Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for measuring density or determining the presence and the amount of materials of different density in an object to be measured, of a solid, liquid or gaseous material, said device comprising at least one source of radiation for emitting electromagnetic radiation, and at least one sensor for measuring the radiation intensity, so positioned as to absorb radiation form the source of radiation and being connected to a calculation unit. In accordance with the invention the device emits radiation of at least two wavelenghts and comprises measurement means for determination of the extension of the object between the source of radiation and the sensor. In addition, the invention relates to a method of measuring density, comprising radiating electromagnetic rays through an object to be measured and measuring the radiation intensity on the ray-exit side of the object to be measured.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the composition of coal and mineral ores on-line, by bombarding a sample stream with low energy X-rays and measuring the characteristic X-rays fluoresced. The assembly is comprised of one or more X-ray generators mounted in a specific geometry with one or more silicon detectors. A representative sample of a flow stream is obtained from a sampling system. Sample presentation to the analyzer is done with a plow or a flow cell to obtain a uniform interrogation zone for the analyzer. Elemental analysis (Aluminum through Silver on the Periodic Table) of the sample is computed from calibration curves generated from a linear relationship with count rates under each peak. Sample presentation to the analyzer is done with a plow or leveling plate to ensure that material flows past the analyzer at a constant level. The elemental analysis is determined by measuring counts under the characteristic peaks fluoresced by various elements in an energy spectrum resolved with a multi-channel analyzer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system that reduces the complexity of existing dual energy x-ray equipment which typically requires more complicated mechanisms to measure bone density, to a system with a single axis of mechanical motion and with a patient providing repositioning motions. This configuration allows for a much more compact design and smaller equipment "footprint," thus taking up less floor space in examination rooms and allowing for multiple uses of one room. The system of the present invention eliminates the need for a patient support table which can affect x-ray transmission because of the thickness and construction of the table which are dictated by the weight of the patient. The system includes a main cabinet or gantry enclosure which contains an x-ray source and ancillary support electronics and mechanisms. An extension arm positions a detector assembly on a side of the patient opposite to the source assembly and fixes the distance between the source and detector assemblies.

Abstract: An x-ray examination device for checking the contents of closed cargo carriers having two steerable single-track carriages disposed parallel to each other, wherein the carriages each support a vertical column. The free ends of the columns are connected to each other by means of a yoke spanning the space between the carriages, which corresponds to the maximal possible width of the cargo containers. The yoke can be raised and lowered on the two columns. Cantilevers are aligned horizontally, and parallel relative to each other, and are arranged on the yoke. The free ends of the cantilevers support a cross bar. Connected to one end of the cross bar are supports for supporting the x-ray equipment. The x-ray equipment includes an x-ray emitter and an x-ray receiver. Moreover, one or more screen vehicles having leaded mesh screens for surrounding the cargo containers are provided to shield against harmful x-rays outside the cargo container area.

Abstract: A dual energy densitometer includes a solid statement near x-ray detector which may be swept across the patient with movement of both to produce a matrix of data elements representing attenuation through the patient. Each of these data elements may be characterized as to its material type by the use of the data element values, templates representing general rules to be applied to the bone and operator input. The operator input is provided by a cursor controlled paintbrush which changes classifications of individual pixels based on a selected brush type.

Abstract: An apparatus employing radiation for measuring bone density in which the bone can be scanned from different angles. The multidirectional scanning is accomplished by rotating the radiation source and detector about the stationary object being irradiated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for inspection in real-time of inhomogeneities at particular locations of objects using x-radiation. An object is fixed on a conveyor by a system of clamps, and a manipulator positions an x-ray source and detector such that the particular location to be inspected is between the two. X-ray photons passing through the spot to be inspected are recorded by the detector. When the manipulator is at the required position, the electronic control system (ECS) gives a `start` signal and the monitor begins to count the pulses from the detector. After a specified time, a `stop` signal passes from the ECS, and the monitor stops counting, while the manipulator passes to the following position to be inspected. The information coming from the detector is processed in the monitor. If no inhomogeneities are detected, the monitor gives permission for inspection of the following object, otherwise an alarm signal is triggered.

