With Means To Inspect Passive Solid Objects Patents (Class 250/358.1)
  • Patent number: 8253105
    Abstract: A thermal imaging system to facilitate analysis of thermal images comprises a portable thermal imager having a communication interface for transfer of data. The imager also has an on-board memory in which image data for corresponding thermal images is stored. A remote computer is operative to communicate with the thermal imager via the communication interface for download of the image data. The computer runs software operative to superimpose at least one marker at a selected location on a thermal image, the marker being saved on the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Stefan Warnke, James T. Pickett
  • Patent number: 8242445
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, a portable inspection system is disclosed to capture inspection data, such as for example an infrared image, sound information, and/or electrical measurement information. The inspection data may be securely recorded (e.g., with an encryption algorithm) along with associated information, which may include for example date, time, system settings, operator identification, and location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: FLIR Sysems, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Scanlon, James T. Woolaway, Robert P. Madding
  • Publication number: 20120199746
    Abstract: A method of non-destructive inspection of a subject body including an element is comprised of irradiating the subject body with a neutron ray through a first measurement point and a second measurement point; measuring an elapsed time after a first time point when a resonant neutron specific to the element passes through the first measurement point and before a second time point when a prompt gamma ray made emitted by the resonant neutron from the subject body is detected at the second measurement point; and determining a location of the element in the subject body by the first measurement point, the second measurement point, a relative position toward a surface of the subject body, and the elapsed time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: IHI Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Nose, Hajime Kuwabara, Tetsuya Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8207502
    Abstract: Disclosed is a relocatable vehicle inspection system. The relocatable vehicle inspection system includes a radiation source for radiating radials; a detection array for receiving the radials from the radiation source, so that an image of the cargo on the vehicle to be inspected may be obtained; a moving device on which the radiation source and the detection array are disposed; and a ramp-platform device. The ramp-platform device includes first and second intermediate parts (6a, 6b); first, second, third and fourth ramp parts (4a1, 4a2, 4b1, 4b2); first, second, third and fourth transitional parts (5a1, 5a2, 5b1, 5b2). The first and second transitional parts can be foldably or removably connected to the first intermediate part, and the third and fourth transitional parts can be foldably or removably connected to the second intermediate part. The said ramp-platform device can be placed onto or removed away from the moving device under disassembling and folding conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Nuctech Company Limited
    Inventors: Zhongrong Yang, Hui Meng, Nan Jiang, Shangmin Sun
  • Patent number: 8193504
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the remote, non-invasive detection or characterization of materials manifests a controlled temperature perturbation to the sample material location concurrently with sample interrogation by ionizing radiation and with detection of the response emission energy spectra. This configuration induces and detects Doppler effects manifested at the sample location, allowing material inventory and composition measurements, and allowing a comparative reduction of the exposure duration compared to other isothermal proportional count, coincidence count or spectral analysis techniques. The method and apparatus apply primarily to the detection of elements and isotopes in baggage handling, cargo inspection, chemical characterization, process control and geologic operations, though the method and apparatus are not restricted to these applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Luca Joseph Gratton
  • Publication number: 20120132810
    Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus connected to a radiation generation apparatus which generates radiation and a sensor which accumulates a charge corresponding to an irradiating dose on a detection surface acquires a radiation image by driving the sensor upon generation of radiation by the radiation generation apparatus and acquires a dark image by driving the sensor without generation of radiation by the radiation generation apparatus. The radiation imaging apparatus adjusts a driving timing of the sensor so as to set a time difference between two starts of reading charge from the sensor to acquire the radiation image and reading charge from the sensor to obtain the dark image to an integer multiple of a predetermined time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: AKEHIKO UCHIYAMA
  • Patent number: 8183537
