Composition Analysis Patents (Class 378/53)
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Publication number: 20140170274Abstract: The invention relates to a method for X-raying of products 5 of a product stream, wherein the products 5 are conveyed in the conveyance direction before the X-raying in a product stream in a number n of lanes parallel to each other, several adjacent products 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d transverse to the product are transferred as a group together in a radiation-protected X-ray room 13, and the products 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d are rearranged for an X-ray process in the X-ray room 13 such that the shadowing effects during the X-ray process are reduced. The invention further relates to a device for carrying out such a method as well as to an arrangement of this device in a production line.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2013Publication date: June 19, 2014Inventor: Theo Düppre
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Patent number: 8742277Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for separating mineral impurities from calcium carbonate-containing rocks by comminuting the calcium carbonate-containing rocks to a particle size in the range of from 1 mm to 250 mm, separating the calcium carbonate particles by means of a dual energy X-ray transmission sorting device.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2009Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Omya International AGInventors: Bahman Tavakkoli, Thomas Mangelberger, Matthias Reisinger
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Publication number: 20140140474Abstract: An x-ray beam control system includes a feedback control loop circuit having a modulation circuit. The feedback control loop circuit generates a control signal. A x-ray tube, has a filament response profile of tube current versus filament temperature that is non-linear. A compensation circuit receives the control signal and modifies the control signal according to a compensating function that is matched to the filament response profile. The modulation circuit receives the modified control signal and generates a drive signal. The x-ray tube receives the drive signal at a filament thereof, and outputs a tube current signal having a linear response to the control signal. The feedback control loop circuit receives the tube current signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Inventors: David J. Caruso, Mark T. Dinsmore
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Patent number: 8724774Abstract: The application discloses systems and methods for determining an atomic number of a material being scanned by generating a predetermined number of transmission data samples, determining a variance of the transmission data samples, and determining the atomic number of the material being scanned by comparing the variance or a derivative of the variance of the transmission data samples to one or more predetermined variances. The application also discloses systems and methods for determining an atomic number of a material being scanned by deriving transmission signal samples of the material being scanned, determining a variance of the signal samples, and determining an atomic number of the material being scanned by comparing the variance of the signal samples, or a derivative of the variance, to one or more predetermined variances.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2010Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.Inventor: Willem Gerhardus Johannes Langeveld
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Patent number: 8718230Abstract: A method for determining the constituent content of a multiphase fluid includes the following steps: x-rays at single-energy or dual-energy levels are produced by an x-ray machine, after said x-rays pass through the multiphase fluid, the data at each energy level are detected by a detector sub-system which is composed of one or two detectors, and the mass percents of the components in the multiphase fluid are calculated by a controlling and data processing sub-system based on the detected data. Said multiphase fluid is a two-phase or three-phase mixture in crude oil or natural gas. The method can be used for automatic online measurement of the production in oil and gas fields.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2009Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Inventor: Pingan Luo
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Patent number: 8699662Abstract: A method of and apparatus for obtaining radiation transmission data from a liquid in such manner that allows some data about relative proportions of constituent ingredients to be derived is described. A radiation source and a radiation detector system able to resolve transmitted intensity across a plurality of frequencies within the spectrum of the source are used to produce transmitted intensity data for each such frequency. Measured data is compared numerically to a mass attenuation data library storing mass attenuation data, individually or collectively, for a small number of expected constituent ingredients of the liquid to fit each intensity data item to the relationship given by the exponential attenuation law: I/IO=exp [?(?/?) ?t] in respect of the constituent ingredients and derive therefrom an indication of relative proportions of each constituent ingredient.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2009Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Kromek LimitedInventors: Ian Radley, Max Robinson, Gary Gibson
