r Alkali earth metal precursors for depositing calcium and strontium containing films By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT Methods and compositions for the deposition of a film on a substrate. In general, the disclosed compositions and methods utilize a precursor containing calcium or strontium. Full Article
r Rapid FRET-based diagnosis of bacterial pathogens By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT Substrates for detecting microorganisms are provided, wherein the substrate comprises a set of molecular markers linked, optionally with linker molecules or moieties, to a di-, or tripeptide consisting of amino acids X1 and X2, or X1, X2 and X3, in which one of them, for example, X1, is a D-amino acid and the others, for example, X2 and X3, may be any D- or L-amino acid. The substrate preferably is used for the detection of Bacillus anthracis. Also provided are substrates for detecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa, wherein the substrate comprises a set of molecular markers linked, optionally with linker molecules or moieties to a tri-, tetra-, or pentapeptide consisting of glycine amino acids. The invention further comprises methods for detecting microorganisms, specifically B. anthracis and P. aeruginosa, with the substrates of the invention and use of the substrate(s) in such a method. Full Article
r Manufacture and use of modified polysaccharide chitosan bonds and a process to improve the preparation of HES-medicinal substance compounds By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a bonding product suitable as a carrier for medicinal substances and to the compound derived therefrom that carries medicinal substances. The invention further relates to a process and device for preparing such bonding products and compounds. Further, the invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing such bonding products and compounds, and to the use thereof for preparing an infusible medicament for treating a disease. Full Article
r Methods and compositions for diagnostic and therapeutic targeting of COX-2 By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT The presently disclosed subject matter provides compositions that selectively bind cyclooxygenase-2 and comprise a therapeutic and/or diagnostic moiety. Also provided are methods for using the disclosed compositions for diagnosing (i.e., by imaging) a target cell and/or treating a disorder associated with a cyclooxygenase-2 biological activity. Full Article
r Light absorption anisotropic film, polarizing film, process for producing the polarizing film and display device using the polarizing film By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT A light absorption anisotropic film, wherein content of a liquid crystalline non-colorable low molecular weight compound is 30% by mass or less; and which is obtained by fixing the alignment of a dichroic dye composition comprising at least one type of azo-based dichroic dye having nematic liquid crystallinity; and shows a diffraction peak derived from a periodic structure in a direction parallel to the alignment axis on measurement of X-ray diffraction. The light absorption anisotropic film is high in dichroism. Full Article
r (Amide amino alkane) metal compound, method of manufacturing metal-containing thin film using said metal compound By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to an (amide amino alkane) metal compound represented by the formula (1): wherein M represents a metal atom;R1 represents a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms;R2 and R3 may be the same as, or different from each other, and each independently represents a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, or R2 and R3 may form a substituted or unsubstituted 5- or 6-membered ring together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound;Z represents a linear or branched alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms (a part of which may optionally form a ring); andn represents a number of the ligands, which is equal to the valence of the metal (M), and represents an integer of from 1 to 3; with the proviso that the metal compounds in which M is Li (Lithium), Be (Beryllium), Ge (Germanium) or Nd (Neodymium) are excluded;the metal compounds in which M is Mg (Magnesium) and R1 is methyl group are excluded;the metal compounds in which M is Zn (Zinc) and R1 is methyl group are excluded;the metal compounds in which M is Bi (Bismuth) and R1 is t-butyl group are excluded; andin cases where n is two or greater, two or more ligands may be the same as, or different from each other; and a method of producing a metal-containing thin film using the metal compound. Full Article
r Diaryl phosphine compounds By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT A method for making diazo-compounds, diazonium salts thereof and other protected forms of these compounds. Diazo-compounds are prepared by reaction of a tertiary phosphine reagent carrying a reactive carbonyl group with an azide. The reaction can also generate an acyl triazene which can be converted thermally or by addition of base to form the diazo-compound or the acyl triazene can be isolated. The method is particularly useful for conversion of azides carrying one or more electron withdrawing groups to diazo-compounds. The method can be carried out in aqueous medium under mild conditions and is particularly useful for conversion of azido sugars to diazo-compounds and diazonium salts thereof under physiological conditions. Tertiary phosphine reagents, particularly those that are water-soluble, and precursors for preparation of the reagents are provided. Full Article
