Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for imaging obscured areas of a test object. The apparatus includes an x-ray source having a cathode for producing a steerable electron beam. A controller directs the electron beam to predetermined locations on a target anode. The user may flexibly select appropriate predetermined positions. The predetermined locations may be obtained from the geometry of an obscuration. A detector receives x-rays that are transmitted through the test object from each of the predetermined locations, and produces images corresponding to each of the predetermined locations. The images are digitized and may be combined to produce an unobscured image of a region of interest.

Abstract: A calibration system having a radiation source that generates the beam of radiation along the angular directions .theta., .phi.. A first reference element which is separated from the radiation source by a distance of approximately Z.sub.1 is then exposed to the beam of radiation. A second reference element is also present which is separated from the first reference element by a predetermined distance H and is exposed to the beam of radiation. An image detector produces images of the first and second reference elements, wherein the images are separated from each other by a distance R and angle .phi.. The device further includes an angle measurement device that calculates .theta. from the values of Z.sub.1 and H. A position measurement device having first and second sources of radiation that generate respective first and second beams of radiation directed at angles .theta..sub.1, .phi..sub.1, and .theta..sub.2, .phi..sub.2 respectively, toward an object of interest.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a material handling system for transporting a device to or from a radiation chamber in which the device is inspected is provided. The system includes a shuttle carriage having a base and two opposing walls, a conveyor mounted between the two opposing walls of the shuttle carriage, and means for moving the shuttle carriage along a path between a loading position and an unloading position. The system also includes a housing that encloses the shuttle carriage and the moving means. The housing has an internal cavity that is fitted to the two opposing walls. The housing also has a first opening coincident with the loading position and a second opening coincident with the unloading position. Further, a drive mechanism is provided for extending the conveyor partially through the first opening and the second opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring structural characteristics of a manufactured circuit board containing solder joints by automated real-time digital X-ray radiographic inspection techniques. A circuit board under examination is automatically positioned by a digitally controlled multi-axis positioning system between an electronic X-ray source and an electronic X-ray imaging system, X-rays, in a beam of X-rays from the X-ray source, are directed towards the circuit board. The X-rays are absorbed, scattered and transmitted through the circuit board. The X-rays transmitted through the circuit board are directed upon the X-ray imaging system. The X-ray imaging system converts the transmitted X-rays into digital images which represent the radiographic density of the portion of the circuit board under examination. The digital images are stored within a digital image processor.