With Means To Inspect Passive Solid Objects Patents (Class 250/358.1)
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Patent number: 7689070Abstract: A high frequency electrical signal control device comprises a transmitter for generating a high frequency electrical signal, a receiver, a transmission line for propagating the electrical signal, and a structure for radiating the electrical signal propagated through the transmission line to the space or receiving a signal from the space. The degree of coupling of the electrical signal between the space and the transmission line provided by the structure can be variably controlled.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2008Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toshihiko Ouchi
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Patent number: 7683778Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 7, 2007Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toshihiko Ouchi
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Patent number: 7683329Abstract: The system for automatic determination of the density of an object (100) comprises: an apparatus (2) to determine a significant dimension (x) of said object (100), an apparatus (30) to determine the intensity (I) of a photon beam attenuated by passing through said object (100), an acquisition, processing and analysis apparatus (200), means (70, 72, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88) of transporting the object (100), first means (74, 76, 78) of adjusting the position of the object (100), second means (90, 92, 94, 96, 98) of adjusting the position of the object (100). The method for using the system described above includes steps to calibrate components of apparatuses 2 and 30, and steps to actually determine the significant dimension of objects (100), that are done on each object (100) in said set of objects.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2005Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Compagnie Generale des Matieres NucleairesInventors: Abdallah Lyoussi, Emmanuel Payan
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Patent number: 7683320Abstract: In a transmission electron microscope, an electron beam flux of a cross section constricted conically over a reference specimen is made to hit the reference specimen. The flux includes electron beams hitting the specimen at incident angles which spread conically in the direction of irradiation. The beams are focused onto a fluorescent screen at positions which are different in distance from the center according to the incident angles. A transmission image of the beam flux is gained. A Fourier transform is performed for each of inspection regions set on the transmission image. Aberration coefficients C1, C2, . . . , Ci are calculated from the obtained, Fourier-transformed images by image processing. Aberration in the imaging lenses is corrected. Consequently, the aberration can be corrected by finding the aberration coefficients C1, C2, . . . , Ci from only one transmission image. The number of transmission images or the acquisition time is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2007Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Jeol Ltd.Inventors: Takumi Sannomiya, Yukihito Kondo
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Publication number: 20100065745Abstract: A method and system for high Z substance revealing using muon detection technique is presented. Natural muon coordinate and incidence angle are measured above and below the interrogated volume. The muon deviations after passing through the interrogated volume are compared with the reference deviations obtained for the same volume in absence of high Z material. A correlation between the actual data and reference data is calculated using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, though other approaches may apply. The correlation is used for the decision making on the presence of a nuclear substance inside the volume.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Inventors: Jacques Goldberg, Isaac Shpantzer, Yaakov Achiam, Nadya Reingand
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Patent number: 7663108Abstract: A system for analyzing a bulk material including a tube for transporting a stream of a bulk material, a plurality of illuminators for directing radiation through the stream and arranged about a circumference of the tube, a plurality of detectors arranged substantially opposite the illuminators, and at least one spectrometer for receiving and analyzing data from the plurality of detectors.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2008Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: ABB Schweiz AGInventors: Michael Mound, Leopold Blahous
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Patent number: 7652254Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 25, 2007Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: CeLight, Inc.Inventors: Isaac Shpantzer, Yaakov Achiam, Nadejda Reingand
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Publication number: 20100006637Abstract: A method and an apparatus are proposed for detecting at least one object in a package, in which at least one object is provided with an optical code and is disposed in a package. The method includes the steps of first irradiating the code through the package by electromagnetic excitation radiation. The code on being irradiated with the electromagnetic excitation radiation emits electromagnetic radiation, which is of higher or lower energy compared to the excitation radiation. Then the electromagnetic radiation is evaluated for whether the object is located in the package.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2009Publication date: January 14, 2010Inventors: Uwe STROINSKI, Anton Mayer