Abstract: A whole body x-ray bone densitometry system includes a table extending parallel to a Y-axis of an XYZ coordinate system for supporting a patient at a patient position; an x-ray source for emitting a narrow angle fan beam of x-rays to irradiate at any one time a scan line which is transverse to the Y-axis and is substantially shorter than the width of a body cross-section of a typical adult patient occupying the patient position. An x-ray detector is aligned with the source along a source-detector axis which is transverse to the Y-axis, for receiving x-rays from the source within the angle of the fan beam after passage thereof through the patient position. The detector has a number of detecting elements arranged along a direction transverse to the Y-axis and to the source-detector axis.

Abstract: A multidiagnostic rectilinear scanner for conducting non-invasive diagnostic procedures of bodily tissue. Both transmission and emission studies are performed on a single scanner utilizing software modules for each kind of study. Dual energy x-ray and radioactive sources are used to perform radiographic and absorptiometry transmission measurements. A system and method of identifying regions of interest within tissue being scanned and recording the location of those regions provides an additional diagnostic capability.

Abstract: The system of the present invention uses x-rays having a narrow fan beam to scan patients for bone density and soft tissue body composition measurement and imaging. In addition to single pass scanning of body parts such as the spine, hip and forearm, a method for multiple pass whole body scanning is provided. The system includes a movable scan table configured to support a patient and a C-arm associated with the table. The C-arm is configured to support an x-ray source in opposite to an x-ray detector at opposite sides of the patient. A scanning mechanism is provided to move the scan table and C-arm to scan the patient with overlapping adjacent x-ray fan beams in successive scan passes along the length of the patient. A scan pass combination scheme that blends areas of overlap is employed to compensate errors related to height dependency. The blending is performed according to the height of the part of patient scanned in the overlap and the distance from the edge of the scan pass.

Abstract: A method for automatically analyzing the morphometry of bones from data obtained by lateral digital scans of the bone obtains a matrix of data values assembled from an x-ray scan. The matrix is analyzed to locate an axis of the bone from which subsequent measures may be referenced. Once the axis is fixed, one or more of several useful indicia of bone condition such a length or interbone spacing can be calculated. The measures are compared to a set of reference values that has been normalized to lumbar vertebrae of the patient.

Abstract: A method of scanning the spine of a patient in which radiation is directed through the spine from a source and received by a detector to measure bone density of the spine. Multidirectional scanning is accomplished by rotating the radiation source and detector about the spine of the patient being scanned to provide both A-P and lateral scanning for imaging and bone density measurements.

Abstract: A dual energy densitometer includes a solid statement near x-ray detector which may be swept across the patient with movement of both to produce a matrix of data elements representing attenuation through the patient. Each of these data elements may be characterized as to its material type by the use of the data element values, templates representing general rules to be applied to the bone and operator input. The operator input is provided by a cursor controlled paintbrush which changes classifications of individual pixels based on a selected brush type.

Abstract: A method for automatically analyzing the morphometry of bone (20, 21) from data obtained by lateral digital scans of the bone (20, 21) obtains a matrix of data values assembled from an x-ray scan. The matrix is analyzed to locate an axis of the bone from which subsequent measures may be referenced. Once the axis is fixed, one or more of several useful indicia of bone condition such as length or interbone spacing can be calculated.

Abstract: For position-sensitive measurements, an X-ray analysis system comprises a one-dimensional position-sensitive detector and a detection Soller slit system in order to achieve position sensitivity in a direction transversely of the dispersion direction of the detector. Different position-sensitive measurement methods can be carried out by adaptation of the Soller slit system and the orientation of the one-dimensional position-sensitive detector.

Abstract: A dual energy bone densitometer scans the whole body of a patient in successive passes with a narrow fan beam of x-rays and, between passes, moves the patient table along multiple axes and rotates the C-arm about a rotation axis spaced from the focal spot. The coordinated multi-axes motion of the table and C-arm helps in piecing together the x-ray data from different passes and helps reduce the footprint of the instrument.

Abstract: A bone-morphometric apparatus (20) is provided with a bone-morphometric data processing unit (32), including at least an image storage unit, such as an image memory (56), a microprocessor unit (60), and an input unit for entering reference points to specify an object measuring region. The data processing unit (32) stores either digital data of an X-ray image (22a) of a sample bone formed on an X-ray film (22) simultaneously with an image of a given standard block (11), obtained by illuminating the X-ray film with illuminating light from a light source (41) and automatically detecting the quantity of light transmitted through the image (22a) by an image detector (42), or digital data of a radiographic image of the sample bone obtained by a radiographic image-forming apparatus (90) in the image storage unit, so as to subject the stored digital data to arithmetic operation, to thereby obtain bone-morphometric data.

