Abstract: A system and method that redistributes light from a light source. The controller can redistribute light to make an irradiance profile of the light source more uniform or make the irradiance profile match a fluid flow profile. The irradiance profile may be controlled by modifying light leakage from a plurality of waveguides or changing the light-directing properties of reflectors and/or lenses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for screening articles such as baggage, utilizing a computerized touch sensitive screen or other computerized pointing device for operator identification and electronic marking of objects within the article to be further examined. Baggage is electromagnetically scanned while traveling on a conveyer and an electronic image is taken of each article and stored in a computer. The present system utilizes a plurality of visual display devices, each with an examiner, which are likely located remotely of the screening operation. Each examination continues independently of the scanning such that there is no interruption in the flow of articles should an examiner detect an object of interest and worthy of further examination, either by screen or by physical examination.

Abstract: A system for detecting and identifying low-level (weak) radioactive sources moving past stationary detectors. The system, which can detect low-level sources moving at speeds of 30 m/s (about 70 mph), uses the differences between background counts and gamma counts from a moving source to determine that a source has passed the detector, when a source has passed the detector, and the identification of the source. This system has been demonstrated to work successfully for ordinary passenger vehicles transporting a variety of sources, and also for boats at lower speeds on a waterway.

Abstract: An X-ray inspection apparatus is disclosed. An inside area defining unit defines an area inside the rim of the can in an X-ray image created by an image formation unit. An extension area defining unit rotates a circle such that the circle externally touches the above-mentioned area, and defines an extension area whose boundary is the locus of the center of the externally touching circle. A reduction area defining unit rotates a circle having the same radius such that it internally touches the extension area, and defines a reduction area whose boundary is the locus of the center of the internally touching circle. A mask area defining unit defines a region outside the boundary of the reduction area as a mask area, and the first contaminant detection unit performs an inspection for contamination in an inspection area inside the mask area defined by an inspection area defining unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for continuous real-time measurement of bulk material using gamma irradiation. A multi-energy gamma attenuation device monitors bulk material flow and produces a spectrum that is compared to a baseline spectrum to produce a relative weight/impurity/component ratio. A sample analysis, in combination with measurement of the relative weight/impurity/component ratio of the sample, allows for determination of the coefficients for determining the absolute weight/impurity/component values of the bulk material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for visually observing thermal disparities between like vehicular components that are spatially separated. The invention uses only one infrared camera and one or more surfaces to reflect the thermal image of spatially separated components into the camera. The image generated by the infrared camera can be sent directly to a viewing apparatus or to a computer capable of controlling internal camera functions as well and providing video processing and analysis capabilities.

Abstract: A system for detecting embedded objects in a specimen that includes a transport system effecting movement of the specimen relative to an imaging zone along a transport path. The system also includes detector systems arranged to operably image the specimen in the imaging zone. Each detector system includes an emitter, detector, and a primary axis defined between the emitter and detector and that crosses the transport path. Energy from the emitter is directed along the primary axis and transmitted to a unique detector producing a succession of images as there is movement of the specimen relative to the imaging zone. The system further includes a computer system operably connected to the detector systems to receive and combine the succession of images producing a plurality of image slices that are combined as a representation of the specimen for use in detecting embedded objects in the specimen.

Abstract: A system for detecting and graphically displaying a contents of a fast-moving target object comprises: a radiation source, having a position such that at least a portion of radiation emitted from the radiation source passes through the fast-moving target object, the fast-moving target object having a variable velocity and acceleration while maintaining a substantially constant distance from the radiation source and being selected from the group consisting of: a vehicle, a cargo container and a railroad car; a velocity measuring device configured to measure the variable velocity of the fast-moving target object; a detector array comprising a plurality of photon detectors, having a position such that at least some of the at least a portion of the radiation passing through the target object is received thereby, the detector array having a variable count time according to the variable velocity and a grid unit size; a counter circuit coupled to the detector array for discretely counting a number of photons enterin