r Cycloalkyl triamine pentacarboxylate as ligands for paramagnetic metal complexes By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 04 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST A cycloalkyl triamine pentacarboxylate compound coordinating to a metal ion to form a high stability metal complex in serum is provided. The metal complex of the present invention can be used as a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Full Article
r Inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase IX By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 04 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST Novel radiopharmaceuticals that are useful in diagnostic imaging and therapeutic treatment of disease characterized by over expression of CA-IX comprise a complex that contains a sulfonamide moiety which is capable of binding the active catalytic site of CA-IX, and a radionuclide adapted for radioimaging and/or radiotherapy: Full Article
r Pyridine-bis (oxazoline)(“pybox”) moiety as a chelator and sensitizer for lanthanide ion (Ln (III)) Luminescence By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 18 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST This invention relates to novel Ln(III) complexes of pybox, and methods of making the same. The present invention also relates to a method of use of pybox as a chelating moiety and sensitizer for Ln(III) ion luminescence. Derivatives of pybox and methods of making the same are also provided. Full Article
r Reagent system and method for modifying the luminescence of lanthanide(III) macrocyclic complexes By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 23 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST Disclosed is a spectrofluorimetrically detectable luminescent composition consisting essentially of at least one energy transfer acceptor lanthanide(III) complex having an emission spectrum maximum in the range from 300 to 2000 nanometers and a luminescence-enhancing amount of at least one energy transfer donor selected from the group consisting of a fluorophore, a lumiphore, an organic compound, a salt of an organic ion, a metal ion, a metal ion complex, or a combination thereof. Such energy transfer donor enhances the luminescence of at least one energy transfer acceptor lanthanide(III) complex, with the conditions that the emission spectrum of any energy transfer donor differs from that of its energy transfer acceptor lanthanide(III) complex; and such energy transfer donor can be dissolved to form a unitary solution in a solvent having an evaporation rate at least as great as that of water. Full Article
r Dichroic dye composition, light absorption anisotropic film, and polarizing element By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 06 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST A light absorption anisotropic film, having at least one dichroic dye, in which the light absorption anisotropic film shows a diffraction peak derived from a periodic structure in a direction in a plane of the light absorption anisotropic film in X-ray diffraction measurement and the diffraction peak has a half width of 1.0 Å or less. Full Article
r Azo compound, ink composition, recording method and colored material By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST A coloring matter which exhibits excellent (ozone) gas resistance, high print density, low color rendering properties, low color saturation, and high-quality black hue when is recorded on a paper only for inkjet exclusive use, i.e., an azo compound represented by formula (1), a tautomer of the azo compound, or a salt of the azo compound or the tautomer; and an ink composition containing the coloring matter, particularly a black ink composition for inkjet recording applications. Full Article
r Metal azo pigments and pigment preparations produced therefrom By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST The new metal azo pigments comprising the adduct of a) at least two metal azo compounds of the formula (I) or their tautomeric forms in which the substituents have the definition indicated in the description,and b) at least one compound of the formula (II) in whichR6 has the definition indicated in the description, are characterized in that in the X-ray diffractogram with a lattice constant of d=10.3 (±0.2) Å the metal azo pigment has a signal S1 with an intensity I1 and in the lattice constant range from d=16.05 Å to d=11.78 Å has no signal S2 whose intensity I2 in relation to the intensity I1 of signal S1, expressed as ratio I2/I1 of the background-corrected intensities, exceeds a value of 0.02,and are outstandingly suitable for producing pigment preparations and especially for producing color filters. Full Article
r Metallodrugs having improved pharmacological properties and methods of manufacture and use thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST It is an object of the present invention to provide antimicrobial metallodrugs comprising an antimicrobial peptide (“AMP”) and/or an antibiotic covalently bound to a metal binding moiety. These metallodrugs combine a metal binding domain which typically catalyzes oxido-reductase chemistry or acts as a Lewis-Acid catalyst, with a member of a diverse class of antimicrobial agents currently validated in preclinical and clinical settings for the treatment of a broad spectrum of pathogenic organisms. Full Article
