Abstract:
A device containment apparatus includes a vessel for storing an explosive device and minimizing dispersal of radioactive material. The vessel includes an outer wall defining an interior area. A first frame supports the vessel and supports a first or outer radiation shield that is spaced from the vessel. A second or inner radiation shield can also be provided, supported adjacent the vessel&#39;s outer wall by a second frame that includes upper and lower frame rings. The vessel and the second radiation shield can be generally spherical, while the first frame is substantially rectangular, and the first radiation shield includes substantially planar sides.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to a shielded device containment vessel for storing, transporting and detonating an explosive device and method of operating the same. 
     Bomb containment vessels are used for transporting and storing explosives, as well as containing an explosion. Typically, containment vessels are spherical or rectangular units having an external shell and a series of reinforcements and shock absorbing material between the shells. Containment vessels contain and absorb an explosion, accidental or intentional, to prevent damage to surrounding persons, environment, or structures. However, if radioactive explosives are stored or detonated within the containment vessel, the containment vessel does not prevent dispersal of radiation from the vessel. Thus, the containment vessel provides no protection to surrounding persons, environment, or structures from radiation exposure. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, the invention provides a device containment apparatus for storing an explosive device and minimizing dispersal of radioactive material. The device containment apparatus includes a substantially spherical containment vessel for storing an explosive device and a frame supporting the vessel. The vessel defines an interior area and includes a door allowing selective access to the interior area. A radiation shield includes a plurality of radiation shielding panels supported on the frame in spaced relationship with the vessel. 
     In another embodiment, the invention provides a device containment apparatus for storing an explosive device and minimizing dispersal of radioactive material. The device containment apparatus includes a vessel for storing an explosive device, the vessel including an outer wall defining an interior area. A frame includes a first frame ring and a second frame ring that are positioned at generally opposite ends of the vessel. A radiation shield includes a plurality of overlapping radiation shielding panels supported by the frame and having a shape complementary to an outer wall of the vessel. 
     In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a device containment apparatus for storing an explosive device and minimizing dispersal of radioactive material. A vessel is included for storing an explosive device. The vessel includes an outer wall defining an interior area. A first frame supports the vessel and includes a base and an upper portion spaced above the base. A second frame includes an upper frame ring and a lower frame ring, the upper and lower frame rings positioned at generally opposite ends of the vessel. A first radiation shield includes a plurality of radiation shielding panels supported on the first frame. A second radiation shield includes a plurality of radiation shielding panels that are supported by the upper and lower frame rings and extend along an outer wall of the vessel. The first radiation shield is positioned radially outward of the second radiation shield so that the first radiation shield is in spaced relationship with the outer wall of the vessel and the second radiation shield. 
     Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a device containment apparatus embodying the invention. 
         FIGS. 2-5  are perspective views of a partial assembly of the device containment apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a section view of the radiation shield taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a device containment apparatus embodying the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a partial assembly of the device containment apparatus of  FIG. 6 , showing a plate member. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a partial assembly of the device containment apparatus of  FIG. 6 , showing a plurality of plate members. 
         FIG. 10  is an end view of a device containment apparatus illustrating an internal radiation shield. 
         FIG. 11  is a section view of the device containment apparatus of  FIG. 10  taken along line  11 - 11 . 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the device containment apparatus including a supplemental radiation shield. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the device containment apparatus including a supplemental radiation shield. 
     
    
    
     Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1-5  illustrate a shielded containment system  20  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The shielded containment system  20  is especially suitable for use in the safe disposal and transportation of hazardous materials, including explosive devices (e.g., bombs) and materials, toxic materials, poisonous materials, radioactive materials, biological agents, and chemical agents, and objects having or expected of having one or more such hazardous materials. In a preferred embodiment, the shielded containment system  20  is used for transporting, storing, and/or detonating explosive radioactive materials. 