Abstract: A multi-way radiation monitoring and detection system is capable of detecting a radiation source on or within traffic that can travel within M adjacent traffic ways, where M is an integer equal to or greater than a value of 2. The radiation detection system comprises a set of (M+1) radiation detector assemblies with individual radiation detector assemblies of the set of (M+1) radiation detector assemblies respectively positioned at each of two sides of each of the M adjacent traffic ways. A set of M controllers is included and each controller is associated with a respective traffic way of the M adjacent traffic ways. Each controller is coupled to the respective individual radiation detector assemblies positioned at the two sides of the traffic way to which that controller is associated, such that two controllers associated with two adjacent traffic ways couple to the individual radiation detector assembly positioned between those two adjacent traffic ways.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the geometrical measurement of a material strip (2), whereby the material strip (2) defines a longitudinal direction, whereby, by means of a first measuring device with at least one radiation source (6) and with at least one detector (8), the strip thickness of the material strip (2) is determined, whereby for this purpose the radiation (10) from the radiation source (6) penetrates the material strip (2) at at least one measurement point (12) arranged in the material strip (2), and the resultant weakening of the intensity of the radiation (10) is determined by the corresponding detector (8). It is proposed that, by means of a second measuring device, the transverse contour of the material strip (2) is determined. In this situation, the measurement of the strip thickness and the transverse contour is effected at the same place on the material strip. The measured values of the thickness measurement are corrected with the measured values of the transverse contour.

Abstract: A material analyzer for identifying quantities of one or more elements in a material has a container for holding a material to be analyzed, a resonant gamma ray source unit for directing resonant gamma rays into the material in the container, and at least one detector for detecting gamma rays resonantly scattered by at least one predetermined element in the material. The resonant gamma ray source unit has an outer housing of gamma ray shield and neutron shield material, with an inner chamber and an aperture directed towards the container, a moving gamma ray generator source of a predetermined material mounted in the chamber, the material being selected from a predetermined group of materials which emit resonant gamma rays when exposed to neutrons, the source being directed towards said aperture, and a neutron source positioned in the chamber adjacent the gamma ray generator source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for screening articles utilizing a computerized touch sensitive screen or other computerized pointing device for operator identification and electronic marking of objects within the article to be further examined. An operator positioned at a computerized touch sensitive screen views electronic images of the articles to be screened as they are conveyed past a sensor array which transmits sequences of images of the series either directly or through a computer to the touch sensitive display screen. The operator manually “touches” objects within the articles displayed on the screen to be identified on coupled interactive screens thereby registering the objects selected within the computer. The computer then provides sequential information identifying actions to be taken and information and data to be recorded.

Abstract: An inspection system for air cargoes, in which an accelerator, a collimator, and a vertical detector arm are all mounted on the floor; detectors are provided within both the horizontal detector arm and the vertical arm; the accelerator, the collimator, the horizontal detector arm and the vertical detector arm are provided in a same plane; the horizontal detector arm is supported by the upper end of the collimator, the vertical detector arm and the horizontal detector arm are connected to each other and provided in the side opposite to the accelerator; a stable portal-shaped frame is formed by means of the collimator, the horizontal detector arm and the vertical detector arm; the conveying device is located under the horizontal detector arm, being perpendicular to the portal-shaped frame, the collimator is provided between the conveying device and the frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides an analysis of displacement by calculating the phase variance image P? (k, l) between Fourier transformed images of paired images S1 (n, m) and S2 (n, m) to determine the center of gravity of ? peak appearing on the invert Fourier transform image of the images. The present invention provides numerous advantages such as a precision of displacement analysis of a fraction of pixel to thereby allow to improve the precision of focal analysis, or reduced number of pixels required to achieve the same precision, evaluation of reliability of the analysis by using the ? peak intensity, influence of varying background reduced by using a phase variance component. The improved performance by the present invention allows any operator skilled or not to achieve a best focusing.

