Abstract: A system for the suppression of noise and its variations for the detection of a pure signal in a measured noisy discrete signal. The system measures a counting rate N.sub.2 in a signal channel and a counting rate N.sub.3 in a reference channel, evaluates the estimation value .lambda..sub.E of the ratio .lambda. between the mean noise levels in the channels and evaluates the associated false detection probability I as a function of (N.sub.2, N.sub.3 .lambda..sub.E). The system then performs a comparison of I with at least one information threshold I.sub.m, each associated with a predetermined false detection level. Comparison can take place indirectly on a function of the probability and can use tabulated values. The system has particular application to the detection of corpuscular radiation.

Abstract: A crayon-like marker is described which is capable of making marks detectable by X-ray on various substrates, e.g., textile products. The marker is comprised of a waxy medium in which is dispersed a radio-opaque substance. Additional coloring agents may be added if desired.

Abstract: An inspecting method and device for inspecting an object or objects such as photomasks having a plurality of identical patterns, to detect defects of the patterns, wherein the object is placed such that the patterns lie in the same plane, and an inspection mask having a plurality of translucent apertures is placed such that the inspection mask is adjacent and parallel to the object. The inspection mask and the object are moved relative to each other whereby each aperture is positioned opposite to mutually corresponding portions of the patterns. The object and inspection mask are irradiated with rays of light emitted in a direction substantially normal to the plane of relative movements thereof. The rays of light transmitted through the apertures and the object are converted into electric signals, and the electric signals associated with the corresponding portions of the patterns are compared with each other, prior to obtaining the electric signals of all of the plurality of patterns.

Abstract: A movable apparatus for insuring the taking of X-Rays in any location and under safe aseptic conditions. A tube assembly forms a tripod for supporting an X-ray cassette. A caisson suitable for containing the tube assembly and the cassette includes, for example, a tank of decontamination material released inside the caisson after its lid is manipulated to place the cassette inside the caisson. The caisson may also include an ultraviolet lamp for providing further decontamination. This permits the taking of X-rays, directly over the patient's bed, while avoiding contamination by germ transfer.

Abstract: Image-enhancement is achieved by the use of instant color film. Such film has a predetermined development time, and after exposure of one print, it is developed and then development is stopped, usually before the normal development time. Another exposure is made on a second film of the same type, such as another print from the same film pack, and development is stopped after a different time. At least one of the prints is developed for a time less than the normal development time of the film. The resulting prints are of different colors, and are viewed together.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of an anti-scatter grod structure for protectively housing a grid therein, the steps of cutting a solid upper and lower plates to a given size lightly larger than the cassette to be housed by the grid structure, forming a generally U-shaped frame structure with interior vertically spaced ledges with an upper ledge being sized for supporting the lower plate and with a lower ledge being vertically spaced therefrom and sized for under lapping the lower plate and supporting a cassette in assembly with the frame, securing the lower plate in assembly with the frame while engaged with the upper ledge, mounting a grid in centered relation on the lower plate and limiting the extent of shifting movement of the grid relative to the lower plate, positioning a solid upper plate over the grid in parallel relation to the lower plate, and securing the solid upper plate to the U-shaped frame structure in unitary assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a X-ray lithography system in which X-rays are generated by a laser beam focused upon a target within an evacuated chamber to create a soft X-ray emitting plasma which also emits debris particles. A thin sheet of X-ray transparent gas is provided between the target and a mask used in the lithographic process to displace the particles away from the mask. The sheet of gas may also be used to maintain a pressure differential across an opening in the evacuated chamber through which the X-rays pass towards the target. In addition, the gas sheet may be used to cool the X-ray mask by placing the mask close to the sheet but at a sufficient distance so that the sheet does not interfere with the mask.