     The shielded containment system  20  includes a device containment vessel  24  and a radiation shielding system  26 . The containment vessel  24  includes an outer wall  28  ( FIG. 2 ), which at least partially encloses an interior area  32  for receiving explosive devices or materials. In the illustrated embodiment, the containment vessel  24  has a substantially spherical shape. The containment vessel  24  includes an opening  36  through the outer wall  28  for accessing the interior area  32  and a door frame  40 , which substantially surrounds the opening  36 . The door frame  40  supports a door  44  for movement relative to the door frame  40  between an open position ( FIG. 1 ), in which the door  44  is moved away from or out of the opening  36 , and a closed position ( FIG. 5 ), preventing access to the interior area  32  through the opening  36 . In one embodiment, the containment vessel  24  includes a latch for securing the door  44  in the closed position and a lock to further secure the door  44  in the closed position and to prevent or limit unauthorized access to the interior area  32 . One example of a containment vessel used in the present invention is the Model 42-SCS manufactured by Nabco, Inc. (Pittsburgh, Pa.). 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the containment vessel  24  is supported by and mounted to a support frame  48  that includes a base  52 . Portions of the containment vessel  24  and the radiation shielding system  26  are coupled to and supported by the base  52 , and in the illustrated embodiment the underside or bottom portion  56  of the containment vessel  24  is coupled to the base  52  by mounting brackets  54  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ). The support frame  48  supports the containment vessel  24  in an elevated position above the ground or the floor so that a hand cart, dolly, forklift, or other carrier may more easily lift the containment vessel  24  off of the ground or the floor and move the containment vessel  24  from a first location to a second, remote location. In these embodiments, the support frame  48  may provide openings for receiving portions of a hand cart, dolly, forklift, or other carrier (described below) to facilitate movement of the containment vessel  24 . 
     In another embodiment, the support frame  48  includes a number of wheels or rollers connected to the support frame  48  to facilitate movement of the containment vessel  24  between locations. For example, the support frame  48  may be structured as a trailer so that an operator or a carrier can transport the containment vessel  24  more easily between locations. In some embodiments, the containment vessel  24  may include a dedicated carrier or other non-dedicated carriers may be operable to move the containment vessel  24 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the radiation shielding system  26  provides a barrier to prevent or minimize dispersal of radiation from radioactive materials stored or detonated within the containment vessel  24  to the surrounding environment. In the illustrated embodiment, the radiation shielding system  26  includes a main vessel shield  60 , a door shield system, corner shields  196 , and auxiliary shield panels  208  (discussed below). The main vessel shield  60  includes a plurality of panels  64  formed of radiation shielding material ( FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  6 ). Each panel is shaped to complement a contour of the spherical containment vessel  24  and in particular, a portion of the containment vessel  24  adjacent where the panel  64  is positioned. In the illustrated embodiment, the shape of the panels  64  positioned adjacent the door frame  40  is modified to fit around the door frame  40 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , each panel  64  includes a first end  68 , a second end  72  and first and second side edges  76 ,  80 . The panels  64  are arranged about a circumference of the containment vessel  24  such that the first side edge  76  and the second side edge  80  of adjacent panels  64  abut The first end  68  of the panel  64  is coupled to the base  52  or the bottom portion  56  of the containment vessel  24 , and the second end  72  of the panel  64  is coupled to a top portion  84  of the containment vessel  24 . For example, the panels  64  may be mounted to fasteners  86  attached to the containment vessel  24 , coupled to the containment vessel  24  at attachment points (not shown) welded to the outer wall  28 , or the like. In one embodiment, there is an air gap between the outer wall  28  of the containment vessel  24  and the panels  64  to provide a tolerance between the two. 
     The main vessel shield  60  also includes a plurality of seam plates  88  ( FIGS. 3-5 ). Each seam plate  88  is positioned over a seam (not shown) between adjacent panels  64  and is coupled to the adjacent panels  64 . The seam plates  88  are shaped to complement the contour of the adjacent panels  64  and the spherical containment vessel  24 . The seam plate  88  overlaps the adjacent panels  64  to prevent line-of-sight radiation exposure, or exposure to other hazardous materials, from the containment vessel  24  at the seam. As shown in  FIG. 4 , fasteners  96  are attached to each panel  64  and the seam plate  88  includes U-shaped brackets  100  for sliding engagement with the fasteners  96 . It should be readily apparent to those of skill in the art that other fastener means may be used to couple the seam plates  88  to the panels  64 . 
       FIG. 6  is a section view of a panel  64  of the main vessel shield  60  that shows multiple layers and materials forming the panel  64 . In the illustrated embodiment, the panel  64  is formed from two layers of stainless steel plating  104 ,  108  that are formed or molded around a radiation shielding core  112 . In some embodiments, the core  112  includes or is formed from lead. However, in other embodiments, the core  112  includes or is formed from other radiation shielding materials, such as tungsten. The seam plate  88  is formed from two layers of stainless steel plating formed or molded around a radiation shielding core as well. 
