Abstract: A method for applying at least one ply onto a tool or an uncured composite layup disposed on the tool includes automatically controlling slidably removing at least one nonstick separator relative to the at least one ply positioned on the at least one nonstick separator to inhibit at least a portion of the at least one ply from adhering to the tool or uncured composite layup while applying a moving compressive force to an outer surface of the at least one ply relative to a moving trailing edge of the at least one nonstick separator to adhere at least a portion of the at least one ply to the tool or to the uncured composite layup.

Abstract: A method for applying at least one ply onto a tool or an uncured composite layup disposed on the tool includes automatically controlling slidably removing at least one nonstick separator relative to the at least one ply positioned on the at least one nonstick separator to inhibit at least a portion of the at least one ply from adhering to the tool or uncured composite layup while applying a moving compressive force to an outer surface of the at least one ply relative to a moving trailing edge of the at least one nonstick separator to adhere at least a portion of the at least one ply to the tool or to the uncured composite layup.

Abstract: An apparatus for modifying an aspect ratio of an electron beam to form a focal spot having a desired size and aspect ratio on a target anode is disclosed. The apparatus includes an emitter element configured to generate an electron beam having a first aspect ratio shape and an extraction electrode positioned adjacent to the emitter element to extract the electron beam out therefrom, the extraction electrode including an opening therethrough. The apparatus also includes at least one shaping electrode positioned to receive the electron beam after passing through the extraction electrode, the shaping electrode defining a non-circular aperture therein and being configured to provide at least one of shaping and focusing of the electron beam to have a second aspect ratio shape different from the first aspect ratio shape so as to form a focal spot having a desired size and aspect ratio on a target anode.

Abstract: A modular x-ray source for an imaging system includes a structure forming a cavity and having a first wall and a second wall, at least one target positioned on the first wall within the cavity and configured to receive a first electron beam at a first spot position and a second electron beam at a second spot position, and a shielding material positioned on the second wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for modifying an aspect ratio of an electron beam to form a focal spot having a desired size and aspect ratio on a target anode is disclosed. The apparatus includes an emitter element configured to generate an electron beam having a first aspect ratio shape and an extraction electrode positioned adjacent to the emitter element to extract the electron beam out therefrom, the extraction electrode including an opening therethrough. The apparatus also includes at least one shaping electrode positioned to receive the electron beam after passing through the extraction electrode, the shaping electrode defining a non-circular aperture therein and being configured to provide at least one of shaping and focusing of the electron beam to have a second aspect ratio shape different from the first aspect ratio shape so as to form a focal spot having a desired size and aspect ratio on a target anode.

Abstract: An x-ray source is disclosed comprising: an anode disk with first and second beveled annuli at a periphery of the anode disk, the anode disk rotatably coupled to a housing structure via a support shaft; first and second cathodes mounted to a yoke support structure, the yoke support structure configured to direct cathode emissions at x-ray generating material disposed on the beveled annuli; and a high-voltage insulator configured to electrically insulate the yoke support structure from the housing structure.

Abstract: An integrated, multi-sensor, Level 1 screening device is described, which system provides a next-generation Explosives Detection System (EDS) that enables high throughput, while drastically reducing false alarms. In exemplary embodiments, the present system comprises a non-rotational, Computed Tomography (CT) system and a non-translational, X-ray diffraction (XRD) system, both in an inline configuration.

Abstract: A collimator includes a first plate having an aperture therein, the aperture configured to allow passage of a beam of x-rays from a source of a multi-spot source therethrough, and a second plate parallelly positioned with respect to the first plate and configured to receive and attenuate a first portion of the beam of x-rays passing through the aperture in the first plate, the second plate having an aperture therein configured to non-concentrically overlap the aperture in the first plate, to receive a second portion of the beam of x-rays passing through the aperture in the first plate, and to allow passage of the second portion of the beam of x-rays therethrough. A portion of the aperture in the first plate and a portion of the aperture in the second plate form a composite aperture parallel to the beam of x-rays, the composite aperture configured to allow passage of the second portion of the beam of x-rays through the first and second plates.

Abstract: A contraband detection system includes a first contraband detection apparatus designed to perform a first scan on an object and a second contraband detection apparatus positioned in-line with the first contraband detection apparatus to perform a second scan on the object. A computer is included in the contraband detection system and is programmed to cause the first contraband detection apparatus to perform the first scan and acquire object data therefrom. The computer is further programmed to identify one or more regions of interest (ROI) in the object based on the object data, cause the second contraband detection apparatus to perform the second scan on the one or more identified ROIs, and acquire object data from the second scan.

Abstract: A system and method for addressing individual electron emitters in an emitter array is disclosed. The system includes an emitter array comprising a plurality of emitter elements arranged in a non-rectangular layout and configured to generate at least one electron beam and a plurality of extraction grids positioned adjacent to the emitter array, each extraction grid being associated with at least one emitter element to extract the at least one electron beam therefrom. The field emitter array system also includes a plurality of voltage control channels connected to the plurality of emitter elements and the plurality of extraction grids such that each of the emitter elements and each of the extraction grids is individually addressable. In the field emitter array system, the number of voltage control channels is equal to the sum of a pair of integers closest in value whose product equals the number of emitter elements.