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Publication number: 20100005044Abstract: Provided are methods of using electromagnetic waves for detecting metal and/or dielectric objects. Methods include directing microwave and/or mm wave radiation in a predetermined direction using a transmission apparatus, including a transmission element; receiving radiation from an entity resulting from the transmitted radiation using a detection apparatus; and generating one or more detection signals in the frequency domain using the detection apparatus. Methods may include operating a controller, wherein operating the controller includes causing the transmitted radiation to be swept over a predetermined range of frequencies, performing a transform operation on the detection signal(s) to generate one or more transformed signals in the time domain, and determining, from one or more features of the transformed signal, one or more dimensions of a metallic or dielectric object upon which the transmitted radiation is incident.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2008Publication date: January 7, 2010Inventors: Nicholas Bowring, David Andrews, Nacer Ddine Rezgui, Stuart Harmer
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Publication number: 20090321649Abstract: A method is disclosed to determine an inspection protocol for radioactive material in shipping containers using an inspection technique threshold characteristic. The method includes weighing a container prior to shipment and determining a relative position of the container weight to at least one of a number of predetermined inspection technique threshold lines in an inspection threshold characteristic. Each of the of the predetermined inspection technique threshold lines corresponds to at least one of a number of inspection techniques. The container is classified as either a heavy container or a light container relative to at least one of the inspection techniques according to the relative position of the container weight to at least one of the predetermined inspection technique threshold lines. An inspection protocol for radioactive material in the container is selected according to the classification of the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2007Publication date: December 31, 2009Applicant: QUINTELL OF OHIO, LLCInventor: Jerry Bohinc, JR.
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Patent number: 7630469Abstract: A method for evaluating a material specimen comprises: Mounting a neutron source and a detector adjacent the material specimen; bombarding the material specimen with neutrons from the neutron source to create prompt gamma rays within the material specimen, some of the prompt gamma rays being emitted from the material specimen, some of the prompt gamma rays resulting in the formation of positrons within the material specimen by pair production; collecting positron annihilation data by detecting with the detector at least one emitted annihilation gamma ray resulting from the annihilation of a positron; storing the positron annihilation data on a data storage system for later retrieval and processing; and continuing to collect and store positron annihilation data, the continued collected and stored positron annihilation data being indicative of an accumulation of lattice damage over time.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2004Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventor: Douglas W. Akers
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Patent number: 7630588Abstract: A high frequency electrical signal control device comprises a transmitter for generating a high frequency electrical signal, a receiver, a transmission line for propagating the electrical signal, and a structure for radiating the electrical signal propagated through the transmission line to the space or receiving a signal from the space. The degree of coupling of the electrical signal between the space and the transmission line provided by the structure can be variably controlled.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2004Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toshihiko Ouchi
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Publication number: 20090295576Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventors: Isaac Shpantzer, Yaakov Achiam, Nadejda Reingand
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Publication number: 20090266989Abstract: In laser welding, the welding area is depicted coaxially in relation to the laser beam (3) through the laser optics (4), wherein not only a triangulation line and a grey or colour image of the solidified weld is recorded but also the process radiation of the welding process. From these three image elements, an optimum quality assessment of the welding process and of the weld can be made.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2007Publication date: October 29, 2009Applicant: PRECITEC VISION GMBH & CO. KGInventor: Joachim Schwarz
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Patent number: 7608827Abstract: A T-ray imaging system employing an optical resonator that is adapted to be (i) positioned in the near-field proximity to a surface of a sample and (ii) pumped with pump light such that the pump light traverses a relatively thin layer of an electro-optically responsive material (EORM) located in the resonator's cavity. The imaging system has an optical detector that is adapted to detect at least a portion of the pump light reflected from the resonator, while the sample is illuminated with terahertz (THz) radiation such that the EORM is exposed to that radiation resulting in a detectable phase shift in the reflected pump light.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2006Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.Inventor: Oleg Mitrofanov