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Publication number: 20140093037Abstract: An apparatus for measurement of a flow-rate and/or a composition of a multi-phase fluid mixture is provided. The apparatus includes a radiation device that generates a pulsed beam of photons to irradiate the fluid mixture spatially along a section of flow of the mixture. A controlling device is configured to apply a predetermined, time-dependent voltage to the radiation device during a single pulse of photons. A detection device is spatially configured for receiving photons emanating from the section of flow of the mixture at different points in time during the pulse of photons to form images of a spatial distribution of the received photons for each of points in time. An analysis device is configured for determining the flow rate of one or more phases of the mixture and/or the composition of the mixture based on a temporal sequence of the images of the spatial distribution of the received photons.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Inventor: Stepan Polikhov
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Patent number: 8633823Abstract: The present invention is directed to an inspection system that has a radiation source, a detector array, an inspection region, and a processing unit, where the processing unit a) obtains a radiographic image, b) segments the radiographic image based on radiation attenuation or transmission, c) identifies at least one segmented area on the radiographic image, d) filters the at least one segmented area using at least one geometric filter, e) generates feature vectors using the filtered segmented area; and f) compares the feature vectors against predefined values to determine whether a high-atomic-number object is present.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2010Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Armistead, Jr., William Chang, Edward D. Franco, Joseph Bendahan, Jolyon A. Browne
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Publication number: 20140014841Abstract: A system for measuring the absorption spectrum of a sample is provided that includes a broadband light source that produces broadband light defined within a range of an absorptance spectrum. An interferometer modulates the intensity of the broadband light source for a range of modulation frequencies. A bi-layer cantilever probe arm is thermally connected to a sample arm having at most two layers of materials. The broadband light modulated by the interferometer is directed towards the sample and absorbed by the sample and converted into heat, which causes a temperature rise and bending of the bi-layer cantilever probe arm. A detector mechanism measures and records the deflection of the probe arm so as to obtain the absorptance spectrum of the sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Wei-Chun Hsu, Jonathan Kien-Kwok Tong, Bolin Liao, Brian Burg, Gang Chen
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Publication number: 20140010346Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device for security-inspection of liquid articles with dual-energy CT imaging. The method comprises the steps of obtaining one or more CT images including physical attributes of liquid article to be inspected by CT scanning and a dual-energy reconstruction method; acquiring the physical attributes of each liquid article from the CT image; and determining whether there are drugs concealed in the inspected liquid article based on the difference between the acquired physical attributes and reference physical attributes of the inspected liquid article. The CT scanning can be implemented by a normal CT scanning technique, or a spiral CT scanning technique. In the normal CT scanning technique, the scan position can be preset, or set by the operator with a DR image, or set by automatic analysis of the DR image.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicants: Nuctech Company Limited, Tsinghua UniversityInventors: Zhiqiang Chen, Li Zhang, Xuewu Wang, Haifeng Hu, Hongxin Wu, Yuanjing Li, Yinong Liu, Ziran Zhao, Yuxiang Xing, Hu Tang, Yumin Yi, Jinyu Zhang
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Patent number: 8611494Abstract: In the present disclosure, before disassembly of liquid crystal module (1) having liquid crystal panel (2) and a back light, irradiation is performed with X-rays (13) from the front surface side of liquid crystal panel (2) of liquid crystal module (1). By this irradiation with X-rays (13), generated fluorescent X-rays (14) are detected to analyze an element contained in liquid crystal panel (2), while X-rays (17) backscattered or transmitted to the rear surface side of liquid crystal module (1) are detected to determine a type and a state of the back light. Then, based on the determined type and state of the back light, liquid crystal module (1) is disassembled.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2013Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Hiroshi Iwamoto
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Patent number: 8600005Abstract: An X-ray image acquiring system capable of improving the detection accuracy of a foreign substance contained in a subject is provided. An X-ray image acquiring system irradiates X-rays to a subject having a predetermined thickness from an X-ray source, and detects X-rays transmitted through the subject in a plurality of energy ranges. The X-ray image acquiring system includes a low-energy detector for detecting, in a low-energy range, X-rays having been transmitted through a region R1 extending in a thickness direction within the subject, a high-energy detector for detecting, in a high-energy range, X-rays having been transmitted through a region R2 extending in a thickness direction within the subject, and a timing control section for controlling detection timing of X-rays in the low-energy detector and the high-energy detector so that an inspecting region located at a predetermined site within the subject is included in the region R1 and the region R2.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2012Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.Inventors: Toshiyasu Suyama, Tadashi Maruno, Toshihide Sasaki, Junichi Sonoda, Shinji Takihi
