Abstract: Automatic thread detection in association with imaging with relies on a backscatter detector and illumination by a flying spot source of penetrating radiation. The digital backscatter image is processed to produce a histogram. The histogram is compared to a predetermined threat characteristic and an alarm is sounded if the histogram exceeds the threat characteristic. The threat characteristic is derived in an empirical fashion and automatically modified based on sensing selected parameters associated with the scanning. Operator control over the threat characteristic is also implemented. The flying spot source is also associated with a transmit detector to produce a transmit image. The transmit image is also processed against predetermined parameters for threat assessment. The predetermined parameters are also operator variable.

Abstract: Tomographic imaging with the aid of a line collimator is improved by providing for the illumination of a given linear element of the selected slice from a plurality of different directions. The line images resulting from illumination from different directions are then processed so as to minimize or eliminate spurious features of the image which result from portions of the object not lying along the slice but closer to the source of penetrating radiant energy than the slice plane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and measuring radiation is disclosed. The apparatus includes a scintillator crystal and a photodetector optically coupled to the scintillator crystal as well as first and second analyzing means. The first analyzing means is coupled to an output of the photodetector for counting discrete electronic pulses generated by the photodetector. The second analyzing means operates simultaneous with the first analyzing means and is coupled to another output of the photodetector for integrating current generated by the photodetector. The method includes the steps of irradiating a scintillator with x-ray energy, detecting light emitted from the scintillator and converting the light into a flow of electrons, detecting and counting discrete pulses of the flow of electronics and simultaneously integrating electronic current corresponding to the flow of electrons.

Abstract: A high energy imaging system provides a "slotted" or "slot-shaped" or "rectangular cross-section" beam of illumination to intercept an annular region of an object of revolution as it is rotated. A detector array is located to intercept the illumination beam emanating from the object. The detector array includes an opto-electric transducer imaging a plurality of scintillating optical fiber or fiber bundles. The optical fiber or fiber bundles are located substantially parallel to each other with longitudinal axes substantially perpendicular to the direction of the illuminating radiation and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the object being imaged.

Abstract: Information is derived from a selected fluorescent radiation line produced when an object is illuminated by a flying spot scanner. The illuminating radiation has an energy level sufficient to produce the fluorescent line when targeted components of the object are present and illuminated. A detector senses a fluorescent radiation line emitted from the targeted components to generate electrical fluorence based signals.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus comprising an X-ray source, a collimator, and an X-ray scatter detector. The X-rays are directed toward an object to be imaged where the collimator and detector are located between the source and object. The X-rays striking the object produce back scattered X-rays which are directed back through the collimator to the detector and an image is produced.

Abstract: A method of imaging for enhancing detection of cracks or flaws in an object using penetrating radiation is disclosed wherein a contrast medium is applied to an object before illumination and scatter radiation is detected from the object. This is achieved by employing a flying spot scanner and a backscatter imaging technique allowing imaging of objects which are not completely accessible, e.g. imaging the object where only one side accessible.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for practicing diaphanography by directing a beam of collimated light along a linear input path into incidence with a flat side of a compressed human breast, and collecting light which emerges from an opposing flat side of the compressed breast along an output path that is colinear with the light input path and with an angular divergence no greater than the angular divergence of the collimated input beam of light. Application of a good scatter rejecting geometry assures that the useful information in that portion of the beam of light which passes directly through the compressed breast can be utilized even though the emergent light is only a small fraction of the incident light.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the production of tomographic images includes a flying spot scanner to form, from a beam of penetrating radiation, a pencil beam sweeping over a line in space to define a sweep plane. An object to be examined is supported so that the pencil beam intersects the object along a path passing through the object and a selected slice of the object. A line collimator is provided for filtering radiation scattered by the object, the line collimator has a field of view which intersects the sweep plane in a bounded line so that the line collimator passes only that radiation scattered by elementary volumes of the object lying along the bounded line. A radiation detector responds to that portion of the scattered radiation which is passed by the line collimator.

Abstract: An imaging device for increasing the ability to recognize, in x-ray produced images, materials of low atomic number. A flying spot scanner illuminates an object to be imaged in a raster pattern; the flying spot repeatedly sweeps a line in space, and the object to be imaged is moved so that the illuminating beam intersects the object. At least a pair of x-ray detectors are employed, each pair associated with signal processing apparatus and a display.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for imaging using penetrating radiant energy provides a resulting image with elements of intensity related to atomic number. A penetrating radiant energy source is used for generating a flying spot. A first detector is located to be responsive to transmitted energy, e.g. the flying spot traverses the first detector. A second detector is located substantially coplanar with the first detector to be responsive to scattered energy, as the flying spot scans a target. The signals produced by the first and second detectors are combined to produce an image array having elements of intensity related to atomic number. A method and apparatus for non-invasively measuring density using the apparatus already recited, is also disclosed.

