Abstract: A method and system for determining the suitability of a particular location on a mobile craft for mounting a magnetometer includes positioning a magnetometer in a particular location. The magnetometer including at least one output indicating magnetic measurements made by the magnetometer. A computer is connected to the magnetometer and programmed to monitor the output(s) of the magnetometer. An attempt is made to detect magnetic interference at the mobile craft and a human-perceptible indication is provided if the output(s) of said magnetometer changes by more than a specified amount while attempting to detect magnetic interference.

Abstract: Headgear techniques are provided. The headgear has a crown configured to fit on a wearer's head, a bill extending from the crown with at least a portion of the bill being transparent, and a filtration material positioned about the transparent portion of the bill. The filtration material is reactive to radiant energy whereby radiant energy is selectively permitted to pass therethrough. The filtration material may also be capable of passing electrical signals therethrough. The headgear may be providing with sensors, and be part of a monitoring system.

Abstract: Radon detection or sensing is provided within a building automation system for a site (e.g., building or campus). As such, one or more short-term and/or long-term radon levels may be detected or monitored. The radon levels are monitored from a remote location. The building automation system may be programmed to automatically respond to a specific (e.g., unsafe) radon level and/or a change in one or more radon levels, or combinations thereof, in order to mitigate or reduce the monitored or detected radon levels. Trending, pattern comparison between radon level and other measured information, automated response, interaction or response between different radon sensors, or combinations thereof may be provided by integrating one or more radon sensors into a building automation system.

Abstract: A radioactive source information tracking and reporting system and method is disclosed. The system and method include a device operable to detect a presence of a radioactive source contained within a shielded container. The device is further operable to detect a location of the shielded container. A message is generated and transmitted to a central facility. The message includes a shielded container identifier, a location of the shielded container, and an indication of the presence of the radioactive source.

Abstract: A method for identifying a substance includes determining a first molecular interference function (MIF) for a first substance. The method also includes determining a second MIF for a second substance. The method further includes generating a residual MIF at least partially based on a comparison of the second MIF to the first MIF. The method also includes identifying the type of substance based on the residual MIF.

Abstract: A radiation imaging system includes a radiation imaging cassette and a console device. A communication mode between the cassette and the console device is switchable between a wired mode and a wireless mode. Due to shortage of a battery of the cassette, the communication mode is switched to the wired mode to start charging the battery and send image data from the cassette to the console device through a cable. The console device has first and second judging sections. The first judging section judges whether or not a charge level of the battery exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The second judging section judges whether or not radiography is in progress. If it is judged that the charge level of the battery exceeds the predetermined threshold value and the radiography is not in progress, a window that indicates permission for switching to the wireless mode is displayed on a monitor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inspection method of a backlight module and an inspection apparatus. The inspection method of the backlight module comprising: obtaining space brightness values of multiple positions of the backlight module on an inspection machine when the backlight module is setting in standard luminance mode, and setting the space brightness values as standard brightness values; obtaining real-time space brightness values of the multiple positions of the backlight module; comparing the real-time space brightness values with the standard space brightness values in order to determine if the backlight module is abnormal. The present invention compares the real-time space brightness values measured by the brightness meters with the standard space brightness values corresponding to the standard luminance mode of the backlight module in order to determine if the backlight module is abnormal instantaneously, and using the brightness meters to replace the luminance meters results in cost saving.

Abstract: A method of reporting local environmental conditions in real time is implemented by providing a sensor that takes measurements of an environmental condition; attaching the sensor to a vehicle, a person, an object such as a street lamp or other structure; and displaying visible light to the public at a scale visible from at least 30 feet from the visible light. The visible light is controlled by a microcontroller receiving information from the sensor. The visible light is either variable to depict the measurements, such as in color, frequency of illumination, or is variable in a plurality of lamps lighted in accordance with the magnitude of the measurements or in accordance with a composite index. The sensor is preferably modular so that it can be swapped in and out of a printed circuit board.

