Abstract: Systems and methods that may be employed to visually locate and/or track objects equipped with active RFID tags. The disclosed systems and methods may employ an articulated camera/s, such as closed circuit television (“CCTV”) or other suitable type of articulated camera/s, that is equipped with an antenna array.

Abstract: An imaging system for generating a diffraction profile is described. The imaging system includes a gantry including an x-ray imaging system configured to generate an x-ray image of a substance and a scatter system configured to generate a diffraction profile of the substance.

Abstract: A method for developing a multi-focus primary collimator is described. The method includes extending a first beam from a first source via a collimator block to a first detector and determining a size of the first beam.

Abstract: A device (100) for receiving electrical components and wiring and adapted for mounting between adjacent studs of a wall structure, the device (100) includes means forming a composite chamber and having a box (100) with parallel, spaced apart right and left side panels (102, 103) for attachment to studs and spaced apart top and bottom panels (104, 105) having ends joined to ends of the right and left panels (102, 103) and arranged so as to form a housing chamber (112) at least partially forming the composite chamber. At least one framework (225) is movable between a first position within the composite chamber and a second position outside the composite chamber, the one framework (225) being shaped and arranged to receive electrical components.

Abstract: A female connector head for a multi-line electrical connection is provided. The connector head includes a housing having proximal and distal faces. The housing defines a plurality of elongate lumens connecting the proximal and distal faces. Each lumen defines a receiving opening for a receptacle on the proximal face of the housing. Each lumen is configured to receive, enclose and hold a receptacle that is snap-fit into the lumen and defines at least one shoulder recess adapted to buttress a locking tab on a distal end of a receptacle. The housing further has at least two support pins extending from the distal face, and has at least two guiding pins extending normal from the distal face from two positions which are asymmetric about a center point of the distal face.

Abstract: A security screening system for scanning items, the system comprising: a scanner, configured to produce x-ray projection data as an object is passed through the scanner, at least a portion of the scanner being received within a structure, the structure having an input opening and an outlet opening, the input opening being configured to receive objects to be scanned and the output opening being configured to receive objects scanned by the scanner; an input conveyor for passing a plurality of bins through the input opening to the outlet opening, the input conveyor having an input end for receiving the plurality of bins to pass the plurality of bins into the input opening and an output end for delivering the plurality of bins from the outlet opening; and a return conveyor positioned to return the plurality of bins to an area proximate to the input end of the input conveyor, the return conveyor being positioned below the input conveyor, wherein the return conveyor does not pass through the scanner.

Abstract: A power supply for providing excitation to notification appliance circuits (NACs) in fire alarm applications meets revised national and international requirements for both NAC drive and auxiliary load drive tasks with a single circuit configuration. The requirements stipulate ability to tolerate inrush when activating strobe lights and horns of ten times the nominal output, while limiting short-circuit drive in AUX mode to eight amperes after five seconds. The novel power supply improves on the requirements, first by continuously testing for overcurrent NAC status and signaling faults in real time, and second by shutting off AUX drive in event of a short and retrying periodically without a requirement for manual reset. Thus testing for wiring errors is rendered safer and nondestructive, and correction of a wiring error can be quicker.

Abstract: A screening system including a first modality comprising at least one inductive sensor, and a second modality including at least one metal detection coil configured to generate a magnetic field, said induction sensor configured to detect a change in the magnetic field generated by the metal detection coil.

Abstract: A system for determining a state of a door having a locking mechanism for locking the door includes a locking mechanism and a door sensor. The locking mechanism sensor is disposed for sensing a condition of the locking mechanism and generating a signal indicative thereof. The door sensor disposed for sensing a condition of the door and generating a signal indicative thereof. The system further includes a processor for determining a state of the door, in response to the signals from the locking mechanism sensor and the door sensor. The state of the door is a secured state when the door sensor senses the condition of the door as closed and the locking mechanism sensor senses the condition of the locking mechanism as locked. A method for determining a state of a door having a locking mechanism for locking the door includes sensing a condition of the locking mechanism and sensing a condition of the door.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing an x-ray shield means in an x-ray detection system. An x-ray inhibiting container for use in a computed tomography system is provided, the container comprising: a peripheral wall; and a bottom, wherein the peripheral wall and bottom define a receiving area, and a forward portion and a rearward portion of the peripheral wall comprise an x-ray inhibiting material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a support mechanism are provided. The support mechanism includes an engagement pin including an engagement surface and a latch surface wherein the engagement pin is coupled to a base. The support mechanism also includes a pawl that includes an engagement surface complementary to the pin engagement surface and a latch surface complementary to the pin latch surface wherein the pawl is biased toward engagement of the pawl latch surface with the pin latch surface. The support mechanism also includes a ring latch that includes an annular ring having a toothed edge, the ring latch is coupled to the pawl such that the pawl extends axially away from the ring latch in a direction opposite the toothed edge.

