Visual dosimetry device

Abstract

The present disclosure is for a dosimetry device which produces immediate readings of radiation levels that are easily discernible, do not require electronic components (e.g., digital readouts, batteries, etc.), and are not subjective. Instead of requiring such components or deciphering a change in color, the dosimetry device of the present disclosure identifies radiation exposure through an identifier that changes from an apparently colorless (i.e., clear, blank, non-existent) visual identifier to a visibly present identifier (as compared to a change in color) or via a change relative to a masking substrate or background.

Description

VISUAL DOSIMETRY DEVICE

[0001] This patent application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.63 / 742,998, filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on January 8, 2025, and is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.REFERENCE TO GOVERNMENT RIGHTS

[0002] This invention was made with government support under Contract No. HDTRA122C00002 awarded by Defense Thread Reduction Agency (DTRA) of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). The government has certain rights in this invention.STATEMENT OF JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

[0003] This invention was developed pursuant to joint research agreements between Sensor Technology Engineering, LLC, Battelle Savannah River Alliance, and the University of Kentucky Research Foundation. The ownership of intellectual property rights is governed by the terms of the joint research agreements.FIELD

[0004] This disclosure relates generally to radiological incident monitoring. More specifically, this disclosure relates to dosimetry via real-time patch visualization, such as a wearable, for immediately identifying environmental radiation across a range of doses, including low dose dosimetry.BACKGROUND

[0005] Many dosimeters require electronic components with a digital readout. This is particularly problematic for large groups of individuals, such as military personnel. By example, only a limited number of electronic dosimeters may be available because they are limited in production and prohibitively expensive to deploy. Therefore, all personnel may not have accessibility to an electronic dosimeter. Limited electronic dosimeters, therefore, may not be representative of the isolated condition of each individual. Electronic dosimeters identify the precise dose by virtue of a digital readout. These digital readouts, however, require training to read and interpret. Electronic dosimeters may additionally be intrusively large or heavy and not usable in certain field conditions. Such electronic dosimeters are additionally susceptible to electromagnetic malfunctions, battery depletion, mechanical shock, and damage due to shock, crushing, or bending.Electronic dosimeters are additionally not efficiently scalable in production. Electronic dosimeters are, therefore, inadequate as an immediate individualized safety device - to triage, measure, and for disposition to military personnel and determine if they are mission capable and create awareness of dangerous levels of exposure.

[0006] Other dosimeters may be radiation monitoring badges that require laboratory testing for results. While the lab results may identify a precise dose, the reading is not immediately available or available in the field, such as for military personnel. Therefore, current radiation monitoring badges, which require laboratory testing, are inadequate as an immediate safety device - to immediately triage, measure, and avoid dangerous levels of exposure. They are only capable of identifying past exposure upon subsequent laboratory testing. This may only be accomplished in hospital testing or by laboratory testing. By Example, methods of estimating an unknown dose received by an individual may be measured by monitoring the time of onset and severity of radiation symptoms as well as frequent blood tests that monitor changes over time. These techniques require advanced medical expertise in the nuclear domain to provide results which may require days, even weeks, for actionable data. Further, such data acquisition techniques are simply not scalable. Again, because such methods only measure the resulting systems, such a solution is inadequate as an immediate safety device - to triage, measure, and for disposition to military personnel and determine if they are mission capable and create awareness of dangerous levels of exposure.

[0007] While passive badges, that do not require electronic components or laboratory testing, have been attempted, they have been found to be based on interpretive results (i.e., highly subjective) and, therefore, lack accuracy in critical situations. Examples of passive badges include badges that may have a single readout that changes color based on received dose. The color change must then be measured against a separate and independent color chart to identify an estimated dose the wearer may be subjected to, in millisieverts. This remains problematic because the readout requires color reference mapping, which is highly subjective, even for trained personnel. Environmental conditions (e.g., light, moisture, temperature, individual visualization differences, or the like) may give rise to misreading. In this regard, the information presented by such passive badges require expertise to interpret results that may simply not be within the capabilities of each and every individual of a large group, for individualized usage. Therefore, current passive badge solutions are inadequate as an immediate individualized safety device - to triage, measure, and for disposition to militarypersonnel and determine if they are mission capable and create awareness of dangerous levels of exposure.