     The radiation shielding core  112  has a thickness sufficient to contain radiation in the interior area  32  of the containment vessel  24  and prevent radiation or hazardous materials dispersal to the atmosphere. In one embodiment, the core  112  has a thickness of about 0.25 to about 0.8 inches, however, it should be readily apparent to one of skill in the art that the thickness of the core  112  is proportional to the level of shielding required. 
     In other embodiments, the main vessel shield  60  is manufactured from or includes other materials, including plastics, other synthetic materials, ceramics, fiberglass, iron, and the like, which comprise a radiation shielding material or encase a radiation shielding core. In these embodiments, the main vessel shield  60  is molded (e.g., injection molded) from a plastic material or the main vessel shield  60  is manufactured in any other manner, such as by casting, stamping, machining, bending, pressing, extruding, or other manufacturing operations. In still another embodiment, the radiation shielding core  112  is coated with a protective layer, such as plastic, ceramic, or other synthetic materials. In addition, the main vessel shield may be formed from at least one lead wool blanket, which may be encased, that is positioned adjacent the containment vessel  24 . 
     In embodiments such as the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 1-5  having stainless steel plating and a core, the steel plating absorbs and contains explosions, minimizing the potential dangers of objects contained in the interior area  32 . The steel plating also protects objects contained in the interior  32  area from impacts and environmental damage during storage and transportation of the objects. In these embodiments, the core  112  operates to absorb and contain explosions and to protect the environment external to the containment vessel  24  from hazardous materials within the interior area  32 , including radiation. The core  112  also provides radiological insulation to contain or minimize the dispersion of potential harmful radiological or nuclear materials contained in the interior area  32 , during transport, storage or detonation of the explosives. 
     In embodiments having multiple layers and/or being formed of multiple sheets, the layers and/or sheets are welded together. Alternatively, the layers and/or sheets are secured together by threaded fasteners, rivets, pins, clamps, or other fasteners, by snap fits, inter-engaging elements, adhesive or cohesive bonding material, by brazing, or soldering, and the like. In one embodiment, the main vessel shield  60  is formed from a single continuous sheet rather than multiple panels and seam plates. 
     In some embodiments, the main vessel shield  60  includes a seal including radiation shielding material, which is positioned between the shield  60  and the outer wall  28  of the containment vessel  24  to prevent radiological materials or other hazardous materials from leaking out of the interior area  32  between the shield  60  and the outer wall  28 . In these embodiments, the seal can include interlocking or overlapping protrusions, panels, or tabs. In other embodiments, the seal can include one or more elastic and/or insulating elements positioned between the shield  60  and the outer wall  28  of the containment vessel  24 . 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 2-4 , the panels  64  are arranged such that the top portion  84  and the bottom portion  56  of the containment vessel  24  remain exposed, which does reduce the weight of the radiation shielding system  26 . It should be readily apparent to one of skill in the art that in further embodiments no portions of the containment vessel  24  are exposed, either the top or bottom portion  84 ,  56  is exposed, or other portions of the containment vessel  24  may be exposed. For example, in one embodiment, radiation shielding panels are positioned at the top and bottom exposed portions  84 ,  56  of the containment vessel  24  to completely enclose the containment vessel  24 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  4  and  5 , the radiation shielding system  26  includes a door shield system for containing and minimizing radiation emissions from the interior area  32  of the containment vessel  24  at areas adjacent the opening  36 , the door frame  40  and the door  44 . The door shield system includes a pair of radiation shielding frame sleeves  120 ,  124  configured and adapted for covering external surfaces of the door frame  40 . In  FIG. 4 , frame sleeve  120  is shown attached to the door frame  40  and frame sleeve  124  is shown detached from the door frame  40 . The frame sleeves  120 ,  124  are attached to the door frame  40  with threaded fasteners  128 , however, it should be readily apparent that other fastener means may be used, such as rivets, pins, clamps, or other fasteners, by snap fits, inter-engaging elements, adhesive or cohesive bonding material, by brazing, or soldering, and the like. 
