Abstract: An X-ray collimator formed of stacked laminated layers with apertures therein aligned to form complex 3-dimensional collimator structures, and method of fabrication thereof, is presented.

Abstract: An X-ray collimator formed of stacked laminated layers with apertures therein aligned to form complex 3-dimensional collimator structures, and method of fabrication thereof, is presented.

Abstract: An x-ray shielded imaging detector is disclosed. In one embodiment, the x-ray shielded imaging detector comprises a scintillator, a photodetector, and an optical connection between the scintillator and the photodetector. The x-ray shielded imaging detector also includes a first high density shielding material adjacent the optical connection. The first high density shielding material absorbs x-ray energy and attenuates it before the x-ray energy reaches the photodetector when the x-ray energy impinges on the x-ray shielded imaging detector at an angle other than perpendicular to a major axis of the scintillator and the photodetector. Other embodiments and related methods of operating an x-ray system are also disclosed.

Abstract: An x-ray inspection system. The x-ray inspection system includes an x-ray source, an on-axis x-ray sensor, at least one off-axis x-ray sensor, a fixture, and an accumulation circuit. The on-axis x-ray sensor is configured to capture on-axis images of radiation from the x-ray source. The x-ray source is displaced from the on-axis x-ray sensor, and the x-ray source and the on-axis x-ray sensor are positioned on an axis conceptually drawn between the x-ray source and the on-axis x-ray sensor. At least one off-axis x-ray sensor is configured to capture off-axis images of radiation from the x-ray source, wherein each off-axis x-ray sensor is positioned off the axis. The fixture is configured to maintain an article between the x-ray source and the on-axis and off-axis x-ray sensors, and the accumulation circuit is configured to receive and accumulate images captured by the on-axis and off-axis x-ray sensors.

Abstract: An x-ray laminography imaging system that utilizes a nonplanar anode target to enable objects that are oblique to the direction of projection of electron beams onto the target to be precisely imaged. Because many objects that laminography techniques are used to inspect are oblique or have portions that are oblique, the nonplanar anode target of the present invention enables enables spot patterns to be traced that are parallel to the plane of the object, regardless of whether it is oblique or orthogonal.

Abstract: An x-ray shielded imaging detector is disclosed. In one embodiment, the x-ray shielded imaging detector comprises a scintillator, a photodetector, and an optical connection between the scintillator and the photodetector. The x-ray shielded imaging detector also includes a first high density shielding material adjacent the optical connection. The first high density shielding material absorbs x-ray energy and attenuates it before the x-ray energy reaches the photodetector when the x-ray energy impinges on the x-ray shielded imaging detector at an angle other than perpendicular to a major axis of the scintillator and the photodetector. Other embodiments and related methods of operating an x-ray system are also disclosed.

Abstract: An x-ray laminography imaging system that utilizes a nonplanar anode target to enable objects that are oblique to the direction of projection of electron beams onto the target to be precisely imaged. Because many objects that laminography techniques are used to inspect are oblique or have portions that are oblique, the nonplanar anode target of the present invention enables enables spot patterns to be traced that are parallel to the plane of the object, regardless of whether it is oblique or orthogonal.

Abstract: An x-ray shielded imaging detector is disclosed. In one embodiment, the x-ray shielded imaging detector comprises a scintillator, a photodetector, and an optical connection between the scintillator and the photodetector. The x-ray shielded imaging detector also includes a first high density shielding material adjacent the optical connection. The first high density shielding material absorbs x-ray energy and attenuates it before the x-ray energy reaches the photodetector when the x-ray energy impinges on the x-ray shielded imaging detector at an angle other than perpendicular to a major axis of the scintillator and the photodetector. Other embodiments and related methods of operating an x-ray system are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an optical system for a scanning device. The optical system employs a catadioptric lens which both refracts and reflects the light passing through it. In this manner, the majority of the image path portion of the light beam may be folded within the lens. This enables the required optical path length to be achieved while providing a smaller, more compact physical envelope for the imaging assembly. The catadioptric lens achieves focusing of the light beam through the use of mirrored surfaces on the lens. Several refractive surfaces are also provided to correct for various aberrations, such as, for example, spherical aberration.

Abstract: A image-based system for inspecting objects utilizes an imaging chain that defines a focal plane, a manipulator for translating and rotating either the object under inspection or the imaging chain, a surface mapping system that generates a representation of the surface of the object under inspection, and a controller that uses the representation of the surface of the object to control the manipulator so that a portion of the object under inspection lies within the focal plane of the imaging chain.

Abstract: A image-based system for inspecting objects utilizes an imaging chain that defines a focal plane, a manipulator for translating and rotating either the object under inspection or the imaging chain, a surface mapping system that generates a representation of the surface of the object under inspection, and a controller that uses the representation of the surface of the object to control the manipulator so that a portion of the object under inspection lies within the focal plane of the imaging chain.