Abstract: A radiation detector includes a semiconductor substrate having opposing front and rear surfaces, a cathode electrode located on the front surface of the semiconductor substrate configured so as to receive radiation, and a plurality of anode electrodes formed on the rear surface of said semiconductor substrate. A work function of the cathode electrode material contacting the front surface of the semiconductor substrate is lower than a work function of the anode electrode material contacting the rear surface of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides an RFID tag with means for determining when such tag has been tampered and means for securing the tag to an object. The tag may use an optical or infrared transmitter/receiver pair for detecting active tag removal from the object to which it is attached; and a method of attaching the tag holder to rounded objects regardless of object diameter while still preserving tamper capability of the active tag. Alternatively the tag may use an infrared radiation sensor to determine a change infrared radiation that occurs when the tag is removed from a person, and a light sensor to determine when tag has been tampered.

Abstract: A radiation detector disposed on a microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The radiation detector includes a receiving antenna adapted to receive errant microwave energy and a rectifier coupled to the receiving antenna that is adapted to rectify at least a portion of the errant microwave energy. A filter is coupled to the rectifier and is adapted to convert the rectified microwave energy into a detection signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a warning device for signaling the presence of a radio frequency communication. The system includes an indicator perceptible to a user and an activation circuit to sense or detect energy originating from the communication and to activate the indicator. The device is distinguished in that the indicator is a vibrator. The invention also relates to a radio frequency communication device, such as a chip card, a passport, an insert, a mobile telephone, having the warning system, and a method of fabrication.

Abstract: A flux detection apparatus can include a radioactive sample having a decay rate capable of changing in response to interaction with a first particle or a field, and a detector associated with the radioactive sample. The detector is responsive to a second particle or radiation formed by decay of the radioactive sample. The rate of decay of the radioactive sample can be correlated to flux of the first particle or the field. Detection of the first particle or the field can provide an early warning for an impending solar event.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, systems and components enable detection and/or monitoring and/or control of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) exposure of target body-related portions of a user operating a telecommunication device. In some embodiments a risk-assessment output is provided based on a safety threshold or predetermined intrusion level of EMR exposure. A further aspect may include interaction with external EMR sources regarding possible modification of emissions as well as possible arrangements for other types of remedial action. Some embodiments may provide travel route mapping data indicative of EMR source locations and/or irradiation values in a given locale.

Abstract: Mobile devices may minimize the radiation exposure to users by controlling the distance between the user, specifically the head, and the mobile device to a minimum distance. The reduction in exposure is realized due to the operation of the Inverse Square Rule on electromagnetic signal from the mobile device recognizing there is a steep fall off of signal strength resultant from increased distance between the head of the user and the source of the signal. Embodiments increase and maintain operational distance between the user and the broadcast device to reduce signal absorption. Embodiments enforce the operational distance with physical barriers preventing the distance from being reduced. Thus maintaining a minimum distance between the user and the transmitter may have a dramatic practical effect.

Abstract: Mobile devices may minimize the radiation exposure to users by controlling the distance between the user, specifically the groin area, and the mobile device to a minimum distance. The reduction in exposure is realized due to the operation of the Inverse Square Rule on electromagnetic signal from the mobile device recognizing there is a steep fall off of signal strength resultant from increased distance between the head of the user and the source of the signal. Embodiments alert the user to a mobile device in the users pocket is in a transmission mode and thus should be removed from the users pocket to maintain operational distance between the user and the device to reduce signal absorption of the users reproductive organs. Enabled mobile devices detect the transmission mode and the acceleration of the device in determining whether to alert the user. Embodiments influence the user to maintain a minimum distance via alerts, interruptions and warnings.

Abstract: A fire detector includes a sensor (4) for, in use, detecting electromagnetic radiation emitted by a flame and generating an electronic signal corresponding to the detected electromagnetic radiation. The detector further includes a processing device (2) configured to select a portion of the electronic signal corresponding to a first time period and compare the selected signal portion with at least one parameter to determine an initial presence or absence of a flame, the processing device being further configured, upon determining the initial presence of the flame, to select a further portion of the electronic signal corresponding to a further time period and comparing the further selected signal portion with at least one parameter to determine a definite presence or absence of the flame.

Abstract: A detection unit for detecting ionizing radiation including a crystal that interacts with incoming radiation; a processing module that analyzes the incoming radiation detected by the crystal; a positioning module that determines position of the detection unit; and a network interface module that receives and transmits time stamped radiation data and position information from/to a plurality of other detection units. The detection unit automatically identifies other detection units that are located close to form a cluster. The detection unit also includes radiation data integration logic that integrates the incoming radiation data from all detectors in cluster, the position of the detection unit, the received radiation data from other detection units and the received position information from other detection units in real time, and process it simultaneously, that allows significantly improve performance and reliability.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting radioactivity of a whole body is disclosed. The apparatus for detecting radioactivity of a whole body is divided into upper and lower parts, the upper and lower parts are divided into front, rear, left and right portions, respectively, a radioactivity detection unit is installed at each of the front, rear, left and right portions, radioactivity values detected by each of the radioactivity detection units are compared and analyzed such that radioactivity values detected by the radioactivity detection units positioned at upper front and rear parts are compared, radioactivity values detected by the radioactivity detection units positioned at upper left and right parts are compared, and also radioactivity values detected by the lower radioactivity detection units are compared in the same manner, thus determining whether or not the internal parts or external parts of the body of a detection target have been contaminated by radioactivity.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, systems and components enable detection and/or monitoring and/or control of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) exposure of target body-related portions of a user operating a telecommunication device. In some embodiments a risk-assessment output is provided based on a safety threshold or predetermined intrusion level of EMR exposure.

Abstract: This invention is a nuclear radiation-warning detector that measures impedance of silver-silver halide on an interdigitated electrode to detect light or radiation comprised of alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, X rays, and/or neutrons. The detector is comprised of an interdigitated electrode covered by a layer of silver halide. After exposure to alpha particles, beta particles, X rays, gamma rays, neutron radiation, or light, the silver halide is reduced to silver in the presence of a reducing solution. The change from the high electrical resistance (impedance) of silver halide to the low resistance of silver provides the radiation warning that detected radiation levels exceed a predetermined radiation dose threshold.

Abstract: The present disclosure measures radiation doses on different directions. A partition is used, which has a certain attenuation ratio. With the partition, radiation doses on different directions can be determined without knowing the thickness or material of the partition.

Abstract: A system includes an ultraviolet c-band radiation detector to enable detection of radiation during search and rescue operations, at least a portion of the radiation including ultraviolet c-band radiation, and a stimulus generator configured to generate a stimulus in response to detected ultraviolet c-band radiation. Further embodiments may include multiple synchronized ultraviolet c-band detectors to enhance system sensitivity and facilitate detection of relatively weak radiation sources, relatively distant sources, and/or radiation scattered about an environment.

Abstract: A surface mountable radiation guide for a radiation path between a measurement volume (1) and an electro-optical component has a first radiation interface in a radiation path towards the measurement volume, a third radiation interface in a radiation path towards the electro-optical component, and a reflecting portion forming a first radiation path between the first and the third radiation interface, said first radiation path providing a focus region at the measurement volume.

Abstract: A solar powered portable control panel is disclosed herein for wirelessly controlling one or more lights or other devices. An embodiment of the control panel includes a solar panel, a regulator connected to the solar panel, a power storage device connected to the regulator, a wireless transceiver, a controller connected to the power storage device, and a user interface connected to the controller. The user interface is adapted to accept control input and provide it to the controller. The controller is adapted to transmit commands on the wireless transceiver.

Abstract: A bottle, a system and a method sterilize a liquid. The bottle has an interior to hold the liquid and an ultraviolet light emitting lamp that extends into the interior. A cord may be attached to the bottle so that pulling the cord may power the ultraviolet light emitting lamp and/or charge a battery used to power the ultraviolet light emitting lamp. The bottle may have a status light that indicates that the ultraviolet light emitting lamp may have an amount of power equal to or greater than a threshold value, such as, for example, an amount of power necessary for the ultraviolet light emitting lamp to operate for ninety seconds. The bottle may have a removable lid located opposite to the ultraviolet light emitting lamp.

