An apparatus is described that efficiently resupplies radioactive seeds to a brachytherapy applicator. A seed-holding system includes a holder and a transfer device. The holder, which may be disposable, stores the radioactive seeds and the transfer device, which may be reusable, helps shield and dispense the seeds. The holder is coupled to the transfer device, and the apparatus is mated to an applicator. After seeds have been dispensed, the apparatus may be disconnected from the applicator and t...

A shielded rack loader makes use of a loading rack movable between a shielding structure and a storage tube. A shield plug seals the storage tube. A hoist moves the shield plug and the loading rack. A shield plug cart and a material transfer cart mate with receiving flanges of the rack loader and permit temporary storage and movement of the shield plug and of canisters of transuranic material.

Radioactive therapeutic seeds include one or more carrier structures each carrying a radioactive isotope, a ceramic spacer or collar member, a metal ring about the ceramic member, and a capsule formed from two tubular parts, each part including a closed end, an open end, and an interior. The open ends of the capsule abut the metal ring and are preferably welded thereto to form a generally uniform capsule wall such that the carrier structure(s) and ceramic member are contained in the interior of ...

A loader device, for dispensing implantation seeds from a seed magazine, comprising a body (3), seed magazine receiving and locating means (27,), seed dispensing means (37) for ejecting seeds from a seed magazine, and a seed-transporting path (17) leading to a dispensing outlet (8), which loader device further comprises a spacer-transporting path (29, 31, 33, 35) for transporting spacers through the device to the dispensing outlet (8).

Radioactive seeds, particularly 1-125 radioiodine seeds are sterilized by being subjected to dry heat at a temperature of at least 140.degree. C., preferably 150-200.degree. C. A container having loose sterile radioactive seeds therein is disclosed. The container is preferably of glass with a label and a removable heat-resistant silicone closure.

A processing system for radioactive waste is composed of an adjusting tank having a sampling port, a solidification processing system, and a package inspection apparatus, and a package, of which inventory per a package has been exactly grasped, is prepared by solidification of the waste with the processing system after determining radioactivity of the waste by measurement before the solidifying process. In accordance with the present invention, data on radioactivity before and after preparation ...

A new process and kit are described that combines methods for generating the nucleotide base sequence of a DNA molecule with an ultra-sensitive silver staining protocol. This new combination of technologies allows for a direct, non-instrument based visualization of electrophoretically separated sequencing fragments. This non-radioactive system includes sequencing the DNA molecule by forming a set of fragments using an enzymatic dideoxy-mediated chain termination method, electrophoretically separ...

The invention is a process for direct conversion of solid radioactive waste, particularly spent nuclear fuel and its cladding, if any, into a solidified waste glass. A sacrificial metal oxide, dissolved in a glass bath, is used to oxidize elemental metal and any carbon values present in the waste as they are fed to the bath. Two different modes of operation are possible, depending on the sacrificial metal oxide employed. In the first mode, a regenerable sacrificial oxide, e.g., PbO, is employed,...

The present invention relates to a method of solidifying radioactive waste with cement, comprising forming a mixture comprising water, a hydrophilic material and cement substantially non-shrinkable or expansible with respect to volume change upon hardening, mixing said mixture with the radioactive waste, followed by hardening to form a solid body. The present invention enables the formation of a compact solid body having voids, such as capillary voids, of reduced volume, which makes it possible ...

A method for removing a wide variety of radioactive contaminants from a contaminated surface sufficient for the surface to be classified as a low-level waste or as free release. Contaminated surfaces may be classified as Class C, Class B, Class A, or high-level radioactive wastes prior to treatment. An aqueous solution having a wetting agent and a complex substituted keto-amine is provided. The aqueous solution is left on the surface for a time sufficient to remove the radioactive contaminants i...