Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a contraband detection apparatus is provided and a method of detecting contraband are provided. A container is scanned with a first type of contraband detection apparatus. Based on results of the first scan, a plurality of risk values, which correspond to particular types of contraband, are generated. The container is then scanned with a second type of contraband detection apparatus. Based on the results of the second scan, the risk values are modified. If the combined risk values are above a predetermined value, an alarm is triggered.

Abstract: An explosives detection system which includes computed tomography (CT) and quadrupole resonance (QR) sensors for identifying particular explosive compounds present in passenger baggage. The CT sensor may be configured to automatically identify the presence or absence of bulk military, commercial, and sheet explosives during CT scanning of the baggage. Similarly, the QR sensor may be configured to responsively generate RDX and PETN signals during QR scanning of the passenger baggage. Using any of a variety of inspection protocols, the explosives detection system may generate an output alarm based upon data obtained from the CT and QR sensors.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of detecting contraband, including storing data representing a first distribution of reference quantities measured when scanning reference objects of a first threat type, scanning an inspected object to measure a value of the inspected object, locating the value among the reference values, and determining a score of the data representing the first distribution corresponding to the value, as an indication of the likelihood that the inspected object is of the first threat type.

Abstract: An explosives detection system which includes computed tomography (CT) and quadrupole resonance (QR) sensors for identifying particular explosive compounds present in passenger baggage. The CT sensor may be configured to automatically identify the presence or absence of bulk military, commercial, and sheet explosives during CT scanning of the baggage. Similarly, the QR sensor may be configured to responsively generate RDX and PETN signals during QR scanning of the passenger baggage. Using any of a variety of inspection protocols, the explosives detection system may generate an output alarm based upon data obtained from the CT and QR sensors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for mapping the relevant material properties of a log, such as knot location and extent. The outer shape of the log under bark is also revealed using this method, and the boundary between the heartwood and sapwood is accurately mapped. The apparatus includes three x-ray sources and arrays of x-ray detectors, for measuring the attenuation of the wood in the log. Deviations in attenuation are related to changes in density, which are indicative of knots and other defects. Accurate estimates of shape, density and knot location render improved sawing decisions at the headrig of a sawmill, which improve the yield of high quality lumber from a given log. The techniques may also be used in a system for sorting logs according to quality.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for mapping the relevant material properties of a log, such as knot location and extent. The outer shape of the log under bark is also revealed using this method, and the boundary between the heartwood and sapwood is accurately mapped. The apparatus includes three x-ray sources and arrays of x-ray detectors, for measuring the attenuation of the wood in the log. Deviations in attenuation are related to changes in density, which are indicative of knots and other defects. Accurate estimates of shape, density and knot location render improved sawing decisions at the headrig of a sawmill, which improve the yield of high quality lumber from a given log. The techniques may also be used in a system for sorting logs according to quality.