Granted Patent
B2
US 12,412,676 · App. 17/722,176 · Granted Sep 9, 2025
Device and method for producing medical isotopes
Assignee:
SHINE Technologies, LLC
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Abstract
A hybrid nuclear reactor that is operable to produce a medical isotope includes an ion source operable to produce an ion beam from a gas, a target chamber including a target that interacts with the ion beam to produce neutrons, and an activation cell positioned proximate the target chamber and including a parent material that interacts with the neutrons to produce the medical isotope via a fission reaction. An attenuator is positioned proximate the activation cell and selected to maintain the fission reaction at a subcritical level, a reflector is positioned proximate the target chamber and selected to reflect neutrons toward the activation cell, and a moderator substantially surrounds the activation cell, the attenuator, and the reflector.
Claims (38)
1. A hybrid reactor comprising:
a fusion portion comprising a gas target neutron generator having an annular target chamber,
the annular target chamber encircling a space, the gas target neutron generator operable to produce a neutron flux within the space; and
a fission portion comprising a cylindrical activation cell disposed within the space and adjacent the annular target chamber, the cylindrical activation cell comprising:
an outer annular vessel comprising a parent material in aqueous solution, the parent material configured to react with a portion of the neutron flux to produce a medical isotope during a fission reaction, and
an inner cylindrical volume comprising an attenuator configured to maintain the fission reaction at a subcritical level.
2. The hybrid reactor of claim 1 , wherein the gas target neutron generator comprises an ion source that is operable to produce an ion beam from a gas.
3. The hybrid reactor of claim 2 , wherein the gas target neutron generator comprises an accelerator positioned to receive and accelerate the ion beam toward the annular target chamber, wherein the annular target chamber houses a target material.
4. The hybrid reactor of claim 3 , wherein the gas comprises one of deuterium and tritium and the target material comprises one of deuterium and tritium.
5. The hybrid reactor of claim 1 , wherein the parent material comprises low enriched 235 U and the medical isotope comprises 99 Mo, 131 I, 133 Xe, 111 In, or 125 I.
6. The hybrid reactor of claim 1 , further comprising a reflector positioned outside of the annular target chamber and arranged to reflect a portion of the neutron flux toward the space.
7. The hybrid reactor of claim 6 , further comprising a moderator surrounding the cylindrical activation cell and the reflector.
8. A hybrid reactor comprising:
a fusion portion comprising a gas target neutron generator having an annular target chamber,
the annular target chamber encircling a space, the gas target neutron generator operable to produce a neutron flux within the space; and
a fission portion comprising an activation cell disposed within the space and adjacent the annular target chamber, the activation cell comprising a parent material in aqueous solution, the parent material configured to react with a portion of the neutron flux to produce a medical isotope during a fission reaction;
a reflector positioned outside of the annular target chamber and arranged to reflect a portion of the neutron flux toward the space; and
a moderator surrounding the activation cell and the reflector.
9. The hybrid reactor of claim 8 , wherein the activation cell comprises an outer annular vessel housing the parent material in aqueous solution.
10. The hybrid reactor of claim 9 , wherein the activation cell comprises an inner cylindrical volume comprising an attenuator configured to maintain the fission reaction at a subcritical level.
11. The hybrid reactor of claim 8 , wherein the gas target neutron generator comprises an ion source that is operable to produce an ion beam from a gas.
12. The hybrid reactor of claim 11 , wherein the gas target neutron generator comprises an accelerator positioned to receive and accelerate the ion beam toward the annular target chamber, wherein the annular target chamber houses a target material.
13. The hybrid reactor of claim 12 , wherein the gas comprises one of deuterium and tritium and the target material comprises one of deuterium and tritium.
14. The hybrid reactor of claim 8 , wherein the parent material comprises low enriched 235 U and the medical isotope comprises 99 Mo, 131 I, 133 Xe, 111 In, or 125 I.
15. A hybrid reactor comprising:
a fusion portion comprising a gas target neutron generator having an annular target chamber,
the annular target chamber encircling a space, the gas target neutron generator operable to produce a neutron flux within the space; and
a fission portion comprising an activation cell disposed within the space and adjacent the annular target chamber, the activation cell comprising a parent material in aqueous solution, wherein the parent material is configured to react with a portion of the neutron flux to produce a medical isotope during a fission reaction;
an attenuator surrounded by the activation cell, wherein the attenuator is configured to maintain the fission reaction at a subcritical level;
a reflector positioned outside the annular target chamber; and
a moderator surrounding the activation cell and the reflector.
16. The hybrid reactor of claim 15 , wherein the activation cell comprises:
an outer annular vessel housing the parent material in aqueous solution; and
an inner cylindrical volume comprising the attenuator.
17. The hybrid reactor of claim 15 , wherein the gas target neutron generator comprises an ion source that is operable to produce an ion beam from a gas.
18. The hybrid reactor of claim 17 , wherein the gas target neutron generator comprises an accelerator positioned to receive and accelerate the ion beam toward the annular target chamber, wherein the annular target chamber houses a target material.
19. The hybrid reactor of claim 18 , wherein the gas comprises one of deuterium and tritium and the target material comprises one of deuterium and tritium.
20. The hybrid reactor of claim 15 , wherein the parent material comprises low enriched 235 U and the medical isotope comprises 99 Mo, 131 I, 133 Xe, 111 In, or 125 I.