    Abstract: A neutron detector system including a neutron sensitive reaction layer may be configured to react with incident neutrons to form energetic particles. An energetic particle capturing layer may be configured to capture energetic particles emitted from the neutron sensitive reaction layer and convert the kinetic energy of the captured energetic particles to heat. A microbolometer sensing element responsive to the heat may be configured to detect the incident neutrons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: David R. Rhiger, Bernard Harris
  • Patent number: 8183528
    Abstract: According to the present invention, the CT is carried out based on parameters other than the absorption rate. An electromagnetic wave measurement device includes an electromagnetic wave output device 2 which outputs an electromagnetic wave at a frequency equal to or more than 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Kato, Shigeki Nishina, Motoki Imamura, Akiyoshi Irisawa, Tomoyu Yamashita
  • Patent number: 8129692
    Abstract: Fouling in the fill portion of a cooling tower is monitored by transmitting radiation through a cooling tower, detecting the amount of radiation that has penetrated the cooling tower, and calculating the density of the fill portion of the cooling tower based on the detected radiation. A higher than expected density indicates the presence of fouling on the fill portion of the cooling tower. A rate of fouling may be established by monitoring the density of the fill portion of the cooling tower over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Quantum Technical Services, LLC
    Inventors: Charles B. Winfield, Lance Freeman, Stephen N. Harris
  • Patent number: 8097857
    Abstract: This application relates to an apparatus and method for providing snapshot action thermal infrared imaging within automated process control article inspection applications. More specifically, it pertains to the use of snapshot mode lead salt area-array imaging sensors (20) as the imaging front-end in high-speed machine vision inspection systems (12). the relatively low-cost, good measurement sensitivity at temperatures consistent with thereto-electric cooling means, and the ability to be operated in snap-shot mode enables lead salt-based image acquisition sensors (20) to be used in a variety of automated process control and article inspection applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Pressco Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Don W. Cochran, Steven D. Cech
  • Publication number: 20110315883
    Abstract: A thin film measurement technique is disclosed. The thin film measurement technique comprises radioisotopes, radiation detectors, mechanical hardware, electronics and/or circuitry, wires, cables, connectors, measurement software, and a computer. One aspect of the thin film measurement technique pertains to measurement sensors, which measure radiation emerging from material surfaces. Another aspect of the disclosure pertains to mechanical hardware that enables the thin film measurement to be made. Another aspect of the disclosure pertains to filter housings. Another aspect of the disclosure pertains to measurement software, for quantifying the measurement from the sensor, and/or controlling and optimizing processes based on said measurements. Another aspect of the disclosure pertains to hardware and equipment utilizing the thin film measurement technique. All aspects can be utilized alone or in combination with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: Fusion Research Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Soren Harrison
  • Publication number: 20110310380
    Abstract: A sheet identifying device comprising a light-receiving section (26) for reading each pixel on a sheet which involves color information including a brightness, has a predetermined size, and is handled as one unit, a RAM (114) for storing image data constructed of read pixels, a pixel data increasing/decreasing section (116a) for increasing/decreasing the number of pixels of the image data, and a judging section for judging authentication of the sheet on the basis of the increased/decreased image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicants: Seta Corp., Aruze Corp.
    Inventors: Jun FUJIMOTO, Nobuyuki Nonaka, Takao Nireki
  • Publication number: 20110260064
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for on-axis visualization of a target placed in a photon beam, the method comprising: placing the target in the path of the photon beam; selecting a mirror with an external reflecting surface; placing the mirror on a mirror support so that the surface faces the target; placing a reflective microscope so as to collect photons emanating from the target that have been reflected by said surface; counting and analyzing photons collected by the microscope with a CCD camera; and storing and analyzing data collected by the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: UCHICAGO ARGONNE, LLC
    Inventors: Kazimierz Gofron, Michael Molitsky
  • Publication number: 20110253897
    Abstract: A sensor system includes a source of input radiation having a frequency range between about 30 GHz and 3 THz, a whispering gallery mode resonator module coupled to the source for receiving the input radiation, and a detector coupled to the whispering gallery mode resonator module. The whispering gallery mode resonator module is configured to support at least one whispering gallery mode for the input radiation, and output a transmission response having a resonance characteristic related to the at least one whispering gallery mode. The detector detects the transmission response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: T-RAY SCIENCE INC.