     Each frame sleeve  120 ,  124  is formed or molded to complement the contour of the door frame  40 . The frame sleeves  120 ,  124  cover, or encase, external surfaces of the door frame  40  to contain or minimize radiation within the interior area  32  from traveling to the external environment through the door frame  40  or areas between the door frame  40  and the adjacent panels  64 . As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the frame sleeves  120 ,  124  overlap a portion of the adjacent panels  64  to prevent line-of-sight radiation exposure from between the door frame  40  and the panel  64 . In a further embodiment, the frame sleeves  120 ,  124  include fewer of more components, for example, a single sleeve is configured for covering the door frame  40 . 
     In the closed position, the door  44  is received by the opening to prevent access to the interior area  32 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , an arm  132  pivotally connected to the support frame  42  supports the door  44  and a pair of brackets  136  connect the door  44  to the arm  132 . The door shield system includes a door shield  140  for covering an external surface of the door  44 , and preventing or minimizing radiation emissions from the interior area  32  of the containment vessel  24  through the door  44  and a seam  144  between the door  44  and the door frame  40 . The door shield  140  has a size sufficient to cover the door  44  and the door frame  40  of the containment vessel  24 . 
     The door shield  140  includes a pair of substantially semi-circular shield portions  148 ,  152  that are coupled to the door  44  of the containment vessel  24 . Each shield portion  148 ,  152  includes a pair of notches  156  such that when the door shield  140  is attached to the door  44 , the notches  156  fit around the brackets  136 . Further, each shield portion  148 ,  152  includes a radially extending flange  148 A,  152 A positioned to cover a seam between the two frame sleeves  120 ,  124  coupled to the door frame  40 . Each shield portion  148 ,  152  includes an inner band  148 B,  152 B spaced radially inward from an outer perimeter  148 C,  152 C of the respective shield portion  148 ,  152 . The inner bands  148 B,  152 B and the outer perimeters  148 C,  152 C fit between an inner edge of the door frame  40  and an outer edge of the door frame  40  to prevent line-of-sight radiation through the door frame  40 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lower shield portion  148  includes a flange  160  for covering a seam between the two door shield portions  148 ,  152 . In a further embodiment, the door  44  is formed from a radiation shielding material, such as tungsten, lead or the like, therefore, eliminating the need for a door shield, although supplemental shields may be used to provide shielding at seams of the containment vessel  24 . 
     The door shield system also includes an upper shield  172 , a lower shield  176  and a door mount shield  180 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the upper shield  172  is positioned over an upper exposed area  184  of the containment vessel  24  behind a top portion of the door frame  40  and between the two panels  64  positioned adjacent the door frame  40 . The upper shield  172  prevents or minimizes radiation dispersal to the external environment through the upper exposed area  184 . The upper shield  172  attaches to the outer wall  28  of the containment vessel  24 . It should be readily apparent to those of skill in the art that other upper shield configurations may be used to cover the exposed area  184  behind the door frame  40  and between the two panels  64  positioned adjacent the door frame  40 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the lower shield  176  includes a first shield portion  188  and a second shield portion  190  positioned over a lower exposed area (not shown) at the bottom portion  56  of the containment vessel  24  and between the panels  64  positioned adjacent the door frame  40 . The first shield portion  188  of the lower shield  176  extends between and is coupled to two front corner shields  196  (discussed below). The first shield portion  188  covers a portion of the exposed area behind a bottom portion of the door frame  40  and between the two front corner shields  196 . The second shield portion  192  is coupled to the first shield portion  188  and extends downward from the first shield portion  188  ( FIG. 4 ) and over a portion of a front face  200  of the base  52 . The second shield portion  192  covers a portion of the exposed area behind the bottom portion of the door frame  40  and between the first shield portion  188  and the base  52 . It should be readily apparent to those of skill in the art that other lower shield configurations may be used to cover the exposed area behind the door frame  40  and between the two panels  64  positioned adjacent the door frame  40 . For example, in one embodiment a radiation shielding plate is mounted to the front face  200  of the base  52 . 