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Publication number: 20130301798Abstract: A calibration method of a radiation detecting apparatus, a control method of a radiation imaging apparatus and a radiation imaging apparatus are provided. The control method of the radiation imaging apparatus includes performing prior information acquisition by obtaining at least one correction threshold energy, at which a theoretical radiation intensity of at least one threshold energy is measured, and performing radiation image acquisition by obtaining at least one radiation image at the at least one threshold energy using the at least one correction threshold energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Sung Hoon Kang, Dong Goo Kang, Young Hun Sung, Sang Wook Han
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Patent number: 8582718Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2010Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Morpho Detection, Inc.Inventor: Geoffrey Harding
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Publication number: 20130287168Abstract: A method and system for estimating the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) mass or volume of a subject comprises performing a dual-energy X-ray scan of the subject; generating at least one image of the subject from the dual-energy X-ray scan; identifying a region of interest on the at least one image; dividing the region of interest into a plurality of sections; determining an outer transverse extent of a coelom or inner abdominal cavity of the subject; determining a subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) composition for each of the plurality of sections, wherein the SAT composition determination is restricted to an area directly anterior and posterior the coelom or inner abdominal cavity of the subject; and determining a VAT mass and/or volume for the region of interest based on the determined SAT composition for each of the plurality of section.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2011Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventors: Randall Payne, Wynn Keith Wacker
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Publication number: 20130279652Abstract: Provided is a measuring apparatus which is capable of measuring the distribution of a specific element in a specimen by soft X rays in a state where there is no effect by a staining agent and the like even though the specimen is composed of living single cells or cell aggregates living as they are, extracted in vitro from an organism. A measuring apparatus using soft X rays includes a connection part which is connected with a soft X ray beam line, a mechanism which light-collects a spot size of soft X rays into a micro beam, and a low vacuum vessel having a measurement chamber in which a specimen is disposed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.Inventors: Akira NAMBU, Kazuhiro UEDA, Tsuyoshi YAMAMOTO, Hideaki KOIZUMI, Tomihiro HASHIZUME
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Publication number: 20130272491Abstract: A method and system for determining normalized metrics for visceral adipose tissue (VAT) mass and volume estimation. The normalized metrics including a VAT average cross-section determined by dividing a VAT volume by a height of the abdominal region of interest, and a VAT linear mass density determined by dividing the VAT mass by a height of an abdominal region of interest.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2011Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventor: Randall Kenneth Payne
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Patent number: 8537968Abstract: A method of and apparatus for obtaining radiation transmission data and especially an image of an object in such manner that allows some data about relative proportions of constituent materials to be derived is described. A radiation source and a radiation detector system able to resolve transmitted intensity across a plurality of frequencies within the spectrum of the source are used to produce transmitted intensity data for each such frequency. Measured data is compared numerically to a mass attenuation data library storing mass attenuation data, individually or collectively, for a small number of expected constituent component materials to fit each intensity data item to the relationship given by the exponential attenuation law: I/Io=exp[?(?/?)?t] in respect of the constituent component materials and derive therefrom an indication of relative proportions of each constituent component material. An image may be generated from the resolved transmitted intensity data.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2009Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Kromek LimitedInventor: Ian Radley
