Abstract: A method of operating a radiographic inspection system is designed for a radiographic inspection system in which a conveyor chain with identical modular chain segments transports the articles being inspected. The method encompasses a calibration mode and an inspection mode of the radiographic inspection system. In the calibration mode, calibration data characterizing the radiographic inspection system with the empty conveyor chain are generated and stored as a template image. In the inspection mode, raw images (50) of the articles (3) under inspection with the background (41) of the conveyor chain are acquired and arithmetically merged with the template image. The method results in a clear output image (51) of the articles under inspection being obtained without the interfering background of the conveyor chain.

Abstract: A method of operating a radiographic inspection system is designed for a radiographic inspection system in which a conveyor chain with identical modular chain segments transports the articles being inspected. The method encompasses a calibration mode and an inspection mode of the radiographic inspection system. In the calibration mode, calibration data characterizing the radiographic inspection system with the empty conveyor chain are generated and stored as a template image. In the inspection mode, raw images (50) of the articles (3) under inspection with the background (41) of the conveyor chain are acquired and arithmetically merged with the template image. The method results in a clear output image (51) of the articles under inspection being obtained without the interfering background of the conveyor chain.

Abstract: A conveyor chain comprising rigid segments which extend over a width of the chain and are configured at least in part as plates of a uniform thickness and density. The segments are connected together in a loop and have elements to couple each segment to a following segment and a preceding segment. Neighboring segments may flex against each other from a substantially straight line to a convex angle in relation to the loop, so that the chain is adapted to conform to rollers or sprockets, but is resistant to flexing in the opposite direction. The segments overlap each other to form a transport area of substantially uniform thickness and density to provide at least one substantially gapless band of substantially uniform transmissivity to radiation in the transport area, wherein the connector elements are located outside the transport area. A system comprising the chain is also provided.