Abstract: A device may receive one or more environmental measurements associated with a workplace. The device may receive one or more physiological measurements associated with a worker. The one or more physiological measurements may be different from the one or more environmental measurements. The device may generate a safety score for the worker based on the one or more environmental measurements and the one or more physiological measurements. The device may provide information regarding the worker based on the safety score.

Abstract: A device may receive one or more environmental measurements associated with a workplace. The device may receive one or more physiological measurements associated with a worker. The one or more physiological measurements may be different from the one or more environmental measurements. The device may generate a safety score for the worker based on the one or more environmental measurements and the one or more physiological measurements. The device may provide information regarding the worker based on the safety score.

Abstract: Method and apparatus is provided for monitoring an item for radioactive material on or associated with the item, the apparatus including an enclosed volume, an item monitoring location, a detection location, ion detectors provided within the detection location, a mover of gas for providing a flow of gas past the item monitoring location to a detection location, so as to revel the level and/or presence of radioactive material on the item. The item may be supported within the monitoring location by one or more rollers to ease its insertion and/or removal. The item monitoring location may be extremely elongate so as to measure pipes and the like. Various designs of roller and gas flow controllers are provided to optimize monitoring.

Abstract: A surface texture measuring instrument provided with a near-field measuring unit (30) including a near-field probe (33) that forms a near-field light at a tip end thereof when a laser beam is irradiated, a laser source (35) that generates the laser beam to be irradiated on the near-field probe (33), a detection element (38) that detects scattering effect of the near-field light generated when the near-field probe (33) is moved close to a workpiece (1), and an actuator (32) that displaces the near-field probe (33) and the workpiece (1) in a direction moving close to/away from each other, includes: a laser length-measuring unit (20) that measures a relative distance between a reference position and the workpiece (1) in the vicinity of the tip end of the near-field probe (33) or a relative distance between the reference position and the near-field probe (33).

Abstract: A nuclear detection and measurement system is provided having an ionization chamber with the ionization chamber having enclosed therein a balanced electrometer. The system includes a housing enclosing the ionization chamber, with the housing also enclosing circuitry, a battery, a power source, a microprocessor, and an analog section. The analog section is intermediate and connected by circuitry to the ionization chamber and the microprocessor. The housing has a display panel, and an on/off switch, with the circuitry connecting the power supply to the battery, the on/off switch, the microprocessor, and the display panel. The housing also includes a wireless link, a GPS unit, an RS232 port, a USB port, an alarm, and a battery charger. There is a handle secured to the housing, with the housing having on its exterior a plurality of connections for the RS232 port, the USB port, and the battery charger, and a point of attachment for a bar code reader.

Abstract: A radiation dosimeter providing an indication of the dose of radiation to which the radiation sensor has been exposed. The dosimeter contains features enabling the monitoring and evaluating of radiological risks so that a user can concentrate on the task at hand. The dosimeter provides an audible alarm indication that a predetermined time period has elapsed, an audible alarm indication reminding the user to check the dosimeter indication periodically, an audible alarm indicating that a predetermined accumulated dose has been prematurely reached, and an audible alarm indication prior or to reaching the ¾ scale point.

Abstract: A magnet for use with a neutron scattering apparatus. The neutron scattering apparatus provides an incident beam of neutrons to a sample under analysis. The magnet has first and second body portions of high conductivity material and has a mid-plane portion there between in which the sample under analysis is positioned. The first and second body portions of the coil are electrically connected to each other via the mid-plane portion of the coil between the body portions of the coil. The conductive mid-plane portion has a split that allows neutron scattering through large angles.

Abstract: An integrated CMOS semiconductor circuit comprises: an internal circuit composed of CMOS transistors including P3- and N-channel transistors each having a gate electrode and source/drain regions formed on a semiconductor substrate, the internal circuit functioning in at least two states including an active state in which data is input and output, and a standby state in which a state of the internal circuit is maintained; an external circuit composed of any electrical element and provided with a power source; and a switch portion which is enable to apply, in the standby state in the internal circuit, a reverse bias between the source and the substrate of either one of the P- and N-channel transistors of the internal circuit by the power source of the external circuit.

