Abstract: A volumetric image of a space is acquired from an imaging system. The space includes an object of interest and another object, and the volumetric image includes data representing the object of interest and the other object. A two-dimensional radiograph of the space is acquired from the imaging system. The two-dimensional radiograph of the space includes data representing the object of interest and the other object. The two-dimensional radiograph and the volumetric image are compared at the imaging system. A two-dimensional image is generated based on the comparison. The generated two-dimensional image includes the object of interest and excludes the other object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting items for the presence of contraband. Trays may be used to hold items as they move through an inspection station. After use, the trays may be mechanically conveyed back to an entry region of the inspection station so that the trays may be used to move other items. Mechanically conveying the trays may enable increased throughput for inspection stations. A tray return may be constructed from multiple modules positioned to the side of an inspection machine. In use at an airport or other similar facility, the tray return may face a passenger use area at an inspection station. Passengers exiting the inspection station may place trays in the tray return. Passengers entering the inspection station may remove a tray from an end of the tray return at an entrance of the inspection station.

Abstract: A security system for use in connection with cargo containers and other enclosed spaces. The system monitors vibrations associated with a container and detects signals representative events indicating that an unauthorized access has been made to the container. The system may be programmed with a library of event signatures, allowing different types of events to be detected. The system may be provided with a library of signatures representing a heart beating with a beat pattern and the system may be used to detect a human or other animal within the container. Alternatively, the system may be provided with a library of signatures representing piercing the container. The system may be used to monitor containers in transit. Indications of events may be stored while the container is in transit and then communicated at a security check point.

Abstract: A dual energy X-ray source for use in an explosive detection system includes only a single power supply and only a single X-ray tube. The X-ray tube includes only two electron guns and only a single anode. Each electron gun has its own grid and cathode. The X-ray source switches between producing a higher energy X-ray and producing a lower energy X-ray at a frequency of at least 4000 Hz.

Abstract: An angular analysis system that can be controlled to receive radiation at a defined angle from a defined focus region. The angular analysis system is used for level 2 inspection in an explosive detection system. Level 2 inspection is provided by a three-dimensional inspection system that identifies suspicious regions of items under inspection. The angular analysis system is focused to gather radiation scattered at defined angles from the suspicious regions. Focusing may be achieved in multiple dimensions by movement of source and detector assemblies in a plane parallel to a plane holding the item under inspection. Focusing is achieved by independent motion of the source and detector assemblies. This focusing arrangement provides a compact device, providing simple, low cost and accurate operation.

Abstract: A particle-harvesting material includes a flexible, reusable, and thermally conductive material including a rough surface having dimples of a size within a first range of sizes, a microstructure including interstices of a second range of sizes, the second range of sizes including sizes smaller than the first range of sizes, and an etched portion on the rough surface configured to attract particles upon contact between the particles and the etched portion.

Abstract: A first multi-dimensional digital image of a scan region is generated. The scan region is included in a materials-detection apparatus and is configured to receive and move containers through the materials-detection apparatus. A pre-defined background range of values is accessed, the background range of values representing a range of values associated with non-target materials and the background range of values being distinct from values associated with the target materials. A value of a voxel included in the multi-dimensional digital image is compared to the background range of values to determine whether the value of the voxel is within the background range of values. If the value of the voxel is within the background range of values, the voxel is identified as a voxel representing a low-density material. A second multi-dimensional digital image that disregards the identified voxel is generated to compress the first multi-dimensional digital image.

Abstract: Concentrating particles in a turbulent gas flow may include receiving, in a receptacle, a turbulent gas flow that includes particles. The concentration of particles in a gas flow exiting the receptacle at a first port is increased as compared with a concentration of the particles in the gas flow received by the receptacle. The increased concentration of particles is accomplished by removing a portion of the gas flow by using a second port, and fluidly communicating the gas flow through a tube in the receptacle. The tube has a smaller diameter at the end of the tube at which the gas flow exits the tube than diameter at the end of the tube at which the gas flow is received.

Abstract: X-ray radiation is generated at a target that emits x-ray radiation in response to being struck by accelerated electrons, the electrons being emitted by a cathode that emits electrons in response to being illuminated by electromagnetic radiation from a source, and the x-ray radiation is moved by orienting a surface that directs the electromagnetic radiation from the source toward the cathode.

Abstract: A dual energy X-ray source for use in an explosive detection system includes only a single power supply and only a single X-ray tube. The X-ray tube includes only two electron guns and only a single anode. Each electron gun has its own grid and cathode. The X-ray source switches between producing a higher energy X-ray and producing a lower energy X-ray at a frequency of at least 4000 Hz.