Abstract: A substantially cylindrical sample of a porous material is surrounded by an elastic jacket and placed in a confining pressure cell. Pressure is supplied to the cell to press the jacket into contact with the surface of the sample. The pressure is varied over a plurality of pressure points and is scanned at a plurality of locations with X-rays at each such pressure point. A computed tomographic image is produced for each X-ray scan. Conformance of the jacket to the sample is determined from these computed tomographic images and a range of confining pressure is determined over which parameters of the sample may be measured without being affected by improper conformance of the jacket to the surface of the sample. The sample structure is monitored with these tomographic images for fractures produced due to the increase of pressure. The fracture starting point is determined to be interior or surface related.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing X-rays utilizing the Compton backward scattering effect. The X-rays are electronically steerable for scanning, and also have a very narrow angle of divergence for precise positioning. The X-rays have a narrow bandwidth, and are tunable to permit an object to be irradiated with only the desired beneficial radiation. The X-rays are polarized for trace element analysis. The X-rays are suitable for medical diagnostic and therapeutic, and industrial testing, purposes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating the performance of diagnostic x-ray systems. The method consists of using an x-ray generator under standard conditions and making a test x-ray film, for example, of the dental intra-oral type and comparing its density with a calibrated step density strip, using a test tool member consisting of a sleeve-like body with opaque parallel flat top and bottom walls receiving the step density strip slidably therebetween. The flat walls have registering transverse rectangular windows, in the forward parts of which can be exposed a selected density step. The rear portion of the body, between the flat walls, has spacer blocks defining therebetween a transverse channel overlapped by the windows through which the test x-ray film can be inserted to compare its density with that of the selected step density. This can be utilized to determine if the test film density is within an optical density in a desired range including certain steps of the calibrated density strip.

Abstract: All elements of the apparatus are mounted on a common base plate which can e housed as a module in a container. A high voltage source and an X-ray radiation source are provided in common in an angular housing. In the vicinity of the free end of the angular housing which end is averted from the high voltage source, a recording unit is positioned which consists substantially of a miniature camera housed in a protective casing with a motor for the film transport, and a film magazine. By this means, there is obtained, with the least space requirement, a distance as long as possible between the X-ray radiation source and the sample holder or recording unit.

Abstract: An arrangement for projecting data onto an X-ray film has a housing which is designed to support a film cassette. The housing has a pair of mutually perpendicular slots which are capable of receiving a data carrier card. The slots are so designed that the data-carrying part of the card is exposed when the card is supported in either of the slots. A light source for illuminating the data-carrying part of the card is positioned so as to be on the optical axis of the data-carrying part when the card is accommodated in a first one of the slots but not the second. A partially light-transmissive mirror is mounted between the latter slot and the light source and is inclined at an angle of 45.degree. to both of the slots. The mirror transmits a portion of the light from the light source to one of the slots and reflects the light returning to it from this slot towards the film inverting the image of the data in the process.

Abstract: While a convex mirror is being rotated or rotatingly vibrated about a rotational axis which is parallel to the center axis of the convex mirror and which is eccentric to the convex mirror, a synchrotron radiation flux is caused to be incident on the convex mirror, and a radiation sensitive resist film is irradiated with the reflected radiation flux through a mask.Thus, an area of uniform irradiation can be increased remarkably as compared with that in a prior art, and the invention is well suited to the irradiation of a semiconductor wafer having a large area.

Abstract: A meter system and method for measuring the velocity and metal concentration of a fluid containing a gamma ray absorbing metal isotope flowing in a pipe. The meter system comprises a radioactive source of gamma rays which is oscillated in a direction angled to the fluid flow, an accelerometer device incorporated with the gamma ray source, gamma ray detector means located adjacent a pipe portion for detecting the presence of a metal isotope in the flowing fluid, and an electrical circuit and meter means arranged for measuring and displaying the velocity of the oscillating source of gamma rays when the metal isotope in the flowing fluid is absorbing gamma radiation. If desired, the concentration of gamma ray absorbing isotopes such as iron compounds contained in the flowing fluid can be monitored by a counter means to measure the metal concentration of the fluid, or ash concentration of a flowing coal-derived liquid.