Abstract: A method for determining which of a plurality of detectors transmitted a signal, such as a signal related to neutron or gamma emissions, includes connecting each of the detectors to a single cable, such as an environmentally rugged cable. Signals are transmitted from each of the detectors over the single cable. The two ends of the cable are connected to two receivers. A different unique delay is introduced between receipt by the two receivers of a signal over the cable for each of the detectors. The receivers, which have a preamplifier, an amplifier and a discriminator, receive the signals from the two ends of the cable. A timing analyzer, such as a time-to-amplitude converter, measures a delay between one signal from one end and the other signal from the other end of the cable. A processor employs the amplitude of the signal output by the timing analyzer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring alpha contamination are provided in which ions generated in the air surrounding the item, by the passage of alpha particles, are moved to a distant detector location. The parts of the item from which ions are withdrawn can be controlled by restricting the air flow over different portions of the apparatus. In this way, detection of internal and external surfaces separately, for instance, can be provided. The apparatus and method are particularly suited for use in undertaking alpha contamination measurements during the commissioning operations.

Abstract: The apparatus and method provide techniques for monitoring the position on alpha contamination in or on items or locations. The technique is particularly applicable to pipes, conduits and other locations to which access is difficult. The technique uses indirect monitoring of alpha emissions by detecting ions generated by the alpha emissions. The medium containing the ions is moved in a controlled manner frog in proximity with the item or location to the detecting unit and the signals achieved over time are used to generate alpha source position information.

Abstract: The apparatus and method provide techniques for effectively implementing alpha and/or beta and/or gamma monitoring of items or locations as desired. Indirect alpha monitoring by detecting ions generated by alpha emissions, in conjunction with beta and/or gamma monitoring is provided. The invention additionally provides for screening of items prior to alpha monitoring using beta and/or gamma monitoring, so as to ensure that the alpha monitoring apparatus is not contaminated by proceeding direct to alpha monitoring of a heavily contaminated item or location. The invention provides additional versatility in the emission forms which can be monitored, whilst maintaining accuracy and avoiding inadvertent contamination.

Abstract: A low cost and simple technique for measurement of radioactive contaminants in the air, soil, or in buildings is provided. The alpha, beta gamma radiation monitor comprises a thin window and two more removable radiation windows on top of a pancake-shaped conductive plastic chamber, with a microscope and a carbon fiber electrometer within the chamber protruding through the chamber's side wall, and the microscope and electrometer opposing each other. Within the chamber the microscope is optically focused on the electrometer fiber. Three radiation windows are provided: one admits alpha particles, beta particles and gamma radiation to the chamber, another admits beta particles and gamma radiation, and a third one admits only gamma radiation. Thus one can measure or observe alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, beta and gamma radiation, or only gamma radiation. The present invention's configuration allows the concentration of each type of radiation to be independently determined.

Abstract: The apparatus and method provide an improved technique for detecting ions as the area from which ions are attracted to a detector is increased, consequently increasing the number of ions detected. This is achieved by providing the outer electrodes of the detector connected to the electrical potential, together with alternate intermediate electrodes. The other intermediate electrodes and preferably the housing are grounded. The technique renders such detection techniques more sensitive and gives them a lower threshold at which they can function.

Abstract: The apparatus and method provide a technique for more simply measuring alpha and/or beta emissions arising from items or locations. The technique uses indirect monitoring of the emissions by detecting ions generated by the emissions, the ions being attracted electrostatically to electrodes for discharge of collection. The apparatus and method employ a chamber which is sealed around the item or location during monitoring with no air being drawn into or expelled from the chamber during the monitoring process. A simplified structure and operations arises as a result, but without impairing the efficiency and accuracy of the detection technique.