r Process for preparing a polyester By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST Disclosed is a process for preparing a polyester or copolymer containing ester functionalities. The process can comprise: providing an optionally substituted lactone having a ring size of from 6 to 40 carbon atoms; andsubjecting said lactone to metal mediated ring-opening polymerization using as catalyst a compound according to general formula (I): wherein M can be Al, Cr, Mn and Co;X and X' are independently a heteroatom;Y and Y' can be, independently, selected from O, N, S, P, C, Si, and B;Z can be selected from hydrogen, borohydrides, aluminum hydrides, carbyls, silyls, hydroxide, alkoxides, aryloxides, carboxylates, carbonates, carbamates, amidos, thiolates, phosphides, and halides;L1 and L2 can be independently an organic ligand linking X and Y together and linking X' and Y' together, respectively; andL3 is an optional organic ligand linking Y and Y' together. Full Article
r Photo-responsive liquid crystalline compound and its applications By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST The purpose of the present invention is to provide novel liquid crystalline compounds that are capable of inducing phase transition by a light stimulus and are useful in the display, optoelectronics, and photonics field. The present invention relates to the liquid crystalline compounds represented by general formula (1): wherein R1, R2 and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxyl, alkoxycarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyloxy, alkanoyl, alkanoyloxy, alkoxyphenyl, and N-alkylaminocarbonyl, and n is an integer. Full Article
r 68Ga generator By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST The present invention relates to a 68Ga generator, wherein the 68Ge parent nuclide thereof is attached specifically to a support through a triethoxyphenyl group and continuously disintegrates to 68Ga, the triethoxyphenyl group being covalently bound to a support material through a linker. Full Article
r Azo compound and dye polarizing film containing the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST Disclosed is an azo compound represented by the formula (1) below, a salt thereof, or a copper complex salt compound thereof. (In the formula, R1 and R2 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a sulfonic acid group, a lower alkyl group or a lower alkoxyl group; R3-R6 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a lower alkoxyl group; R7 represents a lower alkyl group or a lower alkoxyl group; and n represents 0 or 1.) Full Article
r Tricarbonyl complexes with tridentate chelators for myocardium imaging By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST Chelators of the formulae (I), (II) and (III) and tricarbonyl complexes of radioisotopes of Tc and Re bound to them, for use in myocardial imaging. Full Article
r Trifunctional reagent for conjugation to a biomolecule By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A reagent for conjugation to a biomolecule, wherein the reagent is a single molecule with at least three functional parts and has schematic structure (I): a) wherein a trifunctional cross-linking moiety is coupled to b) an affinity ligand via a linker 1, said affinity ligand being capable of binding with another molecule having affinity for said ligand, to c) an effector agent, optionally via a linker 2, said effector agent exerting its effect on cells, tissues and/or humorous molecules in vivo or ex vivo, and to d) a biomolecule reactive moiety, optionally via a linker 3, said moiety being capable of forming a bond between the reagent and the biomolecule. Full Article
r Bis-azo colorants for use as bluing agents By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST This invention relates to bis-azo colorants for use as bluing agents, laundry care compositions comprising bis-azo colorants that may serve as bluing agents, processes for making such bluing agents and laundry care compositions and methods of using the same. The bluing agents are generally comprised of at least two components: at least one chromophore component and at least one polymeric component. These bluing agents are advantageous in providing a whitening effect to fabrics, while not building up over time and causing undesirable blue discoloration to the treated fabrics. Full Article
r Autotaxin inhibitors By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EST Classes of compounds that exhibit effective inhibition of autotaxin enzymes are provided. Such classes include thioureas, diphenyldiazerenes, xanthenes, and isoindoles and exhibit reactivity with autotaxin to ultimately reduce the size of the reactive sites thereon to prevent conversion of lysophosphatidyl choline to lysophophatidic acid. Furthermore, such compounds can be incorporated within delivery forms for human ingestion. As such, these compounds accord an excellent manner of potentially reducing generation of certain cancers attributable to the presence of naturally occurring autotaxin within the human body. Methods of inactivating autotaxin to certain degrees therewith such compounds are encompassed within invention as well. Full Article
r Azo compounds reducing formation and toxicity of amyloid beta aggregation intermediates By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to compounds suitable as modulators of protein misfolding and/or protein aggregation. The compounds are particularly suitable as inhibitors of amyloid aggregate formation and/or modulators of amyloid surface properties, and/or as activators of degradation or reduction of amyloid aggregates. Full Article
r Rare-earth complex and uses thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT The rare-earth complex of the present invention has high luminous efficiency, since it has a structure represented by the following general formula (I): Full Article