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Patent number: 7596275Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for characterizing targets, e.g., trucks, pallets, trains, cars, and the like, using digital target imaging. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide, at base: a) image segmentation and filtering to identify surrounding white space, interior walls, floor, and ceiling of the container; morphology routines to identify and classify objects found inside the container; and decision routines to report status of container as empty or non-empty with a confidence factor from 1-100.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2005Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Science Applications International CorporationInventors: Rex D. Richardson, Ernest E. Muenchau, James Henry Winso, Jaroslaw W. Tuszynski, Weicheng Shen
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Publication number: 20090225939Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for imaging inspection of a movable object is provided, comprising: a first detecting unit configured to inspect whether a moving object to be inspected moves into a passage or not; a second detecting unit for inspecting whether a part to be shielded of the moving object passes into the passage or not and generating a passing signal after the first detecting unit inspects that the moving object to be inspected moves into the passage; a scan imaging device for emitting radiating beams for scan inspecting the moving object to be inspected; and a control system for generating a control signal for controlling the emitted radiating beams from the scan imaging device according to the passing signal from the second detecting unit. With the above system thereof, the imaging inspection of the moving object with rapid speed can be undertaken safely and reliably.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 25, 2006Publication date: September 10, 2009Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20090224157Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2008Publication date: September 10, 2009Inventors: Jacques Goldberg, Isaac Shpantzer, Yaskov Achiam, Nadejda Reingand
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Publication number: 20090212226Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for space charge dosimeters for extremely low power measurements of radiation in shipping containers. A method includes insitu polling a suite of passive integrating ionizing radiation sensors including reading-out dosimetric data from a first passive integrating ionizing radiation sensor and a second passive integrating ionizing radiation sensor, where the first passive integrating ionizing radiation sensor and the second passive integrating ionizing radiation sensor remain situated where the dosimetric data was integrated while reading-out.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2009Publication date: August 27, 2009Inventors: Charles L. Britton, JR., Mark A. Buckner, Gregory R. Hanson, William L. Bryan
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Patent number: 7570787Abstract: An X-ray inspection apparatus is provided with a shied box, a conveyor, an X-ray irradiator, an X-ray line sensor, a monitor, and a control computer to enable the apparatus to inspect an article by automatically selecting an appropriate image processing procedure that is most appropriate for the article. The control computer creates function blocks comprising an image forming section, an image processing procedure adoption determination unit, and a contaminant determination unit as a CPU loads various programs stored in a memory units such as HDD.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2005Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.Inventor: Osamu Hirose
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Patent number: 7569825Abstract: An inspection device includes a light source emitting ultraviolet light onto a banknote conveyed on a conveyance path, a light source emitting infrared light onto the banknote, a photosensor for detecting light from the banknote, a light source control processing portion for controlling the light sources while individually switching the light sources at high speed, and a discrimination processing portion. The discrimination processing portion first imports each of two detection signals (output signals) from the photosensor, which are obtained by substantially within an identical period of time when the banknote is illuminated with the light through sequential lighting of the light sources and calculates an output ratio of the photosensor. Then the calculated output ratio of the photosensor is compared and collated with reference data preliminarily stored in a memory, determining authenticity and denomination of the banknote.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2005Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Nidec Copal CorporationInventor: Hideaki Kamijo
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Patent number: 7566873Abstract: One embodiment relates to an apparatus for inspecting a substrate using charged particles. The apparatus includes an illumination subsystem, an objective subsystem, a projection subsystem, and a beam separator interconnecting those subsystems. The apparatus further includes a detection system which includes a scintillating screen, a detector array, and an optical coupling apparatus positioned therebetween. The optical coupling apparatus includes both refractive and reflective elements. Other embodiments and features are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2006Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies CorporationInventors: David Walker, Salam Harb, Vassil Spasov, David Stites, Izzy Lewis, Marian Mankos
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Publication number: 20090179152Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2007Publication date: July 16, 2009Applicant: Saint-Gobain IsoverInventor: Christopher Ellison