    Inventors: Daryoosh Saeedkia, Suren Gigoyan, Mohammad Neshat, Safieddin Safavinaeini
  • Publication number: 20110255663
    Abstract: A contraband detection system includes one or more detection devices operatively coupled to a spreader beam of a cargo container crane system. Detection devices may include an X-ray scanner, a detection apparatus, and a sensor array. The X-ray scanner is operative for outputting high-energy X-rays capable of penetrating through the contents of the cargo container. The X-ray scanner is movable from an inactive first position that facilitates engagement of the spreader beam with the cargo container to an active second position that facilitates the scanning of the contents of the cargo container. The detection apparatus is similarly deployable from a first position to a second position and includes a plurality of limbs capable of rotation about a plurality of axes. The detection apparatus further includes a radiation source and a receptor plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: DEMING SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Uday S. Roy, Vishal Sheth, Prithwi S. Roy
  • Publication number: 20110240863
    Abstract: Example embodiments are directed to a method and an apparatus for measuring phase roughness in an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) mask. In example embodiments, a speckle generated by the phase roughness in the EUV mask is detected by irradiating an EUV beam on the EUV mask. The phase roughness in the EUV mask is calculated and measured using the speckle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Dong-gun Lee, Seong-sue Kim
  • Publication number: 20110233410
    Abstract: An apparatus for the inspection of filled containers may include a first radiation device which directs radiation onto the liquid to be tested and present in the container, and an image-recording device which records at least part of the radiation directed from the first radiation device onto the liquid and reflected or scattered by the container. The image-recording device may be designed for recording a spatially resolved image, wherein the apparatus has at least one further radiation device or one further image-recording device. The radiation devices and the image-recording device are arranged in such a way that an observation of the liquid is carried out on at least two image-recording paths which are different from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Anton NIEDERMEIER
  • Publication number: 20110226954
    Abstract: Embodiments of a printed security mark and a process are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Garry Dale Hinch, Herbert T. Etheridge, III, James William Stasiak, Timothy Dean Strecker
  • Publication number: 20110220801
    Abstract: An arm-folding mechanism for use in a vehicle-mounted radiation imaging system. The vehicle includes a vehicle body behind a driving cab. The vehicle body includes a generator cabin and a control cabin. The arm-folding mechanism includes a vertical detection arm, a main arm frame, and a hinged mechanism hingedly connecting the vertical detection arm with the main arm frame. The hinged mechanism includes: a first connection arrangement having a free end and a fixed end fixedly connected with or integral with the main arm frame; a second connection arrangement fixedly connected with the vertical detection arm; and an intermediate arrangement connecting the first connection arrangement with the second connection arrangement so that the vertical detection arm can rotate relative to the main arm frame. The bottom of the first connection arrangement is at the same level as or above the bottom of the main arm frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Zhiqiang Chen, Hua Peng, Shangmin Sun, Quanwei Song, Jinning Liang
  • Patent number: 8019556
    Abstract: A method and system for nuclear substance revealing using muon detection technique is presented. In some aspects, naturally occurred muons are selected from the flow of charged particles. Muon coordinate and incidence angle measured above and below the interrogated volume can be used for the decision making on the presence of nuclear substance inside the volume. The system is adapted for performing measurements on moving objects such as moving trucks. A combination of the nuclear substance detection system with an explosive sensing system is presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventors: Isaac Shpantzer, Yaakov Achiam, Nadejda Reingand
  • Patent number: 8009787
    Abstract: Non-destructive testing method may include providing a source material that emits positrons in response to bombardment of the source material with photons. The source material is exposed to photons. The source material is positioned adjacent the specimen, the specimen being exposed to at least some of the positrons emitted by the source material. Annihilation gamma rays emitted by the specimen are detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventor: Douglas W. Akers
  • Patent number: 8003946
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for detecting localized defects, such as hot spots or wet spots, present in a mat of mineral fibers bonded by a binder, including using a microwave radiation of frequency ranging between 1 and 50 GHz, preferably between 5 and 10 GHz, the total power of the emitted electromagnetic wave ranging between 0.1 and 5 watts, preferably of the order of 1 watt. The invention also concerns a device for implementing said method as well as an installation for continuously making mineral fiber mats containing said device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Isover
    Inventor: Christopher Ellison
  • Patent number: 7989770