Assignments (4)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST
Recorded Jan 30, 2025
From: PIEFER, GREGORY
To: PHOENIX NUCLEAR LABS LLC
Reel/Frame 070065/0301 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST
Recorded Jan 30, 2025
From: PHOENIX NUCLEAR LABS LLC
To: SHINE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Reel/Frame 070065/0452 →
CHANGE OF NAME
Recorded Jan 30, 2025
From: SHINE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
To: SHINE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Reel/Frame 070073/0435 →
CHANGE OF NAME
Recorded Jan 30, 2025
From: SHINE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
To: SHINE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Reel/Frame 070073/0442 →
Continuity (4)
Continuation
12990758
Provisional Application
61050096
· May 2, 2008
References Cited (370)
US 2161985A
· Szilard
· 1939
[cited by applicant]
US 2837476A
· Busey
· 1958
[cited by applicant]
US 2853446A
· Abbott et al.
· 1958
[cited by applicant]
US 2907884A
· Gale
· 1959
[cited by applicant]
US 2992333A
· Gale
· 1961
[cited by applicant]
US 3030543A
· Luce
· 1962
[cited by applicant]
US 3079319A
· McGrath et al.
· 1963
[cited by applicant]
US 3085966A
· Flora
· 1963
[cited by applicant]
US 3117912A
· Imhoff et al.
· 1964
[cited by applicant]
US 3218235A
· Ehler
· 1965
[cited by applicant]
US 3255092A
· Dee, Jr.
· 1966
[cited by applicant]
US 3258402A
· Farnsworth
· 1966
[cited by applicant]
US 3276965A
· Leyse
· 1966
[cited by applicant]
US 3291694A
· Borst
· 1966
[cited by examiner]
US 3386883A
· Farnsworth
· 1968
[cited by applicant]
US 3418206A
· Hall et al.
· 1968
[cited by applicant]
US 3448314A
· Bounden et al.
· 1969
[cited by applicant]
US 3473056A
· Ferry
· 1969
[cited by applicant]
US 3530497A
· Hirsch et al.
· 1970
[cited by applicant]
US 3609369A
· Croitoru
· 1971
[cited by examiner]
US 3617908A
· Greber
· 1971
[cited by applicant]
US 3624240A
· Damm et al.
· 1971
[cited by applicant]
US 3629588A
· Eyrich
· 1971
[cited by applicant]
US 3634704A
· Stix et al.
· 1972
[cited by applicant]
US 3663858A
· Lisitano
· 1972
[cited by applicant]
US 3668066A
· Hendel et al.
· 1972
[cited by applicant]
US 3676672A
· Meckel et al.
· 1972
[cited by applicant]
US 3713967A
· Hamilton et al.
· 1973
[cited by applicant]
US 3718836A
· Bain et al.
· 1973
[cited by applicant]
US 3719893A
· dePackh
· 1973
[cited by applicant]
US 3746859A
· Hilton et al.
· 1973
[cited by applicant]
US 3748226A
· Ribe et al.
· 1973
[cited by applicant]
US 3794875A
· Stark
· 1974
[cited by applicant]
US 3799883A
· Arino et al.
· 1974
[cited by applicant]
US 3860482A
· Wheelock
· 1975
[cited by applicant]
US 3925676A
· Bigham et al.
· 1975
[cited by applicant]
US 3992625A
· Schmidt et al.
· 1976
[cited by applicant]
US 4008411A
· Brugger et al.
· 1977
[cited by applicant]
US 4137012A
· Porta et al.
· 1979
[cited by applicant]
US 4147590A
· Szekely
· 1979
[cited by applicant]
US 4202725A
· Jarnagin
· 1980
[cited by applicant]
US 4311912A
· Givens
· 1982
[cited by applicant]
US 4314879A
· Hartman et al.
· 1982
[cited by applicant]
US 4370295A
· Bussard
· 1983
[cited by applicant]
US 4370296A
· Bussard
· 1983
[cited by applicant]
US 4431580A
· Schneider et al.
· 1984
[cited by applicant]
US 4528003A
· Dittrich et al.
· 1985
[cited by applicant]
US 4529571A
· Bacon et al.
· 1985
[cited by applicant]
US 4650630A
· Boyer
· 1987
[cited by applicant]
US 4663110A
· Cheng
· 1987
[cited by applicant]
US 4752432A
· Bida et al.
· 1988
[cited by applicant]
US 4793961A
· Ehlers et al.
· 1988
[cited by applicant]
US 4800060A
· Goldring
· 1989
[cited by applicant]
US 4826646A
· Bussard
· 1989
[cited by applicant]
US 4853173A
· Stenbacka
· 1989
[cited by applicant]
US 4976938A
· Knize et al.
· 1990
[cited by applicant]
US 5037602A
· Dabiri et al.
· 1991
[cited by applicant]
US 5053184A
· Cluzeau et al.
· 1991
[cited by applicant]
US 5126574A
· Gallagher
· 1992
[cited by applicant]
US 5152956A
· Bernardet et al.
· 1992
[cited by applicant]
US 5215703A
· Bernardet
· 1993
[cited by applicant]
US 5280505A
· Hughey et al.
· 1994
[cited by applicant]
US RE34575E
· Klinkowstein et al.
· 1994
[cited by applicant]
US 5410574A
· Masumoto et al.
· 1995
[cited by applicant]
US 5443732A
· Lahoda et al.
· 1995
[cited by applicant]
US 5468355A
· Shefer et al.
· 1995
[cited by applicant]
US 5482865A
· Ferrieri et al.
· 1996
[cited by applicant]
US 5508010A
· Sameh et al.
· 1996
[cited by applicant]
US 5586153A
· Alvord
· 1996
[cited by applicant]
US 5596611A
· Ball
· 1997
[cited by applicant]
US 5729580A
· Millspaugh
· 1998
[cited by applicant]
US 5745536A
· Brainard et al.
· 1998
[cited by applicant]
US 5745537A
· Verschoore
· 1998
[cited by applicant]
US 5812621A
· Takeda et al.
· 1998
[cited by applicant]
US 5854531A
· Young et al.