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Patent number: 7551269Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 18, 2008Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takeaki Itsuji
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Patent number: 7547895Abstract: An adaptable imaging assembly is provided. The adaptable imaging assembly includes a free-standing phosphor film configured to receive incident radiation and to emit corresponding optical signals. An electronic device is coupled to the free-standing phosphor film. The electronic device is configured to receive the optical signals from the free-standing phosphor film and to generate an imaging signal. A free-standing phosphor film is also provided and includes x-ray phosphor particles dispersed in a silicone binder. A method for inspecting a component is also provided and includes exposing the component and a free-standing phosphor film to radiation, generating corresponding optical signals with the free standing phosphor film, receiving the optical signals with an electronic device coupled to the free-standing phosphor film and generating an imaging signal using the electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2007Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Venkatesan Manivannan, Clifford Bueno, Stephen Jude Duclos, Stanley John Stoklosa, Douglas Albagli, Paul Alan Mc Connelee
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Patent number: 7538325Abstract: An x-ray inspection system for identifying fissile material includes one or more sources of penetrating radiation that generate first, second, and third instantaneous spectra where the object is exposed to the second only if there is no penetration of the first and the object is exposed to the third only if there is no penetration of the second. Further, the source of the second and the third spectra is a source adapted to provide single pulses. Consequently, ambient levels of radiation may be held below cabinet levels while identifying objects containing fissile material.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: American Science and Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Andrey V. Mishin, William Wade Sapp, Jr., Peter Rothschild
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Patent number: 7531806Abstract: The invention teaches a cargo container craning apparatus comprising a crane; a trolley mounted flexibly on the crane; a spreader attached to the trolley by a suspension rope; a drive mechanism capable of moving the trolley; and a radiation detection device. The radiation detection device serves to detect the contents of the container while the container is being transferred and comprises a support frame; a detector frame; and a radiation detector being disposed on the detector frame; wherein the support frame is aligned with the spreader and is suspended by a suspension rope; and the detector frame is disposed on one side of the support frame. The radiation detection device allows ascertaining whether any hazardous radioactive materials are present in the container. The addition of a radiation body to the radiation detection device allows for radio-imaging of the container contents.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2007Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Inventor: Shipeng Song
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Publication number: 20090101825Abstract: A method of determining the radiation type and energy distribution of a radiation source that outputs radiation. The method including providing a plurality of detector materials and exposing the plurality of detector materials to the radiation. Each of the plurality of detector materials stores a signal in response to being exposed to the radiation. The signals are representative of the radiation. The plurality of detector materials is stimulated to output the signals as measured signals. These measured signals are used to determine the radiation type and energy distribution of the radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2008Publication date: April 23, 2009Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGANInventor: Kimberlee Jane Kearfott
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Publication number: 20090101824Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2008Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventor: Robert Beken
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Patent number: 7519146Abstract: The present invention uses a penetrative radiation to form images of a reinforced concrete which has a steel bar. By recording a relationship between radioactive energies and thicknesses of the reinforced concrete, a radioactive energy curve for the reinforced concrete is built. The present invention can be used for an on-site detecting of a reinforced concrete.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2006Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: National Central UniversityInventors: Chung-Yue Wang, Peng-Ching Peng
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Patent number: 7505556Abstract: An inspection system based upon an imaging enclosure characterized by an enclosing body, or skin. A source of penetrating radiation and a spatial modulator for forming the penetrating radiation into a beam, are both concealed entirely within the body of an enclosure such as a shipping container for convenient operational deployment. Multiple modules, such as for providing power and for enclosing an operator console may be coupled to the imaging enclosure. An image is formed of the contents of the object based in part on the scatter signal and the relative motion signal. A detector, which may be separate or part of the scatter detector module, may exhibit sensitivity to decay products of radioactive material.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2006Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: American Science and Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Alex Chalmers, Louis W. Perich, Peter Rothschild, William John Baukus