r Blue dye and methods of manufacture and use thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Provided, amongst other things, are dyes of formula II: wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently H or alkyl, so long as one or more is alkyl, and salts of the compound of formula II. Methods of making, inks, surgical markers and methods of marking tissue and the like are further provided. Full Article
r GO-Gd-DTPA complex, preparation method thereof, and MRI contrast agent comprising the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed herein is a GO-Gd-DTPA (gadolinium-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic-graphene oxide) complex, which is formed by an ester bond of graphene oxide (GO) and gadopentetic acid (Gd-DTPA). Since the GO-Gd-DTPA can stably exist in the body because it has high stability in water, it is expected that it can be effectively used as an MRI contrast agent. Full Article
r Photoreactive synthetic regulator of protein function and methods of use thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure provides a photoreactive synthetic regulator of protein function. The present disclosure further provides a light-regulated polypeptide that includes a subject synthetic regulator. Also provided are cells and membranes comprising a subject light-regulated polypeptide. The present disclosure further provides methods of modulating protein function, involving use of light. Full Article
r Organometallic compositions and coating compositions By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention is directed to novel organometallic complexes as catalysts for the reaction of compounds with isocyanate and hydroxyl functional groups to form urethane and/or polyurethane and the process employing such catalysts. More particularly, the present invention is directed to novel complexes of zinc(II) with substituted amidines. These novel catalysts are useful for the production of urethanes and polyurethanes which are important in many industrial applications. Full Article
r Quaternary data-storage materials and the preparation method thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An organic compound has the following chemical structure: wherein R is different from R*; R and R* are independently hydrogen, halogen, nitro or methoxyl; and R1 is a C1-C6 alkyl or a phenyl group. A quaternary data storage device includes a bottom electrode, a top electrode, and the organic film layer sandwiched between the bottom electrode and the top electrode. Full Article
r Liquid-crystal compound, liquid-crystal composition, light absorption anisotropic film, and liquid-crystal display device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A liquid-crystal compound denoted by general formula (I) below wherein each of the groups is defined and Dye denotes an azo dye residue denoted by general formula (II) with X and n also being defined. The azo liquid-crystal compound is capable of orientation with a high degree of orientation order. Full Article
r Visible/near-infrared porphyrin-tape/C60 organic photodetectors By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Porphyrin compounds are provided. The compounds may further comprise a fused polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon or a fused heterocyclic aromatic. Fused polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon s and fused heterocyclic aromatics may extend and broaden absorption, and modify the solubility, crystallinity, and film-forming properties of the porphyrin compounds. Additionally, devices comprising porphyrin compounds are also provided. The porphyrin compounds may be used in a donor/acceptor configuration with compounds, such as C60. Full Article
r Oligonucleotide and use thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Provided is an oligonucleotide containing an azobenzene derivative, represented by Formula (1) or (2) below: (in the formulae, A1 and A2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, nucleotide or oligonucleotide, B1 and B2 each independently represent a hydroxyl group, nucleotide or oligonucleotide, R11 and R12 each independently represent a C1-20 alkyl group, R21 and R22 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or C1-20 alkyl group, and R13 to R18 and R23 to R28 each independently represent a hydrogen atom; a C1-20 alkyl group or alkoxy group optionally substituted with a halogen atom, hydroxyl group, amino group, nitro group or carboxyl group; a C2-20 alkenyl group or alkynyl group optionally substituted with a halogen atom, hydroxyl group, amino group, nitro group or carboxyl group; a hydroxyl group; a halogen atom; an amino group; a nitro group; or a carboxyl group). Full Article
r Dark quenchers for donor-acceptor energy transfer By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provides a family of dark quenchers, termed Black Hole Quenchers (“BHQs”), that are efficient quenchers of excited state energy but which are themselves substantially non-fluorescent. Also provided are methods of using the BHQs, probes incorporating the BHQs and methods of using the probes. Full Article
r Azoquinone compound, electrophotographic photoconductor, and image forming apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure relates to an azoquinone compound represented by formula (1) below. In formula (1), R1 to R4 are identical or different and each represents a hydrogen atom, a C1 to C6 alkyl group or a C6 to C12 aryl group, and Ar represents a C6 to C12 aryl group. Full Article
r Androgen induced oxidative stress inhibitors By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Described herein are pharmaceutical compositions and medicaments, and methods of using such pharmaceutical compositions and medicaments in the treatment of cancer. Full Article