· 1998
[cited by applicant]
US 5870447A
· Powell et al.
· 1999
[cited by applicant]
US 5898279A
· Ezzedine et al.
· 1999
[cited by applicant]
US 5910971A
· Ponomarev-Stepnoy et al.
· 1999
[cited by applicant]
US 5920601A
· Nigg et al.
· 1999
[cited by applicant]
US 5940461A
· Takeda et al.
· 1999
[cited by applicant]
US 5977554A
· Smith et al.
· 1999
[cited by applicant]
US 6011825A
· Welch et al.
· 2000
[cited by applicant]
US 6141395A
· Nishimura et al.
· 2000
[cited by applicant]
US 6337055B1
· Betenekov et al.
· 2002
[cited by applicant]
US 6417634B1
· Bergstrom
· 2002
[cited by applicant]
US 6544606B1
· Pennington et al.
· 2003
[cited by applicant]
US 6567492B2
· Kiselev et al.
· 2003
[cited by applicant]
US 6593686B1
· Yui
· 2003
[cited by applicant]
US 6777699B1
· Miley et al.
· 2004
[cited by applicant]
US 6835358B2
· Hemingway et al.
· 2004
[cited by applicant]
US 6845137B2
· Ruth et al.
· 2005
[cited by applicant]
US 6850011B2
· Monkhorst et al.
· 2005
[cited by applicant]
US 6870894B2
· Leung et al.
· 2005
[cited by applicant]
US 6891911B2
· Rostoker et al.
· 2005
[cited by applicant]
US 6907097B2
· Leung
· 2005
[cited by applicant]
US 6917044B2
· Amini
· 2005
[cited by applicant]
US 6922455B2
· Jurczyk et al.
· 2005
[cited by applicant]
US 6925137B1
· Forman
· 2005
[cited by applicant]
US 7200198B2
· Wieland et al.
· 2007
[cited by applicant]
US 7230201B1
· Miley et al.
· 2007
[cited by applicant]
US 7235216B2
· Kiselev et al.
· 2007
[cited by applicant]
US 7342988B2
· Leung et al.
· 2008
[cited by applicant]
US 7362842B2
· Leung
· 2008
[cited by applicant]
US 7419604B1
· Atwood
· 2008
[cited by applicant]
US 7968838B2
· Dent
· 2011
[cited by applicant]
US 7978804B2
· Groves et al.
· 2011
[cited by applicant]
US 8475747B1
· Johnson et al.
· 2013
[cited by applicant]
US 8644442B2
· Gahl et al.
· 2014
[cited by applicant]
US 8767905B2
· Neeley et al.
· 2014
[cited by applicant]
US 8971474B2
· Gilleland et al.
· 2015
[cited by applicant]
US 20020150193A1
· Leung et al.
· 2002
[cited by applicant]
US 20030152186A1
· Jurczyk et al.
· 2003
[cited by applicant]
US 20030223528A1
· Miley et al.
· 2003
[cited by applicant]
US 20040100214A1
· Erdman
· 2004
[cited by applicant]
US 20050061994A1
· Behrouz
· 2005
[cited by applicant]
US 20050069076A1
· Bricault et al.
· 2005
[cited by applicant]
US 20050082469A1
· Carlo
· 2005
[cited by applicant]
US 20050129162A1
· Ruth et al.
· 2005
[cited by applicant]
US 20060017411A1
· Hamm
· 2006
[cited by applicant]
US 20060023829A1
· Schenter et al.
· 2006
[cited by applicant]
US 20060062342A1
· Lepera et al.
· 2006
[cited by applicant]
US 20060104400A1
· Lyoussi et al.
· 2006
[cited by applicant]
US 20060104401A1
· Jongen et al.
· 2006
[cited by applicant]
US 20070036261A1
· Kim et al.
· 2007
[cited by applicant]
US 20070108922A1
· Amaldi
· 2007
[cited by applicant]
US 20070133733A1
· Popa-Simil
· 2007
[cited by applicant]
US 20070133734A1
· Fawcett et al.
· 2007
[cited by applicant]
US 20070160176A1
· Wada
· 2007
[cited by applicant]
US 20070273308A1
· Fritzler et al.
· 2007
[cited by applicant]
US 20070297554A1
· Lavie et al.
· 2007
[cited by applicant]
US 20080023645A1
· Amelia et al.
· 2008
[cited by applicant]
US 20080224106A1
· Johnson et al.
· 2008
[cited by applicant]
US 20090000268A1
· Yurash
· 2009
[cited by applicant]
US 20090129532A1
· Reyes, Jr. et al.
· 2009
[cited by applicant]
US 20090196390A1
· Gahl
· 2009
[cited by examiner]
US 20090213977A1
· Russell, II et al.
· 2009
[cited by applicant]
US 20090225923A1
· Neeley et al.
· 2009
[cited by applicant]
US 20090279658A1
· Leblanc
· 2009
[cited by applicant]
US 20090316850A1
· Langenbrunner
· 2009
[cited by applicant]
US 20090323881A1
· Dauvergne
· 2009
[cited by applicant]
US 20100063344A1
· Kotschenreuther et al.
· 2010
[cited by applicant]
US 20100193685A1
· Chu et al.
· 2010
[cited by applicant]
US 20100284502A1
· Piefer
· 2010
[cited by applicant]
US 20110051876A1
· Ahfeld et al.
· 2011
[cited by applicant]
US 20110091000A1
· Stubbers et al.
· 2011
[cited by applicant]
US 20110176648A1
· Rowland et al.
