Abstract: A method to screen individuals specifically for paramagnetic or ferromagnetic objects they may be carrying or wearing, before they enter the high-field region of an MRI suite. The device used comprises either a screening portal or a compact, hand-held magnetic gradiometer and its electronics. The method places all of the sensor arrays in close proximity to all parts of a subject's body, for screening purposes.

Abstract: An advanced technology screening checkpoint system includes a baggage screening zone, a passenger screening zone, and a secondary screening zone. The baggage screening zone may include an explosives scanning system and an imaging system, while the passenger screening zone may include an explosives detection portal and a self-divestment portal to show passengers what to divest prior to screening by a high sensitivity metal detection portal. In some implementations, a secondary screening zone includes a sealed-bottle scanning system, an enhanced explosives detection system, a weapons search routine, and a body scanning system. Centralized monitoring of screening results for individual detection and screening systems of the baggage, passenger, and secondary screening zones may be provided by a combined user interface (CUI).

Abstract: A processing unit for processing at least one filter tow strip to produce filters for rod-shaped smoking articles includes at least one tow guidance section along which the filter tow strip is moved in a direction of a longitudinal extension of the filter tow strip. The tow guidance section includes processing devices used for processing the filter tow strip. The processing devices are arranged in a sequence essentially one above the other, so that at least a segment of the tow guidance section that is located in a region of the processing devices is oriented at an angle to a horizontal line.

Abstract: An advanced technology screening checkpoint system includes a baggage screening zone, a passenger screening zone, and a secondary screening zone. The baggage screening zone may include an explosives scanning system and an imaging system, while the passenger screening zone may include an explosives detection portal and a self-divestment portal to show passengers what to divest prior to screening by a high sensitivity metal detection portal. In some implementations, a secondary screening zone includes a sealed-bottle scanning system, an enhanced explosives detection system, a weapons search routine, and a body scanning system. Centralized monitoring of screening results for individual detection and screening systems of the baggage, passenger, and secondary screening zones may be provided by a combined user interface (CUI).

Abstract: An advanced technology screening checkpoint system includes a baggage screening zone, a passenger screening zone, and a secondary screening zone. The baggage screening zone may include an explosives scanning system and an imaging system, while the passenger screening zone may include an explosives detection portal and a self-divestment portal to show passengers what to divest prior to screening by a high sensitivity metal detection portal. In some implementations, a secondary screening zone includes a sealed-bottle scanning system, an enhanced explosives detection system, a weapons search routine, and a body scanning system. Centralized monitoring of screening results for individual detection and screening systems of the baggage, passenger, and secondary screening zones may be provided by a combined user interface (CUI).

Abstract: A method and apparatus to screen individuals specifically for paramagnetic or ferromagnetic objects they may be carrying or wearing, before they enter the high-field region of an MRI suite. The device comprises either a screening portal or a compact, hand-held magnetic gradiometer and its electronics. The device places all of the sensor arrays in close proximity to all parts of a subject's body, for screening purposes.

Abstract: A method to screen individuals specifically for paramagnetic or ferromagnetic objects they may be carrying or wearing, before they enter the high-field region of an MRI suite. The device used comprises either a screening portal or a compact, hand-held magnetic gradiometer and its electronics. The method places all of the sensor arrays in close proximity to all parts of a subject's body, for screening purposes.

Abstract: An apparatus includes at least one group of at least two adjacent sections. Each section comprises components for the processing and/or manufacturing of rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry during the transport of the articles through the section. Each section is adapted for a separate processing and/or manufacture of rod-shaped articles. Each section includes a separate guideway for the transport of the rod-shaped articles during the processing and/or manufacture, thereby making possible the simultaneous processing and/or manufacture of a plurality of rod-shaped articles corresponding to the number of sections. The at least two adjacent sections are configured in a substantially mirror-inverted arrangement relative to the transporting direction for the rod-shaped articles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to screen individuals specifically for paramagnetic or ferromagnetic objects they may be carrying or wearing, before they enter a controlled area. The device comprises a screening portal, including multiple sensor arrays and associated electronics. The device places the sensor arrays in close proximity to a subject's body, including the head and feet if desired, for screening purposes. The portal can have multiple excitation sources oriented to generate a multi-axis excitation field, and multi-axis sensors. The portal can also have an interlock with the door of the controlled area.

Abstract: The present invention can be practiced as a clipboard that has a flat rectangular board with contoured side edges containing an element for holding papers or other thin items and two indented apertures for holding the board with four fingers. The surface of the clipboard may be magnetic, contain magnetic strips or buttons, a dry erase board, or a combination of the surfaces mentioned. Each aperture may be located on opposite or adjoining side edges and is surrounded by a rubber gripping surface to facilitate gripping and comfort. The clipboard also may include a second paperclip for securing papers or other thin items and a pen clamp for securing pens, dry erase markers, or other writing utensils at the bottom of the board.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to screen individuals specifically for paramagnetic or ferromagnetic objects they may be carrying or wearing, before they enter a security area. The device comprises either a screening portal or a compact, hand-held magnetic gradiometer and its electronics. The device places all of the sensor arrays in close proximity to all parts of a subject's body, for screening purposes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to screen individuals specifically for paramagnetic or ferromagnetic objects they may be carrying or wearing, before they enter a controlled area. The device comprises a screening portal, including at least one magnetic gradiometer and its electronics. The device places all of the sensor arrays in close proximity to a subject's body, for screening purposes. The portal has at least one excitation coil oriented to cause the excitation field to have zero mutual inductance with the gradiometers.

Abstract: A combined systems user interface (CUI) may be configured with an advanced technology screening checkpoint (ATSC), which is a passenger-friendly, high performance system for screening passengers and carry-on items to detect assembled bombs, bomb components, metallic and non-metallic weapons, and other contraband items. The CUI may include a baggage, passenger, and secondary screening status regions. The baggage screening status region displays screening information generated by an explosives screening system and a baggage imaging system, while the passenger screening status region displays screening information generated by an explosives detection portal and a metal detection portal. In some implementations, a secondary screening status region displays screening information generated by a body scanning system and an enhanced explosives screening system.

Abstract: A combined systems user interface (CUI) may be configured with an advanced technology screening checkpoint (ATSC), which is a passenger-friendly, high performance system for screening passengers and carry-on items to detect assembled bombs, bomb components, metallic and non-metallic weapons, and other contraband items. The CUI may include a baggage, passenger, and secondary screening status regions. The baggage screening status region displays screening information generated by an explosives screening system and a baggage imaging system, while the passenger screening status region displays screening information generated by an explosives detection portal and a metal detection portal. In some implementations, a secondary screening status region displays screening information generated by a body scanning system and an enhanced explosives screening system.