Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for transmitting a first set of continuous wave (CW) signals, where each CW signal of the first set of CW signals has a first signal frequency and the transmitter is turned off between transmission of each CW signal of the first set of CW signals. For each CW signal of the first set of CW signals, receiving a reflection of the CW signal, and selecting an analog to digital (A/D) sample of the reflection of the CW signal that does not contain ground reflections by selecting the A/D sample based on timing from the transmitter being turned off after transmission of the CW signal. Integrating the selected A/D samples from each of the CW signals of the first set of CW signals to obtain a single A/D sample for the first set of CW signals.

Abstract: Methodologies, systems, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media are described herein to facilitate acquisition of volumetric data and volumetric image reconstruction. An imaging system can be configured to transport an object at a speed relative to the scan path of an X-ray source such that insufficient measurement data is collected for classically complete geometrical coverage. Iterative image reconstruction techniques may be used to generate volumetric images based on measured volumetric data of at least a portion of the object.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media are described herein to facilitate generation of high-resolution two-dimensional projection images of an object having minimal artifacts from three-dimensional computed tomography volumes. Direct or iterative image reconstruction techniques can be used in concert with binning to identify and select measurement data subject to a criterion and resampling of the initial volumetric dataset to generate the high-resolution, two-dimensional projection images of at least a portion of the object.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an extendable wand, and a sensor head coupled to the wand. The sensor head includes a continuous wave metal detector (CWMD) and a radar. When the wand is collapsed, the wand and the sensor head collapse to fill a volume that is smaller than a volume filled by the sensor head and the wand when the wand is extended. Frequency-domain data from a sensor configured to sense a region is accessed, the frequency-domain data is transformed to generate a time-domain representation of the region, a first model is determined based on the accessed frequency-domain data, a second model is determined based on the generated time-domain representation, the second model being associated with a particular region within the sensed region, and a background model that represents a background of the region is determined based on the first model and the second model.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for transmitting a first set of continuous wave (CW) signals, where each CW signal of the first set of CW signals has a first signal frequency and the transmitter is turned off between transmission of each CW signal of the first set of CW signals. For each CW signal of the first set of CW signals, receiving a reflection of the CW signal, and selecting an analog to digital (A/D) sample of the reflection of the CW signal that does not contain ground reflections by selecting the A/D sample based on timing from the transmitter being turned off after transmission of the CW signal. Integrating the selected A/D samples from each of the CW signals of the first set of CW signals to obtain a single A/D sample for the first set of CW signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods presented herein provide corrections for fluctuations in dose or energy of radiation sources including x-ray radiation sources. The corrections can be applied to improve the quality of transmission radiography data or other radiation imagery or to facilitate feedback control of a radiation source to improve stability.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for transmitting a first set of stepped-frequency CW signals having first signal parameters, where the first signal parameters includes a first bandwidth and a first step size between signal frequencies. Detecting reflections of the first set of transmitted CW signals. Identifying an indication of a potential target in a frequency range of the reflections of the first set of transmitted CW signals from the detected reflections of the first set of transmitted CW signals. Determining second signal parameters for a second set of stepped-frequency CW signals in response to identifying the indication of the potential target. The second signal parameters include a second bandwidth and a second step size between signal frequencies, and where the second signal parameters focus on the frequency range in which the indication of the potential target is identified. Transmitting the second set of CW signals.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a plant maintenance apparatus to move along a plant or line of plants. The apparatus has a support frame to connect to a prime mover to move the apparatus. A sensing member is mounted from the frame, to contact and be deflected by the plant as the apparatus is moved. A sensor to senses the deflection and if the deflection is above a threshold it issues a signal to an actuator. There is a near ground member, mounted from and moving with the frame. The near ground member acted on by the actuator, so that when the threshold is met the near ground member moves to a first position away from the plant when immediately adjacent thereto, and then moves to a second position once past said plant.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an extendable wand, and a sensor head coupled to the wand. The sensor head includes a continuous wave metal detector (CWMD) and a radar. When the wand is collapsed, the wand and the sensor head collapse to fill a volume that is smaller than a volume filled by the sensor head and the wand when the wand is extended. Frequency-domain data from a sensor configured to sense a region is accessed, the frequency-domain data is transformed to generate a time-domain representation of the region, a first model is determined based on the accessed frequency-domain data, a second model is determined based on the generated time-domain representation, the second model being associated with a particular region within the sensed region, and a background model that represents a background of the region is determined based on the first model and the second model.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an extendable wand, and a sensor head coupled to the wand. The sensor head includes a continuous wave metal detector (CWMD) and a radar. When the wand is collapsed, the wand and the sensor head collapse to fill a volume that is smaller than a volume filled by the sensor head and the wand when the wand is extended. Frequency-domain data from a sensor configured to sense a region is accessed, the frequency-domain data is transformed to generate a time-domain representation of the region, a first model is determined based on the accessed frequency-domain data, a second model is determined based on the generated time-domain representation, the second model being associated with a particular region within the sensed region, and a background model that represents a background of the region is determined based on the first model and the second model.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting objects includes a transceiver configured to generate a radar signal, a radar having a transmit antenna configured to transmit the radar signal, and a receive antenna configured to sense a return signal in response to a transmission of the radar signal. The apparatus also includes a processor configured to detect an object based on the return signal. One or more of the transmit antenna or the receive antenna include offset spiral feed antennas.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a plant maintenance apparatus to move along a plant or line of plants. The apparatus has a support frame to connect to a prime mover to move the apparatus. A sensing member is mounted from the frame, to contact and be deflected by the plant as the apparatus is moved. A sensor to senses the deflection and if the deflection is above a threshold it issues a signal to an actuator. There is a near ground member, mounted from and moving with the frame. The near ground member acted on by the actuator, so that when the threshold is met the near ground member moves to a first position away from the plant when immediately adjacent thereto, and then moves to a second position once past said plant.