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Patent number: 7505557Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 5, 2007Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Rapiscan Security Products, Inc.Inventors: Peter Modica, Khai Le, Phong Nguyen
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Publication number: 20090065698Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2006Publication date: March 12, 2009Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20090065713Abstract: A variable-ratio neutron-gamma ray source comprises a neutron generator, a shield, a collimator, and an external gamma target. The neutron generator generates neutrons and the shield reduces external radiation exposure. The collimator collimates the neutrons into a neutron beam that traverses the shield. The external gamma target generates a dual neutron-gamma ray beam from the neutron beam, wherein the dual neutron-gamma ray beam has a variable neutron-gamma ratio as a function of a thickness of the external gamma target.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2007Publication date: March 12, 2009Applicant: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.Inventors: Andrew J. Zillmer, Nathan J. Hoffman, Gregory A. Johnson
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Patent number: 7498593Abstract: The invention relates to improved terahertz radiation sources and associated methods. A terahertz radiation source is described, comprising: an emitter (202) comprising a semiconductor material (12); a pair of electrodes (204a,b) adjacent a face of said semiconductor, said pair of electrodes defining a gap between said electrodes; a pulsed light source input for illuminating said semiconductor to excite photo-carriers in said semiconductor to generate terahertz radiation; and a radiation collector (212) to collect said terahertz radiation; and wherein said radiation collector is disposed on the same side of said semiconductor as said electrodes. A related method of providing terahertz radiation is also described.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Cambridge University Technical Services LimitedInventors: Yao-chun Shen, Edmund H. Linfield, Alexander G. Davies
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Patent number: 7486773Abstract: A system may include emission of megavoltage radiation from a megavoltage radiation source, acquisition of a first image using an imaging device while first megavoltage radiation is emitted from the megavoltage radiation source and while a plurality of elements is between the megavoltage radiation source and the imaging device, and determination of an amount of scatter radiation based at least on areas of the acquired image corresponding to the plurality of elements. In some aspects, at least one of the plurality of elements is substantially pointed toward a focal spot of the megavoltage radiation source.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2006Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan S. Maltz, Zirao Zheng, Michelle M. Svatos
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Patent number: 7470905Abstract: A method and system for high Z substance revealing using muon detection technique is presented. Natural muon coordinate and incidence angle are measured above and below the interrogated volume. The data on muons trajectory change caused by the presence of high Z material and the muons time of flight between the upper and lower muon detectors are used for the decision making on the presence of a nuclear substance inside the volume. The system is adapted for performing measurements on moving objects such as moving trucks.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: CeLight, Inc.Inventors: Jacques Goldberg, Isaac Shpantzer, Yaakov Achiam, Nadejda Reingand
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Patent number: 7423273Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method of examining contents of an object is disclosed comprising conducting a first examination of an object, checking for the presence of delayed neutrons if the first examination indicates that suspect material is present, and determining whether the object contains nuclear material based, at least in part, on the check. The first examination may comprise a manual examination and scanning of the object to form an image, for example. The first examination may also comprise scanning of the object at two different radiation energies, calculating a function of the energy detected at the two radiation energies, and determining whether the object at least potentially contains suspect material based, at least in part, on the comparison. Systems are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Varian Medical Systems Technologies, Inc.Inventors: James E. Clayton, Paul Bjorkholm
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Patent number: 7420174Abstract: An object is to provide a nondestructive inspection device of a low equipment cost, and a crane equipped with the nondestructive inspection device. The nondestructive inspection device is provided for a quay crane, on a transporting route of the container. The nondestructive inspection device irradiates radiation from radiation sources to a container which has entered into an inspection area, and detects radiation that has transmitted through the container using the same detector, and nondestructively inspects the entire inside of the container based on information of intensity of the radiation and information of detection position of the radiation.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Koichi Kurita, Masanori Masumoto, Toshiyuki Kusano, Koji Uchida