Abstract: A system for automated monitoring of pest insects in stored products to help identify insect species and improve reliability across adverse external conditions, including environmental, biological and aging. The system includes sensor units having a microcontroller which collects, analyzes, and stores data from at least one signal pulse created by an insect falling through the sensor unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the geometrical measurement of a material strip (2), whereby the material strip (2) defines a longitudinal direction, whereby, by means of a first measuring device with at least one radiation source (6) and with at least one detector (8), the strip thickness of the material strip (2) is determined, whereby for this purpose the radiation (10) from the radiation source (6) penetrates the material strip (2) at at least one measurement point (12) arranged in the material strip (2), and the resultant weakening of the intensity of the radiation (10) is determined by the corresponding detector (8). It is proposed that, by means of a second measuring device, the transverse contour of the material strip (2) is determined. In this situation, the measurement of the strip thickness and the transverse contour is effected at the same place on the material strip. The measured values of the thickness measurement are corrected with the measured values of the transverse contour.

Abstract: A device for detecting a shredded tobacco filling density in a tobacco rod includes four light sources (18, 20, 22 and 24) arranged separately from one another at an angle of 45° around a tobacco rod (T) and causing infrared rays to enter the tobacco rod (T), two light receivers (26 and 28) disposed around the tobacco rod (T) on a side opposite to the four light sources and arranged separately from each other at an angle of 90°, and a measuring device (44) for measuring the shredded tobacco filling density in the tobacco rod (T) based on outputs from the light receivers (26 and 28).

Abstract: A device for detecting properties of a moving web of paper, more specifically for production control in the paper making process, comprising an infrared lighting device suited for illuminating the web of paper with infrared light and a detector device for detecting light reflected or transmitted by the web of paper which is provided with a light input portion. The infrared lighting device is provided with a light source in the form of a long, rod-shaped infrared emitter, the light source being accommodated in a housing having a front plate facing the web of paper. An exit window, through which the light from the light source passes to impinge upon the web of paper, is tight-fittingly received in an aperture in the front plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting, locating, isolating and controlling variations in the manufacturing process by transient thermography. A heat source (200) imparts heat to a surface which is radiated in the infrared region. Infrared sensors (204, 206, 208, 210) are coupled to a processor which tracks the physical characteristics of the sample, and provides feedback to a central process controller to make adjustments to the manufacturing process. The sample can be a continuous product such as a green powder metal sheet or tobacco product.

Abstract: A detection system for identifying surface irregularities such as cracks, pits, scratches and holes in a part that is made of a material having a relatively high reflectivity and a relatively low emissivity such as titanium, aluminum, and silicon (such as silicon solar panels). A laser source generates a laser beam having a diameter that is approximately 50 microns or less. A scanning device scans the laser beam across the surface of the part. A surface irregularity radiates energy from said laser beam. An infrared receiver is directed at the surface of the part. The infrared receiver generates an infrared signal of the surface. A display that is connected to the infrared receiver displays the infrared signal to identify surface irregularities. Preferably, the infrared receiver is oriented at a first angle relative to a line perpendicular to the surface of the part. The first angle is preferably greater than 20 degrees and less than 30 degrees.

Abstract: A neutron detection system for detection of contaminants contained within a bulk material during recycling includes at least one neutron generator for neutron bombardment of the bulk material, and at least one gamma ray detector for detection of gamma rays emitted by contaminants within the bulk material. A structure for analyzing gamma ray data is communicably connected to the gamma ray detector, the structure for analyzing gamma ray data adapted. The identity and concentration of contaminants in a bulk material can also be determined. By scanning the neutron beam, discrete locations within the bulk material having contaminants can be identified.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting properties of a moving web of paper, more specifically for production control in the paper making process, with an infrared lighting device suited for illuminating the web of paper with infrared light and provided with a light exit portion, with a detector device for detecting infrared light reflected or transmitted by the web of paper which is provided with a light input portion and with a housing a) which is arranged in immediate proximity to the paper web, b) which is provided with a front face facing the web of paper and c) which accommodates the light exit portion and/or the light input portion provided with optical fibers. A plurality of n spherical lenses is arranged in a sealed manner in the front face, said spherical lenses being each optically coupled to an allocated optical fiber within the housing, said spherical lenses constituting, together with the corresponding optical fibers, the light exit portion and/or the light input portion.

Abstract: A radiation inspection apparatus calculates the difference between pixel data of each pixel, which is outputted from radiation detector 3, and pixel data of each of surrounding pixels thereof. Then, the apparatus obtains a total of circumference length of an object to be inspected WA by totalizing the number of pixels, the gray level data obtained by difference processing correspondingly to each of which is within a predetermined gray level range of gray level profile from XL to XH. Thus, the apparatus determines from the value of the total of the circumference length of the object whether or not a crack or a nick occurs in the object.