[0008] What is needed is a dosimetry device that immediately measures radiation exposure. What is needed is a dosimetry device that is easily readable and requires little training and interpretation. What is needed is a dosimetry device that does not require electronic components or batteries. What is needed is a dosimetry device that does not require laboratory testing. What is needed is a dosimetry device that may be distributed to a large number of individuals in order to read each individual’s immediate environment. What is needed is a dosimetry device where production of the dosimetry device is scalable and cost effective. What is needed is a dosimetry device that is protected from environmental conditions, is rugged and reliable, and is mechanically robust, such that it may be crushed and bent and still operate as intended. What is needed is a dosimetry device that does not require a color referencing table as the sole measure of identifying exposure. What is needed is a dosimetry device that is a singular wearable device which is small and light weight. What is needed is a dosimetry device with a long shelflife, may undergo shipping in large quantities, and with limited storage requirements.SUMMARY

[0009] The present disclosure seeks to provide a dosimetry device that is passive with a visual scale of readouts that is not subject to interpretation. The dosimetry device of the present disclosure is small and lightweight. Production of the dosimetry device of the present disclosure is scalable and cost effective. The dosimetry device of the present disclosure may be distributed to a large number of individuals with limited training to triage, measure, and for easy disposition to military for determining the mission-capability of the wearer of the device and avoiding dangerous levels of exposure specific to the conditions of each individual. The dosimetry device of the present disclosure does not require expert analysis or laboratory testing. The dosimetry device of the present disclosure does not require electronic components or batteries. The dosimetry device of the present disclosure is rugged and reliable. The dosimetry device of the present disclosure is mechanically robust, such that it may be crushed and bent without impact to its operation. The dosimetry device of the present disclosure does not require ancillary scales or equipment to interpret the results. The dosimetry device of the present disclosure may be provided in a protective enclosure, protecting the device from moisture, dust ingress, and UV conditions. The dosimetry device of the present disclosure is not susceptible to temperature sensitivities.

[0010] The dosimetry device of the present disclosure may comprise multiple radiation measurement tiles or tile regions. The multiple radiation measurement tiles or tile regions may be positioned adjacent one another. A radiation identifier may be present on each radiation measurement tile or tile region of the multiple radiation measurement tiles or tile regions. The radiation identifier remains invisible, or indistinguishable from its background, until a requisite degree of radiation is measured. The requisite degree of measured radiation makes the radiation identifier visibly identifiable, or distinguishable from its background.

[0011] The multiple radiation measurement tiles or tile regions may be organized where the radiation identifier of a first radiation measurement tile or tile region measures a lower dosage of radiation than a radiation identifier of a second radiation measurement tile or tile region. The dosimetry device may further comprise a third radiation measurement tile or tile region. The second radiation measurement tile or tile region may measure a lower dosage of radiation than the third radiation measurement tile or tile region. The radiation identifier of a first radiation measurement tile or tile region of the multiple radiation measurement tiles measures at least a minimum dosage of radiation

[0012] In examples, the visual intensity of the radiation identifier may increase as the dosage of radiation increases. This may additionally, or alternatively, be a change in color, density, thickness, width, or the like. The dosage of radiation measured by the radiation identifier may include one or more of UV radiation, X-Ray radiation, gamma radiation and neutron radiation. The dosage of radiation that may be measured by a radiation identifier may include all UV radiation and ionizing radiation including, but not limited to, X-Rays, gamma rays and neutrons. In examples, the dosage of radiation that may be measured by a radiation identifier may be gamma radiation but is impervious to X-Ray radiation and neutron radiation. In other words, the radiation identifier may be a gamma only dosimeter.

[0013] In examples, each tile or tile region may comprise one or more of a different amount, a different concentration, and a different thickness of an active compound or active material. The active compound or active material is triggered on different scales (based on the amount of the active compound or active material) to immediately trigger the respective radiation identifier to become visible, change color, or change intensity when exposed to the requisite measured amount of radiation. The active compound or active material may be mixed with an inactive compound orinactive material. The inactive compound or inactive material may be an inactive polymer or an inactive wax. The active compound or active material may additionally, or alternatively, be surrounded by a less active compound or less active material, as compared to the active compound or active material of the radiation identifier. The inactive compound, inactive material, less active compound, less active material may form the background to the radiation identifier on the tile or tile region.

[0014] Each tile or tile region of multiple radiation tiles or tile regions measures a different level of radiation (e.g., Level 1 dosage, Level 2 dosage, Level 3 dosage, etc.). The dosage levels read by each respective level may progressively increase as the levels increase, thereby, indicating a progressively increasing exposure to radiation. The established levels may vary depend upon use or application. In this regard, additionally, or alternatively, the levels may not measure increasing radiation but may establish different basis in radiation for different uses or applications.

