Abstract: A radiation detection unit includes a housing and isolators unitarily constructed from mechanical energy absorbent material. The housing is attached rigidly to a structure and its major dimensions are selected to exceed corresponding major dimensions of a radiation sensor. The isolators have a body portion and projections extending outwardly therefrom. The body portion engages the radiation detection sensor proximal a respective one of its radiation collection end and its interface end. The projections are disposed intermediate the body portion and an interior surface of the housing and have a distal end contacting the interior surface to carry the radiation sensor in a three dimensional spaced apart relationship to the interior surface. The length of the projections is selected to attenuate substantially mechanical energy that is induced at the distal end and propagates along the length of each projection prior to the propagated energy being incident upon the body portion.

Abstract: In a real time container monitoring system, a data collection computer is in communication with the control computer of a container crane. The electrical signal from each of the radiation detection units carried by the spreader of the container crane is applied to the data collection computer to store as digital data information commensurate with the electrical signal from each of the radiation detection units in response to the control signal being indicative that the container has been engaged by the twist locks. A data analysis computer is in network communication with the data collection computer to download the digital data from the data collection computer and analyze the digital data to determine whether the threat material is present in the container.

Abstract: In a real time container monitoring system, a data collection computer is in communication with the control computer of a container crane. The electrical signal from each of the radiation detection units carried by the spreader of the container crane is applied to the data collection computer to store as digital data information commensurate with the electrical signal from each of the radiation detection units in response to the control signal being indicative that the container has been engaged by the twist locks. A data analysis computer is in network communication with the data collection computer to download the digital data from the data collection computer and analyze the digital data to determine whether the threat material is present in the container.

Abstract: A radiation detection unit includes a housing and isolators unitarily constructed from mechanical energy absorbent material. The housing is attached rigidly to a structure and its major dimensions are selected to exceed corresponding major dimensions of a radiation sensor. The isolators have a body portion and projections extending outwardly therefrom. The body portion engages the radiation detection sensor proximal a respective one of its radiation collection end and its interface end. The projections are disposed intermediate the body portion and an interior surface of the housing and have a distal end contacting the interior surface to carry the radiation sensor in a three dimensional spaced apart relationship to the interior surface. The length of the projections is selected to attenuate substantially mechanical energy that is induced at the distal end and propagates along the length of each projection prior to the propagated energy being incident upon the body portion.

Abstract: A computer program, database and method for the detection of fissile or radioactive material or radiation shielding material in a container works with detection devices brought into proximity to containers so that the presence of fissile or radioactive material, or shielding materials to conceal the presence of such fissile or radioactive materials, may be detected. A comparison may then be made of the output of the detector to a threshold to determine subsequent action regarding the shipping container. The threshold may be based on the output of known, dangerous radioactive materials, known legitimate contents or empty containers.

Abstract: A container crane assembly is operable to lift shipping containers for transfer between a dock and a ship transporting the containers. Typically, the container crane includes a hoist attachment which engages the shipping container. A fissile or radioactive material detection device may be mounted to the hoist attachment such that as the shipping container is being engaged, the detection device is brought into proximity to the container so that the presence of fissile or radioactive material, or shielding materials to conceal the presence of such fissile or radioactive materials, may be detected prior to the shipping container being loaded onto or unloaded from a shipping vessel. A comparison may then be made of the output of the detector to a threshold to determine subsequent action regarding the shipping container.