Abstract: A gamma camera is provide, that can be used to measure the coefficient of attenuation of the gamma radiation in a body studied by means of a gamma camera normally made to study the effects of gamma radiation emitted by markers injected into the body. To this end, the collimator is removed from this gamma camera, and it is replaced by a ring and by an arm to which there is fixed a chamber designed to contain a radioactive point source external to the body. It is shown that it is thus possible to obtain images in transmission very swiftly. These images are useful for the correction of normal emission images.

Abstract: A method for the derivation of indicia of vertebral morphology from data obtained by lateral digital scans of the vertebrae obtains a matrix of data values assembled from a lateral vertebral scan. The matrix is analyzed to locate local minima and maxima from which the borders of the vertebral body may be calculated. Once the borders of the vertebral bodies are derived, one or more of several useful indicia of vertebral condition can be calculated. These indicia are associated with clinically recognized modes of vertebral condition. The data values in the matrix are also scanned for areas of unusual densities so that nonhomogeneous regions are not used in measuring overall bone mineral density of a vertebra.

Abstract: A desitometer gantry may translate in two directions for scanning and may swivel about a vertical axis to allow the radiation angle and the detector-to-patient distance to be altered during a scan so as to provide constant magnification of the image and to align the patient's spine with the radiation beam for more accurate edge measurements. A method of reducing the effects of osteophytes on density measurements applies an iterative threshold based on the density difference between hard and soft tissue.

Abstract: A device for continuously measuring the thickness of a foil includes a radiation source opposite a radiation detector, and a movement member which moves the radiation source and detector synchronously in a width-direction of the foil. A signal generator generates a signal indicating a position of a portion of the foil whose thickness is being measured, and a counter having a plurality of integrating channels integrates detection signals output from the detector to generate an integrated count number for each channel. A signal switching member switches each of the plurality of integrating channels of the counter according to signals generated by the signal generator, and a calculator calculates a foil thickness from the integrated counted number for each channel of the counter. This structure allows continuous and precise measurement of the foil's thickness.

Abstract: A self-compensated digital delay semiconductor device is disclosed which uses two identical chains of delay elements. The first chain is the Reference Chain, which is driven by a crystal-controlled digital clock input. The second chain is the Input Signal Delay Chain, which is the delay path for the signal of interest. These two chains are located in physical proximity on the semiconductor die so that variations in manufacturing process, temperature and power supply affect each chain the same. Each of these delay chains is comprised of a series of variable delay elements which are digitally controlled by Monitor Logic, which measures the delay performance of the Reference Chain, and dynamically adjusts the delay of the variable delay elements as induced variations are induced, thereby compensating the delay of the device. Any one of these precise delays can be routed to the output by driving a tap select multiplexer to select the delay of interest.

Abstract: A method for the derivation of indicia of vertebral morphology from data obtained by lateral digital scans of the vertebrae obtains a matrix of data values assembled from a lateral vertebral scan. The matrix is analyzed to locate local minima and maxima from which the borders of the vertebral body may be calculated. Once the borders of the vertebral bodies are derived, one or more of several useful indicia of vertebral condition can be calculated. These indicia are associated with clinically recognized modes of vertebral condition. The data values in the matrix are also scanned for areas of unusual densities so that nonhomogeneous regions are not used in measuring overall bone mineral density of a vertebra.

Abstract: The invention has an X-ray emitting tube and a linear detector on opposite sides of a plane containing a strip to be measured and an electronic acquisition, measuring and control unit. A mask transversely moveable relative to the strip occludes radiation from the X-ray emitting tube which is not intercepted by the strip or which passes through the edge region of the strip. This device offers an improved degree of precision measurement near the edge of the strip.

Abstract: A one dimensional X-ray image sensor consists of a plurality of unit detecting devices aligned in a row and a filter which covers a portion thereof and is made of a material having an X-ray absorption coefficient equal to or nearly equal to that of a target material to be inspected. An X-ray inspection apparatus includes the one dimensional X-ray image sensor and further includes a data processor for correcting measured values using data measured in regard to the filter.

Abstract: A multidiagnostic rectilinear scanner for conducting non-invasive diagnostic procedures of bodily tissue. Both transmission and emission studies are performed on a single scanner utilizing software modules for each kind of study. Dual energy x-ray and radioactive sources are used to perform radiographic and absorptiometry transmission measurements. A system and method of identifying regions of interest within tissue being scanned and recording the location of those regions provides an additional diagnostic capability.