[0015] In some examples, the radiation identifier of the first tile or tile region of the multiple radiation tiles or tile regions measures a level 1 dosage, the radiation identifier of the second tile or tile region of the multiple radiation tiles or tile regions measures a level 2 dosage, wherein the level 1 dosage is less than the level 2 dosage. In an example, the radiation identifier of the first tile or tile region of multiple radiation tiles or tile regions measures a level 1 dosage of 0.5 Gy. The radiation identifier of a second tile or tile region of the multiple radiation tiles or tile regions may measure a level 2 dosage of 1.5 Gy . The radiation identifier of a third tile or tile region of the multiple radiation tiles or tile regions may measure a level 3 dosage of 4 Gy. It is appreciated herein the present disclosure is not limited to one, two, or three tiles, tile regions, and / or dosage quantities. It is appreciated herein any number of tiles, tile regions, and / or dosage levels may be provided.

[0016] The visual change (when exposed to radiation) may additionally, or alternatively, be exhibited in that the radiation identifier of the first tile or tile region of the multiple radiation tiles or tile regions increases an intensity in definition upon measuring a level 1 dosage and as exposure to the radiation increases and the radiation identifier of the second tile or tile region of multiple radiation tiles or tile regions increases an intensity in definition upon measuring a level 2 dosage and as exposure to the radiation increases such that the intensity in definition of the radiation identifier of the first tile or tile region of the multiple radiation tiles or tile regions is a comparatively high intensity while the intensity in definition of the radiation identifier of the second tile or tileregion of the multiple radiation tiles is a comparatively low intensity upon first measuring a level 2 dosage. An increase in intensity in definition may be increasing opaqueness, thickening or widening of lines, darkening of color, or the like.

[0017] In examples of the device of the present disclosure a backside of the device or a backside of the multiple radiation measurement tiles or tile regions defines the required dosage of each respective tile of the multiple radiation measurement tiles or tile regions. In examples of the device of the present disclosure a backside of the device or a backside of the multiple radiation measurement tiles or tile regions defines a level rating of the level 1 dosage and the level 2 dosage.

[0018] The dosimeter device of the present disclosure may further comprise a wearable patch. The wearable patch may comprise at least two pouches. Each pouch may comprise a transparent window which folds upon one another. Each pouch may comprise a card. The card of a first pouch may comprise product information visible through the transparent window when the patch is unfolded. The second pouch may comprise a card comprising the multiple radiation measurement tiles or tile regions visible through the transparent window when unfolded. The patch may be a textile patch. The patch may comprise one or more of high denier nylon and neoprene. The patch may be waterproof. The transparent windows may comprise UV-blocking properties.

[0019] The dosimetry device of the present disclosure may be smaller than 2” in any direction and weigh less than 1 ounce. In an example the dosimetry device is 2” x 1” and weighs less than 1 ounce. The dosimetry device of the present disclosure may further comprise a temperature insensitivity of between -78° C to 60° C.

[0020] The dosimetry device may further comprise a void identifier for measuring the shelflife of the dosimetry device. The void identifier may comprise sensitivity to light. The void identifier may comprise a visual indicator or color change under light. The void identifier may be further insensitive to radiation. The void identifier may comprise a photo-sensitive compound mixed into a polymer or wax. The void identifier may comprise a shelflife substantially the same as a shelflife of the radiation identifier. At the expiry of the void identifier shelflife and / or exposure to changing light, the void identifier exhibits a visual indicator or a change in color to signify expiry.

[0021] In examples, the radiation identifier is a apparently colorless film comprising a structural matrix loaded with a radiochromic dye. In examples, the film may comprise a structural matrixloaded with an apparently colorless radiochromic dye. The structural matrix may be a polymer matrix. The polymer matrix may be polyethylene. The structural matrix may be a wax. The radiochromic dye or apparently colorless radiochromic dye may be a diacetylene type compound. The radiochromic dye or apparently colorless radiochromic dye may be 10, 12-Pentacosadiynoic acid (PCD A).

[0022] Color may be removed from the radiochromic dye by dissolving the PCDA in a solvent to form a solution. Examples of the solvent include one or more of chloroform, ethanol, methanol, 1,2-di chloroethane, or the like. The solution may then be sonicated and filtered. The solution may be filtered through a micron filter to form a clear and / or colorless solution. The micron filter may be disposable. The clear and / or colorless solution which passes through the micron filter may be loaded with the structural matrix to form a apparently colorless film.

[0023] Additionally and alternatively, the solvent may be removed from the solution which passes through the micron filter to yield solid PCDA in a fine white powder and the fine white powder may be loaded with the structural matrix to form an apparently colorless film.