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Publication number: 20130208856Abstract: A method for determining the concentration of an element in a material includes irradiating the material with an X-ray beam having a continuum in the area of an absorption edge of the element to be measured. The intensity of the transmitted X-ray beam is measured with an energy dispersive sensor. The intensity of the transmitted X-ray beam in an energy interval above the absorption edge and in an energy interval below the absorption edge is determined. The concentration of the element is computed on the basis of said intensities.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2012Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: Elisabeth KATZInventor: Albert KLEIN
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Publication number: 20130195244Abstract: Provided is an X-ray inspector capable of non-destructively measuring a shape and content of gold (Au) contained in an object to be inspected, promptly with high accuracy. An X-ray inspector includes: an X-ray generator that irradiates an object to be inspected with X-rays having energy of 90 keV or higher; X-ray detector that detects the X-rays transmitted through the object to be inspected; a computing section that measures a shape and content of Au contained in the object to be inspected based on an X-ray signal detected by the X-ray detector, wherein an Au filter and a Pt filter are respectively provided between the X-ray detector and the object to be inspected. The X-ray detector detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator and transmitted through the object to be inspected and the Au filter and X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator and transmitted through the object to be inspected and the Pt filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: X-RAY INSPECTORInventor: X-RAY INSPECTOR
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Publication number: 20130195243Abstract: A method for measuring ash content in a biological material in an automated or semi-automated procedure is disclosed. The method includes the steps of scanning the biological material with electromagnetic radiation of at least two different energy levels, determining the amount of radiation transmitted through the sample of the biological material at the energy levels and estimating the moisture content in the biological material based on a relationship between the determined amount of radiation transmitted through the biological material. Thereafter, the ash content in the biological material is estimated, based on the estimated moisture content in the biological material, and average attenuation coefficients for the biological material without moisture, attenuation coefficients for a combustible part of the biological material and attenuation coefficients for ash of the biological material at the energy levels. A corresponding apparatus is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2011Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: MANTEX ABInventors: Erik Odén, Ragnar Kullenberg, Anders Ullberg, Fredrik Danielsson
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Publication number: 20130184853Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of sorting coal into multiple fractions based upon x-ray absorption and size characteristics in order to remove rocks and other contaminants of various sizes from coal. The use of such dry processing of coal is desirable as it reduces pollution and transportation costs. The multi-fractional sorting of coal is a more efficient manner for identifying and removing rock and contaminants from coal.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2013Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: MINERAL SEPARATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventor: Mineral Separation Technolgies, Inc.
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Patent number: 8483356Abstract: A system for scanning aircraft for concealed threats is provided. The system comprises a vehicle and a manipulator arm attached with a scanning head that can be maneuvered in multiple directions to completely scan an aircraft from the outside. The system uses transmission based X-ray detection, backscatter based X-ray detection or a combination thereof, in various embodiments. The system also includes gamma-ray and neutron detectors, for detection of nuclear and radioactive materials.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.Inventor: Joseph Bendahan
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Patent number: 8483355Abstract: A radiation inspection apparatus includes a conveying unit configured to convey a sheet-like sample, a radiation source configured to emit radiation to the sheet-like sample, a line sensor configured to measure a physical property of the sheet-like sample, the liner sensor disposed to be opposed to the radiation source across the sheet-like sample, and a gas ejecting unit configured to eject gas to the sheet-like sample to reduce vertical conveyance swinging produced by a tension of the sheet-like sample, the gas ejecting unit placed in close proximity to at least one side face of the line sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Yokogawa Electric CorporationInventors: Yasushi Ichizawa, Hirohiko Obinata
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Publication number: 20130161502Abstract: The chemical composition of petroleum samples is measured using orbitrap mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (ESI). The orbitrap measurement is used in a screening to determine if one or more higher resolution (but more expensive) compositional analyses are justified.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2011Publication date: June 27, 2013Applicant: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Andrew E. Pomerantz, Oliver C. Mullins
