Abstract: A programmable digital coincidence counter having multiple channels and featuring minimal dead time. Neutron detectors supply electrical pulses to a synchronizing circuit which in turn inputs derandomized pulses to an adding circuit. A random access memory circuit connected as a programmable length shift register receives and shifts the sum of the pulses, and outputs to a serializer. A counter is input by the adding circuit and downcounted by the seralizer, one pulse at a time. The decoded contents of the counter after each decrement is output to scalers.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 27, 1989
Date of Patent:
April 24, 1990
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the Department of Energy
Abstract: A hand-powered alternator for generating an alternating voltage provides same through a rectifier to a high capacity capacitor which stores the resultant dc voltage and drives a voltage regulator to provide a constant low voltage output for a portable radiation detection instrument. The instrument includes a Geiger-Muller detector tube whose output is fed to a pulse detector and then through an event counter and LCD driver circuit to an LCD bar graph for visual display. An audio driver and an audio output is also provided. All circuitry used is low power so that the capacitor can be readily charged to a sufficient level to provide power for at least 30 minutes. A low voltage indicator is provided on the LCD display to indicate the need for manual recharging.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 19, 1984
Date of Patent:
June 24, 1986
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
Inventors:
David A. Waechter, George O. Bjarke, Faustin Trujillo, Michael A. Wolf, C. John Umbarger