[0024] The film exhibits a visual change when exposed to radiation (e.g., gamma irradiation) at doses below 2 Gy. The immediate visual change may be a distinguishing change as compared to the background. The immediate visual change immediately appears on the film material. The immediate visual change may be a change in color (i.e., as compared to the background). The film exhibits an immediate visual change when exposed to radiation (e.g., gamma irradiation) at doses of 0.5 Gy or 50 rad and above. The sensitivity of the film may be adjusted by adjusting the amount of apparently colorless radiochromic dye loaded into the structural matrix and / or adjustment of the material thickness.

[0025] The film itself may further comprise UV inhibiting additives. Additionally, or alternatively, the film may be sealed in a UV blocking film or sealant. Further yet, the film may comprise one or more whitening agents and / or inert dyes, to better match the substrate or background color.

[0026] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the examples will be apparent from the following more detailed descriptions of particular examples as illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numbers represent like parts of the examples.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which particular examples and further benefits of the examples are illustrated as described in more detail in the description below, in which:

[0028] FIG. l is a dosimetry device at a level 1 exposure, in accordance with an example of this disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a dosimetry device at a level 2 exposure, in accordance with an example of this disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a dosimetry device at a level 3 exposure, in accordance with an example of this disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a dosimetry device with a backside, in accordance with an example of this disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a dosimetry device that is a wearable patch, in accordance with an example of this disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a dosimetry device opened and in use, in accordance with an example of this disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a dosimetry device closed and in use, in accordance with an example of this disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 8 is a dosimetry device opened and in use, in accordance with an example of this disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Traditional dosimetry devices require electronic components, time-consuming lab analysis, or subjective reading of a change in color to determine radiation exposure. The present disclosure is for a dosimetry device which produces immediate readings of radiation levels that are easily discernible, do not require electronic components (e. ., digital readouts, batteries, etc.), and are not subjective. Instead of requiring such components or deciphering a change in color, the dosimetry device of the present disclosure identifies radiation exposure through an identifier thatchanges from an apparently colorless (z.e., clear, blank, non-existent) visual identifier to a visibly present identifier (as compared to a change in color) or via a change relative to a masking background. As used herein apparently colorless includes colorless or a tint, or color, that blends with an original background or substrate. Accordingly, the visible present identifier may be further surrounded by the original background so there is no confusion, or interpretation, as to whether the identifier is indeed present. While it is appreciated herein that the visual identifier, once triggered, may be of a color it is not by nature of a change in color that designates exposure. Instead, it is the mere presence of the visual identifier, where there was previously no visual identifier present, that designates radiation exposure. This is all accomplished without any one or more of electronic components, batteries, lab analysis, and the like.

[0037] The dosimetry device of the present disclosure also addresses the need for a low-cost rugged, and field-readable resource for rapidly triaging large groups of casualties in the event of a radiological incident. The dosimetry device of the present disclosure may be crushed and / or bent and remain operable. No additional equipment is necessary for operation of the dosimetry device of the present disclosure. The dosimetry device of the present disclosure is cost effective to manufacture, is scalable for production, and reliably durable to deploy to large populations. The dosimetry device of the present disclosure is simple to read by an untrained operator with limited knowledge of radiation health physics. The user may, therefore, make informed medical decisions and mission capability assessment based on the results without training. The dosimetry device of the present disclosure is small (e.g, 2”xl”) and lightweight (e.g, <1 oz ). The dosimetry device of the present disclosure is also temperature insensitive such as, for example, being insensitive in a range of -78° C to 60° C. Thereby the dosimetry device of the present disclosure may be shipped in compact containers, storage requirements are minimal, and are not intrusive to a user.

[0038] In one example of the above, the dosimetry device of the present disclosure is a wearable, UV radiation and / or ionizing-radiation indicating patch. The patch may be a textile patch with a hook and loop (z.e., Velcro®) backing that may be mounted to a user’s clothing or otherwise held to their body. The textile patch may comprise two pouches with transparent windows. The transparent windows may comprise UV-blocking properties. The patch may be folded and fastened shut (e.g., hook and loop, adhesive, zip, press-seal, or the like) such that the transparent windows may be further protected from ambient light. The patch material may be one or more of high denier nylon or neoprene. The patch may additionally be waterproof. In this regard, the dosimetry device of thepresent disclosure may be utilized on military uniforms where the compact size and foldability minimizes uniform real estate while protecting the contents of the patch.