Abstract: A distance between a radiation source and a detector is first set to a first distance and the number of pulses of a .gamma.-ray is detected. Then, the distance between the radiation source and the detector is set to a second distance different from the first distance and the number of .gamma.-ray pulses is detected. A density .rho. of a sample is finally calculated on the basis of a ratio of the two detection pulse numbers which were detected. The radiation source is set on the surface of the sample or in the sample. The sample detector is set on the sample surface. Fundamentally, one radiation source and two detectors are used. In the case of using one radiation source and one detector, either one of them is moved and the number of pulses is detected twice.

Abstract: A raster scan x-ray bone densitometer. The densitometer shown uses an x-ray tube operated at two different voltages to generate a pencil beam, the energy levels of the x-ray photons being a function of the voltage applied. An integrating detector is timed to integrate the detected signal of the patient-attenuated beam over each pulse, the signals are converted to digital values and a digital computer converts the set of values produced by the raster scan into a representation of the bone density of the patient. Multiple reference detectors with differing absorbers are used by the system to continuously correct for variation in voltage and current of the x-ray tube. Calibration is accomplished by the digital computer on the basis of known bone-representing substance being carried repeatedly through the pencil beam so that a set of detected signals affected by the calibration substance is compared by the computer with a set of detected signals unaffected by the calibration material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the wall thickness of insulated pipe of various sizes, shapes and locations without requiring removal of the insulation. The apparatus includes a source which emits a collimated beam of low-level radiation and a detector adapted to detect the beam. The source and detector are pivotally mounted on trucks which in turn are movably mounted on frame assemblies which include rotatable shafts. Stepping motors are mounted on the frame assemblies and are drivingly connected to the shafts for rotating the shafts. Indexer devices are connected to a computer and to the motors for controlling the rotation of the shafts. Motion translators are mounted on the trucks and are operatively connected to the shafts for translating the rotational motion of the shafts into linear motion. The source and detector are located in aligned, opposed spaced relationship adjacent to the pipe.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for precise and consistent selection of bone mineral content (BMC) measurement regions of selected bones, and accurate calculation of BMC from a displayed radiological image of the bones, calculate the position of the styloid tip of each bone, define a measurement region having selected positional correspondence to the position of the styloid tip, and sum pixel intensity values in the measurement region to yield a pixel intensity sum representative of bone mineral content. Bone density values are obtained by dividing the pixel intensity sum by a value representative of the areas of the measurement region, to yield a value representative of bone density. The position of the styloid tip is calculated by detecting selected transverse image edges, searching along the selected transverse image edges to determine a set of pixels which define extremities of the styloid tip, and defining a line substantially tangent to the styloid tip.

Abstract: X-ray analysis apparatus and related method including a bone densitometer apparatus, in which detectors are translatable in the plane of the fan beam for each scan line position to provide enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and resolution, and detector-to-detector normalization. In this motion, the detectors move relative to an x-ray source and an object or patient. Indexing or moving from one scan line position to the next involves relative movement between the object or patient, and the x-ray source and detectors, which are fixed in relationship to each other during this indexing.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the thickness of a coating on an elongate strip of material which moves along a predetermined path from a first location to a second location. The apparatus includes a measuring device, at least a portion thereof being mounted on a shuttle for movement parallel with the elongate strip. The shuttle is mounted on a support frame for movement back and forth along the frame. The shuttle is further provided with a target-spotting device. A drive extends between the shuttle and the support frame for reciprocating the shuttle along the frame.

Abstract: An x-ray diagnostics installation has an x-ray tube and an image processing and display system which includes a video camera connected to the x-ray image intensifier, an image memory, a spatial frequency filter and a monitor. A motion detector is connected to the image memory and to the video camera and controls operation of the spatial frequency filter to vary the filter effect so that the filter effect is greater in transillumination image regions having little motion than in regions having a higher amount of motion.