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Patent number: 8472582Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for measuring a composition of a multiphase fluid, including radiating a photon beam through the multiphase fluid and measuring radiation absorption by the multiphase fluid for at least three energy levels to obtain measured radiation absorption data, and providing the measured radiation absorption data to processing unit configured to calculate the composition of the multiphase fluid using the measured radiation absorption data, whereby an effect of an injected fluid on the absorption of the photon beam is taken into account during calculation of the composition of the multiphase fluid.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2008Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Gilles Roux, Roman Korkin, Lev Zakharov
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Patent number: 8467496Abstract: A method for measuring moisture content in a biological material in an automated procedure is disclosed. The method comprises the step of: providing a reference database for a plurality of different material types with known moisture content. Further, a sample of biological material, such as chips of wood, pulp, grain, crop or sugar canes, are scanned with electromagnetic radiation of at least two different energy levels and the amount of radiation transmitted through the sample of the biological material is determined at said two energy levels. Subsequently, a material type in the reference database most resembling the biological material of the biological material of the sample is identified, and the moisture content of the sample of biological material is determined based on the identified material type and the determined amounts of radiation transmitted through the sample.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2009Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Mantex ABInventors: Anders Ullberg, Ragnar Kullenberg, Erik Odén, Fredrik Danielsson
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Publication number: 20130141115Abstract: Automatic process and installation for inspecting and/or sorting objects or articles belonging to at least two different categories, and made to advance approximately in a single layer, for example on a conveyor belt or a similar transport support. The process includes subjecting the advancing flow of objects or articles to at least two different types of contactless analysis by radiation, whose results are used in a combined manner for each object or article to perform a discrimination among these objects or articles and/or an evaluation of at least one characteristic of the latter, the analyses including at least one surface analysis process able to determine the physical and/or chemical composition of the outer layer of an object or article exposed to the radiation used in this process, and at least one volume analysis process able to determine the equivalent thickness of material of the same object or article.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2012Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicants: UNIVERSITE DE SAVOIE, PELLENC SELECTIVE TECHNOLOGIESInventors: Pellenc Selective Technologies, Universite De Savoie
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Patent number: 8457274Abstract: Methods and systems for x-ray inspection of an object using pulses whose spectral composition varies during the course of each pulse. A temporal sequence of pulses of penetrating radiation is generated such that the spectral content of each pulse evolves with time. The pulses are formed into a beam that is scanned across the object and detected after traversing the object. The detector signal is processed to derive at least one material characteristic of the object, such as effective atomic number, on the basis of temporal evolution of the detector signal during the course each pulse of the sequence of pulses. The time intervals may be predetermined, or else adapted based on features of the detected signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2011Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: American Science and Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Anatoli Arodzero, Martin Rommel, Aleksandr Saverskiy, Rajen Sud
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Publication number: 20130121461Abstract: A methodology of managing a weight condition of a companion animal by determining body fat composition of the companion animal and an appropriate weight loss regimen based on the body fat percentage is provided. More specifically, described herein is a clinically useful tool and methodology to apply to over-weight and obese animals for use in managing a weight condition of the overweight or obese animal by determining the body fat percentage of the animal and providing a weight loss regimen.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2011Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: HILL'S PET NUTRITION, INC.Inventors: Philip W. Toll, Inke Paetau-Robinson, Claudia A. Kirk
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Publication number: 20130101087Abstract: A system and a method for measuring an ash content and a calorific value of a coal are provided. The system comprises: at least two dual-energy gamma ray transmission measuring devices and a computing device, in which at least one first dual-energy gamma ray transmission measuring device is disposed before an inlet of a coal combustion apparatus for measuring a first attenuation coefficient of a gamma ray from the at least one first dual-energy gamma ray transmission measuring device with regard to the coal; at least one second dual-energy gamma ray transmission measuring device is disposed after an outlet of the coal combustion apparatus for measuring a second attenuation coefficient of a gamma ray from the at least one second dual-energy gamma ray transmission measuring device with regard to a coal ash; and the computing device is configured to compute the ash content and the calorific value of the coal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: Tsinghua UniversityInventor: Tsinghua University