[0039] Two cards may be inserted into the wearable patch’s windowed pouches. A first card may comprise printed product information including the product name, instructions on reading results, and a “call to action” with guidance on interpreting the results. The second card may comprise tile material. The tile material, or a portion thereof, may become visually present (changing from being visually indistinguishable from its surrounding background). This may be accomplished by changing from a apparently colorless material to a visually identifiable material or by virtue of a change in color, tint, or opaqueness (e.g., changing from the color of the original background). The change occurs in real-time based on exposure to radiation and, more specifically, UV radiation and / or ionizing radiation. As will be further explained by an example below, the material comprises an active compound that visually changes or changes color based on radiation exposure. The active compound may be mixed with an inactive host polymer and / or wax. Printed information on the first or second card may further comprise identifiable information corresponding to user preferences. These may include one or more of personal identification, team identification, division name, and the like.

[0040] The visually identifiable material (also referred to herein as active compound and active material) may be arranged in several tiles or across a single tile in regions. The different tiles or different regions of tiles comprise varying sensitivity to radiation exposure. By nature of the varying sensitivities, an estimated dose of radiation exposure is determined based on which regions present a visual change (simply by virtue of a change - and not necessarily requiring a reading of a change in the tone of a color). The varied sensitivity is achieved by controlling the thickness of the tile and / or the % loading of the active compound within the inactive host material. Table 1 below illustrates radiation dosages as compared to the reading levels achieved and relied upon in examples of the present disclosure. As noted below, while a reading is achieved under Level 1, it provides a mere warning of radiation exposure while a user remains fully capable. A reading under Level 2 presents a higher degree of warning for exposure to the user where the user may exhibit mild sickness. A reading under Level 3 exhibits a significant exposure to the user where the user is at high risk of being incapacitated. The visualization of the active compound is immediate for immediate reaction. The dosimetry device of the present disclosure additionally assists those comingto the aid of user by identifying the level of the user’s exposure, should the user have become incapacitated.

[0041] TABLE 1< < < <>

[0042] Each sensitivity level may be identified by a single strip, or other pattern, of the active compound that becomes visible at each respective level. This is accomplished by virtue of separation of the levels between tiles or regions of tiles. The pattern of active material may additionally be surrounded by inactive material (i.e., background material) so the visual identifier is not clearly visible until a minimum threshold of radiation exposure is reached. An alternative to inactive material may be another background material that is also an active material of substantially reduced sensitivity as compared to the visual identifier material. The material of reduced sensitivity also operates in a manner that the pattern still becomes clearly visible upon a minimum required radiation exposure.

[0043] The tiles may further comprise UV-blocking additives to inhibit color change when exposed to light. The tile may additionally, or alternatively, be coated by a UV-blocking film to inhibit color change when exposed to light such as, for example, a lamination material. The dosimetry device and / or each tile of the dosimetry device may be encapsulated such that they are impervious to water or dust ingress. Further yet, the film may comprise one or more whitening agents and / or inert dyes, to better match the substrate or background color.

[0044] A void test indicator may also be provided. In this regard, the tile may comprise a void test indicator (i.e., material) that is insensitive to radiation (e.g, UV radiation, ionizing radiation, etc.) while still remaining sensitive to color change due to light. The void test indicator may comprise a material of a photo-sensitive compound mixed into a polymer host similar to the radiation detecting tile material. The void indicator may be made to comprise a shelflife similar to the shelflife of the radiation detecting material. Thereby, upon a color change of the void indicator, or upon the void indicator becoming visually present, the void indicator communicates the radiation material has expired as well. The void indicator may be read in similar fashion as described herein as the indicator material, where the void indicator is read as positive by observing a pattern of active material becoming visible in a background of inactive (or less active) material.

[0045] The simplicity of interpreting results is an inventive concept of the present disclosure. For example, the readout of the dosimetry device of the present disclosure as a “call to action” does not rely on reading and understanding, as would be required when reading numeric outputs or color matching. Instead, exposure readouts are “levels” which correspond to an exposed dose of radiation. The “call to action” may be customized based on the use case (e.g., military, civilian, industrial, first responders, etc.). By example, the dosimetry device of the present disclosure deployed to military forces may label a low Level 1 dose for instruction to retreat from an area and continue duties. Comparatively, the dosimetry device of the present disclosure may be deployed to first responders may define the same Level 1 dose as instruction to report to hospital for monitoring. Thereby, a first card (i.e., designating instructions) may be separable from the second card for greater flexibility in assigning the desired call to action based on the results. The variable levels allow for leadership of a large group of potentially exposed users to be able to make decisions whether the personnel may continue as-is, receive treatment, or receive palliative care.