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Patent number: 7420175Abstract: This invention is related to equipment and techniques for fast neutron activation analysis of explosives and /or other warfare agent. The techniques are based on 14 MeV fast neutrons from D-T fusion reaction, the kinematics of the nuclear reaction and fast coincidence between ?-particles of the D-T reaction and ?-quanta from fast neutron induced reactions. A fast neutron generator with effective target cooling and different operation modes provides high neutron yield, long life, and simple maintenance of the equipment and good geometric resolution of the directional neutron beam. High positional resolution of the directionally scanning neutron beam, high time resolution of the coincidence and high neutron yield provide the real time robust screen of explosives with high speed and/or high sensitivity, flexibility for big and small items and overall high probability of detection (PD) and low probability of false alarms (PFA). The remote video scan device also has zooming capability to change solid angle.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2006Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: University of HoustonInventors: Wei-Kan Chu, Jiarui Lui
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Publication number: 20080197278Abstract: Gamma rays, X-rays or ionizing irradiations from two radiation sources penetrate through a steel bar in a reinforced concrete structure. Images of the steel bar are thus projected on two films. Through geometric relationships between the images and the steel bar itself, thicknesses between the steel bar and surfaces of the reinforced concrete structure are obtained. The position of the steel bar obtained according to the present invention is reliable and accurate. And the data obtained can be used for structure safety.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2007Publication date: August 21, 2008Applicant: National Central UniversityInventors: Chung-Yue Wang, Peng-Ching Peng
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Patent number: 7408160Abstract: A system for detecting and graphically displaying a contents of a fast-moving target object comprises: a radiation source, having a position such that at least a portion of radiation emitted from the radiation source passes through the fast-moving target object, the fast-moving target object having a variable velocity and acceleration while maintaining a substantially constant distance from the radiation source and being selected from the group consisting of: a vehicle, a cargo container and a railroad car; a velocity measuring device configured to measure the variable velocity of the fast-moving target object; a detector array comprising a plurality of photon detectors, having a position such that at least some of the at least a portion of the radiation passing through the target object is received thereby, the detector array having a variable count time according to the variable velocity and a grid unit size; a counter circuit coupled to the detector array for discretely counting a number of photons enterinType: GrantFiled: April 28, 2004Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Science Applications International CorporationInventors: Victor V. Verbinski, Scott T. Smith, Judith Maxwell, legal representative, Jeffrey M. Adams, Ryan Shyffer, Kenneth H. Valentine
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Patent number: 7399971Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program product for determining a concentration of a high-Z material in a material sample. The method comprises steps of: receiving a material sample and subjecting the material sample to a first sensor device that is substantially ash insensitive for generating a first sensor response signal, and a second sensor device that is sensitive to presence of high-Z material and generating a second sensor response signal. Both the first and second sensor response signals from the first and second sensor devices are processed simultaneously to extract a weight of the high-Z material additive. The weight of the high-Z material additive is determined in a single scan of the material sample.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2005Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Gertjan J. Hofman, Reena Meijer Drees
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Patent number: 7388205Abstract: Described herein is system for the inspection of a target object. The system may include a gamma radiation source, a gamma detector and an image processor coupled to the gamma detector. When the inspection system is operating in a first active mode for imaging a target object, the gamma radiation source directs radiation at a target object, the radiation passes through the target object, and the image processor images the target object based on an output of the gamma detector. When the dual-mode system is operating in a second passive mode for imaging a target object, the target object is scanned by a neutron detector for radiation that is emitted by the target object, the emitted radiation from the target object is detected by the neutron detector and an indicator indicates the presence of the emitted radiation.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2006Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Science Applications International CorporationInventors: Victor Verbinski, Dan Madson
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Patent number: 7378658Abstract: A portal for security screening of transport passengers includes a THz trans-receiver. In one example of the portal, the trans-receiver includes a small-spot, reflective scanning arrangement including a single detector in a heterodyne receiver configuration. In another example, the trans-receiver includes a large-beam reflective scanning arrangement with the trans-receiver in a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) configuration.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Coherent, Inc.Inventors: Eric R. Mueller, Raymond Michaud