Abstract: A compliant mirror mounting system for holding a mirror may comprise a frame having first, second, and third mounting points thereon for receiving the mirror. The first, second, and third mounting points of the frame define a mounting plane containing an X-axis and a Y-axis of an orthogonal X-Y-Z coordinate system, wherein the first and second mounting points are located a spaced distance part along the X-axis. A first spring clip positioned adjacent the first mounting point holds the mirror against the first mounting point and forms a first Y-axis barrier which prevents a first end of the mirror from moving along the Y-axis by a distance that exceeds a Y-axis tolerance. A second spring clip positioned adjacent the second mounting point holds the mirror against the second mounting point and forms a second Y-axis barrier which prevents a second end of the mirror from moving along the Y-axis by a distance that exceeds the Y-axis tolerance.

Abstract: A differential motor drive for an XY stage comprising a fixed base and two moveable platforms where the platforms' movements are orthogonal with respect to each other. Both motors for the X and the Y stages are located on the fixed base and do not move with either of the moving platforms. As the motors rotate at substantially the same speed in substantially opposite directions only the Y stage moves. As the motors rotate at substantially the same speed in substantially the same direction only the X stage moves. As the motors rotate at different speeds in either the same or opposite directions, both the X and Y stages move.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hand-held scanning device in which the scanning device housing window is attached directly to the optical assembly. In this manner, alignment between the window and the optical assembly may be maintained even when the housing is being subjected to stress. The window is also designed to float with respect to at least a portion of the housing, thus allowing the housing to flex without causing movement of the window relative to the optical assembly. A tortuous path seal arrangement may be provided between the window and the housing. The tortuous path seal allows the housing to move relatively to the window, and yet inhibits the entry of dust and other contaminants into the interior of the housing through the space provided between the window and the housing.

Abstract: An illumination system for illuminating a scan region on an object and for providing a white level reference for a detector may comprise a light source for producing light rays and an elongate lens having a first end and a second end positioned between the light source and the scan region. The lens collects some of the light rays from the light source and directs them onto the scan region. A first spot lens is positioned adjacent the first end of the elongate lens and a second spot lens is positioned adjacent the second end of the elongate lens. The first and second spot lenses direct some of the light rays from the light source toward first and second ends of the scan line. A white level reference mark is positioned adjacent the lens and the light source so that some of the light rays from the light source are reflected by the white level reference mark to the detector.

Abstract: An articulated reactor may comprise a generally rectangular member having a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, an elongate inlet side, and an elongate outlet side. A raised portion extends along a direction that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and at least one slot extends from about the elongate outlet side to about the elongate inlet side. The slot forms at least two fingers the raised portions of which are biased against a roller associated with a scanner device when the scanner device is positioned adjacent the articulated reactor.

Abstract: A document scanner method and apparatus is provided which allows for the detection of the presence and size of a document to be scanned. The scanner would also determine whether the document being scanned is crooked. The document scanner includes an automatic document feeder, which feeds the document into the scanner. As the document is being fed into the scanner by the automatic document feeder, an array of CCDs detects the size of the document using a code strip. The CCD signal of the detected document size is then converted to an electronic signal which is sent to application software. The application software then instructs the scanner as to the area to be scanned.

Abstract: A hand-held scanning device is disclosed in which the scanning device housing window is located such that it does not come into contact with the object being scanned while a scan is being performed. This location of the window eliminates window damage caused by contact with the object being scanned. This location also results in the window being located out of the focus area of the scanning device optical system. Accordingly, any defects occurring in the window will be out of focus and, thus, less detrimental to acquired image quality. A light source lens may be integrally formed in the same assembly as the window and this assembly may provide support for the light source.

Abstract: An optical scanner that employs a pulsed light source that is synchronized to the scan position by a position encoder and a pulse control system. Such a scanner has an improved image sharpness and improved image registration. Moreover, a pulsed light source in a scanner of the present invention is more efficient and uses less power, which results in various cost and power savings. Such a scanner is capable of operating off a smaller power source (battery) and is capable of running for longer periods of time off a battery than scanners with a light source that is on during the entire scanning process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hand-held scanning device which contacts an object to be scanned only at substantially colinear points, e.g., via a roller. This configuration allows the scanning device to scan very close to the edge of an object to be scanned while remaining fully supported by the object. In order to counteract detrimental effects caused by tilting of the scanning device during a scan, the scan region of the scanning device is located close to the roller, a relatively high f-number lens is used and a widened illumination area is employed. The scanning device is also configured to provide for easy grasping by a user and to allow the user to view the scan region during a scan.