Abstract: The present invention is an electronically collimated gamma radiation detector apparatus including a radiation sensor coupled to a digitizer, which is coupled to a processor. The apparatus receives an analog signal waveform from the sensor and transmits it to the digitizer, for transformation to a digital pulse waveform. This waveform is transmitted to the processor, which calculates at least one pulse shape parameter of the waveform, instantiates a pulse data object, and populates the object with a pulse identifier, a vector parameter, and the pulse shape parameter. The above steps are repeated at a different vector to obtain multiple objects. The processor compares pulse shape parameters from different objects using a comparison method. The comparison method updates each object with a longitudinal, transverse, or angled directional parameter. The processor can output vector parameters associated longitudinal parameters, output objects with a desired vector parameter, or conduct further analysis on objects.

Abstract: The present invention is an electronically collimated gamma radiation detector apparatus including a radiation sensor coupled to a digitizer, which is coupled to a processor. The apparatus receives an analog signal waveform from the sensor and transmits it to the digitizer, for transformation to a digital pulse waveform. This waveform is transmitted to the processor, which calculates at least one pulse shape parameter of the waveform, instantiates a pulse data object, and populates the object with a pulse identifier, a vector parameter, and the pulse shape parameter. The above steps are repeated at a different vector to obtain multiple objects. The processor compares pulse shape parameters from different objects using a comparison method. The comparison method updates each object with a longitudinal, transverse, or angled directional parameter. The processor can output vector parameters associated longitudinal parameters, output objects with a desired vector parameter, or conduct further analysis on objects.

Abstract: A collimator incorporating shielding shaped according to the formula L 0 2 = y 2 + [ y 2 ? z 2 ( y + D ) 2 ] where y is the minimum thickness of encased shielding needed to shield the collimator from un-collimated radiation entering the collimator at a distance, z, along the longitudinal axis of the collimator, z measured from the bottom of a cylindrical detector, and D is the inner diameter of the collimator as established by the outer diameter of the detector. Select embodiments may be employed for collecting collimated high energy gamma rays from soil using a gamma ray detector.

Abstract: A penetrometer probe for detecting the presence of subsurface radon gas and obtaining soil classification data is characterized by an elongated body containing recessed inlet and outlet ports, a sampling chamber, a vacuum/air controlled valve system having pistons displaceable between open and closed positions, and a vacuum/air system for drawing gas samples into and expelling gas samples from the sampling chamber. The probe also includes a detachable tip which allows grout to be injected into the borehole as the probe is withdrawn. In an alternate embodiment, the probe includes an outer sleeve for controlling the taking of gas samples in which the sleeve slides upwardly in a groove contained in the probe body during penetration, thereby covering the gas sampling ports, and slides downwardly during retraction, thereby uncovering the soil gas sampling ports and allowing gas to flow to the sampling chamber.

Abstract: A penetrometer sensor probe and system with a detachable sleeve section which performs radiation measurements in subsurface formations. The penetrometer sensor probe measures radiation particularly gamma radiation in real time as the sensor probe is retrieved from a subsurface formation following an initial penetrometer push operation. A sacrificial sleeve surrounding the sensor probe's radiation detector is separated from the penetrometer after an initial push operation at a particular subsurface depth. During a retraction process, a sleeve section containing the radiation detector is detached from the sacrificial sleeve of the penetrometer. The sleeve provides both strength to the penetrometer and protects the probe's radiation detector from damage. Additionally, the detachable sleeve results in significantly reduced bremsstrauling scattering radiation attributed to gamma radiation that otherwise would strike a steel casing adjacent to the radiation detector.

Abstract: A probe device for in-situ detection of contaminants such as petroleum prcts in a subsurface media such as soil. The device comprises an elongated probe housing which is driven into the media. An ultraviolet lamp located in the housing provides excitation energy which is reflected through a UV transparent window in the housing to the media by at least one reflecting element in the housing. The reflecting element allows longitudinal offset of the lamp from the window providing space for high intensity UV lamps. A radiation receiver receives fluorescent radiation emitted from contaminants in the media transmitted through the window and provides a signal for analysis equipment on the surface. A concentrating reflector between the lamp and the housing and a focusing lens between the lamp and the reflecting element collect and focus excitation energy from the lamp.