Abstract: An imaging system exposes an object within a region to a beam of penetrating radiation. The beam of penetrating radiation is sensed on a side opposite the region from a source of the beam. An attenuation of the beam caused by passing the beam through the object is determined, the attenuation is compared to a threshold attenuation. If the attenuation exceeds the threshold attenuation, a parameter of the imaging system is adjusted based on the determined attenuation.

Abstract: An inlet apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may include a first conduit for sampling, and a second and third conduit for directing flow throughout the inlet apparatus. Flow may be induced in two opposite directions through the second conduit, which affect the flow of gas through the first conduit for sampling. The various conduits of the apparatus may be connected to a device for inducing flow in different directions. The duration of the flow in a particular direction affects the amount of sample gas that enters a detection device.

Abstract: A stepped-frequency radar signal is transmitted through a barrier. A transmitter of the stepped-frequency radar is on a first side of the barrier, a first object is on a second side of the barrier, and a second object that is distinct from the first object is on the second side of the barrier. A signal including a reflection of the transmitted signal from the first object and a reflection of the transmitted signal from the second object is sensed. The sensed signal is analyzed to determine that a first detection is associated with the first object and a second detection is associated with a second object.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems and methods for material discrimination. The systems and methods include a single source that generates both neutrons and photons, and a single imaging array with a common detector that detects the neutrons and the photons generated from the single source. The systems and methods allow for a determination of the contents, and/or the effective atomic number (“Z”) of the contents, of an object without physical inspection of the interior of the object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing targets on an opposite side of a wall are disclosed. In some aspects, the techniques include providing an indication to a user that portions of reflected radar signals were blocked by radiofrequency-blocking material at the wall. In some aspects, the techniques include identifying candidate targets as multipath echoes or motion-induced errors based on a correlation map.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the analysis of a liquid sample by way of light, comprising a transparent sample carrier, a movable upper mirror, which can be moved between a closed position, in which the mirror encloses a measurement space between itself and the sample carrier, and an open position, in which the sample carrier can be accessed so as to apply a sample, and a beam path, which guides incident measurement light between a light entrance into the measurement space and a light exit out of the measurement space from the sample carrier to the upper mirror reflecting the light. The beam path guides measurement light at an oblique angle of incidence through the sample carrier to the upper mirror.