· 2011
[cited by applicant]
US 20110180698A1
· Stephenson
· 2011
[cited by applicant]
US 20110280356A1
· Tsang
· 2011
[cited by applicant]
CA 2294063A1
· 1998
[cited by applicant]
CN 1134197A
· 1996
[cited by applicant]
CN 1922695A
· 2007
[cited by applicant]
CN 102084434A
· 2011
[cited by applicant]
EP 535235A1
· 1993
[cited by applicant]
EP 0632680A1
· 1995
[cited by applicant]
EP 1134771A1
· 2001
[cited by applicant]
EP 1233425A1
· 2002
[cited by applicant]
EP 2104113A1
· 2009
[cited by applicant]
EP 3214622B1
· 2020
[cited by applicant]
FR 2711835A1
· 1995
[cited by applicant]
GB 829093A
· 1960
[cited by applicant]
GB 869451A
· 1961
[cited by applicant]
GB 1187244A
· 1970
[cited by applicant]
JP S4024599
· 1965
[cited by applicant]
JP 59068143A
· 1984
[cited by applicant]
JP 03190097A
· 1991
[cited by applicant]
JP 6160595A
· 1994
[cited by applicant]
JP 09113693A
· 1997
[cited by applicant]
JP 11057043A
· 1999
[cited by applicant]
JP 2000284096A
· 2000
[cited by applicant]
JP 2001042098A
· 2001
[cited by applicant]
JP 3145555B2
· 2001
[cited by applicant]
JP 2001338800A
· 2001
[cited by applicant]
JP 2002062388A
· 2002
[cited by applicant]
JP 2002214395A
· 2002
[cited by applicant]
JP 2005127800A
· 2005
[cited by applicant]
JP 2007165250A
· 2007
[cited by applicant]
JP 2008102078A
· 2008
[cited by applicant]
RU 2004115750A
· 2005
[cited by applicant]
WO WO9114268A1
· 1991
[cited by applicant]
WO 1994029872A1
· 1994
[cited by applicant]
WO WO9859347A1
· 1998
[cited by applicant]
WO WO0103142A2
· 2001
[cited by applicant]
WO WO0131678A1
· 2001
[cited by applicant]
WO WO03019996A1
· 2003
[cited by applicant]
WO WO04053892A2
· 2004
[cited by applicant]
WO WO06000104A1
· 2006
[cited by applicant]
WO WO06015864A1
· 2006
[cited by applicant]
WO WO07002455A2
· 2007
[cited by applicant]
WO WO07040024A1
· 2007
[cited by applicant]
WO WO2007055615A2
· 2007
[cited by applicant]
WO WO09100063A2
· 2009
[cited by applicant]
WO 2009108331A2
· 2009
[cited by applicant]
WO WO2009135163A2
· 2009
[cited by applicant]
WO WO2009142669A2
· 2009
[cited by applicant]
WO WO2013187974A2
· 2013
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 15/644,497 dated Jul. 18, 2023 (5 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 17/228,419 dated Aug. 17, 2023 (9 pages).
[cited by applicant]
“The Burr Amendment” “2005 Energy Act,” Congressional Record, pp. S7237-S7244 (Jun. 23, 2005).
[cited by applicant]
“The Schumer Amendment” “Comprehensive Report on H.R. 776” Congressional Record, p. H12103 (Oct. 5, 1992).
[cited by applicant]
“U.S. Radioisotope Supply,” American Nuclear Society Position Statement 30:(Jun. 2004).
[cited by applicant]
Abraham, S., “Remarks by Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham on the Global Threat Reduction Initiative,” Speech to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria, (May 26, 2004).
[cited by applicant]
Agostinelli, S., et al., “Geant4-A Simulation Toolkit,” Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research A, 506:250-303 (2003).
[cited by applicant]
Angelone, M. et al., “Conceptual Study of a Compact Accelerator-Driven Neutron Source for Radioisotope Production, Boron Neutron Capture Therapy and Fast Neutron Therapy,” Nuc. Instr. & Methods in Physics Res. A:487:585…
[cited by applicant]
Armstrong, D.D. et al., “Progress Report on Testing of a 100-kV, 125-mA Deuterium Injector,” IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science NS-26, No. 3 (1979).
[cited by applicant]
Armstrong, D.D. et al., “Tests of the Intense Neutron Source Prototype” IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science NS-26, No. 3 (1979).
[cited by applicant]
Austen, I., “Reactor Shutdown Causing Medical Isotope Shortage,” The New York Times, (Dec. 6, 2007).
[cited by applicant]
Bakel, A.J. et al., “Thermoxid Sorbents for the Separation and Purification of 99Mo,” 26th International Meeting on RERTR, Vienna, Austria, (Nov. 7-12, 2004).
[cited by applicant]
Ball, R.M. et al., “Present Status of the Use of LEU in Aqueous Reactors to Produce Mo-99,” 1998 International Meeting on Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactors, Sao Paulo,( Oct. 18-23, 1998).
[cited by applicant]
Barbry, F. “Criticality Accident Studies and Research Performed in the Valduc Criticality Laboratory, France,” IAEA-TECDOC-1601: 39-48 (2008).
[cited by applicant]
Barnett, C.F., “Atomic Data for Fusion, vol. 1: Collisions of H, H2, He and Li Atoms with Molecules,” ORNL “Redbooks” 6086 (1990).
[cited by applicant]
Barschall, H.H., “Intense Sources of Fast Neutrons,” Ann. Rev. Nuclear Part. Sci. 28:207-237 (1978).
[cited by applicant]
Biodex, Pulmonex II® Xenon System: http://www.biodex.com/radio/lungvent/lung_502feat.htm. Accessed: (Jun. 1, 2010).
[cited by applicant]
Bosch, H., et al. “Improved Formulas for Fusion Cross-Sections and Thermal Reactivities,” Nuclear Fusion 32:4: 611-631 (1992).
