US3638017A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Thermoluminescent dosimeter encoding and readout method
Assignee: United States Atomic Energy Commission
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Filing: 1969-12-23
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Granted: 1972-01-25
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Expires: 1989-12-23
Abstract
Abstract A system and method for encoding personnel or other type of identification data from a computer center on a holder for dosimetric material, and automatically removing from the holder the material and reading out radiation dosage thereon while decoding the identification data on the holder, and transmitting the readout and decoded data to the computer center. The encoding is accomplished in such a manner as to substantially eliminate accidental or intentional errors, while the dosimetric material is removed by vacuum means and readout in a hot oxygen-free gas, such as nitrogen.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald E Jones
- 👤 Kermit F Petrock
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 23:05
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01T; G01T1/00; G01T1/02; G01T1/10; G01T1/11; G01T1/115
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
215 words
A method for encoding and decoding a thermoluminescent dosimeter and reading out the radiation dosage of the thermoluminescent material comprising the steps of: encoding desired identification data on a thermoluminescent material holder by at least punching apertures therein in accordance with a selected code, encoding the holder in accordance with decimal information from a previously punched card, providing the decimal information by a computerized information storage center through a card-reading mechanism, securing selected thermoluminescent material in at least one recess located in the holder by inserting a suitable cover means thereover, exposing the thermoluminescent material to radiation for a selected period of time, decoding the identification data on the material by utilizing means responsive to light passing through the apertures therein, removing the cover means securing the thermoluminescent material in the recess of the holder by heating the cover means causing same to shrink and applying a vacuum thereto, removing the thermoluminescent material from the holder, reading out the radiation dosage on the thermoluminescent material by utilizing hot oxygen-free gas, recording the decoded identification data and radiation dosage by electronically transmitting same in decimal form to a summary punch mechanism and punching the transmitted information in the card means, and transmitting the recorded decoded identification data and radiation dosage to the computerized information storage center.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
215 words
A method for encoding and decoding a thermoluminescent dosimeter and reading out the radiation dosage of the thermoluminescent material comprising the steps of: encoding desired identification data on a thermoluminescent material holder by at least punching apertures therein in accordance with a selected code, encoding the holder in accordance with decimal information from a previously punched card, providing the decimal information by a computerized information storage center through a card-reading mechanism, securing selected thermoluminescent material in at least one recess located in the holder by inserting a suitable cover means thereover, exposing the thermoluminescent material to radiation for a selected period of time, decoding the identification data on the material by utilizing means responsive to light passing through the apertures therein, removing the cover means securing the thermoluminescent material in the recess of the holder by heating the cover means causing same to shrink and applying a vacuum thereto, removing the thermoluminescent material from the holder, reading out the radiation dosage on the thermoluminescent material by utilizing hot oxygen-free gas, recording the decoded identification data and radiation dosage by electronically transmitting same in decimal form to a summary punch mechanism and punching the transmitted information in the card means, and transmitting the recorded decoded identification data and radiation dosage to the computerized information storage center.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method defined in claim 1, wherein the step of encoding desired identification data on the holder is accomplished by punching the apertures in accordance with a binary code and imbedding on the holder other identification data, the binary code being defined by selected apertures being located in a plurality of rows on the holder.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method defined in claim 1, wherein the step of decoding the identification data is accomplished by directing light through the apertures in the holder and electronically reading out the encoded material defined by the apertures.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method defined in claim 1, wherein the step of removing the thermoluminescent material from the holder is accomplished by applying a vacuum means thereto.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
68 words
The method defined in claim 1, wherein the step of reading out the radiation dosage on the thermoluminescent material is accomplished by positioning the material in a stream of heated nitrogen passing through a highly polished cavity mounted so as to face a photomultipher tube means, the cavity functioning to collect and focus light on the photomultipher tube means, thereby providing a radiation dosage readout from the material.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-01-24 | 1975-07-26 | 1976-01-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-01-24 | 1979-07-26 | 1980-01-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-01-24 | 1983-07-26 | 1984-01-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |