Apparatuses (devices, systems) and methods for shielding (protecting) surroundings around periphery of regions of interest located inside objects (e.g., patients) from radiation emitted by X-ray systems towards the objects. Apparatus includes: at least one radiation shield assembly including a support base connectable to an X-ray system radiation source or detector, and a plurality of radiation shield segments sequentially positioned relative to the support base, thereby forming a contiguous radiopaque screen configured for spanning around the region of interest periphery with a radiopaque screen edge opposing the object. Radiation shield segments are individually, actively controllable to extend or contract to selected lengths with respective free ends in directions away from or towards the support base(s), for locally changing contour of the radiopaque screen edge. Applicable for shielding (protecting) medical personnel, and patients, from exposure to X-ray radiation during medical interventions or/and diagnostics.

Apparatuses (devices, systems) and methods for shielding (protecting) surroundings around periphery of regions of interest located inside objects (e.g., patients) from radiation emitted by X-ray systems towards the objects. Apparatus includes: at least one radiation shield assembly including a support base connectable to an X-ray system radiation source or detector, and a plurality of radiation shield segments sequentially positioned relative to the support base, thereby forming a contiguous radiopaque screen configured for spanning around the region of interest periphery with a radiopaque screen edge opposing the object. Radiation shield segments are individually, actively controllable to extend or contract to selected lengths with respective free ends in directions away from or towards the support base(s), for locally changing contour of the radiopaque screen edge. Applicable for shielding (protecting) medical personnel, and patients, from exposure to X-ray radiation during medical interventions or/and diagnostics.

A neutron absorbing insert for use in a fuel rack. In one aspect, the insert includes: a plate structure having a first wall and a second wall that is non-coplanar to the first wall; the first and second walls being formed by a single panel of a metal matrix composite having neutron absorbing particulate reinforcement that is bent into the non-coplanar arrangement along a crease; and a plurality of spaced-apart holes formed into the single panel along the crease prior to bending.

A method and assembly for protecting flat detectors for electromagnetic radiation and/or particle radiation from excessive local intensities in an experiment to be conducted. Multiple absorbers are intelligently positioned in front of sections of a detector area, and further disclosing a detector protection arrangement for protecting area detectors for electromagnetic radiation and/or particle radiation from excessive local intensities.

A method and assembly for protecting flat detectors for electromagnetic radiation and/or particle radiation from excessive local intensities in an experiment to be conducted. Multiple absorbers are intelligently positioned in front of sections of a detector area, and further disclosing a detector protection arrangement for protecting area detectors for electromagnetic radiation and/or particle radiation from excessive local intensities.

A radiation shielding device comprising of radiation shielding material and a switchable magnet device that is at least partially disposed within the radiation shielding material. The switchable magnet device may include a plurality of permanent magnets and an actuator that adjusts an orientation of at least one of the polarities of permanent magnets to switch the switchable magnet device between an on configuration in which the switchable magnet device produces a net attractive force and an off configuration in which the switchable magnet device produces substantially reduced magnetic force.

A radiation shielding device comprising of radiation shielding material and a switchable magnet device that is at least partially disposed within the radiation shielding material. The switchable magnet device may include a plurality of permanent magnets and an actuator that adjusts an orientation of at least one of the polarities of permanent magnets to switch the switchable magnet device between an on configuration in which the switchable magnet device produces a net attractive force and an off configuration in which the switchable magnet device produces substantially reduced magnetic force.

In general, radiation shielding systems that shield radiation from multiple directions are described. In one embodiment, a method of shielding radiation is provided, including supporting a shielding device on an object proximate a radiation source, positioning a first shielding portion in a vertical position relative to the object, positioning a second shielding portion to extend away from the first portion, the second shielding portion attached to the first portion, and shielding radiation from the radiation source by the first shielding portion and the second shielding portion such that the first and second shielding portions provide a radiation shielding zone for a healthcare practitioner.

A radiation shielding structure or vault includes an outer wall and an inner wall. The outer wall includes at least one outer wall panel formed into a cylinder shape having an outer wall opening. The inner wall includes at least one inner wall panel formed into a cylinder shape having an inner wall opening aligned with the outer wall opening. Tie rods secure the inner wall to the outer wall to support and hold the spacing between the walls. A tunnel structure is inside the inner wall opening and the outer wall opening. A radiation shielding door is coupled to the tunnel structure. A radiation shielding filler material is disposed in between the outer wall and the inner wall.

The disclosure is directed to devices for use in radiation therapy. Various configurations of shielding materials within shielding layers, such as for use in shielding radiation from radioactive sources within implanted radioactive carriers, are discussed herein.