     As illustrated by  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the door mount shield  180  encloses the door brackets  136  and a portion of the arm  132  to prevent or minimize radiation emissions from the interior area  32  through seams between the door shield portions  148 ,  152  and the brackets  136 . It should be readily apparent to those of skill in the art that the door mount shield  180  may include any number of shield portions. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the shield portions of the door shield system are formed by a radiation shielding core encased within stainless steel plating. In further embodiments, the shield portions are formed from any number of the materials and layers discussed above with respect to the main vessel shield  60 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  4  and  5 , the radiation shielding system  26  includes four corner shields  196  for preventing or minimizing radiation emissions from the containment vessel  24  through openings where the containment vessel  24  is attached to the base  52 . As seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the containment vessel  24  is attached to the base  52  by mounting brackets  54 . The panels  64  of the main vessel shield  60  are configured to fit around the mounting brackets  54 , which leaves openings to the outer wall  28  of the containment vessel  24 . Each corner shield  196  is positioned to cover one mounting bracket  54  and overlap the adjacent panels  64 . Although the mounting brackets  54  and corner shields  196  are positioned in the four corners of the base  52 , in further embodiments, fewer or more mounting brackets  54  and corner shields  196  may be used and positioned in alternate positions around the circumference of the containment vessel  24 . In a preferred embodiment, the corner shields  196  are formed by a radiation shielding core encased within stainless steel plating. In further embodiments, the corner shields  196  are formed from any number of the materials and layers discussed above with respect to the main vessel shield  60 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the radiation shielding system  26  includes auxiliary shield panels  208  mounted to the support frame  48  of the containment vessel  24 . The auxiliary shield panels  208  prevent or minimize radiation emissions from radioactive materials within the interior area  32  of the containment vessel  24  through a seam between the panels  64  of the main vessel shield  60  and the frame sleeves  120 ,  124  of the door shield system. Each auxiliary shield panel  208  is mounted to the support frame  48  and extends between an upper frame portion  212  to the base  52  adjacent an exposed area to be covered. In a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary shield panels  208  are formed by a radiation shielding core encased within stainless steel plating. In further embodiments, the auxiliary shield panels  208  are formed from any number of the materials and layers discussed above with respect to the main vessel shield  60 . 
       FIGS. 7-9  illustrate another embodiment of a shielded containment system  220  embodying the invention, in which like features with the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-5  are identified by the same numerals. The shielded containment system  220  includes the device containment vessel  24  and a radiation shielding system. The containment vessel  24  is supported by and mounted to the support frame  48  that includes the base  52 . The containment vessel  24  includes the outer wall  28 , which at least partially encloses an interior area (not shown) for receiving explosive materials. In the illustrated embodiment, the containment vessel  24  has a substantially spherical shape. The containment vessel  24  includes the opening  36  through the outer wall  28  for accessing the interior area and the door frame  40 , which substantially surrounds the opening  36 . The door frame  40  supports the door  44  for movement relative to the door frame  40  between an open position in which the door  44  is moved away from or out of the opening  36 , and a closed position (shown in  FIG. 7 ), preventing access to the interior area through the opening  36 . 
     The radiation shielding system includes a main vessel shield  224 , a door frame shield  228  and a door shield  232 . The main vessel shield  224  includes a plurality of panels  236  and a pair of frame rings  240 ,  242  mounted to the containment vessel  24  for coupling the panels  236  thereto.  FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate construction of the main vessel shield  224 . The panels  236  are shaped to complement a contour of the spherical containment vessel  24 . Each panel  236  includes a first end  244 , a second end  248  and first and second side edges  252 ,  256 . The first end  244  of the panel  236  is coupled to the upper frame ring  240  and the second end  248  of the panel  236  is coupled to the lower frame ring  242 . The panels  236  are arranged about a circumference of the containment vessel  24  such that the first edge  252  and the second edge  256  of adjacent panels  236  abut. 
     Each panel  236  includes a seam plate  260  extending laterally from a top surface  264  of the second edge  256  of the panel  236 . The seam plate  260  overlaps the first edge  252  of he adjacent panel  236  and is positioned over a seam  268  between adjacent panels  236 . The seam plate  260  prevents line-of-sight radiation dispersal, or dispersal of other hazardous materials, from the containment vessel  24  at the seam  268 . In the illustrated embodiment, the seam plate  260  is integrated with the second edge  256  of the panel  236 , however, those skilled in the art will recognize that in further embodiments, the seam plate  260  may be a separate piece. 