Abstract: An optical signal quality monitoring apparatus includes a trajectory length acquirer measuring a Stokes vector of an optical transmission signal over an optical signal modulation frequency band and acquiring the length of a trajectory in the optical signal modulation frequency band traced out on a Poincare sphere by the measured Stokes vector as the measurement value; a DGD acquirer acquiring a DGD value of the optical transmission signal the Stokes vector of which is measured by the trajectory length acquirer; and a quality value estimator estimating a quality value by using the length of the trajectory acquired by the trajectory length acquirer and the DGD value acquired by the DGD acquirer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radiation monitoring system that has a radiation detector for making radiation measurements within a monitored area. An occupancy sensor may be provided for detecting a presence of an entity in the monitored area, and a motion sensor may be provided for detecting a motion of the entity in the monitored area. In a typical embodiment, a radiation measurement collection system is provided which has a first program logic element for collecting the radiation measurements as collected radiation measurements when the presence of the entity is detected and the motion of the entity is detected. Also provided is a method for monitoring an area for intermittent sources of radiation.

Abstract: An infrared detector comprising a plurality of bolometer detectors, bias circuitry for applying a bias to the bolometer detectors, and connectors for connecting the bolometer detectors together to form a network, wherein the bolometer detectors are arranged in an environment at substantially atmospheric pressure. A method for increasing the sensitivity of an infrared detector, having a plurality of bolometer detectors arranged in an environment at substantially atmospheric pressure so as to at least partly compensate for a reduction in the sensitivity of the infrared detector due to conduction of thermal energy from the bolometer detectors through the environment, the method comprising at least one of the steps of connecting the bolometer detectors together in at least one of series and parallel, and operating the bolometer detectors at a DC bias current.

Abstract: Systems and methods for indicating the unsafe service handling temperature of an information handling system component are disclosed. A method may include sensing a surface temperature of the component and comparing the surface temperature to a first and second threshold temperatures. The method may further include displaying various temperature warning by multiple temperature indicators if the surface temperature is above or below the threshold temperatures.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hand-held or “gun/firearm mounted” electromagnetic transceiver acting as a pulsed RADAR (i.e., “Radio Detection and Ranging”) or LIDAR (i.e., “Light Detection and Ranging”) device that can detect the presence of one or many passive retro-reflectors attached to or worn by people or objects that are close or distant in a preferred angle of detection. In a preferred embodiment this device could be mounted on a gun and would alert the user if a retro-reflector is detected in the direction of fire. Additional sensors can be used to change the effective field of detection, to save energy or to provide multiple parallel sensors for these and other reasons.

Abstract: There are provided a photoelectric sensor and a photoelectric sensor system in which received light quantities of a plurality of photoelectric sensors are displayed in an integrated manner, and slight variation in the received light quantity that has nothing to do with a detected condition of a workpiece is ignored and a photoelectric sensor with abnormity is easily found out. Upon acceptance of an instruction to execute scaled display by a control unit of a photoelectric sensor, a scaling adjustment ratio is calculated by assigning the received light quantity to a target value set to be greater than a display upper limit while executing the scaled display. A received light quantity that is subsequently obtained is scaled based on the calculated scaling adjustment ratio to obtain a received light quantity after the scaling.

Abstract: The integration of surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters, microfabricated transmission lines, and sensors onto polymer substrates in order to enable a passive wireless sensor platform is described herein. Incident microwave pulses on an integrated antenna are converted to an acoustic wave via a SAW filter and transmitted to an impedance based sensor, which for this work is a photodiode. Changes in the sensor state induce a corresponding change in the impedance of the sensor resulting in a reflectance profile. Data collected at a calibrated receiver is used to infer the state of the sensor. Based on this principal, light levels were passively and wirelessly demonstrated to be sensed at distances of up to about 12 feet.

Abstract: A radiation detector is disclosed. The radiation detector is disposed on a microwave antenna assembly. The radiation detector includes a receiving antenna adapted to receive microwave energy. The receiving antenna includes a first tubular antenna member and a second tubular antenna member disposed concentrically about a longitudinal axis defined by the microwave antenna assembly. The detector also includes at least one rectifier coupled to the receiving antenna adapted to rectify at least a portion of the microwave energy and a filter coupled to the at least one rectifier and adapted to convert the rectified microwave energy into a detection signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods to generate weather alerts are provided. A particular system includes one or more sensors to detect weather data. The system also includes a weather band radio receiver to receive weather alert messages. The system also includes a processor to perform an analysis of the weather data, to determine based on the analysis whether the weather data indicates a dangerous storm condition, and to initiate a first alert when the analysis indicates the dangerous storm condition and a weather alert message has been received. The first alert is not initiated when the weather alert message is received and the analysis does not indicate the dangerous storm condition.