Abstract: A sensor from a carbon fiber, self-reading electrometer type of dosimeter made with a radically modified ionization chamber in order to determine the angular differential dose of ionizing radiation. The chamber is flat and its size is increased so that it is operable from intensities of 100 nGy(T) h.sup.-1 to 10.sup.4 Gy(T) h.sup.-1. This performance range can be accomplished by the addition of capacitors to reduce the dosimeter's basic sensitivity. The capacitors should be connected in parallel between the electrometer assembly and ground. Additionally, the ionization chamber is lined, or in effect "sandwiched," between a low atomic number "low Z" material and a high atomic number "high Z" material. In one embodiment, a hermetically sealed plastic housing is lined on one surface with a lead (Pb) plate and the remainder of the housing is painted on the inside except the side with the lead plate) with a carbon paint.

Abstract: A container for a self-reading pocket dosimeter includes a transparent tube for receiving the self-reading pocket dosimeter, a light source mounted at one end of the transparent tube, and an eyepiece mounted on an opposite end of the transparent tube for viewing a read-out of the self-reading pocket dosimeter. The container may further include an activation device for selectively supplying power to the light source. The container both protects the dosimeter from being contaminated and provides a light source for viewing the dosimeter.

Abstract: The radiation detector includes a housing formed of a liquid crystal poly or polyphenylene sulfide treated with a gas plasma and reinforced with carbon fibers. Further, the detector includes components, such as the eye lens, window and charging switch, formed of injection molded phenoxy resin. With these improvements, the radiation detector can withstand colder temperatures, greater thermal and mechanical shock and higher humidity.

Abstract: A gamma radiation intensity meter measures dose rate of a radiation field. The gamma radiation intensity meter includes a tritium battery emitting beta rays generating a current which is essentially constant. Dose rate is correlated to an amount of movement of an electroscope element charged by the tritium battery. Ionizing radiation decreases the voltage at the element and causes movement. A bleed resistor is coupled between the electroscope support element or electrode and the ionization chamber wall electrode.

Abstract: An ionization chamber can stably measure a weak ionizing radiation with high sensitivity. The ionization chamber comprises an electrically conductive charge collecting electrode having a magnetic substance or a permanent magnet; an electromagnet for positioning the charge collecting electrode in non-contact with the other part of the ionization chamber; a position sensor for detecting the position of the charge collecting electrode; a circuit for feedback-controlling the magnetic force of the electromagnet to maintain the charge collecting electrode at the substantially same position; and ionization current detecting circuit for detecting an ionization current collected at the charge collecting electrode by ionization due to radiation applied to the ionization chamber.

Abstract: A system for measuring the cumulative amount of radiation received by a person includes a radiation monitoring electret. This electret is supported on a first conductive plate and preferably is positioned within a protective cavity such that it is not discharged by non-radiation sources. Measurement of the charge decrease on the electret over time is achieved by a null method. In particular, a second plate in the monitoring device located over the electret, or the electret itself, is vibrated and an A.C. amplitude modulation detector produces an output signal created by the alternating electric field due to the vibration. A D.C. voltage of opposite charge is then applied to the first conducting plate on which the electret is supported. This field is increased until it cancels the A.C. field above the electret. When this null occurs, the applied D.C. voltage is equal to the charge on the electret. Using this null technique the electret charge can be accurately measured without contacting the electret.

Abstract: A sensitive radon monitor has a container with a flat bottom and an upwardly and outwardly extending truncated conical side wall terminating upwardly in a relatively large upper edge. A cover overlies the upper edge. The cover has a disk-shaped plate with holes in a circular arrangement. A filter is placed atop the disk and a retainer ring overlies a peripheral portion of the filter and the disk. A negatively charged electret is held against an underside of a central position on the disk, and a detector is held upward against the electret. A second positively charged electret lines the inside of the cup-shaped base. Ambient gases flow into and out of the container through the filter and through the holes in the cover disk. The filter removes liquid and solid particles flowing through the opening establish an equilibrium. Radon decays within the chamber and positively charged products of the decay are attracted and repelled toward the first electret and toward the detector.