[cited by applicant]
Bradley, E. et al., “Homogeneous Aqueous Solution Nuclear Reactors for the Production of Mo-99 and Other Short Lived Radioisotopes,” IAEA-TECDOC-1601: 1-13 (2008).
[cited by applicant]
Brown, R. W., “The Radiopharmaceutical Industry's Effort to Migrate Toward Mo-99 Production Utilizing LEU,” The 2005 RERTR International Meeting, (Nov. 6-10, 2005).
[cited by applicant]
Bunker, M.E. “Status Report on the Water Boiler Reactor,” Los Alamos Technical Reports LA-2854 (Oct. 1963).
[cited by applicant]
Bürck et al., “Sorption Behaviour of Molybdenum on Different Metal Oxide lon Exchangers,” Solvent Extraction and Ion Exchange 6.1, 1988, 167-182. Abstract available online: <https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0…
[cited by applicant]
Bussard, R.W. “Some Physics Considerations of Magnetic Inertial-Electrostatic Confinement: A New Concept for Spherical Converging-flow Fusion,” Fusion Technology 19: 273 (1991).
[cited by applicant]
Calamai, P., “Chalk River Crisis Sired by AECL,” TheStar.com, (Jan. 19, 2008).
[cited by applicant]
Cappiello, C. et al., “Lessons Learned from 64 Years of Experience with Aqueous Homogeneous Reactors,” Los Alamos National Laboratory Report LA-UR-10-02947 (May 2010).
[cited by applicant]
Celona, L. et al., “Status of the TRASCO Intense Proton Source and Emittance Measurements,” Rev. of Sci. Instrum. 75:5: 1423 (2004).
[cited by applicant]
Chakin, V.P., et al. “High dose neutron irradiation damage in beryllium as blanket material,” Fusion Engineering and Design 58-59: 535-541 (Nov. 2001).
[cited by applicant]
Chenevert, G.M. et al., “A Tritium Gas Target as an Intense Source of 14 MeV Neutrons,”
[cited by applicant]
Cheng, Z. et al., “Preliminary Study of 99Mo Extraction Process from Uranly[sic]-Nitrate Fuel Solution of Medical Isotope Production Reactor,” Homogeneous Aqueous Solution Nuclear reactors for the Production of Mo-99 an…
[cited by applicant]
Cipiti, B.B., “Fusion Transmutation of Waste: Design and Analysis of the In-Zinerator Concept,” Sandia Report, SAND2006-6590, (Nov. 2006).
[cited by applicant]
Cohilis, P., “Recent Advances in the Design of a Cyclotron-Driven, Intense, Subcritical Neutron Source,”
[cited by applicant]
Collins, K.E. et al., “Extraction of High Specific Activity Radionuclides from Reactor-Irradiated [alpha]-Phthalocyanine Targets,” Radiochem. Radioanalyt. Lett. 41: 129-132 (1979).
[cited by applicant]
Committee on Medical Isotope Production Without Highly Enriched Uranium, National Research Council of the National Academies. Medical Isotope Production Without Highly Enriched Uranium. The National Academies Press, Was…
[cited by applicant]
Conner, C. et al., “Production of Mo-99 from LEU Targets Acid-side Processing,” 2000 Meeting on Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactors, Las Vegas, Nevada, (Oct. 1-6, 2000).
[cited by applicant]
DeJesus, O.T. et al., “Preparation and Purification of 77Br-Labeled p-Bromospiroperidol Suitable for in vivo Dopamine Receptor Studies,” J. Label. Comp. Radiopharm., 20: 745-756 (1983).
[cited by applicant]
DeJesus, O.T. et al., “Production and Purification of Zr-89, a Potential PET Antibody Label,” Appl. Radiat. Isotopes., Int.J. Radiat. Appl. Instr. Part A, 41:789-790 (1990).
[cited by applicant]
Deluca, P.M., “Performance of a Gas Target Neutron Source for Radiotherapy,” Phys. Med. Biol., 23:5: 876-887 (1978).
[cited by applicant]
Demchenko, P.O., “A Neutron Source on a Basis of a Subcritical Assembly Driven by a Deuteron Linac,” Problems of Atomic Science and Technology, 46:2:31-33 (2006).
[cited by applicant]
Department of Defense. “Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA) Deskbook,” (May 2005).
[cited by applicant]
Evaluated Nuclear Data File (ENDF): http://www-nds.iaea.org/exfor/endf.htm. Database Version of May 31, 2010. Accessed (May 3, 2010).
[cited by applicant]
Fraser, S., “Special Examination Report on Atomic Energy of Canada Limited-2007,” OAG Special Examination Report on Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, (Jan. 29, 2008).
[cited by applicant]
Galy, J. et al., “A Neutron Booster for Spallation Sources-Application to Accelerator driven Systems and Isotope Production,” Nuc. Instr. & Methods in Physics Res., 485:3:739-752 (2002).
[cited by applicant]
Ganjali, M.R. et al., “Novel Method for the Fast Separation and Purification of Molybdenum(VI) from Fission Products of Uranium with Aminofunctionalized Mesoporous Molecular Sieves (AMMS) Modified by Dicyclohexyl-18-Cro…
[cited by applicant]
Gobin, R. et al., “High Intensity ECR lon Source (H+, D+, H− Developments at CEA/Saclay,” Rev. of Sci. Instrum. 73:2: 922 (2002).
[cited by applicant]
Gohar, Y., “Accelerator-driven Subcritical Facility: Conceptual Design Development,” Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research A, 562:870-874 (2006).
[cited by applicant]
Hamilton, T., “Reactor Shutdown Leaves Cancer Patients in Limbo,” TheStar.com, (Dec. 5, 2007).