    Abstract: A radiation inspection system is disclosed. The radiation inspection system comprises: an inspection passage through which a moving object under inspection can pass, a radiation source disposed on a side of the inspection passage for emitting radiation, an array of detectors disposed on the other side of the inspection passage opposite to the radiation source for receiving the radiation emitted from the radiation source, a detector for detecting the moving object, and a controller for receiving a signal from the detector and controlling the radiation source to emit radiation when the detector detects the moving object for radiation imaging and inspection of the moving object. According to the radiation inspection system, the controller can control the radiation source to automatically emit radiation beam based on the detection signal from the detector for inspecting the moving object. As a result, inspection efficiency is improved, safety is increased, and misoperation of the radiation source is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignees: Nuctech Company Limited, Tsinghua University
    Inventors: Zhiqiang Chen, Yuanjing Li, Yinong Liu, Junli Li, Hua Peng, Yaohong Liu, Shangmin Sun, Jinyu Zhang, Qingjun Zhang, Li Zhang, Yali Xie, Yanli Deng, Ming Ruan, Siyuan Liang, Guang Yang, Wei Jia
  • Publication number: 20110170661
    Abstract: An inspection system is provided. The inspection system includes at least one source configured to emit a beam of radiation onto an object. The inspection system also includes at least two area detectors having different characteristics configured to receive a reflected beam of radiation from the object and output a plurality of image data streams corresponding to the different characteristics, wherein the at least two area detectors disposed in at least one of a cascaded arrangement or separated by a pre-determined distance along a direction parallel or perpendicular to a scan direction of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Clifford Bueno, William Robert Ross, Forrest Frank Hopkins, Joseph Bendahan, Donald Earl Castleberry, Douglas Albagli, Robert August Kaucic, Jeffery Jon Shaw, William Macomber Leue
  • Patent number: 7979106
    Abstract: In order, despite a plurality of terminals, to enable their freedom of movement on the one hand and an unimpeded treatment process on the other hand to be guaranteed, there is provision in accordance with the invention, for recording the devices in their envisaged spatial distribution, especially by at least one camera, to check this distribution as regards a sufficient freedom of movement of the devices, especially by a processing or control unit, and to feed back a corrected distribution, especially by at least one video projector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Martin Kleen, Rainer Kuth
  • Publication number: 20110156916
    Abstract: Disclosed is a nuclear radiation-warning detector that measures impedance of silver-silver halide on an interdigitated electrode to detect light or radiation comprised of alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, X rays, and/or neutrons. The detector is comprised of an interdigitated electrode covered by a layer of silver halide. After exposure to alpha particles, beta particles, X rays, gamma rays, neutron radiation, or light, the silver halide is reduced to silver in the presence of a reducing solution. The change from the high electrical resistance (impedance) of silver halide to the low resistance of silver provides the radiation warning that detected radiation levels exceed a predetermined radiation dose threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Noel Felix Savignac, Leo S. Gomez, William Graham Yetton, Alex Robinson, Steven Limmer
  • Publication number: 20110147593
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a passive radiometric imaging device and a corresponding method for scanning a scene. The proposed device comprises a radiometer that detects radiation emitted in a predetermined spectral range from a spot of said scene and for generating a radiation signal from said detected radiation, a spot movement means that effects a movement of the spot, from which the radiation is detected, to various positions, a controller that controls said spot movement means to effect the movement of the spot from one position to another position after a random time interval, and a processor that processes the radiation signals detected from the spot at said various positions and for reconstructing an image of said scene by applying compressive sensing. With this device an increase of the temperature resolution of the reconstructed image can be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Juan NOGUEIRA-NINE
  • Publication number: 20110101226
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for transmittance mapping of an object which is at least partially transparent to deep ultraviolet radiation. The method comprises directing a wide-band deep ultraviolet radiation so as to illuminate different areas of an array of successive areas of the object; using an optical detector positioned on an opposite side of the object with respect to the radiation source detecting the wide-band deep ultraviolet radiation that emerges from the object; and processing signals from the optical detector to determine the transmittance of the radiation through the different areas of the array of successive areas of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Guy Ben-Zvi, Eitan Zait, Vladimir J. Dmitriev, Steven M. Labovitz, Erez Graitzer, Ofir Sharoni
  • Publication number: 20110095887
    Abstract: A dosimeter is disclosed for use in container including outer walls defining an interior volume, the dosimeter including: a radon detection element adapted to detect a radon level for the interior volume; a neutron detection element adapted detect a neutron level for the interior volume. The dosimeter is adapted to measure the radon level and neutron level for a period of time, compare the measured radon level to a first threshold, compare the measured neutron level to a second threshold, and determine information indicative of the presence or absence of fissile material within the interior volume based on the comparisons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Charles T. Hess, Fred Hewitt Smith
