Abstract: A method for identifying brominated flame retardants in a polymer sample. An infrared spectrometry scan of the polymer sample is obtained. Using a first set of parameters, the obtained IR scan is compared to a first database, and a first hit score is calculated. Based on the results of the first hit score, a second database is selected from among a number of databases, and the obtained infrared spectrometry scan is compared to the various scans contained in the selected database using a parameter set that corresponds to the selected database, and a second hit score is calculated. Using the second hit score, another set of parameters is selected, and the obtained infrared spectrometry scan is compared to the various scans contained in the selected third database using this additional parameter set, and a third hit score is calculated. Based on the second and third hit scores, the identity of the brominated flame retardant in the polymer sample is determined with a high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: A method of quantitatively measuring trace amounts of metals in polymer samples using x-rays to fluoresce and detect metals that are present in the polymer sample is disclosed. The polymer sample is ground to a powder and formed into a thin film by heat and pressure. The film is then analyzed using energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectrometry, and the data representing the amounts of the various metals present in the sample is multiplied by one or more correlation factors that have been determined from measurement of characterized polymers that have similar composition to the polymer sample and that bracket a range of metal concentrations in the sample.

Abstract: Hexavalent chromium in electronic components and assemblies is measured using x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy to analyze the sample to identify the matrix. Based on the ascertained matrix, a protocol is selected from a variety of extraction and analysis protocols, and the hexavalent chromium is extracted from the sample using the selected protocol. The extracted hexavalent chromium is reacted with 1,5 diphenylcarbazide and measured using ultraviolet spectroscopy using a unique calibration curve for each type of identified matrix. Based on the measured amount of hexavalent chromium, the concentration of hexavalent chromium is calculated as a function of a unit area of the sample.

Abstract: A method for identifying hazardous substances in a printed wiring assembly having a plurality of discrete components, using micro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. A micro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (?-XRF) and/or X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (XAFS) spectroscopy are used as detecting analyzers, to identify materials of concern in an electronic device. The device or assembly to be examined is analyzed by moving it in the X, Y, and Z directions under a probe in response to information in a reference database, to determine elemental composition at selected locations on the assembly, the probe positioned at an optimum analytical distance from each selected location for analysis. The determined elemental composition at each selected location is then correlated to the reference database, and the detected elements are assigned to the various components in the assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an automated vehicle identification and tracking system. The system includes at least one area monitoring system that has a plurality of imaging units disposed in an area. Each imaging unit is configured to capture an image of a monitored vehicle disposed in the area. A control system is remotely coupled to the at least one area monitoring system. The control system is configured to classify and track the monitored vehicle based on anonymous vehicle feature data extracted from the captured image. The system can assimilate eyewitness input concerning a vehicle based on anonymous vehicle feature data, including time and location of the sighting of the target vehicle, wherein the system can effectively identify the current location of candidate target vehicles within the monitored area.

Abstract: A method for identifying hazardous substances in a printed wiring assembly having a plurality of discrete components, using micro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. A micro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (?-XRF) and/or X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (XAFS) spectroscopy are used as detecting analyzers, to identify materials of concern in an electronic device. The device or assembly to be examined is analyzed by moving it in the X, Y, and Z directions under a probe in response to information in a reference database, to determine elemental composition at selected locations on the assembly, the probe positioned at an optimum analytical distance from each selected location for analysis. The determined elemental composition at each selected location is then correlated to the reference database, and the detected elements are assigned to the various components in the assembly.

Abstract: A method for identifying brominated flame retardants in a polymer sample. An infrared spectrometry scan of the polymer sample is obtained. Using a first set of parameters, the obtained IR scan is compared to a first database, and a first hit score is calculated. Based on the results of the first hit score, a second database is selected from among a number of databases, and the obtained infrared spectrometry scan is compared to the various scans contained in the selected database using a parameter set that corresponds to the selected database, and a second hit score is calculated. Using the second hit score, another set of parameters is selected, and the obtained infrared spectrometry scan is compared to the various scans contained in the selected third database using this additional parameter set, and a third hit score is calculated. Based on the second and third hit scores, the identity of the brominated flame retardant in the polymer sample is determined with a high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: Methods for object recognition and systems that implement the methods. In one embodiment, the method of this invention for processing and identifying images includes two steps. In the first step, object profile characteristics are obtained. In the second step, object profile characteristics are utilized to determine object type and orientation. A system that implements the method of this invention is also disclosed.