[cited by applicant]
Hirsch, R. L. “Inertial-Electrostatic Confinement of Ionized Fusion Gases” J. App. Phys. 38:4522-4534 (1967).
[cited by applicant]
IAEA, “Alternative Technologies for 99mTc Generators,” IAEA-TECDOC-852, (Dec. 1995).
[cited by applicant]
Kahn, L.H., “The Potential Dangers in Medical Isotope Production,” The Bulletin Online, (Mar. 17, 2008).
[cited by applicant]
Keele et al. “Solubility relations of uranyl fluoride-hydrofluoric acid-boric acid.” Journal of Chemical and Engineering Data 17.3 (1972): 330-332.
[cited by applicant]
King, LDP; Hammond, RP; Leary, JA; Bunker, ME; Wykoff, WR. “Gas Recombination System for a Homogeneous Reactor,” Nucleonics 11:9:25-29 (Sep. 1953).
[cited by applicant]
Kitten, S. et al., “Solution-reactor-produced Mo-99 using activated carbon to remore[sic] I-131,” Los Alamos National Laboratory Report, LA-UR--98-522 (Jun. 1998).
[cited by applicant]
Kulcinski, G. L., “Non-electric power, near term applications of fusion energy” 18th Symposium on Fusion Engineering, Albuquerque, NM, USA (1999) 5-8.
[cited by applicant]
Kulcinski, G.L. “Near Term Commercial Opportunities from Long Range Fusion Research,” 12th Annual Meeting on the Technology of Fusion Power, (Jun. 16-20, 1996).
[cited by applicant]
Kulcinski, G.L., et al., “Alternate Applications of Fusion-Production of Radioisotopes” Fusion Science and Technology 44:559 (2003).
[cited by applicant]
Kuperman, A.J., “Bomb-Grade Bazaar,” Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, 62:2:44-50 (Mar./Apr. 2006).
[cited by applicant]
Kwan, J.D. et al., “A 2.45 GHz High Current Ion Source for Neutron Production,” 17th International Workshop on ECR Ion Sources and Their Applications, Lanzhou, China, (Sep. 17-21, 2006).
[cited by applicant]
Lone, M.A., “Syrup Neutron Cross Sect. 10-40 JVIeV. Rep.:” BNL-NCS-50681, pp. 79-116 (1977).
[cited by applicant]
Maclachlan, A. “NRG to Study Potential for Use of LEU for Mo-99,” Nuclear Fuel, 32:26, (Dec. 17, 2007).
[cited by applicant]
MDS-Nordion. “Mo-99 Fact Sheet: Molybdenum-99 Fission Radiochemical”: http://www.nordion.com/documents/products/Mo-99_Bel.pdf (2009). Accessed (Jun. 1, 2010).
[cited by applicant]
Meade, C. et al., “Considering the Effects of a Catastrophic Terrorist Attack,” RAND Center for Terrorism Risk Management Policy Report, (2006).
[cited by applicant]
Mirzadeh, S., “Production Capabilities in U.S. Nuclear Reactors for Medical Radioisotopes,” ORNL report, ORNL/TM-12010, (Nov. 1992).
[cited by applicant]
Mutalib, A., “Full Scale Demonstration of the Cintichem Process for the Production of Mo-99 Using a Low Enriched Target,” ANL Report ANL/CMT/CP-97560, (Sep. 1999).
[cited by applicant]
Newsline, “Shortage of Molybdenum-99 Due to Strike at NRU Reactor,” The Journal of Nuclear Medicine, 38:8, (Aug. 1997).
[cited by applicant]
Nickles, R.J. “Production of a Broad Range of Radionuclides with an 11 MeV Proton Cyclotron,” J Label Comp Radiopharm 30:120 (1991).
[cited by applicant]
Nortier, F.M. et al., “Investigation of the thermal performance of solid targets for radioisotope production,” Nucl. Instr. and Meth. A 355:236 (1995).
[cited by applicant]
Ogawa, K; et al., “Development of solution behavior observation system under criticality accident conditions in TRACY,” Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology 37:12:1088-1097 (Dec. 2000).
[cited by applicant]
Olhoett, G., “Applications and Frustrations in Using Ground Penetrating Radar,” Aerospace and Electronics Systems Magazine, IEEE, 21:2:.12-20, (2002).
[cited by applicant]
Osso, J.A., “Preparation of a Gel of Zirconium Molybdate for use in the Generators of 99Mo-99mTc Prepared with 99Mo Produced by the 98Mo(n,γ)99Mo Reaction,” 1998 International Meeting on Reduced Enrichment for Research …
[cited by applicant]
Piefer, G. “Performance of a Low Pressure, Helicon Driven IEC Helium-3 Fusion Device,” Ph.D. Thesis (Dec. 2006).
[cited by applicant]
Radel et al., “Detection of Highly Enriched Uranium Using a Pulsed D-D Fusion Source,” Fusion Science and Technology, vol. 52. No. 4, pp. 1087-1091 (2007).
[cited by applicant]
Risler, R., “20 Years of Clinical Therapy Operation with the Fast Neutron Therapy System in Seattle,” Proceedings of the Seventeenth International Conference on Cyclotrons and Their Applications, (Oct. 18-22, 2004).
[cited by applicant]
Russoto, R.L. et al., “Measurement of fuel ion temperatures in ICF implosions using current mode neutron time of flight detectors” Review of Scientific Instrumentation, 61:10:3125-3127 (1990).
[cited by applicant]
Sabatier, J.M., “A Study on the Passive Detection of Clandestine Tunnels,” 2008 IEEE Conference on Technologies for Homeland Security, pp. 353-358, (May 12-13, 2008).
[cited by applicant]
Schiller et al., “Electron Beam Technology,” Wiley-Interscience p. 59; Fig. F (XP002545103) (1982).