Abstract: Methods and corresponding systems are provided for determining a ply count of a multilayer material is provided that includes: placing the multilayer material between an emitter and a detector of a gauge; emitting at least one pulse of ionized radiation from a source associated with the emitter; detecting a number of particles emitted from the emitter passing through the multilayer material placed between the emitter and the detector; and translating the number of particles detected into a ply count using a computing device.

Abstract: The manual trigger device includes: a housing presenting a flexible or mobile surface, an emission unit that emits an electromagnetic field, a reception unit that receives the electromagnetic field, and emits a signal representative of the electromagnetic field received, a modulation element that modulates the electromagnetic field, and is connected to the flexible or mobile surface of the housing such that when the surface is deformed or moved, the reception unit receives an electromagnetic field modulated by the modulation element according to the deformation of the flexible or mobile surface and a processing circuit that processes the signal, and adapted to detect a modulation of the electromagnetic field representative of a push on the surface with a predetermined pressure and to command, upon detection, the change in appearance of a warning device visible from the outside of the housing.

Abstract: A food safety device for placement on a product is disclosed. The food safety device comprises one or more sensors that measure at least one condition of the product and/or its environment, one or more visual indicators that are configured to display a visual indication of freshness and/or safety of the product. An antenna transmits and receives data regarding the at least one measured condition of the product and the freshness and/or safety of the product. A logic module executes programmable logic to determine the freshness and/or safety of the product from the at least one measured condition of the product, to cause the one or more visual indicators to display a visual indication of the freshness and/or safety it determines, and to transmit and receive data regarding the at least one measured condition of the product and the freshness and/or safety of the product via the antenna.

Abstract: A display assembly for use with a monitoring system is provided. The display assembly includes a communication interface that is configured to receive radiation data indicative of at least a dosage level for the radiation. Moreover, the display assembly also includes a processor that is coupled to the communication interface, wherein the processor is programmed to generate at least one image representative of the radiation data. The display assembly also includes a display media coupled to the processor, wherein the display media is configured to present the image to a user in real-time. The display assembly is positioned against the user such that the display assembly is movable with the user and the user is enabled to continuously monitor the radiation within a location while the user moves about the location.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a container or the contents in a volume (39, 47), including allowing at least one of a beta, gamma, neutron, and proton radiation emerging from said container or volume (39, 47), and/or secondary particles or radiation brought forth by said radiation, to pass through a measuring volume (12, 12?) of at least one radiation detector (10, 10?, 10?), said measuring volume (12, 12?) containing a noble gas and/or a noble gas isotope, or a mixture of noble gases and/or noble gas isotopes and detecting the photons generated within said measuring volume (12, 12?) by an interaction (18, W1, . . . , W4) of the radiation with the noble gas or noble gases and/or their isotopes of the measuring volume (12, 12?). The output of said photon detecting means (15, 16, 53) is then used to derive information about the container or the contents in said volume (39, 47), whereby this information is used to discriminate protons, neutrons, beta and gamma rays respectively.

Abstract: A method of and a system for tracking radioactive sources includes at least one RFID tag attached to a radioactive source shield, the shield receiving a radioactive source at a base location, and a TRX-Gamma box for detecting identification information from the RFID tag and sensing a first gamma radiation count from the radioactive source shield. The identification information and the first gamma radiation count are stored and the shield with the radioactive source is transported to a job location where the radioactive source is removed from the shield. At the job location, a check is made that the radioactive source has been returned to the shield by comparing any newly detected identification information with the stored identification information, and by comparing a sensed second gamma radiation count with the first gamma radiation count.

Abstract: Techniques, apparatus and systems for detecting particles such as muons for imaging applications. Subtraction techniques are described to enhance the processing of the muon tomography data.

