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 method of forming tungsten tetraboride, by combining tungsten and boron in a molar ratio of from about 1:6 to about 1:12, respectively, and firing the combined tungsten and boron in the hexagonal boron nitride crucible at a temperature of from about 1600 C to about 2000 C, to form tungsten tetraboride.

A radiation imaging apparatus that images a radiation image includes a radiation detector that detects radiation; a supporter that includes charging material and that supports the radiation detector, a conductive layer provided between the radiation detector and the supporter, an electronic circuit; and an electric wiring that passes a lateral surface of the supporter and that connects the radiation detector with the electronic circuit. The conductive layer is positioned on a surface of the supporter outside a plan view region of the radiation detector in a position facing at least a portion of the electric wiring.

The present invention is capable of determining the location(s) of waste (e.g. nuclear fuel debris, obstacles, contaminated or otherwise radioactive materials), monitoring and inspecting their surroundings, and transporting them, as well as use in repair, construction, and reactor decommissioning work in high radiation environment. Ultrasound (or sound) waves are not subject to interference from radiation. This modality is utilized in the present invention to detect and image waste and/or objects of interest. The system combines the resulting ultrasound (or sound) wave images for detecting waste and/or objects of interest with radiation information acquired by a radiation detector, to generate and adjust new composite images to display. For example, the image in the direction of strong radiation is red and the image in the direction of weak radiation is blue. Additionally, the constituent imaging apparatus may be fitted on a drone or robotic system for repair and construction work.

In general, radiation shielding systems that shield radiation from multiple directions are described. In one embodiment, a radiation shielding device is provided, including a radiation shield, an elongate neck having a first end and a second end, the elongated neck configured to attach to the radiation shield at the first end, and a base including a structure for engaging the second end of the elongated neck.

A method of forming tungsten tetraboride, by combining tungsten and boron in a molar ratio of from about 1:6 to about 1:12, respectively, and firing the combined tungsten and boron in the hexagonal boron nitride crucible at a temperature of from about 1600 C to about 2000C, to form tungsten tetraboride.

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 material is fabricated by providing a mixture of a polyester polymer and lead oxide. The material can be formed by the open mold cast technique. A nanocomposite material comprising at least 10% lead oxide is used to provide shielding for diagnostic or medium x-rays. A formulation comprising 40% of lead oxide nanofiller embedded in a polyester matrix performed best at attenuation of diagnostic and medium x-ray levels.

A shoulder transfer weight support generally having a hip or waist belt, a back support, and one or more shoulder extensions. The back support has an upper back plate attached to the shoulder extensions and a lower back plate attached to one or more hip belts. The lower back plate features a bracket shaped to receive an end of the attachment bar that joins it to the upper back plate. A spring-loaded plunger can be inserted into the attachment bar to allow for height adjustment of the device. A face shield at least partially made of a radiopaque material and can attach to the back support. One attachment option is a yoke mount with vertical sections at either end of the yoke mount. A second option involves a mount that attaches to the shoulder extension(s). The device can use a full face shield or a face shield with an open front.

In general, radiation shielding systems that shield radiation from multiple directions are described. In one embodiment, a radiation shielding device is provided, including a radiation shield, an elongate neck having a first end and a second end, the elongated neck configured to attach to the radiation shield at the first end, and a base including a structure for engaging the second end of the elongated neck.