  • Patent number: 7903783
    Abstract: A method and system for using Threat Imaging Projection (TIP) technology, and the operator testing data that it generates, in order to certify x-ray inspection system operators and thereby assure an acceptable and uniform level of operator performance. In a preferred configuration, the operator views x-ray images of objects on a screening system equipped with TIP technology. When the operator believes that a threat item image appears on the screening system, the operator indicates such via an indicating means. The system is capable of recording, storing and transmitting individual operator performance data relating to proper detections, missed detections, and false alarms, i.e., when an operator indicates that a threat item image appears when no such image actually appears on the screening system. The system preferably contains a library of various threat item images, e.g., guns, bombs, knives, etc., which are classified according to type of threat and difficulty of detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Modica, Khai Le, Phong Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7897925
    Abstract: A method and system for high Z material revealing using muon detection technique is presented. The system measures muons' coordinates, velocities, incidence angles and leaving angles. Two series of detectors: one above and one below the interrogated volume are used. A muon trajectory deviation from an expected trajectory is used for the decision making on the presence of high Z material inside the volume. The muon velocity is measured using either a ring Cerenkov counter, a transition radiation detector or/and a threshold Cerenkov counter. The expected trajectory is calculated basing on known particle velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: CeLight, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacques Goldberg, Isaac Shpantzer, Yaakov Achiam, Nadejda Reingand
  • Publication number: 20110026672
    Abstract: Thickness measurer for metal elements (11), comprising a source device (20), able to emit a bundle (F) of ionizing radiations, at a predetermined or predeterminable intensity, a receiver device (24), disposed on an opposite side with respect to the metal element (11) and suitable to detect the residual intensity of the bundle (F) of ionizing radiations. The measurer comprises a cooling device, associated with the source device (20). The cooling device comprises a heat pump element (30), to remove heat from the source device (20) so as to keep the source device (20) at a predetermined and controlled temperature. The thickness measurer also comprises detection means (46, 124) for the direct or indirect detection of the intensity, or the variation in intensity, of the bundle (F) emitted by the source device (20). The detection means (46, 124) is associated with the heat pump element (30), in order to keep the emission of the bundle (F) of ionizing radiations stable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: DANIELI AUTOMATION SPA
    Inventor: Lorenzo Ciani
  • Patent number: 7863571
    Abstract: An economical position-sensing muon detector for muon radiography is constructed using a pair of glass plates spaced apart by crossed parallel barriers. Smaller detector wires are interspersed between the barriers and an ionizing gas is used to fill the space between the plates. A muon striking near where detector wires cross causes a local momentary current flow. The current flow in two of the detector wires is sensed to determine the coordinates of the muon impact. Such muon detectors can be assembled in modular surface arrays and such arrays can be positioned on spatial surfaces for differential inspection and detection of muons transiting through and emanating from objects placed within the inspection space. Such a detector constitutes a novel and useful invention in providing an inspection device and means for cargo or cargo vehicles that detects muons transiting through and emanating from hazardous materials intended to cause malicious harm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Robert Beken
  • Patent number: 7858942
    Abstract: A method for detecting the wall thickness of a container such as a bottle made of PET, for example, in which the absorption of radiation along a first and a second test path of the measurement radiation is ascertained, whereby the test paths intersect the container at two points of intersection such that the two test paths have at least one point of intersection approximately in common. Further, a method for detecting the wall thickness of a container such as a bottle made of PET, for example, such that the wall thickness is detected in the transitional area of a side wall of the container to a bottom area of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Armin Ott, Stefan Piana, Christian Detrois
  • Patent number: 7852466
    Abstract: To provide an apparatus capable obtaining a temporal waveform of terahertz waves transmitted through or reflected by a sample in a set region. A delay unit is configured to change a timing at which the detection unit detects terahertz waves transmitted through or reflected by a sample, which is originated from terahertz waves generated by a generation unit. A waveform obtaining unit is configured to obtain a temporal waveform of the transmitted terahertz waves which are obtained by using the delay unit. The delay unit, of which more than one may be used, is controlled so that the detection unit detects the transmitted terahertz waves in an area related to the temporal waveform set on the basis of information related to the sample that is pre-stored in the storage unit. Then, a temporal waveform of the transmitted terahertz waves in the area is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeaki Itsuji
  • Patent number: 7851766