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Patent number: 7375334Abstract: Compact, OSL-based devices for long-term, unattended radiation detection and spectroscopy are provided. In addition, a method for extracting spectroscopic information from these devices is taught. The devices can comprise OSL pixels and at least one radiation filter surrounding at least a portion of the OSL pixels. The filter can modulate an incident radiation flux. The devices can further comprise a light source and a detector, both proximally located to the OSL pixels, as well as a power source and a wireless communication device, each operably connected to the light source and the detector. Power consumption of the device ranges from ultra-low to zero. The OSL pixels can retain data regarding incident radiation events as trapped charges. The data can be extracted wirelessly or manually. The method for extracting spectroscopic data comprises optically stimulating the exposed OSL pixels, detecting a readout luminescence, and reconstructing an incident-energy spectrum from the luminescence.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2004Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Leon Eric Smith, Steven D. Miller, Theodore W. Bowyer
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Patent number: 7376216Abstract: A method and associated apparatus are given for the efficient and effective thorough inspection and remote examination of the contents of metal container cargo. This involves the use of a non-metallic box which fits inside a normal freight container and with securable doors to allow normal packing and removal of cargo. An attached handle would facilitate its withdrawal onto a platform during examination and for subsequent re-insertion into the metal container. An associated yoke containing an array of sensing devices and observation instruments is positioned at the platform to determine the contents non-invasively.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2002Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Inventor: William E. Hodge
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Patent number: 7368717Abstract: A system for detecting and graphically displaying a contents of a fast-moving target object comprises: a radiation source, having a position such that at least a portion of radiation emitted from the radiation source passes through the fast-moving target object, the fast-moving target object having a variable velocity and acceleration while maintaining a substantially constant distance from the radiation source and being selected from the group consisting of: a vehicle, a cargo container and a railroad car; a velocity measuring device configured to measure the variable velocity of the fast-moving target object; a detector array comprising a plurality of photon detectors, having a position such that at least some of the at least a portion of the radiation passing through the target object is received thereby, the detector array having a variable count time according to the variable velocity and a grid unit size; a counter circuit coupled to the detector array for discretely counting a number of photons enterinType: GrantFiled: December 2, 2005Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Science Applications International CorporationInventors: Victor V. Verbinski, Scott T. Smith, Judith Maxwell, legal representative, Jeffrey M. Adams, Ryan Shyffer, Kenneth H. Valentine
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Patent number: 7365332Abstract: A system for detecting and graphically displaying a contents of a fast-moving target object comprises: a radiation source, having a position such that at least a portion of radiation emitted from the radiation source passes through the fast-moving target object, the fast-moving target object having a variable velocity and acceleration while maintaining a substantially constant distance from the radiation source and being selected from the group consisting of: a vehicle, a cargo container and a railroad car; a velocity measuring device configured to measure the variable velocity of the fast-moving target object; a detector array comprising a plurality of photon detectors, having a position such that at least some of the at least a portion of the radiation passing through the target object is received thereby, the detector array having a variable count time according to the variable velocity and a grid unit size; a counter circuit coupled to the detector array for discretely counting a number of photons enterinType: GrantFiled: December 2, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Science Applications International CorporationInventors: Victor V. Verbinski, Scott T. Smith, Judith Maxwell, legal representative, Jeffrey M. Adams, Ryan Shyffer, Kenneth H. Valentine
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Publication number: 20080095298Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting objects utilizes a fan beam or flood beam to illuminate the inspected region of the object. A modulator, which may take the form of a movable mask, dynamically encodes the beam so that each segment of the inspected region receives varying amounts of radiation according to a predetermined temporal sequence. The resultant signal produced by a backscatter detector or optional transmission detector receiving radiation from the object is decoded to recover spatial information so that an image of the inspected region may be constructed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventor: STEPHEN I. SHEFSKY