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Publication number: 20130101086Abstract: A molecular structure determination facility includes a first X-ray source capable of emitting a pulsed coherent X-ray beam along a first emission direction and a plurality of first measurement stations aligned along the first emission direction. Each of the first measurement stations comprises a sample injector device for injecting a sample beam of a liquid into an interaction region, a focusing unit for focusing an X-ray beam, and a detector arranged around and comprising a central opening aligned with the emission direction, and being sensitive to X-rays emerging from the interaction region. A method uses the facility by emitting a coherent X-ray beam pulse using the first X-ray source, triggering the injector devices to inject sample beams of liquid into the interaction regions such that the coherent X-ray pulse intersects the sample beams of liquid in the interaction regions, and detecting X-rays emerging from the interaction regions using the detectors.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: DEUTSCHES ELEKTRONEN-SYNCHROTRON DESYInventor: Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY
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Patent number: 8422630Abstract: In order to prevent misdetection and erroneous detection by clearly determining only a contrast caused by a foreign matter, there are provided an X-ray inspection method and an X-ray inspection device including: an X-ray tube (11) for irradiating a measurement sample with a characteristic X-ray having energy lower than an X-ray absorption edge of one element contained in the measurement sample and having energy higher than an X-ray absorption edge of a detection element; an X-ray detector (13) for receiving a transmission X-ray obtained when the X-ray passes through the sample; and an operation portion (15) for obtaining a contrast image from a transmission image of the transmission X-ray.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2010Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: SII NanoTechnology Inc.Inventor: Yoshiki Matoba
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Publication number: 20130066461Abstract: We provide an apparatus and method for analysing a security document. An x-ray source is adapted to illuminate at least one inspection region of the security document when located at an inspection position. An x-ray detector adapted to receive x-rays from the at least one inspection region of the document and to generate a corresponding detector response. A processor analyses the detector response and generates an output signal indicative of the structure of the document in the at least one inspection region.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: De La Rue International LimitedInventor: De La Rue International Limited
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Publication number: 20130051521Abstract: A detector device is described comprising an x-ray detector structure having a detection surface defining at least one separately addressable region for detecting incident x-ray radiation intensity thereon, wherein the separately addressable region is divided into a plurality of sub-regions provided on the detection surface each provided with a filter layer on the detection surface, the filter layers of a given separately addressable region comprising discrete and different materials with discrete defined and spectroscopically spaced x-ray absorption edges. A method of device manufacture, and an apparatus and method for the inspection and characterisation of materials employing such a detector device, are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventors: Arnab Basu, Ian Radley, Max Robinson
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Patent number: 8363781Abstract: A nondestructive identification device includes: a radiation source 1 irradiating an x-ray 2 to a standard sample 5 made of a known material and a sample 3; a sensor 4 detecting a radiation ray having transmitted the standard sample 5 and the sample 3; a signal processing device 7 converting a signal of the sensor 4 into an image; an image processing device 8 which performs adjustment on an entire second image to make a luminance value of a part of the standard sample 5 in the obtained image or a relation between the luminance value and a thickness of the standard sample 5 in a first image where the energy of the radiation source 1 is first energy be the same as that in the second image where the energy of the radiation source 1 is second energy, and which performs a computation processing to take a difference or a ratio between the adjusted second image and the first image; and a display device 9 displaying an image.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Masayo Kato, Koichi Nittoh, Hitoshi Sakai, Chikara Konagai, Katsumi Hosaka
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Patent number: 8364240Abstract: At least one example embodiment relates to a method and/or a device for automatically differentiating types of kidney stones using computed tomography. The method provides two image data records of two computed tomography pictures of an object area including the kidney stones that have been recorded in the context of a different spectral distribution of the X-radiation. For each voxel of a slice of the object area that has X-ray attenuation values typical of kidney stones there is calculated from the two image data records a ratio r that is yielded from X-ray attenuation values of the voxel and prescribed X-ray attenuation values of pure urine in the context of the different spectral distributions of the X-radiation. The respective voxel is assigned to one of at least two types of kidney stones as a function of the variable r.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktienegesellschaftInventor: Bernhard Krauss
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Patent number: 8358736Abstract: Provided is an apparatus, method and computer-readable medium analyzing components using an X-ray. The apparatus, method and computer-readable medium may photograph an object using an X-ray of at least two energy bands to output X-ray images, predict a component ratio of the object using the X-ray images, calculate a length of the object for each of the at least two energy bands using an intensity of the X-ray images, when the object is configured in the predicted component ratio, and verify whether an error in the component ratio occurs by comparing the lengths of the object calculated for each of the at least two energy bands.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seok Min Han, Young Hun Sung, Jong Ha Lee, Sung Su Kim, Dong-Goo Kang, Kwang Eun Jang
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Patent number: 8346521Abstract: A method of determining the feasibility of a proposed structure analysis process is disclosed. The process involved the electron beam excitation of x-rays from a multi-layered structure. The method comprises generating predicted x-ray data represents the x-ray excitation response of the multi-layered structure according to one or more sets of process conditions. The x-ray data are generated using structure data defining the structure and composition of the layers. The effects upon the x-ray data of changes to the structure data are then analyzed in accordance with one or more predetermined feasibility criteria, so as to determine the feasibility of performing the proposed structure analysis process upon the multi-layered structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2007Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Oxford Instruments Nanotechnology Tools LimitedInventors: Peter John Statham, Charles Penman
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Patent number: 8331525Abstract: A homemade explosives (HME) detection system provides a coded-source, x-ray computed laminography imaging system which detects material composition by the ratio of the transmitted characteristic X-rays within a coded x-ray beam. Motion-free 3-Dimensional geometrical details are obtained through computed laminography imaging techniques.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2007Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.Inventor: Gregory A. Johnson
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Patent number: 8320523Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device for security-inspection of liquid articles with dual-energy CT imaging. The method comprises the steps of obtaining one or more CT images including physical attributes of liquid article to be inspected by CT scanning and a dual-energy reconstruction method; acquiring the physical attributes of each liquid article from the CT image; and determining whether the inspected liquid article is dangerous based on the physical attributes. The CT scanning can be implemented by a normal CT scanning technique, or a spiral CT scanning technique. In the normal CT scanning technique, the scan position can be preset, or set by the operator with a DR image, or set by automatic analysis of the DR image.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2011Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignees: Tshinghua University, Nuctech Company LimitedInventors: Li Zhang, Zhiqiang Chen, Xuewu Wang, Haifeng Hu, Hongxin Wu, Yuanjing Li, Yinong Liu, Ziran Zhao, Yuxiang Xing, Hu Tang, Yumin Yi, Jinyu Zhang
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Publication number: 20120288059Abstract: A homemade explosives (HME) detection system provides a coded-source, x-ray computed laminography imaging system which detects material composition by the ratio of the transmitted characteristic X-rays within a coded x-ray beam. Motion-free 3-Dimensional geometrical details are obtained through computed laminography imaging techniques.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2007Publication date: November 15, 2012Inventor: Gregory A. Johnson
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Patent number: 8306188Abstract: A method for the online determination of the ash content of a substance conveyed on a conveying device, includes a first measurement for determining the mass per unit area of the substance and a second measurement for determining the mean atomic number of the atoms present in the substance. An additional X-ray fluorescence measurement is carried out.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Inventor: Albert Klein