Abstract: Computerized axial tomography is employed with respect to large relatively dense objects such as a solid fuel rocket engine. High energy X-rays, such as a 15 MeV source is used. To develop clean images, a collimator is employed with a relatively minute acceptance angle. Acceptance angles on the order to 1.degree., and in a preferred embodiment 7 minutes of a degree, are used. In a preferred embodiment, the collimator may be located between the object and the detector, although in other embodiments, a pre-collimator may also be used, that is between the X-ray source and the object being illuminated.

Abstract: A remotely-read energy metering product comprises a conventional watt-hour meter to which an electronics package has been added, the package comprising a thin, annular, printed circuit board mounted for support on an annular adaptor ring and disposed in surrounding relation to the annular watt-hour meter. Electrical components mounted on the printed circuit board provide an electronic read-out circuit for a pulse initiator, and further provide the transponder electronics for effecting bidirectional communication between the watt-hour meter and a remote location.

Abstract: Computer tomography employs quick back projection, allowing for example software based back projection in a minicomputer. From the line of sight absorption data which is normally taken for computed tomography, the apparatus generates additional data files of more limited resolution, the most limited resolution file has such resolution that software controlled back projection employed in the minicomputer can be completed in a period of time of one minute or less. Thereafter, the operator controls a cursor so that subsequent back projection, on files of higher resolution, employ only a subset of the available data to also limit the processing time.

Abstract: Dual energy imaging develops simultaneous signals from transmitted energy of different characteristics. The detector includes two serially arranged detectors. A first detector preferentially absorbs lower level radiant energy and the second detector preferentially absorbs higher radiant energy. The detectors may be identical in which case the preferential characteristic is developed by reason of the detector's position. Alternatively, the characteristics of the detectors may be selected to produce the desired effect, e.g. a gaseous detector may be pressurized in accordance with its function, a scintillating screen may be tilted or its length may be selected to produce the desired absorption characteristic.

Abstract: A detector array for use in an X-ray or gamma-ray imaging system comprises a plurality of elongated tubular detector members which are juxtaposed in generally parallel relation to one another. Each detector includes a thin body of scintillator material which is so oriented relative to an X-ray beam of rectangular cross-section that the beam intercepts the scintillator material at a grazing angle, and the dimensions and orientation of the several scintillators are such that they intercept different portions of the X-ray beam respectively. The output signals from the several detectors are combined and processed to produce a display of an object being examined. The energy collected from the radiant source is greatly increased and is detected with nearly 100% efficiency.

Abstract: An analog signal having a quantum noise component undergoes conversion by a square root amplifier. The converted signal then undergoes analog-to-digital conversion resulting in a digital output wherein a single bit change always represents a constant fraction of a standard deviation, independent of signal intensity. Thus, a single unit of the quantum noise component may be stored as a single bit of a data word.

Abstract: A radiant energy imaging apparatus for obtaining CT scans employs an X-ray unit operative to produce a pencil beam of X-ray radiant energy which is caused to scan in a horizontal plane through an angle, sufficiently great to embrace a cross section of a human body being examined, along a single, elongated, horizontally oriented detector forming a portion of the X-ray unit and located on the side of the body opposite to an X-ray source in the unit. A supporting structure, adapted to be rotated about a vertical axis, supports a human body in a vertical orientation; and when the system is scanning in the CT mode, the supporting structure rotates the human body smoothly and continuously about a vertical axis while the X-ray unit is held at a fixed position adjacent a horizontal section of interest of the human body.

Abstract: A Computerized Tomography (CT) system for examining large objects, e.g., rocket motors, includes an improved support structure comprising a large bearing and an elongated cup-like support attached to the inner race of the bearing and extending away from the bearing in coaxial relation thereto for supporting the object to be examined and for rotating that object about the axis of the bearing. Spacers or an elevator are provided adjacent the bottom of the cup-like structure for selectively translating the object being examined along the axis of the support structure and bearing. An X-ray source is positioned to beam X-rays through the object being examined at a diametral plane in said object closely adjacent to one face of the bearing, and a detector is also provided which is responsive to X-rays passing through the object to determine the X-ray opacity of a slice of said object closely adjacent to the bearing.

Abstract: Radiation imaging means are disclosed for producing plural images exhibiting different resolution or contrast. As a pencil beam of radiation scans an object to be examined and is detected, its cross sectional size is periodically changed; and imaging means synchronously display signals obtained by detection of the respective beams of different cross section.