r Nitroimidazole-amino acid hypoxia contrast medium, preparation method and use thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A hypoxia contrast medium including nitroimidazole-amino acid chelate with a positively charged radioactive nuclide, a preparation method and use thereof. The contrast medium can be used in imaging cerebral thrombosis, tumors or other diseases such as ulceration, thrombosis, and so on. Full Article
r Method of differentially diagnosing different types of dementia By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a method of differentially diagnosing different types of dementia. In particular, the method relates to the use of specific SPECT tracers for differentially diagnosing Alzheimer's disease, Lewy-Body Dementia, and Frontotemporal Dementia. Full Article
r Container and method for transporting a syringe containing radioactive material By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 30 Jul 2002 08:00:00 EDT A method and apparatus for transporting syringes containing radioactive material. The apparatus includes a radiopharmaceutical pig having an inner chamber in which a sharps container can be secured. The sharps container has a housing and an attachable cap. The method includes assembling the radiopharmaceutical pig so that the chamber of the radiopharmaceutical pig contains the syringe in the sharps container housing. The radiopharmaceutical pig is disassembled, where upon the syringe is removed, discharged, and then replaced in the sharps container housing. The cap of the sharps container is affixed to the housing of the sharps container, thus enclosing the contaminated syringe therein. The radiopharmaceutical pig is assembled so that its chamber contains the sharps container and the syringe. The radiopharmaceutical pig is transported to a disposal area, where it is disassembled and the sharps container containing the syringe is placed in a particular disposal container. Full Article
r Radioactive decontamination and translocation method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Dec 2002 08:00:00 EST A method for removing radioactive contaminants from a given surface. An acidic solution having a pH of less than 3.0, and preferably less than 1.5, of a complex substituted keto-amine, and a mixture of a saturated and unsaturated lower alcohol (e.g. isopropyl alcohol and propargyl alcohol), and concentrated acid is applied to a contaminated surface. The solution is left on said surface for a time sufficient to remove the radioactive contaminants into the acidic solution and then removed. The acidic solution containing the radioactive contaminants is preferably neuralized by an alkaline material to a pH of between 5.5 and 9.0. Removal of thorium contamination from railcars is one useful application of the invention. The method of the present invention has the effect of removing substantially all of the radioactive contaminants from a previously contaminated surface. Full Article
r Systems and methods for storing fissile materials By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 08 Apr 2003 08:00:00 EDT A preferred embodiment may generally be construed as providing a method for storing fissile material, such as spent nuclear fuel (SNF), and includes the steps of: providing a storage container configured to receive the fissile material therein; and applying a coating to a surface of the storage container. Preferably, the coating is formed, at least in part, of a neutron-absorbing material and is adapted to reduce neutron multiplication and/or provide a shielding of the fissile material received within the storage container. Systems also are provided. Full Article
r Radiopharmaceutical pig and transportation apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus and method for transporting radiopharmaceutical substances. The apparatus comprises a radiation shielding pig having an elongated sidewall that extends between two ends and that defines an elongated, interior chamber. The sidewall is thinner than each of the ends. A radiation shield defines at least one cavity. The shield has two open ends and a central area between the open ends that is thicker than each of the two open ends. Also, a method of assembling and disassembling the apparatus includes, placing a syringe filled with a radiopharmaceutical substance into the pig; placing the pig containing the filled syringe in the radiation shield; placing the pig and the shield into an ammunition can for transporting the radioactive substance contained in the syringe. Full Article
r Radioactive decontamination and translocation method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 Aug 2003 08:00:00 EDT A method for removing radioactive contaminants from a given surface. An aqueous solution having a wetting agent and a complex substituted keto-amine is provided. The solution is left on the surface for a time sufficient to remove the radioactive contaminants into the aqueous solution which is then removed. Depending on the type and condition of the surface, a concentrated acid may be added to the aqueous solution to aid in the contaminant removal process. In such a case, a pH of less than 3.0, and preferably less than 1.5 is maintained. If a concentrated acid is used, the acidic solution containing radioactive contaminants is preferably neutralized by an alkaline material to a pH of between 5.5 and 9.0. Removal of thorium contamination from railcars is one useful application of the invention. The method of the present invention has the effect of removing substantially all of the radioactive contaminants from a previously contaminated surface. Full Article