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Patent number: 8290120Abstract: Methods for selecting and applying test criterion for use in the radiation analysis of contents of objects, based on whether the contents of the object, or contents of portions of the object, comprise inorganic or organic material, are described. In one example, the object is scanned by radiation and the contents type is determined based on preliminary test criterion adapted to distinguish between inorganic material and organic material, and detected radiation. At least one test criterion is selected based, at least in part on the determination and it is then determined whether the object at least potentially contains material having an atomic number greater than a predetermined atomic number based, at least in part, on the detected radiation and the at least one selected test criterion. Systems are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2009Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.Inventor: Paul Bjorkholm
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Patent number: 8279225Abstract: Distribution images that are element mapping images displayed on a parent window of a display unit are switched by selecting a particular element or an analysis line to be displayed on a display element screen or a screen switch button using a keyboard or a mouse, so that the plural distribution images overlap to be overwritten at the same large size.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: SII Nan Technology Inc.Inventor: Isao Yagi
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Patent number: 8280005Abstract: An X-ray image acquiring system capable of improving the detection accuracy of a foreign substance contained in a subject is provided. An X-ray image acquiring system 1 irradiates X-rays to a subject S having a predetermined thickness W from an X-ray source, and detects X-rays transmitted through the subject S in a plurality of energy ranges. The X-ray image acquiring system 1 includes a low-energy detector 32 for detecting, in a low-energy range, X-rays having been transmitted through a region R1 extending in a thickness direction within the subject S, a high-energy detector 42 for detecting, in a high-energy range, X-rays having been transmitted through a region R2 extending in a thickness direction within the subject S, and a timing control section 50 for controlling detection timing of X-rays in the low-energy detector 32 and the high-energy detector 42 so that an inspecting region E located at a predetermined site within the subject S is included in the region R1 and the region R2.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.Inventors: Toshiyasu Suyama, Tadashi Maruno, Toshihide Sasaki, Junichi Sonoda, Shinji Takihi
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Patent number: 8275093Abstract: An apparatus and method for x-ray inspection of footwear while the footwear is worn on the feet of walking persons. A source of penetrating radiation, such as an x-ray tube, mounted on one side of a system, provides a fan beam of penetrating radiation contained in a substantially vertical plane, while a detector, disposed on the opposing side of the system, detects penetrating radiation that has traversed the footwear. A controller creates an image of the footwear. The system may have a sensor for detecting presence of the person and for initiating operation of the source of penetrating radiation in response thereto. The system may be installed inside a portal including a metal detector portal.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2010Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: American Science and Engineering, Inc.Inventor: Peter J. Rothschild
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Patent number: 8249307Abstract: The method and apparatus for estimating the tenderness of meat comprises scanning a sample of meat through an x-ray beam; detecting or measuring the transmitted x-ray radiation through the meat sample; relating the transmitted x-ray radiation to a characteristic of the shear force of the meat sample; and assessing the tenderness of the meat sample from the characteristic of the shear force.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2007Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences, Ltd.Inventor: Chris Kroger
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Patent number: 8249214Abstract: A device for the online determination of the contents of a substance having a gamma-radiating isotope, which includes at least one detector, which measures the natural gamma radiation of said isotope. In order to be able to easily calibrate the device, a measurement is carried out at the same location for determining the surface dimensions of the substance within the detection region of the detector or of a representative partial region.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2008Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Inventor: Albert Klein
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Patent number: RE44766Abstract: An efficient X-ray radiographic method for recognition of materials of inspected objects and a corresponding device with improved functional possibilities are proposed, ensuring direct determination of the effective atomic number Zeff of the material, its density and thickness, as well as chemical composition. In customs inspection this should ensure practically unambiguous identification of explosives and drugs, and in medical tomography—early diagnostics of cancer tumors, osteoporosis, atherosclerosis and other dangerous and wide-spread diseases. The method includes X-raying of the inspected objects and recording of the transmitted radiation in several different spectral ranges with different effective energy by multi-element radiation receivers.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Institute of Scintillation Materials, National Academy of Sciences of UkraineInventors: Sergei Vyacheslavovich Naydenov, Boris Viktorovich Grynyov, Volodymyr Diomydovych Ryzhikov