     The radiation shielding system includes the door frame shield  228  that absorbs and contains radiation emissions from the interior area of the containment vessel  24  at areas adjacent the opening  36  and the door frame  40  that are not protected by the main vessel shield  224 . The door frame shield  228  includes a substantially rectangular plate  272  shaped to complement a contour of the containment vessel  24 , and having an opening  276  configured to fit around and abut the door frame  40 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the door shield  232  is coupled to the arm  132  of the containment vessel  24  and covers an exterior surface of the door  44  to prevent or minimize radiation emissions from the interior area of the containment vessel  24  at the door and the door frame  40 . The door shield  232  has a size sufficient to cover the door  44  and the door frame  40  of the containment vessel  24 . In a further embodiment, the door shield  232  is attached directly to the door  44  or the door itself is formed of a radiation shielding material. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 7 and 9 , the radiation shield system keeps exposed the top portion  84  and a bottom portion (not shown) of the containment vessel  24 . It should be readily apparent to one of skill in the art that in further embodiments no portions of the containment vessel  24  will be exposed or other portions may be exposed. For example, in one embodiment, radiation shielding panels are positioned at the exposed portions of the containment vessel  24 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, each shield component of the radiation shielding system is formed by a radiation shielding core encased within stainless steel plating. In further embodiments, the shield components may be formed from any number of materials and layers discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 1-5 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the shielded containment systems discussed above are factory fabricated and assembled. However, on one embodiment, the radiation shield system is field fabricated and attached to the containment vessel. 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate an interior radiation shielding system  320  for a containment vessel  324  having a similar construction to the containment vessel  24  shown in  FIGS. 1-5 . The radiation shielding system  320  is positioned adjacent an interior surface  328  of an outer wall  332  of the containment vessel  324 . The radiation shielding system  320  includes a plurality of radiation shielding panels  336  shaped to complement an internal contour of the spherical containment vessel  324 . Each panel  336  includes a first end  340 , a second end  344 , and first and second side edges  348 ,  352 . The first end  340  of each panel  336  is coupled to the containment vessel  324  adjacent a door opening  356 , and the second end  344  is coupled to a rear portion of the containment vessel  324 . A radiation shielding end cap  364  is coupled to the containment vessel  324  at the rear portion  360  to cover an open area at the second ends  344  of the panels  336 . In the illustrated embodiment, the panels  336  are configured and arranged in a horizontal direction, however, in a further embodiment the panels  336  may be configured and arranged in another direction, such as vertical. 
     The panels  336  are arranged about the interior circumference of the containment vessel  324  such that the first edge  348  and the second edge  352  of adjacent panels  336  abut. A seam  368  between adjacent panels  336  are tack welded together, however, the panels  336  may also be attached at the seams  368  by other mechanical fastener means known in the art In a further embodiment, seam plates (not shown) are positioned over each seam  368  between adjacent panels  336  to overlap adjacent panels  336  and prevent or minimize line-of-sight radiation dispersal, or dispersal of other hazardous materials, from the containment vessel at the seam  368 . In this embodiment, at least a door shield (not shown) would be required to contain radiation in the interior area at the opening  356  of the containment vessel  324 . 
     In one embodiment, the interior radiation shielding system  320  is fabricated and assembled prior to assembly of the containment vessel  324 . For example, the containment vessel  324  is formed from two halves of pressed steel welded together to form a sphere. To assemble the radiation shielding system  320 , the panels  336  and seam plates are positioned and arranged in each half of the vessel prior to vessel assembly. After the radiation shielding system  320  is assembled, the two halves of the containment vessel  324  are coupled together. The radiation shielding system  320  is incompressible, and after assembly of the containment vessel  324 , an explosive is detonated within the interior area to tightly press the panels  336  to the outer wall  332  of the containment vessel  324 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the panels  336  and other components of the interior radiation shield system  320  are formed by welding together two layers of stainless steel plating with a radiation shielding core therebetween. Alternatively, the panels  336  may be formed by a radiation shielding core encased within stainless steel plating. In further embodiments, the panels  336  and other components of the radiation shielding system  320  may be formed from any number of materials and layers discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 1-5 . 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate the shielded containment system  220  of  FIG. 7  including a supplemental radiation shield. The supplemental radiation shield is attached to the containment vessel  24  or the support frame  48  as needed to provide additional protection against radiation dispersed from the containment vessel  24 . For example, when hazardous materials having greater radioactive properties are stored in the containment vessel  24 , the supplemental radiation shield is used in addition to the radiation shielding system discussed above. The supplemental radiation shield is either factory mounted to the containment vessel  24 , or added on in the field as needed. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates one embodiment of a supplemental radiation shield  420  including radiation shielding blankets mounted to the upper frame ring  240  of the radiation shielding system and covering the panels  236 . In the illustrated embodiment, the supplemental radiation shield comprises multiple blankets, however, in further embodiments the supplemental radiation shield comprises a single blanket arranged around the containment vessel. In a preferred embodiment, the blankets  420  are formed from lead wool rope and are encased in a nylon reinforced PVC covering. It should be readily apparent to those of skill in the art that other radiation shielding materials may be used to form the blankets  420 , other materials for the blanket covering may be used, or the covering may be eliminated. 