Abstract: An x-ray sensor for determining the amount and composition of a multi-component material is disclosed. The sensor is particularly useful for determining the amount and chemical composition of a coating spread on a continuously moving paper sheet or filler material mixed into such a sheet.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus have been found, with the aid of which important properties can be determined during the extrusion of polymer melts:continuous measurement of the density of pure polymers (density constancy)plotting of p, v, T diagrams of plastics determination of percentagesf by volume and weight in polymer/filler or polymer/reinforcing agent mixturesdetermination of proportions by weight of pigment in masterbatch preparationdetermination of measuring data for statements going further regarding mixing and thermal homogeneity of the material.Furthermore, the apparatus as a sensor is suitable as basic module for a closed control loop for monitoring and keeping constant porportions of filler.

Abstract: A thickness determination method for organic films comprises the steps of: irradiating an organic film to be measured with x-rays at a certain angle of incidence, finding an angle of reflection at which the x-ray intensity reaches a peak, and finding the thickness of the film from the angle of this peak.

Abstract: An apparatus employing radiation for measuring bone density in which the bone can be scanned from different angles. The multidirectional scanning is accomplished by rotating the radiation source and detector about the stationary object being irradiated.

Abstract: A sheet thickness gauging system locates sheet edges to measure sheet width and to calibrate the gauging procedure to take into account neck-in or lateral shifting of the sheet. Initially, and at regular intervals during extrusion, the controller, motor, and motor control that cooperate to control a nuclear gauge's movement and measurement on a traverse across the path of movement of the sheet, rapidly move the gauge to a first position near a first edge of the sheet. From that position to the edge the gauge steps in small steps until a substantial reduction in apparent thickness is detected, signifying the location of the edge. A limit to the regular transverse gauging movement of the gauge is set just inward of the detected first edge. The gauge is then moved rapidly across the sheet to a second position near the other edge of the sheet, where the system proceeds similarly to detect the second edge and set a second limit. Regular gauging then proceeds, across the sheet from one limit to other.

Abstract: A raster scan x-ray bone densitometer. The densitometer shown uses an x-ray tube operated at two different voltages to generate a pencil beam, the energy levels of the x-ray photons being a function of the voltage applied. An integrating detector is timed to integrate the detected signal of the patient-attenuated beam over each pulse, the signals are converted to digital values and a digital computer converts the set of values produced by the raster scan into a representation of the bone density of the patient. Multiple reference detectors with differing absorbers are used by the system to continuously correct for variation in voltage and current of the x-ray tube. Calibration is accomplished by the digital computer on the basis of known bone-representing substance being carried repeatedly through the pencil beam so that a set of detected signals affected by the calibration substance is compared by the computer with a set of detected signals unaffected by the calibration material.

Abstract: An x-ray sedimentation particle size analyzer in which data is taken only at particular positions along the sedimentation cell, and each such position is individually calibrated. Presentation of the data in the form of a particle size distribution curve can be accomplished very accurately using interpolation techniques. The sedimentation cell design is free of the effects of undesirable density gradients, capable of detecting and removing bubbles, capable of attaining a highly uniform dispersion of sample prior to sedimentation, and including a safety interlock device for blocking x-ray projection when the cell is being accessed.

Abstract: In-vivo bone density measuring system using a modified emission computed tomographic gamma camera arrangement for detecting radiation from two separate sources located outside of the body of the patient and oppositely disposed to the gamma camera during rotation of the gamma camera and sources means about the patient for obtaining tomographic data. The two separate sources emitting at least two energy levels. The system includes processing means for the detected radiation to provide a bone mineral density map.

Abstract: The level of relative risk of osteoporosis in human subjects can be quickly determined by: measuring the bone mineral content of the os calcis (heel)--which is highly trabecular--and; assessing relative non-violent fracture risk at substantially all skeletal sites (both spinal and non-spinal) due to osteoporosis of the subject from the os calcis mineral content determination. The bone mineral content of a cortical bone site, such as the proximal radius (forearm), can also be determined. The densitometer apparatus includes a heel holding structure, or a forearm holding structure, which may be placed between a low energy source of gamma and/or x-rays, and a detector. The source and detector are mounted on a C-shaped yoke, which yoke can be moved horizontally and vertically during a rectilinear scan, and which can be rotated about a vertical axis when computed tomography (CT) capabilities are necessary.