[cited by applicant]
Schueller, M.J. et al., “Production and Extraction of 10CO2 From Proton Bombardment of Molten 10B2O3.” Am Inst Physics Press (Oct. 2002).
[cited by applicant]
Sherman, J. “High-Current Proton and Deuterium Extraction Systems,”
[cited by applicant]
Sherman, J.D. et al., “A 75-keV, 140-mA Proton Injector,” Rev. of Scientific Instruments 73:2 917 (Feb. 2002).
[cited by applicant]
Sherman, J.D. et al., “Proton Injector for cw-Mode Linear Accelerators,” AIP Conf. Proc. 1099: 102 (2008).
[cited by applicant]
Song, Z. et al., “Minipermanent Magnet High-Current Microwave Ion Source,” Rev. of Sci. Instrum. 77 03A305 (2006).
[cited by applicant]
Stacey, W.M, “Capabilities of a DT Tokamak Fusion Neutron Source for Driving a Spent Nuclear Fuel Transmutation Reactor,” Nuclear Fusion, 41:2:135-154 (2001).
[cited by applicant]
Stolarczyk, L.G., “Detection of Underground Tunnels with a Synchronized Electromagnetic Wave Gradiometer,” AFRL-VS-HA-TR-2005-1066, ARFL Technical Report, (2005).
[cited by applicant]
Taylor, T. et al., “An Advanced High-Current Low-Emittance dc Microwave Proton Source,” Nucl. Instrum. and Methods in Phys. Res Part A 336:1 (1993).
[cited by applicant]
Tkac, P. et al., “Speciation of molybdenum (IV) in aqueous and organic phases of selected extraction systems,” Separation Science and Technology (2008) 43:2641-2675.
[cited by applicant]
Underhill, DW. “The Adsorption of Argon, Krypton and Xenon on Activated Charcoal,” Health Phs. 71:2:160-166 (1996).
[cited by applicant]
Vandegrift, G. “ANL (GFV) Perspective on Conversion of Mo-99 Production from High- to Low-Enriched Uranium,” Presentation to the National Academies Committee on Medical Isotope Production without Highly Enriched Uranium…
[cited by applicant]
Vandegrift, G. F. et al., “RERTR Progress in Mo-99 Production from LEU,” 6th International Topical Meeting Research Reactor Fuel Management (RRFM), Ghent, Belgium, Mar. 17-20, 2002.
[cited by applicant]
Vandegrift, G.F. et al. “Production of Mo-99 from LEU Targets Base-side Processing,” Meeting on Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactors, Las Vegas, Nevada, (Oct. 1-6, 2000).
[cited by applicant]
Von Hippel, F.N. et al., “Feasibility of Eliminating the Use of Highly Enriched Uranium in the Production of Medical Radioisotopes,” Science and Global Security, 14:151-162 (2006).
[cited by applicant]
Vucina, J. L. “Elution Efficiency of Mo-99/Tc-99m Generators,” Facta Universitatis—Series: Physics, Chemistry and Technology, 2:3:125-130 (2001).
[cited by applicant]
Weidner, J.W. et al. “Production of 13N via Inertial Electrostatic Confinement Fusion,” Fusion Science and Technology 44: 539 (2003).
[cited by applicant]
William, B. et al., “Proliferation Dangers Associated with Nuclear Medicine: Getting Weapons-Grade Uranium Out Of Radiopharmaceutical Production,” Medicine, Conflict and Survival, 23:4:267-281 (Dec. 2007).
[cited by applicant]
Yoshikawa, K., et al., “Research and development of landmine detection system by a compact fusion neutron source”, 16th Topical Meeting on Fusion Energy, Madison, WI, USA, O-I-6.4 (2004) 1224-1228.
[cited by applicant]
Zabetakis, M.G., “Flammability Characteristics of Combustible Gases and Vapors,” Bulleltin 627, US Bureau of Mines (1965).
[cited by applicant]
Ziegler, J. “Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter,” www.srim.org (2008) Accessed (Jun. 1, 2010).
[cited by applicant]
Piefer et al., “Mo-99 Production Using a Subcritical Assembly,”—Mo-99 2011—1st Annual Molybdenum-99 Topical Meeting, Dec. 2011 <https://mo99.ne.anl.gov/2011/pdfs/Mo99%202011%20Web%20Papers/S6-P3_Piefer-Paper.pdf> 7 page…
[cited by applicant]
Canadian Patent Office Action for Application No. 2,723,224 dated Mar. 30, 2017 (4 pages).
[cited by applicant]
Canadian Patent Office Action for Application No. 2723224 dated Jun. 10, 2016 (3 pages).
[cited by applicant]
Canadian Patent Office Action for Application No. 2723224 dated Jun. 5, 2015 (5 pages).
[cited by applicant]
Canadian Patent Office Action for Application No. 2,869,559 dated Jan. 25, 2019 (4 pages).
[cited by applicant]
Chinese Office Action for Application No. 200980123452.6 dated Feb. 11, 2014 (16 pages, English Translation included).
[cited by applicant]
Chinese Office Action for Application No. 200980123452.6 dated Feb. 17, 2013 (12 pages—English Translation).
[cited by applicant]
Chinese Patent Office Action for Application No. 200980123452.6 dated Apr. 22, 2015 (7 pages, English translation included).
[cited by applicant]
Chinese Patent Office Action for Application No. 200980123452.6 dated Oct. 23, 2014 (14 pages, English translation included).
[cited by applicant]
Chinese Patent Office Action for Application No. 201380018865.4 dated Feb. 2, 2016 (translation).
[cited by applicant]
Chinese Patent Office Action for Application No. 201380018865.4 dated Nov. 28, 2016 (17 pages with English translation).