Abstract: A method is provided for contamination and irradiation measurement and a universal sensor for implementing said process. The individual portable sensor of the invention includes an electret a first face of which is at least partially in contact with the fluid which it is desired to monitor and electrodes disposed opposite the second face. An electronic circuit measures the field variation of the electret in the zone opposite said electrodes. An aerolic circuit ensures a constant flow of fluid over the electret.

Abstract: A wide range radiation dose rate meter for civil defense use, including a iger-Mueller tube used in a continuous counting mode and for measuring dose rates from the natural background to about 30. rads/hr., with an ion chamber arranged to measure higher dose rates up to 10,000 rads/hr. The instrument has a sample and record capability in which the selected radiation detector will have its output connected to a selected storage capacitor for a precise interval of time determined by a timing circuit and the storage capacitor will accumulate and hold a voltage proportional to the dose rate, which can be read by means of an electrometer at a later time. The instrument has a self contained hand cranked power supply and all components are selected for long shelf life.

Abstract: A single-piece, molded plastic, Cassigrainian-type condenser arrangement is incorporated in a tubular-shaped personal pocket dosimeter of the type which combines an ionization chamber with an optically-read fiber electrometer to provide improved illumination of the electrometer fiber. The condenser routes incoming light from one end of the dosimeter tubular housing around a central axis charging pin assembly and focuses the light at low angles to the axis so that it falls within the acceptance angle of the electrometer fiber objective lens viewed through an eyepiece lens disposed in the opposite end of the dosimeter. This results in improved fiber illumination and fiber image contrast.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a bar dosimeter used for measuring ionizing radiation. In a hollow housing, an axially deflectible contact pin is centrally supported in a deflectible membrane. The pin and the membrane are deflectible over center to a first deflected position wherein the pin engages another contact leading to an ionizing capacitor, and to a second deflected condition, where the pin is spaced away from the contact of the capacitor. Stops supported in the housing define the first and second deflected positions of the pin and the membrane. A spring acts through an intermediate piece to normally bias the pin and the membrane to the second deflected condition where the pin is out of engagement with the contact.

Abstract: A wide range radiation dose rate meter for civil defense use, including a iger-Mueller tube used in a continuous counting mode and for measuring dose rates from the natural background to about 30 rads/hr., with an ion chamber arranged to measure higher dose rates up to 10,000 rads/hr. The instrument has a sample and record capability in which the selected radiation detector will have its output connected to a selected storage capacitor for a precise interval of time determined by a timing circuit and the storage capacitor will accumulate and hold a voltage proportional to the dose rate, which can be read by means of an electrometer at a later time. The instrument has a self contained hand cranked power supply and all components are selected for long shelf life.

Abstract: An air ion dosimeter is disclosed which includes a small electret (10) charged to a selected level and then enclosed to await use. Measurement of air ions is made by removing the enclosure (12) from the electret (10), and either exposing the electret to the ambient atmosphere for a specific time period or drawing a specific volume of air past it. After the exposure has been made the enclosure (12) is replaced on the electret (10). The charge remaining on the electret is measured at a convenient later time. The difference between the initial charge on the electret and the charge remaining after exposure is proportional to the relative air ion concentration at the location at which the electret was exposed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring irradiation capable of modifying the charge of an electret. It is arranged in a portable cassette, between two electrodes held separated by a part and connected to a measuring circuit. A conductive shutter is movable parallel to itself and to the electret between this electret and than electrode, so as to alternately mask this electret with respect to this electrode and to render the electret visible to the electrode. The measurement exploits differences in charge of the electret read according to the movements of the shutter.

Abstract: The construction of a direct reading, ionization chamber dosimeter is almost exclusively of thermoplastic material. Except for an electrometer frame and switch contacts, the dosimeter comprises components of injection molded thermoplastic material. The dosimeter barrel and most of the structural components are made from either electrically conducting polycarbonate or non-conducting polycarbonate. Optical parts and lenses are formed from transparent plastic materials. The ionization chamber is made from polypropylene loaded with carbon black. The light-weight plastic construction of the dosimeter renders it relatively insensitive to mechanical shock and causes it to interact with ionizing radiation in a manner substantially similar to animal tissue or human flesh.