Abstract: A bottle, a system and a method sterilize a liquid. The bottle has an interior to hold the liquid and an ultraviolet light emitting lamp that extends into the interior. A cord may be attached to the bottle so that pulling the cord may power the ultraviolet light emitting lamp and/or charge a battery used to power the ultraviolet light emitting lamp. The bottle may have a status light that indicates that the ultraviolet light emitting lamp may have an amount of power equal to or greater than a threshold value, such as, for example, an amount of power necessary for the ultraviolet light emitting lamp to operate for ninety seconds. The bottle may have a removable lid located opposite to the ultraviolet light emitting lamp.

Abstract: Provided as a system and method for providing monitoring of hazardous materials, including collecting environmental data via one or more sensors directed at the hazardous materials source, the environmental data including one or more environmentally detectable reference points; comparing the environmental data to current ambient conditions, the environmental data detectable in a reference frame by the sensors directed at the hazardous materials source, the reference frame including at least one of the one or more environmentally detectable reference points; performing an alert determination according to the comparison of the environmental data to the set of ambient conditions; and transmitting the alert determination to an existing fault detection system for the hazardous material source to enable the existing fault detection system to override a status rating of the hazardous materials source. Also included is a sensing system including modules operating on a processor.

Abstract: A fabrication process and apparatus provide a high-performance magnetic field sensor (200) from two differential sensor configurations (201, 211) which require only two distinct pinning axes (206, 216) which are formed from a single reference layer (60) that is etched into high aspect ratio shapes (62, 63) with their long axes drawn with different orientations so that, upon treating the reference layer with a properly aligned orienting field (90) and then removing the orienting field, the high aspect ratio patterns provide a shape anisotropy that forces the magnetization of each patterned shape (62, 63) to relax along its respective desired axis.

Abstract: A system for search and rescue includes a rescue beacon including a radiation source to emit radiation, at least a portion of which includes ultraviolet c-band radiation, and an ultraviolet c-band detector to detect the ultraviolet c-band radiation to enable locating of the rescue beacon.

Abstract: A system for providing intermittent communication while preserving a sterile area is provided. Sterility is preserved because the user can switch between transmitting and receiving mode without needing to touch a physical button, switch, or dial. The system is particularly valuable to doctors or dentists performing procedures. The system includes a two-way communication device coupled with a sensor, the sensor being capable of detecting the presence of an object, generally the user's hand or an instrumentality of the user, located closer than a predetermined distance from the sensor in a predetermined direction relative to the sensor. Upon such detection, the communication device is switched from receiving to tranmitting mode and remains in transmitting mode until a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the object has ceased to be located within the predetermined distance in the predetermined direction of the sensor.

Abstract: A portable radioactive substance monitoring device comprises an elongated cylindrical housing and a base. The housing has a longitudinal axis along a length direction thereof, and contains a hollow section within which are provided: a detector for monitoring radioactive substances; a circuitry connected to the detector for processing detection signals from the detector; and an alarm connected to the circuitry, for sending alarm signals upon detection of the radioactive substances. The housing at a lower end thereof is detachably connected to the base. The device is compact and delicate in structure, and thereby can be carried and used conveniently.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of methods and apparatus related to detection of substance(s) at a distance. For example, an apparatus can have a mount structure and an emitter mounted to the mount structure and configured to be trained on a target. The emitter can have a source configured to emit radiation and a mirror configured to direct the radiation toward the target. The apparatus can also have a collector mounted to the mount structure and configured to be trained on the target at the same time the emitter is trained on the target and concentrate collected radiation on a sensor. The apparatus can also have a detection system comprising the sensor and an interferometer configured to produce an interferogram. The processor can be configured to perform a Fourier transform on the interferogram to produce a spectrogram and analyze the spectrogram to determine presence or absence of known substances in or around the target.

Abstract: A radioactive source information tracking and reporting system and method is disclosed. The system and method include a device operable to detect a presence of a radioactive source contained within a shielded container. The device is further operable to detect a location of the shielded container. A message is generated and transmitted to a central facility. The message includes a shielded container identifier, a location of the shielded container, and an indication of the presence of the radioactive source.