Abstract: A thickness gauge traverse for a gauge such as a nuclear thickness gauge that measures thickness of extruded sheet at numerous locations across the sheet in a system utilizing those measurements to correct thickness of the extrusion. The traverse has a mount supporting the probe of the gauge for movement across the sheet. A motor and motor control electronics rapidly advance the probe from one measurement point to the next, where the mount is stopped permitting the probe to remain for the considerable time necessary to make its measurement without having that time dominate the speed of the gauge's movement from point to point across the sheet.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus employing hard X-rays comprises a pair of sensors receiving substantially simultaneously hard X-ray beam emitted from an X-ray source, one of which sensors receives the beam directly from the source and not passed through an object to be measured while the other sensor receives the beam passed through the object. The other sensor comprises an X-ray image receiving camera providing an X-ray image of the object and a spot X-ray sensor for receiving the beam passed through a restricted measuring zone or spot in the object, and the camera and spot sensor are shiftable alternately to a position of receiving the beam passed through the object, whereby, after visual observation of the X-ray image for discrimination, the restricted zone or spot can be determined for a higher precision measuring, and a precise quantitative measurement can be carried out by the spot sensor with respect to the restricted zone or spot.

Abstract: Nondestructive analysis of a porous, inhomogeneous, generally cylindrical object, such as a soot boule (12), comprised of n known components, where n is an integer, is achieved by scanning the boule with a beam (18) comprised of photons, each having a distinct energy within one n-1 energy groups. The intensity of the photons within each of the n-1 energy groups leaving the boule is detected by a detector (22) and is measured by a pulse height/scaler analyzer (30) at each of a plurality of separate heights t.sub.i of the beam (18) as measured from the center of the boule. A computer (31) determines each of n-1 attenuation coefficients .mu..sub.1 (r), .mu..sub.2 (r), . . . .mu..sub.n (r), representing the attenuation of the intensity of the photons in each of the n-1 energy groups, respectively, at each height t.sub.i of the beam in accordance with the output data furnished by the scaler/analyzer. From the n-1 attenuation coefficients, the computer (31) determines the density .rho.

Abstract: This invention provides apparatus for measuring the thickness profile of steel strip comprising a radiation source reciprocally movable in a stepwise fashion across the strip width on one side thereof and a single elongated detector on the other side of the strip aligned with the scanning source. This detector may be a fluorescent scintillator which is responsive to the incident radiation, the amount of which is in turn dependent on the degree of absorption by the strip. Means are provided for sensing the degree of excitation in the detector in synchronism with the scanning source whereby to provide an output representative of the thickness profile of the strip. The profile may conveniently be displayed in analogue fashion on a television screen. A conventional thickness gauge, e.g. of the X-ray type, may conveniently be used in conjunction with the profile gauge to compensate the output of the latter for any variations in the strip thickness along the length of the coil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-destructive, dimensional control process and apparatus with respect to a hollow member.The apparatus comprises means making it possible to hold and position the member, a source which can be introduced into the member so as to emit gamma radiation in the direction of the inner surface of the wall of said member. A detector can be positioned outside the member, so as to detect the gamma radiation traversing the wall of said member. In addition, means are provided making it possible to effect a relative displacement between the assembly, constituted by the source and the detector, and the member in such a way that the wall profile of the latter is followed.

Abstract: A continuously measuring on-line production gage calibrated to indicate bar weight per foot and unaffected by typical reinforcing bar shape variability utilizes two radiation gages with their measuring axes separated by 90 degrees and offset by 45 degrees from the rib plane of the reinforcing bar. Each gage is equipped with a shutter which may be adjusted electrically to simulate any required weight per foot standard and with the gage zeroing on a predetermined shutter setting, the shutter automatically opens and radiation detector signal variations from the zero point are amplified, linearized, averaged, and scaled electronically to produce a percent weight per foot output signal. Summation of detected radiation is also performed through use of optical fibers.

Abstract: A method for determining the density of coal or other bulk material in a stockpile includes boring a calibration hole into the pile and collecting at least a portion of the cuttings thus obtained into a container. A series of readings are taken within the container with a nuclear depth-density gauge, and the weight of the cuttings and container volume is measured. The measured weight and volume are compared with the gauge readings to calibrate the gauge. A test hole is then bored substantially to the bottom of the stockpile, and a section of steel casing is inserted and partially pressed into the hole. A second section of casing is attached to the first and similarly pressed into the hole. In this manner, casing is extended the full depth of the hole. Readings are then taken at various depths therein with the nuclear gauge. From the data thus obtained, average density throughout the pile is determined.

Abstract: An apparatus employing radiation for measuring bone density in which the bone can be scanned from different angles. The multidirectional scanning is accomplished by rotating the radiation source and detector about the stationary object being irradiated.