Abstract: A modular x-ray source for an imaging system includes an electron source mounting plate, two or more electron sources each mounted on and electrically coupled to the electron source mounting plate, and a target block positioned proximately to the two or more electron sources. The source includes two or more targets mounted on and electrically coupled to the target block, each target positioned opposite a respective one of the two or more electron sources to receive a respective beam of electrons therefrom.

Abstract: A multiple spot x-ray generator is provided that includes a plurality of electron generators. Each electron generator includes an emitter element to emit an electron beam, a meshed grid adjacent each emitter element to enhance an electric field at a surface of the emitter element, and a focusing element positioned to receive the electron beam from each of the emitter elements and focus the electron beam to form a focal spot on a shielded target anode, the shielded target anode structure producing an array of x-ray focal spots when impinged by electron beams generated by the plurality of electron generators. The plurality of electron generators are arranged to form an electron generator matrix that includes activation connections electrically connected to the plurality of electron generators, wherein each electron generator is connected to a pair of the activation connections to receive an electric potential therefrom.

Abstract: An x-ray source is disclosed comprising: an anode disk with first and second beveled annuli at a periphery of the anode disk, the anode disk rotatably coupled to a housing structure via a support shaft; first and second cathodes mounted to a yoke support structure, the yoke support structure configured to direct cathode emissions at x-ray generating material disposed on the beveled annuli; and a high-voltage insulator configured to electrically insulate the yoke support structure from the housing structure.

Abstract: A modular x-ray source for an imaging system includes a structure forming a cavity and having a first wall and a second wall, at least one target positioned on the first wall within the cavity and configured to receive a first electron beam at a first spot position and a second electron beam at a second spot position, and a shielding material positioned on the second wall.

Abstract: A collimator includes a first plate having an aperture therein, the aperture configured to allow passage of a beam of x-rays from a source of a multi-spot source therethrough, and a second plate parallelly positioned with respect to the first plate and configured to receive and attenuate a first portion of the beam of x-rays passing through the aperture in the first plate, the second plate having an aperture therein configured to non-concentrically overlap the aperture in the first plate, to receive a second portion of the beam of x-rays passing through the aperture in the first plate, and to allow passage of the second portion of the beam of x-rays therethrough. A portion of the aperture in the first plate and a portion of the aperture in the second plate form a composite aperture parallel to the beam of x-rays, the composite aperture configured to allow passage of the second portion of the beam of x-rays through the first and second plates.

Abstract: A modular insulator assembly for an x-ray tube includes an annular insulator having a cylindrical perimeter wall, the insulator constructed of an electrically insulative material. A wall member is fixedly attached to and extending beyond the cylindrical perimeter wall, and a first shield positioned adjacent to the wall member and having an end extending proximate a corner formed by the wall member and the insulator.

Abstract: A modular x-ray source for an imaging system includes an electron source mounting plate, two or more electron sources each mounted on and electrically coupled to the electron source mounting plate, and a target block positioned proximately to the two or more electron sources. The source includes two or more targets mounted on and electrically coupled to the target block, each target positioned opposite a respective one of the two or more electron sources to receive a respective beam of electrons therefrom.

Abstract: A field emitter electron gun includes at least one field emitter cathode deposited on a substrate layer and configured to generate an electron beam. An extraction plate having an opening therethrough is positioned adjacent to the at least one field emitter cathode and is operated at a voltage so as to extract the electron beam out therefrom. A meshed grid is disposed between each of the at least one field emitter cathodes and the extraction plate. The meshed grid is configured to operate at a voltage so as to enhance an electric field at a surface of the at least one field emitter cathode. The meshed grid is a one-dimensional grid configured to focus the electron beam received from the at least one field emitter cathode into a desired spot size.

Abstract: A modular insulator assembly for an x-ray tube includes an annular insulator having a cylindrical perimeter wall, the insulator constructed of an electrically insulative material. A wall member is fixedly attached to and extending beyond the cylindrical perimeter wall, and a first shield positioned adjacent to the wall member and having an end extending proximate a corner formed by the wall member and the insulator.

Abstract: A system and method for addressing individual electron emitters in an emitter array is disclosed. The system includes an emitter array comprising a plurality of emitter elements arranged in a non-rectangular layout and configured to generate at least one electron beam and a plurality of extraction grids positioned adjacent to the emitter array, each extraction grid being associated with at least one emitter element to extract the at least one electron beam therefrom. The field emitter array system also includes a plurality of voltage control channels connected to the plurality of emitter elements and the plurality of extraction grids such that each of the emitter elements and each of the extraction grids is individually addressable. In the field emitter array system, the number of voltage control channels is equal to the sum of a pair of integers closest in value whose product equals the number of emitter elements.