that do not fall within its scope.

Claims

1. A shielding container for storing radioactive components, wherein the shielding container is An inner container shell having a plurality of inner shell walls and a first door assembly, wherein the first door assembly is An open configuration that provides access to the first hollow interior of the inner container shell for housing the radioactive components, A closure configuration for preventing access to the first hollow interior of the inner container shell, wherein the plurality of inner shell walls include at least one gamma-ray shielding material, and An inner container shell that can be configured between, An outer container shell having a plurality of outer shell walls and a second door assembly that collectively define a second hollow interior for housing the inner container shell, wherein the plurality of outer shell walls include at least one gamma-ray shielding material, and Equipped with, The plurality of outer shell walls are configured to engage with the plurality of inner shell walls while the inner container shell slides within the outer container shell, The second door assembly is a shielding container that is operable between an open configuration and a closed configuration while the first door assembly is in the closed configuration.

2. The shielding container according to claim 1, wherein the at least one gamma-ray shielding material comprises one or more of bismuth, iron, nickel, lead, depleted uranium, aluminum, or copper.

3. The outer container shell further defines an open end, and the second door assembly, The open configuration provides access to the second hollow interior of the outer container shell, The closing configuration prevents access to the second hollow interior of the outer container shell. A shielding container according to claim 1, which can be configured between the following.

4. The shielding container according to claim 3, wherein the second door assembly of the outer container shell comprises a mechanical linkage that is operable to move the door of the outer container shell between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

5. The shielding container according to claim 4, wherein the second door assembly includes at least one gamma-ray shielding material.

6. The shielding container according to claim 5, wherein the at least one gamma-ray shielding material comprises one or more of bismuth, iron, nickel, lead, depleted uranium, aluminum, or copper.

7. The shielding container according to claim 4, wherein the mechanical linkage defines at least two pivot points.

8. The shielding container according to claim 4, wherein the second door assembly comprises a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the second door assembly in the closed configuration.

9. The shielding container according to claim 1, wherein the outer container shell is an intermediate shell, and the shielding container further comprises a second outer container shell having a plurality of additional shell walls that collectively define a third hollow interior, the third hollow interior being for housing the intermediate shell within the third hollow interior of the second outer container shell.

10. A method for storing radioactive components, wherein the method is The radioactive component is placed in an inner container shell having a first door assembly in an open configuration that provides first access to the interior for housing the radioactive component, and a plurality of inner shell walls. The first door assembly is moved to a closed configuration that prevents access to the first interior, wherein the plurality of inner shell walls include at least one gamma-ray shielding material. The method involves sliding the inner container shell along the inner surfaces of a plurality of outer shell walls of the outer container shell so as to nest the inner container shell within the outer container shell, wherein the plurality of outer shell walls include at least one gamma-ray shielding material, and the outer container shell comprises a second door assembly that together with the plurality of outer shell walls defines a second interior for housing the inner container shell, and the second door assembly is operable to move the door of the outer container shell between an open configuration and a closed configuration while the first door assembly is in the closed configuration. Closing the outer container shell Methods that include...

Images