    Abstract: A multi-stage process utilizing one or more radiation sensors on a distributed network for the detection and identification of radiation, explosives, and special materials within a shipping container. The sensors are configured as nodes on the network. The system supports extended time options at each node and the ability to combine data from multiple nodes for the data acquisition and analysis of shipping containers. The system collects radiation data from one or more nodes and compares the collected data to one or more stored spectral images representing one or more isotopes to identify one or more isotopes present. The identified one or more isotopes present are corresponded to possible materials or goods that they represent. The possible materials or goods are compared with the manifest relating to the container to confirm the identity of materials or goods contained in the container or to detect and/or identify unauthorized materials or goods in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Innovative American Technology Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Frank
  • Patent number: 7839286
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for carrying out IT-assisted, customer-oriented airline baggage management, in which the transport route of the airline baggage between check-in and the sorting destination is monitored with the aid of legible information carriers. In order to provide passengers with specific information relating to what has happened to their airline baggage and, if appropriate, to allow losses to be identified quickly, video monitoring is on the one hand carried out with respect to the transport route and, on the other hand, the transport route of the pieces of airline baggage is tracked by successive readers on the basis of the legible information carriers which have been applied to the pieces of airline baggage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Himmel
  • Publication number: 20100288932
    Abstract: A device (26) is used which includes a sealed neutron tube, equipped with alpha particle and gamma radiation detectors; the tube is placed in a given position (P1); steps are performed in which neutrons are sent towards the object (24), and in which data provided by the detectors is acquired and processed in order to obtain a three-dimensional mapping of the object. According to the invention, at least one displacement of the device is performed around the object so as to place it in another position (P2, P3, P4), the steps are repeated, each mapping is geometrically correctly so that that it may be updated relative to the set of all mappings, and these are combined together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: SOC. ANONYME D'ETUDES ET REALISATIONS NUCLEAIRES
    Inventors: Corinne GROISELLE, Jean-Luc Dumont, Philippe Le Tourneur
  • Patent number: 7820960
    Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer program products for measuring the density of a sample construction material. According to one aspect, a nuclear density gauge is disclosed for measuring the density of a sample construction material. The material measurement gauge includes a radiation source positioned for emitting radiation into a sample construction material. A radiation detector is positioned apart from the radiation source and configured to detect radiation from the sample construction material and to produce a signal representing the detected radiation. A non-nuclear moisture property detector is configured to determine a moisture property of the sample construction material and to produce a signal representing the moisture property. A material property calculation function is configured to calculate a property value associated with the sample construction material based upon the signals representing the detected radiation and the moisture property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Ernest Troxler
  • Publication number: 20100264316
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a mirror array having a plurality of mirrors and a control system. The plurality of mirrors is capable of receiving a signal for an image. The control system is capable of controlling a first portion of the plurality of mirrors in the mirror array to direct a first portion of the signal to a detector. The control system is also capable of controlling a second portion of the plurality of mirrors in the mirror array to direct a second portion of the signal away from the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael Joseph Delaney, JR., David Arthur Whelan
  • Patent number: 7788980
    Abstract: Strain waves of THz frequencies can coherently generate radiation when they propagate past an interface between materials with different piezoelectric coefficients. Such radiation is of detectable amplitude and contains sufficient information to determine the time-dependence of the strain wave with unprecedented subpicosecond, nearly atomic time and space resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Evan J. Reed, Michael R. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 7791028
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for system identification operate by computing phase and amplitude using linear filters. By digitally processing the linearly filtered signals or data, the phase and amplitude based on measurements of the input and output of a system, are determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: TauTheta Instruments LLC
    Inventors: Nathan T. Baltz, J. D. Sheldon Danielson
  • Publication number: 20100166142
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for detecting high atomic number elements in an article by using radiation having two different energies. The detecting of high atomic number elements can be accomplished by using an algorithm, curve fitting or using a data table. Disclosed herein too is a radiation system that uses the aforementioned method for detecting high atomic number elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Yanfeng Du, Forrest Frank Hopkins, Joseph Bendahan
  • Patent number: 7745788