Abstract: An autoadjusting electron microscope in which an image processor derives a third image constituting an analysis image from first and second images of a specimen by Fourier-transforming the first and second images to produce Fourier-transformed first and second images, computing a phase variant image from the Fourier-transformed first and second images, and Fourier-transforming or inverse Fourier-transforming the phase variant image to obtain the third image. A computer determines an amount of displacement between the first image and the second image based on a peak appearing in the third image. An identifier determines whether a consistency between the first image and the second image is within a predetermined range based on a magnitude of the peak appearing in the third image. A transformer transforms results obtained by the computer and the identifier into an amount of defocus of an electron lens relative to the specimen.

Abstract: A device for detecting properties of a web of material has a crossbar extending across the web of material. An infrared spectrometer having a holographic grating is provided an has an input side and an output side. Infrared detectors are arranged at the output side of the infrared spectrometer and are formed by a detector matrix having n lines and m rows of infrared sensitive individual sensors. A plurality of optical waveguides are provided, each waveguide having an entrance area and an exit area. The entrance area is fastened to said crossbar, located in vicinity of the surface of the web of material and is oriented towards said surface. The exit areas of the optical waveguides are connected to the input side of the infrared spectrometer.

Abstract: In a method for determining alignment of line formations of a web, a radiation source emitting radiation and a detector with numerous radiation sensors for sensing the radiation are provided. The radiation source and the detector are reciprocated together simultaneously transversely across the web. During reciprocation across the web, at least one measuring location of the web is irradiated by the radiation source and measured values, based on local radiation intensities are measured by the radiation sensors of the detector. The measured values are communicated to a computer. The computer generates, based on the measured values and the relative positions of the radiation sensors to one another, a local structural image of the at least one measuring location of the web.

Abstract: The present invention related generally to bulk material analyzers suitable for the direct on-line analysis of materials such as coal and minerals. It is targeted particularly at direct on-conveyor belt analysis. It includes: a shielded enclosure defining an analysis zone within it and having a passageway through it to allow transport of bulk material through the analysis zone. At least one neutron source (1,4) and at least two gamma ray detectors (3,5) are disposed within the enclosure to measure gamma-rays produced in the bulk material by both the neutron inelastic scatter and thermal neutron capture processes. A neutron source and a gamma-ray detector are arranged in either a transmission or backscatter geometry. A second gamma-ray detector is arranged either in a transmission or backscatter geometry with or without using a second neutron source.

Abstract: A method for determining crook potential of wood is described. One embodiment comprises nondestructively obtaining lengthwise shrinkage rates (from a third party or by direct measurement) of wood and then determining crook potential of the wood based on the lengthwise shrinkage rates. Where the wood comprises lumber, lengthwise shrinkage rate measurements typically are made on at least one major planar surface of the lumber. The method typically comprises determining lengthwise shrinkage rates two or more measuring points separated by a predetermined distance, such as at substantially one-foot intervals along the lumber. Particular embodiments of the present invention determine lengthwise shrinkage rates using infrared radiation, microwave radiation, electricity, ultrasound energy, and combinations thereof Working embodiments of the method use ultrasound energy to determine lengthwise shrinkage rates.

Abstract: A scanner comprises a conveyor device, a tunnel housing, a bed assembly housing, an isolating device, and one or two analysis devices. The tunnel housing, together with a top portion of the bed assembly housing, forms a substantially enclosed area for analyzing objects, and the bed assembly housing includes most of the components of the conveyor device. A frameless and coverless tunnel construction method clamps the frameless tunnel around the bed assembly housing, and uses a leaded curtain bracket and slot to increase the enclosed area within the tunnel housing for a given scanner width and height. For a coverless construction, the outside of the tunnel is finished cosmetically and any lead shielding is attached to the inside of the tunnel, instead of the outside. The conveyor device comprises a conveyor belt, rollers and a conveyor tracking device having first and second channels formed in first and second rails.