Abstract: A method for the automatic reading of the radiation dose of a portable dosimeter with an ionization chamber provided with a capacitor C.sub.1, and a device for carrying out said method, said device comprising means for measuring the value of the ionization chamber charge at each reading operation and means for storing the value of the charge of said ionization chamber, as well as means for calculating the radiation dose D at any moment from one of the stored values and from the value of the charge of said chamber at said moment.

Abstract: The device is able to detect the exceeding of a given threshold by a parameter, other than an electric voltage, capable of affecting the electrostatic force of attraction exerted between a charged electret and one, of two electrodes between which said electret is placed, said parameter being for instance an ionizing radiation. The two electrodes are at the same electric potential and the device also comprises return means for urging the first electrode and the electret permanently apart, and means for using the relative displacement of said elements, when it occurs, for desired detection purposes.

Abstract: A pocket size dose rate monitor is disclosed which is meterless, small and ugged. The instrument is cylindrically shaped so as to be carried, for example, in the shirt pocket of a user. A battery powered blocking oscillator drives a Geiger-Mueller ionization chamber which is series connected to a potentiometer whose movable slider contact is associated with an indicator scale which is calibrated, for example, in dose rate. The slider contact is also electrically coupled to a circuit which is adapted to control the energization of a miniature electric lamp or other type of light source such as a light emitting diode. For a measuring or monitoring dose rate, the user manipulates an actuator element which varies a control voltage selected from the voltage appearing across a calibrated potentiometer for controlling the operation of the control circuit.

Abstract: A quartz fiber electroscope shunted by a variable capacitor is periodically coupled to a radiation detection capacitor formed of material of a relatively large atomic number, e.g. aluminum, completely surrounded by a material of lesser atomic number, e.g. polyethylene. An electrical charge is induced by neutron or gamma radiation on the material of relatively large atomic number which charge is then coupled to the electroscope and variable capacitor combination. The variable capacitor is set at its maximum when the voltage is transferred from the detection capacitor. The variable capacitor is then reduced, thus raising the voltage on the electroscope with the dose being determined by the reduction in capacitance necessary to raise the indicated electrometer voltage to a predetermined magnitude. The variable capacitor includes indicia thereon which is calibrated such that the voltage change provides a direct reading of the charge transfer and consequently dosage.

Abstract: An optical measuring system is described for automatically operating an electrometer. A binant electrometer is employed with a quartz fiber mounted at one end but free to vibrate at the other in an AC field. The fiber oscillates if a charge is placed upon it. An optical slit replaces the ordinary eyepiece reticule scale. With the quartz fiber adjusted so its image is in focus at the optical slit, photoelectric signals are obtained at null charge on the fiber. The quartz fiber is repeatedly charged and allowed to discharge by collecting ions from a source under measurement. Each photoelectric signal causes a digital time reading to be taken. The time readings are used to evaluate the current due to the collected charge. The photoelectric signals, by feedback, also operate the electrometer for continuous or intermittent-continuous operation. Basically the system is a current digitizer. The method is applied to the measurement of force in other types of fields.

Abstract: A 20 mR (5.16 * 10.sup.-3 C/Kg) full-scale carbon fiber dosimeter that provides a direct reading of low-level Gamma and neutron exposure in real-time. To attain this, the dosimeter utilizes an enlarged ionization chamber that has a cylindrical shape with an inside diameter at least 1 inch (2.54 cm), an outside diameter at least 1.1 inches (2.794 cm), an inside height at least 0.725 inch (1.8415 cm), and an outside at least 1 inch (2.54 cm). Moreover, the inner wall of the dosimeter's ionization chamber is lined with either a predetermined hydrogenous or non-hydrogenous material having different sensitivity to gamma ray and neutron exposure.