Abstract: A radio frequency power amplifier including control electronics for providing control signals for timing of the power amplifier. A first group of the drivers are coupled to the control electronics and a second group of drivers are coupled to the control electronics. The first group of drivers operate in response to the control signals to generate first drive signals and the second group of drivers operate in response to the control signals to generate second drive signals with a phase difference of 180° relative to the first drive signals. A first group of switches energize a first group of primary windings in response to the first drive signals and a second group of switches energize a second group of primary windings in response to the second drive signals. An output summing transformer has a plurality of ferrite cores, the first group of primary windings and the second group of primary windings passing through the ferrite cores.

Abstract: An inspection system includes a housing having a cavity which defines an inspection zone, and a positioning device within the inspection zone which provides positioning of a specimen within the inspection zone. The inspection system includes a sensor system for inspecting the specimen, and an entrance aperture formed in the housing. The entrance aperture may be sized to permit the specimen to pass through the entrance aperture. The inspection system also includes a sealing mechanism, such as a door, which cooperates with the positioning device. The sealing mechanism is operatively coupled to the housing and selectively positionable between open and closed positions. The open position permits the specimen to pass through the entrance aperture, and the closed position seals the entrance aperture to effectively isolate the inspection system.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a projective camera is provided. The method includes acquiring information by detecting at least one object on a substantially flat ground plane within a field of view. A projective camera calibration is performed. A measurement uncertainty is considered to yield a plurality of camera parameters from the projective camera calibration.

Abstract: An electric power line communication system operates with an electric power distribution system to provide, via premises power distribution lines, communication links among power line communication devices associated with the premises power distribution lines. A sensor unit and a first communication device may engage in two-way communication through the premises power distribution lines. The sensor unit may communicate data to a remote monitoring location via the first communication device or, if the first communication device is unreachable, via a second communication device. Alternatively, units associated with the premises power distribution lines may be arranged in a master-slave configuration, with a first unit configured to verify the functioning of two-way communication with the second unit. Also, a first unit may be connected to a high-voltage premises power distribution line, while a second unit may be connected to a low-voltage premises power distribution line.

Abstract: By combining the information acquired from a location system that is tracking equipment and/or personnel within a hospital environment, automatic assignment of the “re-located” patient monitoring equipment can be made in concert with a nurse call system. By utilizing time-based elimination criteria, monitoring equipment that is coupled to generic port can be automatically processed for port priorities, and equipment assignment changes. An event subscription manager with location bridges and nurse call bridges facilitate the automatic association of the patient monitoring equipment to the respective nurse call system and intended information therein. By use of the automatic association paradigms, manual alarm and assignment tasks can be minimized.

Abstract: By incorporating automatic location and identity sensor equipment in an emergency or rescue scenario to facilitate a centralized tracking operation, fire fighters, rescuers, urban combat, etc. operations can be coordinated with greater safety by enabling the tracking of individuals. Passive and active RFID devices incorporated into helmets, badges, or PDA's and cell phones can be used in conjunction with transceivers disposed about the rescue environment to generate real-time tracking and alarm status alerts for the rescuers. External database information, such as the layout of the building, as well as pre-existing communication and security controls in the building can be incorporated into the tracking system to provide increased synergy and effectiveness in rescue or tracking operations. The system is sufficiently modular to enable rapid and scalable deployment to rescue locations.

Abstract: An integrated fare collection and security system is provided. The system include an apparatus for detecting trace amounts of explosives or other substances of interest as part of a ticket purchasing transaction. Signals then are generated to prevent suspects form entering the transit system.

Abstract: A holder for a transducer having a mounting portion, a coupler, and a clamping portion is disclosed. The mounting portion has a through hole with a conical seat disposed therein, with at least a portion of the through hole being configured to receive the transducer. The coupler is secured to the transducer and has a first interface surface configured to sit on the conical seat, and a second interface surface disposed on an opposite side to that of the first interface surface. The clamping portion has a through hole and a clamping surface, at least a portion of the through hole is configured to receive the transducer, and the clamping surface is configured to press against the second interface surface of the coupler. The clamping portion and mounting portion are configured to securely capture the coupler therebetween, thereby securely positioning the transducer relative to the mounting portion.

Abstract: An ITMS includes an inlet for receiving a sample that will be tested for a substance of interest. The inlet communicates with an ionization chamber and a drift chamber communicates with the downstream end of the ionization chamber. A first grid electrode extends across the downstream end of the ionization chamber and a second grid electrode is slightly downstream from and parallel to the first grid electrode. A slight potential bias is applied to the first grid electrode to hold the ions in the potential well between the first and second grid electrodes. However a pulse is applied periodically to the first grid electrode to accelerate ions into the drift chamber. The accumulation of the ions in the potential well prior to generation of the pulse results in a thinner band of ions ejected into the drift chamber and hence achieves higher resolution.