[0046] A dosimetry device of the present disclosure is further described in more general terms below as illustrated by figures herein. As illustrated by FIGs. 1-3, a dosimetry device 10 of the present disclosure may comprise multiple radiation measurement tiles 100 or tile regions. The radiation measurement tiles 100 or tile regions may be positioned adjacent one another. A radiation identifier 110 is present on each radiation measurement tile 100 or tile region of the multiple radiation measurement tiles 100. The radiation identifier 110 may remain invisible or blend in with the background of the tile material until a requisite dosage of radiation is measured. Once a requisite dosage of radiation is measured, the radiation identifier 110 becomes visible or visuallydistinguishable from the background of the tile material. A radiation identifier 110 of a first radiation measurement tile 100 or tile region measures a different dosage of radiation than a radiation identifier of a second radiation measurement tile. This is as comparatively illustrated across FIGs.1-3. By example, FIG. 1 illustrates a level 1 exposure, where only a radiation identifier 110 of a first radiation measurement tile 100 is visible. Comparatively, FIG. 2 illustrates a level 2 exposure, where a radiation identifier 110 of a first and second radiation measurement tile is visible while a radiation identifier 110 of a third radiation measurement tile 100 remains invisible or indistinguishable from its background. Finally, FIG. 3 illustrates a level 3 exposure, where a radiation identifier 110 of a first, second, and third radiation measurement tile is visible in all three radiation measurement tiles 100. The radiation identifiers 110 may additionally increase in intensity as the dosage of radiation additionally increase. As described herein, each radiation measurement tile 100 or tile region may comprise different amounts of an active compound or active material for triggering the radiation identifier based on the different levels. The dosimetry device of the present disclosure may read one or more UV radiation, X-Ray radiation, gamma radiation, neutron radiation, and the like. The dosimetry device of the present disclosure may read all of UV radiation and ionizing radiation including, but not limited to, X-Ray radiation, gamma radiation, and neutron radiation.

[0047] Still referring to FIGs. 1-3, the radiation measurement tiles 100 or tile regions comprises an active compound or active material as the radiation identifier 110. The radiation identifier 110 may be surrounded by an inactive compound, inactive material, less active compound, or less active material as the background 120. In examples, the radiation identifier of a first tile or tile region measures a level 1 dosage of 0.5 Gy. In examples, the radiation identifier of the second tile or tile region measures a level 2 dosage of 1.5 Gy. In examples, the radiation identifier of the third tile or tile region measures a level 3 dosage of 4 Gy.

[0048] Turning now to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 illustrates examples of the device of the present disclosure comprising a backside 130 of the device or a backside 130 of the multiple radiation measurement tiles or tile regions which defines the required dosage of each respective tile of the multiple radiation measurement tiles or tile regions. In examples of the device of the present disclosure a backside 130 of the device or a backside 130 of the multiple radiation measurement tiles or tile regions additionally defines a level rating of the level 1 dosage and the level 2 dosage.

[0049] Turning now to FIGs. 5-8, the dosimetry device 10 of the present disclosure may comprise a wearable patch 20. The wearable patch may comprise two or more pouches. In FIGs. 5-8, two pouches 30, 40 are illustrated. Each pouch 30, 40 comprises a transparent window 32, 42 which folds upon one another (as illustrated by FIGs. 7-8). As illustrated by FIGs. 5-6 and 8, each pouch 30, 40 comprises a card 34, 44. The card 34 of the first pouch 30 may comprise product information, as described above. The product information is visible through the transparent window 32 when unfolded. The second pouch 40 comprises the multiple radiation measurement tiles 100 or tile regions visible through the transparent window 42 when unfolded. The patch 20 may be a textile patch. The patch 20 may comprise one or more of high denier nylon and neoprene. The patch 20 may be waterproof. The patch may be UV resistant. More specifically, the transparent windows may comprise UV-blocking properties.

[0050] In examples, the active compound or active material may be a structural matrix loaded with a radiochromic dye. While radiochromic dye is used herein as an example it is appreciated other dyes may be utilized such as, for example, Leuco-dye. In examples, the structural matrix may be a polyer matrix. In examples, the polymer matrix maybe polyethylene. In examples, the matrix may be a wax such as, for example, paraffin, beeswax, soy wax, gel wax, or the like. In examples, the radiochromic dye may be a diacetylene type compound. In examples, the radiochromic dye may be 10, 12-Pentacosadiynoic acid (PCD A). In some examples, to support an invisible or indistinguishable active compound or active material from its background or its structural matrix, the active compound or active material is apparently colorless. By example, the active compound or active material may be a apparently colorless radiochromic dye. Additionally, or alternatively, the background or structural matrix may be tinted to make the active compound or active material indistinguishable from its background or substrate when no radiation is detected.