Abstract: A medical apparatus comprising a displaceable vertical column 1 along which there can be slid a support 23 in which an arm 25 is rotatable about a first horizontal axis. Secured to the arm 25 and rotatable about a second horizontal axis parallel to the first horizontal axis, is an examination device which comprises a combination of a radiation source 81 and a radiation detector 83. Said combination is mounted on a C-shaped frame 63 which is displaceable circumferentially about an axis which lies at right angles to both horizontal axes. The two translatory displacements and the three rotary displacements of the apparatus can be performed individually by means of corresponding variable speed motor drives whose operation can, however, be coordinated if desired.The medical apparatus is particularly suitable for so-called isocentric examinations of the vascular system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a procedure for measuring the coating quantities contained in coating layers deposited on both sides of paper, cardboard or equivalent material in the case in which both coating layers contain the same component emitting characteristic radiation. In the case most commonly encountered, both coating layers consist of the same coating material. In the procedure two functionally mutually independent radiation source/detector pairs are used, between which the coated paper or equivalent is placed. Separately each radiation source/detector pair effects excitation of fluorescent radiation in both coating layers under measurement and the total intensity of the excited radiation present at the detector is measured. If the base weight of the paper or equivalent is known, the coating rates are calculable from the results of measurement obtained. The base weight is most advantageously measured before the coating step with the aid of a separate source of radiation and a transmission detector.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding x-ray cassettes and grids in which any grid of a specific length and width can be combined with any cassette of a corresponding length and width without regard to the cassette thickness. The apparatus includes a frame assembly having side rails with flanges and a back rail with flanges which form two channels, one for the grid and one for the cassette. The cassette channel is dimensioned to accept any thickness of cassette. Parabolic springs are located within side rail cassette channel portions to bias the cassette against selected flanges. Locater members are also provided to properly align the grid and the cassette.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment at least one pair of oppositely adjustable clamping jaws are to be controlled. In the case of some examinations the cassette holder is not to be greater than the smallest x-ray film cassette to be clamped by it in order to avoid obstructions in the application of the clamped x-ray film cassette to the patient (e.g. axilla region or neck region). To this end, the disclosure provides that an adjustment handle, displaceable on the housing of the cassette holder, is coupled with a slide which is displaceable in the housing and connected with a clamping jaw, and that the latter slide is coupled with the one end of a two-arm lever whose other end is connected with a clamping jaw. Such a cassette holder is particularly suited for use in the case of x-ray examination apparatus.

Abstract: An X-ray emitting assembly comprising a flange for assembling a sheath assembly and a beam limiting device; the arrangement of said assembly, operationally associated with a radiation detector situated in a radiology equipment stand, enables in a simple way the operating axes of the sheath assembly and of the beam limiting device to be aligned along an axis z.sub.1 --z.sub.1.

Abstract: A chest X-ray unit is provided which is of compact design and which can be easily utilized. The apparatus includes an exposure station at the front where a film sheet can be tightly held between a pair of intensifier screens, a supply station behind the exposure station for receiving a film cassette and feeding one sheet at a time into the exposure station, and a receiving cassette at the back of the apparatus for receiving one exposed sheet at a time for later developing. A film sheet is moved in a loop from the supply cassette to the exposure station by a pair of input rollers that move the sheet upwardly into a curved guide that extends in a half circle, and by a pair of output rollers at the end of the loop for feeding the sheet downwardly. The output rollers move slightly faster than the input rollers to prevent the middle of the film sheet from scraping against the guide.

Abstract: A compact apparatus for moving a set of X-ray films or film cassettes past a picture-taking station. The apparatus comprises a plurality of holders impervious to X-rays onto each of which are mounted two films in back-to-back relation. The holders are moved in a closed loop past a picture-taking station where they present one of their two films for a first picture. After exposure, the holders are moved through the loop a second time during which they are rotated through 180.degree. so as to present the other films they carry at the station for a second picture.

Abstract: Apparatus for recording data on X-ray films which are stored in cassettes having windows for exposure of certain portions of films therein includes a housing with two slots for insertion of cards with information pertaining to the patient and/or physician. The housing confines a battery of liquid crystals and an associated digital clock, digital calendar and digital counter each adapted to be actuated from the exterior of the housing to cause the corresponding liquid crystals to furnish the selected information. Such information, together with information on one of the cards, is imaged onto the exposed portion of X-ray film in the properly inserted cassette by a partly light transmitting mirror and an optical element.

Abstract: The invention concerns a procedure for measurement of the material quantities in coating layers applied upon a base material, by utilizing x-ray radiation. The procedure is particularly suited for use in a paper or cardboard manufacturing process wherein onto a material web in continuous motion are applied by steps one or several coating courses. The radiation source and detector are both placed on one side of the moving web, and the procedure is based on measurement of the fluorescence radiation excited by the primary x-ray radiation obtained from the radiation source in the material underlying the coating layer that is to be measured. The primary and secondary radiation both are thereby compelled to pass through the coating layer under measurement before the arrival of the fluorescence radiation at the detector.