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for forming an optical trap with light directed through or above a semiconductor material. A preferred embodiment selected light-trapping wavelengths that have lower absorption by the semiconductor. A preferred embodiment provides for an optical trapping through semiconductor employing a thin silicon (Si) wafer as a substrate. Further embodiments of the invention provide for microchannel fabrication, force probe measurement, sorting, switching and other active manipulation and assembly using an optical trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: David C. Appleyard, Matthew J. Lang
  • Publication number: 20100140481
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting information on an object includes an irradiating unit, a detecting unit, and an information-obtaining unit. The irradiating unit irradiates the object with electromagnetic waves as a rectangular shaped beam. The electromagnetic waves include a frequency component in (or range of) at least part of a frequency region of 30 GHz to 30 THz, and have variations in magnitude at intervals of 10?11 seconds or more or a temporally constant magnitude. The detecting unit detects the electromagnetic waves transmitted or reflected by the object through interaction therebetween. The information-obtaining unit obtains information on the object from information on the electromagnetic waves detected by the detecting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toshihiko Ouchi
  • Patent number: 7732772
    Abstract: A system for detecting explosive materials includes at least one deuterium/tritium neutron generator module, at least one germanium detector module, and an analysis module. The deuterium/tritium neutron generator module bombards an object with neutrons. The germanium detector module detects gamma rays emitted by the object in response to the neutrons. The analysis module analyzes the gamma rays detected by the germanium detector module for the presence of explosive materials on or within the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignees: Raytheon Company, Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: David S. Koltick, Yeong E. Kim, Jayson K. Bopp, Joseph C. Deno, Paul G. Jones
  • Patent number: 7709800
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for rejecting radioactive interference in a radiation monitoring station. Techniques typically include two radiation detectors positioned to acquire first and second radiation measurements from a moving radiological source in substantially distinct fields of view. A transition zone is established between the fields of view. A function yielding a dependent variable is defined at least in part by the first radiation level measurement and the second radiation level measurement. A detection alert is generated when the dependent variable reaches the first threshold value. In some embodiments a determination is mage as to whether the monitoring station is occupied as a condition for generating a detection alert, and in some embodiments a determination is made as to whether the detected radiological source is likely innocuous or offensive prior to generating a detection alert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Nucsafe, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Proctor, William Richardson
  • Patent number: 7705294
    Abstract: An apparatus for recording and displaying images of and identifying material types in a target object in a fluid carrying conduit includes a downhole unit. The downhole unit includes a controllable light source, the controllable light source structured to emit high energy photons. The downhole unit further includes a sensor unit structured to detect the high energy photons that are backscattered from the target object and to generate signals in response to the detected high energy photons. The apparatus also includes a control and display unit that includes a signal transmitter and a viewing screen structured to display at least one two-dimensional image that is generated using the signals from the sensor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: VisuRay AS
    Inventors: Einar Ramstad, Phil Teague
  • Patent number: 7696480
    Abstract: One finding of the present invention is that, by use of radiation with a polyfrequent effective spectrum for the examination of the object, beam hardening or shift of the spectrum's center of gravity does indeed lead to the fact that the effectively operative absorption coefficient or attenuation coefficient and/or the effective operative reflection coefficient of the object material, and thus particularly also the ratio of two coefficients to different radiation spectrums, no longer is solely specific for the material, but also depends on the thickness, but that this may be accepted, and nevertheless exact classification of the object material can still be done by using, in addition to the ratio of the absorption and/or reflection coefficients, one of the intensity values resulting during irradiations, in order to perform an association with one of a plurality of predetermined materials on the basis of reference data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Guenther Kostka, Peter Schmitt, Andreas Jobst
  • Publication number: 20100078565
    Abstract: A radiation detecting apparatus includes a radiation conversion panel for detecting radiation that has passed through a subject and converting the detected radiation into radiation image information, and a casing for storing the radiation conversion panel as a roll when the subject is not being irradiated with radiation. When the subject is irradiated with radiation, the radiation conversion panel stored as a roll in the casing is unrolled and pulled out of the casing, and the radiation conversion panel is extended flatwise against the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Keiji Tsubota, Yasunori Ohta, Naoyuki Nishino, Yutaka Yoshida, Eiichi Kito, Shinji Imai, Yasuhiro Seto