     Hooks  424  are hung from the upper frame ring  240  for supporting the blankets  420 , although in a further embodiment other fasteners may be used to attach the blankets  420  to the radiation shielding system. In another embodiment, the supplemental radiation shield  420  includes a plurality of radiation shielding panels coupled to the frame rings  240 ,  242  and covering the panels  236  of the radiation shielding system. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates another embodiment of the supplemental radiation shield  520  including a plurality of radiation shielding panels  524  mounted to the support frame  48  of the containment vessel  24  and substantially surrounding the containment vessel  24 . Each panel  524  includes a first end  528 , a second end  532 , and first and second side edges  536 ,  540 . The first end  528  of the panel  524  is coupled to the upper portion  212  of the support frame  48  and the second end  532  of the panel  524  extends to the base  52 . The panels  524  are arranged about a periphery of the support frame  48  such that the first edge  536  and the second edge  540  of adjacent panels  524  abut. 
     The second edge  540  of each panel  524  includes a seam plate  544  extending laterally from a top surface of the second edge  540  of the panel  524 . When the panels  524  are attached to the support frame  48  and positioned adjacent each other, the seam plate  544  is positioned over a seam  552  between adjacent panels  524  and overlaps the first edge  536  of the adjacent panel  524 . The seam plate  544  prevents line-of-sight radiation dispersal, or dispersal of other hazardous materials, from the containment vessel at the seam  552 . In the illustrated embodiment, the seam plate  544  is integrated with the second edge of the panel, however, those of skill the art will recognize that in further embodiments, the seam plate  544  may be a separate piece. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the panels  524  of the supplemental radiation shield system  520  are formed by a radiation shielding core encased within stainless steel plating. In further embodiments, the panels  524  may be formed from any number of materials and layers discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 1-5 . For example, the panels  524  may each be formed from a lead wool blanket, as shown in  FIG. 12 , or a single lead wool blanket may be mounted to the support frame  48 . 
     In another embodiment of the radiation shielding system, the shielded containment vessel includes either of the supplemental radiation shields shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13  as a primary vessel shield, but does not include the main vessel shield, i.e. the plurality of panels, attached to the containment vessel. In this embodiment, the supplemental radiation shield has a thickness sufficient to prevent or minimize radiation emissions from the interior area of the containment vessel. In yet another embodiment of the shielded containment system, a thermometer or radiation sensor is used to measure radiation levels from the containment vessel, which helps determine whether a supplemental radiation shield is necessary. 
     In operation, when a hazardous object, such as an explosive device, is located, a shielded containment system is moved to the location of the hazardous object. The door is then moved toward the open position and the hazardous object is inserted into the interior area. In some embodiments, robots, operators, conveyor belts, forklifts, and other product moving devices are also or alternatively used to move hazardous objects into the interior area. Once the hazardous object is positioned in the interior area, an operator moves the door toward the closed position to isolate the hazardous object. In an embodiment having latches, the latch is also moved toward a locked position to secure the door in the closed position. 
     Once a hazardous object is loaded into the interior area and the door is in the closed position, the containment system is moved to a remote location for safe disposal, storage or inspection. If a hazardous object explodes, leaks, releases harmful agents or materials, or releases radiation while sealed in the interior area, the radiation shielding system and optional supplemental radiation shield contain the harmful agents or materials in the interior area and prevent these harmful agents or materials from escaping to the atmosphere and causing harm to the operator or other people or animals in the area. The outer wall of the containment vessel, the door, and/or the radiation shielding system all help contain the explosion blast. 
     It should be readily apparent to those of skill in the art that in further embodiments of the radiation shielding panels described above, any number of panels may be used to form the radiation shield (e.g., as few as one or two panels to more than 15), the panels may have other configurations or shapes than those shown in the figures, and the panels may be oriented in other directions (e.g., vertically). 
     Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.