r Nuclear fuel reprocessing By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 23 Sep 2003 08:00:00 EDT A spent fuel reprocessing method including the steps of partitioning U and Pu(III) in a solvent by solvent extraction and subsequently polishing the solvent in a neptunium rejection operation for removing Np therefrom. The solvent obtained from the neptunium rejection operation (the polished solvent or NpA solvent product) is then recycled to a U/Pu partitioning operation. The method enables a reduction in solvent feed and solvent effluent volumes. Full Article
r Method for dissolving plutonium or a plutonium alloy and converting it into nuclear fuel By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 23 Sep 2003 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a process to dissolve plutonium or a plutonium alloy, by placing it in contact with an aqueous dissolution mixture, wherein said dissolution mixture comprises nitric acid, a carboxylic acid with complexing properties with respect to plutonium, and a compound comprising at least one —NH2 radical such as urea. The invention also relates to a process to convert plutonium or a plutonium alloy into plutonium oxide and to manufacture nuclear fuel from said oxide.The invention particularly applies to the dismantling of plutonium contained in nuclear weapons with a view to its use in civilian nuclear reactors, particularly in the form of MOX fuel. Full Article
r Radioactive decontamination and translocation method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 25 Nov 2003 08:00:00 EST 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 into the aqueous solution which is then removed. Depending on the type and condition of the surface, an acid may be added to the aqueous solution to aid in the contaminant removal process. However, typical metals surfaces may often be treated effectively without the use of concentrated acids or with dilute concentrations of such acids. The method of the present invention has the effect of removing substantially all of the radioactive contaminants from a variety of previously contaminated surfaces. Full Article
r Dissolution and decontamination process By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 06 Apr 2004 08:00:00 EDT The present invention concerns a process for dissolving ruthenium deposits that are present on a surface and a process for decontaminating the internal circuits of nuclear fuel reprocessing plants using the said dissolution process. The process according to the invention comprises bringing the said surface into contact with an aqueous solution of perruthenate, with the said aqueous solution having a pH equal to or greater than 12, so that the ruthenium is oxidised. Full Article
r Container transporting a syringe containing radioactive material By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 20 Apr 2004 08:00:00 EDT A method and apparatus for transporting syringes containing radioactive material. The apparatus includes a radiopharmaceutical pig having an inner chamber in which a sharps container can be secured. The sharps container has a housing and an attachable cap. The method includes assembling the radiopharmaceutical pig so that the chamber of the radiopharmaceutical pig contains the syringe in the sharps container housing. The radiopharmaceutical pig is disassembled, where upon the syringe is removed, discharged, and then replaced in the sharps container housing. The cap of the sharps container is affixed to the housing of the sharps container, thus enclosing the contaminated syringe therein. The radiopharmaceutical pig is assembled so that its chamber contains the sharps container and the syringe. The radiopharmaceutical pig is transported to a disposal area, where it is disassembled and the sharps container containing the syringe is placed in a particular disposal container. Full Article
r Pyrochemical reprocessing method for spent nuclear fuel and induction heating system to be used in pyrochemical reprocessing method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Sep 2004 08:00:00 EDT This invention is provided for improvement of corrosion-resistant property of a crucible and for promotion of safety in a pyrochemical reprocessing method for the spent nuclear fuel. The spent nuclear fuel is dissolved in a molten salt placed in the crucible. In a pyrochemical reprocessing method, the nuclear fuel is deposited, and the crucible (2) is heated by induction heating. Cooling media (5, 6) are supplied to cool down, and a molten salt layer (7) is maintained by keeping balance between the heating and the cooling, and a solidified salt layer (8) is formed on inner wall surface of the crucible. Full Article
r Radioactive substance decontamination method and apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Jun 2005 08:00:00 EDT A radioactive substance decontamination method and apparatus which decontaminates a metal member contaminated by radioactive substance in a short period of time. This apparatus has (1) multiple reducing decontamination tanks having different radiation control values; (2) a carrier for immersing the metal member into the multiple reducing decontamination tanks and a washing tank; (3) a tube for transferring into the second reducing decontamination tank the reducing decontamination agent in the first reducing decontamination tank; (4) a reducing agent decomposer for decomposing a component contained in the reducing decontamination agent of the reducing decontamination tank where the radiation control value is the highest out of the reducing decontamination tanks connected by the tube; and (5) a washing tank for washing the reducing decontamination agent deposited on the decontaminated metal member. Full Article