[0051] An example of making the active compound or active material apparently colorless follows. Color may be removed from radiochromic dye that is PCDA (which is typically pink or red) by dissolving the PCDA in chloroform to form a solution (which is a pinkish-red solution). The solution may then be sonicated to reduce the size of the PCDA crystals and / or break up agglomerated PCDA molecules within the solution. Next, the solution is filtered using a micron filter. The micron filter may be disposable. The pinkish-red color of the pinkish-red solution, which passes through the micron filter, is removed, as well as any large crystals or agglomerates of crystals which were not properly reduced in size. The clear and / or colorless solution may then beincorporated into the structural matrix. Additionally or alternatively, the the solvent may be removed from the solution which passes through the micron fdter to yield solid PCDA into fine white powder (as compared to large blue crystals which may normally be encountered without this exercise). The powder may then be used with the structural matrix to form the radiation identifier or a specific pattern within the structural matrix for the radiation identifier. The clear and / or colorless solution or white powder may be relied on to form a film as the radiation identifier. The radiation identifier or film thereof is capable of exhibiting an immediate visual change when exposed to radiation (i.e., gamma irradiation) at doses below 2 Gy. The radiation identifier or film thereof is capable of exhibiting an immediate visual change when exposed to radiation (i.e., gamma irradiation) at doses of 0.5 Gy or 50 rad. The solution, powder, or film may be further mixed with or comprise UV inhibiting additives or be sealed in a UV blocking film or sealant. The sensitivity of the radiation identifier or film may be adjusted by adjusting the radiochromic dye or apparently colorless radiochromic dye. In alternative examples the radiochromic dye may be aLeuco-dye.

[0052] While this invention has been described with reference to examples thereof, it shall be understood that such description is by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed examples. Accordingly, the scope and content of the examples are to be defined only by the terms of the following claims. Furthermore, it is understood that the features of any example discussed herein may be combined with one or more features of any one or more examples otherwise discussed or contemplated herein unless otherwise stated.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A dosimetry device, the device comprising:multiple radiation measurement tiles or tile regions positioned adjacent one another;a radiation identifier present on each radiation measurement tile or tile region of the multiple radiation measurement tiles or tile regions wherein the radiation identifier remains invisible until a requisite dosage of radiation is measured making the radiation identifier visible upon reaching the required dosage of each respective tile of the multiple radiation measurement tiles or tile regions;wherein radiation identifier of a first radiation measurement tile or tile region of the multiple radiation measurement tiles measures a lower dosage of radiation than a radiation identifier of a second radiation measurement tile of the multiple radiation measurement tiles or tile regions.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the radiation identifier of a first radiation measurement tile or tile region of the multiple radiation measurement tiles measures at least a minimum dosage of radiation.

3. The device of claim 1 further comprising a third radiation measurement tile or tile regions of the multiple radiation measurement tiles or tile regions wherein the second radiation measurement tile or tile region of the multiple radiation measurement tiles or tile regions measures a lower dosage of radiation than the third radiation measurement tile or tile region.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein a visual intensity of the radiation identifier increases as the dosage of radiation increases.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein a color of the radiation identifier changes when the dosage of radiation increases.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein the dosage of radiation includes ionizing radiation, including one or more of X-Ray radiation, gamma radiation, and neutron radiation.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein the dosage of radiation includes gamma radiation but is impervious to X-Ray radiation and neutron radiation.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein each tile or tile region of the multiple radiation measurement tiles or tile regions comprises one or more of a different amount a different concentration, and a different thickness of an active compound for triggering the radiation identifier or changing the color of the radiation identifier.

9. The device of claim 8 wherein the active compound is mixed with an inactive polymer or wax.

10. The device of claim 8 wherein the active compound is surrounded by a less active compound with reduced sensitivity as compared to the active compound.

11. The device of claim 1 wherein the radiation identifier of the first tile or tile region of the multiple radiation tiles or tile regions measures a level 1 dosage, the radiation identifier of the second tile or tile region of the multiple radiation tiles or tile regions measures a level 2 dosage, wherein the level 1 dosage is less than the level 2 dosage.