Abstract: In one aspect, an x-ray scanning device is provided. The x-ray scanning device comprises a target adapted to convert electron-beam (e-beam) energy into x-ray energy, a detector array positioned to detect at least some x-rays emitted from the target, and a conveyer mechanism adapted to convey items to be inspected through an inspection region formed by the target and the detector array, wherein the target and the detector array are rotated out of alignment with each other such that x-rays emitted from the target impinge on diametrically positioned detectors of the detector array without passing through near-side detectors of the detector array.

Abstract: A breath alcohol detection device includes a one-piece multi-passage block with attached sensors, a valve and a fuel cell. The cell accurately determines the BrAC of a prospective vehicle operator. In the event the BrAC is less than the legal maximum for a territory, the device unlocks an ignition interlock to permit starting of the engine and operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A surveillance method is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method may include associating, with respective identifiers, a person and one or more carried items selected by the person to be carried by the person into a controlled-access area.

Abstract: A security system for detecting contraband such as explosives. The system has a source of radiation and a detector array. A detector array is made of many small detectors, each with a fast response time. The fast response time allows individual radiation photon interactions with each detector to be counted. By counting the number of interactions in an interval of time, the amount of radiation reaching the detector can be measured. The magnitude of the response from the detector to each radiation interaction allows measurement of the energy level of the photons interacting with the detector. Such a system provides significant flexibility in analyzing data collected from items under inspection. For example, objects such as contraband can be identified within the item under inspection by processing the data to accurately determine both the density and type of material.

Abstract: A multitransmitter RF rotary joint free weather radar system is used to transmit two transmitted waves toward an object and to receive two reflected waves from the object. The system incorporates an antenna pedestal having a platform support and a platform. The platform support is attached to a base. The platform is rotatably coupled to the platform support. A reflector is in electromagnetic communication with a coherent transmitter subsystem, a first channel subsystem, a second channel subsystem, and an analyzer subsystem. The subsystems rotate with the platform and reflector. RF rotary joints are not utilized. The coherent transmitter subsystem generates radio signals that are modulated by the two subsystems to create the two transmitted waves. Two receivers process the reflected waves. The analyzer subsystem is in wireless communication with a remote computer.

Abstract: Various novel apparatuses and methods for generating X-rays are disclosed. In some embodiments, for example, an apparatus may be configured and arranged so that, for at least one interception point on a particular portion of a scan path on a surface of a target along which a steering element steers an accelerated electron beam (e-beam), both an angle and its complement between a line corresponding to a direction in which the accelerated e-beam is traveling at the interception point and a line oriented normal to the surface of the target at such interception point are greater than forty five degrees.

Abstract: A system may comprise a cathode, a target, one or more switches, and a conductive element. The cathode may be configured and arranged to generate an electron beam, and the target may be configured and arranged to emit radiation when electrons in the electron beam impact the target after being accelerated by an energy source. The one or more switches may be configured and arranged to apply either a first voltage or a second voltage from a power supply between the cathode and the target. The conductive element may be disposed between the cathode and the target so as to inhibit the electron beam generated by the cathode from reaching the target when a signal is applied to the conductive element.

Abstract: An apparatus may comprise a frame supporting at least first and second skewed radiation sources and at least first and second radiation detectors. The first and second radiation detectors may be substantially non-contiguous such that a substantial gap exists between the first and second radiation detectors that is free of any radiation detectors. Each of the first and second radiation detectors may also configured and arranged to detect radiation emitted by each of the first and second skewed radiation sources.

Abstract: A method for operating an inspection system is disclosed in which an item under inspection may be moved in a first direction relative to and at least partially between at least one radiation source and at least some radiation detectors illuminated by the at least one radiation source. The radiation source and detectors may be operated such that ray paths extending linearly between the at least one radiation source and at least some of the radiation detectors form acute angles with respect to a plane having a normal direction coinciding with the first direction that are substantially in excess of three degrees. Data accumulated by the radiation detectors may be processed to form a three-dimensional tomographic data image of at least a portion of the item under inspection.

Abstract: A contraband detection system using a cone beam computed tomography scanner. The cone beam scanner allows for rapid acquisition of data for computing three dimensional density maps of objects within items under inspection. Where greater resolution is desired, the image information obtained with the cone beam computed tomography scanner may be combined with higher resolution images formed with a single view scanner. A multi-energy single view scanner may be used to additionally provide information on the effective atomic number of objects contained within items under inspection. Additionally, information obtained with the cone beam computed tomography scanner may be used to increase the accuracy of the computation of the effective atomic number of objects within the item under inspection.