Method, apparatus, and systems for remotely monitoring the location and usage history of radioactive materials stored with a shielded container or overpack
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A device for reporting information regarding a shielded container and first radioactive source contained within the shielded container, the device comprising:
- a global positioning system (GPS) device, the GPS device comprising an antenna and a receiver;
a wireless communication device;
a first sensor configured to detect the presence of the first radioactive source within the shielded container;
an external shield configured to inhibit a detection of a second radioactive source located in a position other than within the shielded container; and
a first processor coupled to each of the GPS device, the wireless communication device and the radiation sensor.
7 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A radioactive source information tracking and reporting system and method is disclosed. The system and method include a device operable to detect a presence of a radioactive source contained within a shielded container. The device is further operable to detect a location of the shielded container. A message is generated and transmitted to a central facility. The message includes a shielded container identifier, a location of the shielded container, and an indication of the presence of the radioactive source.
24 Citations
23 Claims
-
1. A device for reporting information regarding a shielded container and first radioactive source contained within the shielded container, the device comprising:
-
a global positioning system (GPS) device, the GPS device comprising an antenna and a receiver; a wireless communication device; a first sensor configured to detect the presence of the first radioactive source within the shielded container; an external shield configured to inhibit a detection of a second radioactive source located in a position other than within the shielded container; and a first processor coupled to each of the GPS device, the wireless communication device and the radiation sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
-
-
10. A location-information system for tracking and reporting information regarding a first radioactive source, the system comprising:
-
an insulating material disposed around an inner cavity; the inner cavity dimensioned to contain the first radioactive source; a microcontroller circuit configured to detect the presence or absence of the radioactive source within the inner cavity; an external shield configured to inhibit the detection of a second radioactive source located in a position other than within the inner cavity; a wireless communication device configured to receive command and query information and transmit report information, the wireless communication device further configured to receive a beacon signal comprising an external identifier from an external terrestrial source; and a location determination device. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
-
-
19. A method for monitoring a first radioactive source in a shielded container, the method comprising:
-
detecting the presence of the first radioactive source contained within the shielded container; inhibiting a detection of a second radioactive source located in a position other than within the shielded container; determining a location of the shielded container; receiving a beacon signal comprising an external identifier from an external terrestrial source; and upon receiving the beacon signal, transmitting a message, the message including at least one of the location of the shielded container, an identifier corresponding to the shielded container, and an indication of at least one of the presence or absence of the radioactive source. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23)
-
Specification