12. The device of claim 1 wherein the radiation identifier of the first tile or tile region of the multiple radiation tiles or tile regions measures a level 1 dosage of 0.5 Gy, the radiation identifier of the second tile or tile region of the multiple radiation tiles or tile regions measures a level 2 dosage of 1.5 Gy, and the radiation identifier of a third tile or tile region of the multiple radiation tiles or tile regions measures a level 3 dosage of 4 Gy.

13. The device of claim 1 wherein the radiation identifier of the first tile or tile region of the multiple radiation tiles or tile regions increases in an intensity in definition upon measuring a level 1 dosage and as exposure to the radiation increases;the radiation identifier of the second tile or tile region of multiple radiation tiles or tile regions increases an intensity in definition upon measuring a level 2 dosage and as exposure to the radiation increases;such that the intensity in definition of the radiation identifier of the first tile or tile region of the multiple radiation tiles or tile regions is a comparatively high intensity while the intensity in definition of the radiation identifier of the second tile or tile region of the multiple radiation tiles is a comparatively low intensity upon first measuring a level 2 dosage.

14. The device of claim 13 wherein the increase in intensity in definition is one or more of increasing opaqueness, widening of lines, and darkening of color.

15. The device of claim 13 wherein a backside of the multiple radiation measurement tiles or tile regions defines a level rating of the level 1 dosage and the level 2 dosage.

16. The device of claim 1 further comprising a wearable patch comprising at least two pouches, each pouch comprising a transparent window which fold upon one another, wherein each pouch comprises a card and the card of the first pouch of the at least two pouches comprises product information visible through the transparent window of the first pouch when unfolded and the second pouch comprises the multiple radiation measurement tiles visible through the transparent window when unfolded.

17. The device of claim 6 wherein the patch is a textile patch of one or more of high denier nylon and neoprene.

18. The device of claim 4 wherein the patch is waterproof.

19. The device of claim 4 wherein the transparent window comprises UV-blocking properties.

20. The device of claim 1 further comprising a void identifier wherein the void identifier is sensitive to light and reflects a color change under light and is insensitive to radiation.

21. The device of claim 20 wherein the void identifier comprises a photo-sensitive compound mixed into a polymer.

22. The device of claim 20 wherein the void identifier comprises a shelflife substantially the same as a shelflife of the radiation identifier and the void identifier appears or changes color to signify expiry of the radiation identifier.

23. The device of claim 1 that is smaller than 2 inches in any direction and weighs less than 1 ounce.

24. The device of claim 1 further comprising a temperature insensitivity of between -78° C to 60° C.

25. The device of claim 1 wherein the radiation identifier is an apparently colorless film comprising a structural matrix loaded with a radiochromic dye.

26. The device of claim 1 wherein a backside of the multiple radiation measurement tiles or tile regions defines the required dosage of each respective tile of the multiple radiation measurement tiles or tile regions.

27. The device of claim 25 wherein the structural matrix is a wax.

28. A dosimetry film, the film comprising:a structural matrix loaded with an apparently colorless radiochromic dye.

29. The film of claim 28 wherein the structural matrix is a wax.

30. The film of claim 28 wherein the apparently colorless radiochromic dye is a diacetylene type compound.

31. The film of claim 28 wherein the transparent radiochromic dye is 10, 12-Pentacosadiynoic acid (PCDA).

32. The film of claim 31 that is apparently colorless;wherein color is removed from the apparently colorless radiochromic dye by dissolving the PCDA in a solvent to form a solution, sonicating the solution, and filtering the solution through a micron filter for loading the filtered solution with the structural matrix to form the apparently colorless film.

33. The film of claim 31 that is apparently colorless;wherein color is removed from the apparently colorless radiochromic dye by dissolving the PCDA in chloroform to form a solution, sonicating the solution, filtering the solution through a micron filter, and removing the solvent from the solution to yield the PCDA of the filtered solution into a fine white powder for loading the white powder with the structural matrix to form the apparently colorless film.

34. The film of claim 31 wherein the film exhibits a visual change when exposed to gamma irradiation at doses below 2 Gy.

35. The film of claim 34 wherein the immediate visual change is a change in color.

36. The film of claim 28 wherein the film exhibits an immediate visual change when exposed to gamma irradiation at doses of 0.5 Gy or 50 rad.

37. The film of claim 28 further comprising UV inhibiting additives or is sealed in a UV blocking film or sealant.

38. The film of claim 28 wherein sensitivity of the film is adjusted by adjusting the amount of the apparently colorless radiochromic dye in the structural matrix.

39. A dosimetry film, the film comprising:a structural matrix loaded with an apparently colorless Leuco-dye.

40. The dosimetry file of claim 38, wherein the structural matrix is a wax.

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