[cited by applicant]
Chinese Patent Office Action for Application No. 201510976878.3 dated Mar. 3, 2017 (22 pages, English translation included).
[cited by applicant]
Chinese Patent Office Action for Application No. 2013800188654 dated Jul. 26, 2017 (16 pages, English translation included).
[cited by applicant]
Chinese Patent Office Action for Application No. 2013800188654 dated Apr. 17, 2018 (7 pages, English translation included).
[cited by applicant]
Chinese Patent Office Action for Application No. 201510976878.3 dated Nov. 13, 2017 (10 pages).
[cited by applicant]
European Patent Office Action for Application No. 09739965.3 dated Sep. 19, 2012 (4 pages).
[cited by applicant]
European Patent Office Action for Application No. 09739965.3 dated Nov. 26, 2015.
[cited by applicant]
International Search Report and Written Opinion for Application No. PCT/US2013/031837 dated Dec. 6, 2013 (9 pages).
[cited by applicant]
Japanese Office Action for Application No. 2011/507694 dated Jul. 24, 2014 (3 pages).
[cited by applicant]
Japanese Office Action for Application No. 2011/507694 dated Jun. 4, 2013 (Translation and Original, 9 pages).
[cited by applicant]
Japanese Patent Office Action for Application No. 2011-507694 dated Feb. 9, 2015 (3 pages—Statement of relevance included).
[cited by applicant]
Japanese Patent Office Action for Application No. 2013-249823 dated Aug. 22, 2016 (3 pages with English translation).
[cited by applicant]
Japanese Patent Office action for Application No. 2013-249823 dated Nov. 10, 2014 (2 pages—Statement of relevance included).
[cited by applicant]
Japanese Patent Office Action for Application No. 2013-249823 dated Oct. 15, 2015 (6 pages) English translation only.
[cited by applicant]
Korean Patent Office Action for Application No. 10-2010-7027045 dated Feb. 15, 2016.
[cited by applicant]
Korean Patent Office Action for Application No. 10-2010-7027045 dated Mar. 30, 2015 (10 pages—English translation included).
[cited by applicant]
Korean Patent Office Action for Application No. 10-2016-7015856 dated Sep. 27, 2016 (11 pages with English translation).
[cited by applicant]
PCT/US2008/088485 International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Dec. 18, 2009 (14 pages).
[cited by applicant]
PCT/US2009/042587 International Preliminary Report on Patentability dated Nov. 11, 2010 (9 pages).
[cited by applicant]
PCT/US2009/042587 International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Dec. 16, 2009 (9 pages).
[cited by applicant]
PCT/US2011/23024 International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Dec. 6, 2011 (14 pages).
[cited by applicant]
Russian Patent Office Action for Application No. 2014144290 dated Oct. 31, 2016 (12 pages with English translation).
[cited by applicant]
Russian Patent Office Decision to Grant a Patent for Invention dated for Application No. 2014144290 Jan. 26, 2018 (14 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 12/990,758 dated Jul. 21, 2016 (14 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 12/990,758 dated Mar. 23, 2015 (17 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 12/990,758 dated May 7, 2014 (14 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/460,033 dated Apr. 17, 2015 (13 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/460,033 dated Feb. 1, 2017 (10 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/460,033 dated Mar. 7, 2016 (12 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/575,826 dated Apr. 20, 2015 (13 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/575,826 dated Feb. 21, 2017 (17 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/575,826 dated Feb. 5, 2016 (13 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 12/990,758 dated Apr. 10, 2017 (8 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/575,826 dated Nov. 24, 2017 (20 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/460,033 dated Nov. 16, 2017 (18 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/460,033 dated Jun. 26, 2018 (17 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 14/390,658 dated Apr. 20, 2018 (14 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/575,826 dated Jul. 27, 2018 (17 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 14/390,658 dated Dec. 28, 2018 (14 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/460,033 dated Jan. 10, 2019 (21 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/575,826 dated Mar. 15, 2019 (23 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 15/644,497 dated Jul. 16, 2019 (17 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 14/390,658 dated Jul. 18, 2019 (11 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/460,033 dated Aug. 15, 2019 (37 pages).
[cited by applicant]
Korean Patent Office Action for Application No. 10-2014-7031068 dated Aug. 28, 2019 (10 pages, English translation included).
[cited by applicant]
Canadian Patent Office Action for Application No. 2,869,559 dated Jan. 22, 2020 (4 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 15/644,497 dated Feb. 10, 2020 (16 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 13/460,033 dated Mar. 24, 2020 (8 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 14/390,658 dated Apr. 6, 2020 (11 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/575,826 dated May 18, 2020 (28 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 15/644,497 dated Sep. 21, 2020 (14 pages).
[cited by applicant]
Canadian Patent Office Action for Application No. 2,869,559 dated Nov. 6, 2020 (4 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 14/390,658 dated Dec. 7, 2020 (13 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 13/575,826 dated Dec. 11, 2020 (8 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 15/644,497 dated Apr. 16, 2021 (16 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 14/390,658 dated Aug. 19, 2021 (9 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 15/644,497 dated Nov. 8, 2021 (17 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 14/390,658 dated Feb. 14, 2022 (9 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 15/644,497 dated Jul. 12, 2022 (19 pages).
[cited by applicant]
India Patent Office Examination Report for Application No. 9137/DELNP/2014 dated Aug. 29, 2022 (7 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 17/745,637, dated Dec. 19, 2023 (11 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 15/644,497 dated Mar. 7, 2023 (8 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 17/722,164, dated Aug. 30, 2024 (13 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 18/513,306, dated Jan. 3, 2025 (39 pages).
[cited by applicant]
United States Patent Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 17/745,637, dated Jul. 2, 2024 (13 pages).
[cited by applicant]