Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080285715 | Method and apparatus for shadow aperture backscatter radiography (SABR) system and protocol - A shadow aperture backscatter radiography (SABR) system includes at least one penetrating radiation source for providing a penetrating radiation field, and at least one partially transmissive radiation detector, wherein the partially transmissive radiation detector is interposed between an object region to be interrogated and the radiation source. The partially transmissive radiation detector transmits a portion of the illumination radiation field. A shadow aperture having a plurality of radiation attenuating regions having apertures therebetween is disposed between the radiation source and the detector. The apertures provide illumination regions for the illumination radiation field to reach the object region, wherein backscattered radiation from the object is detected and generates an image by the detector in regions of the detector that are shadowed by the radiation attenuation regions. | 11-20-2008 |
20100327174 | RAPID ASSEMBLY AND OPERATION OF AN X-RAY IMAGING SYSTEM - Methods and systems for X-ray imaging are disclosed. An X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray tube to generate X-rays and a detector array to capture scattered X-rays. A rotational collimator directs the X-rays at an object under inspection. Rotational mechanisms rotate the X-ray tube and the detector array about a roll axis and a yaw axis to inspect various portions of the object. A track unit mechanism moves the X-ray imaging system linearly along a track unit to further inspect portions of the object. | 12-30-2010 |
20110019799 | SPATIAL SEQUENCED BACKSCATTER PORTAL - Systems and methods for scanning an object in an inspection space are disclosed. The systems and methods generally incorporate spatially separated and sequenced Compton x-ray backscatter imaging techniques in a plurality of perspective planes. Such processes as time-gating detectors, weighting scintillation detections, and preferentially accepting signals that originate from a point that is substantially orthogonal to a radiation detector and at least partially shielding out signals that do not originate from a point substantially orthogonal to the detector may be used to enhance the data acquisition process. | 01-27-2011 |
20110268247 | MULTI-PROFILE PENETRATING RADIATION IMAGING SYSTEM - Systems for scanning an object are disclosed. Such systems typically are used to inspect various objects with equipment that produces an image of the object based on penetrating radiation. Examples are X-Ray imaging, infrared imaging, terahertz imaging, and radar imaging. The systems typically include a radiation source and a rotating collimator for generating a beam of energy. A detection array is provided for detecting imagery elements from the beam of energy. A motion controller is provided for instructing a positional driver system to move the radiation source, the rotating collimator and the detector system to the plurality of locations about a support structure. The motion controller may also instruct the positional driver system to turn, oscillate, or otherwise maneuver a portion of the imaging system to the virtually limitless orientations made possible by the disclosed embodiments. | 11-03-2011 |
20120114102 | X-RAY BACKSCATTER IMAGING OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS - The energy of an X-ray beam and critical depth are selected to detect structural discontinuities in a material having an atomic number Z of 57 or greater. The critical depth is selected by adjusting the geometry of a collimator that blocks backscattered radiation so that backscattered X-ray originating from a depth less than the critical depth is not detected. Structures of Lanthanides and Actinides, including nuclear fuel rod materials, can be inspected for structural discontinuities such as gaps, cracks, and chipping employing the backscattered X-ray. | 05-10-2012 |
20130287169 | Single Beam Backscatter X-Ray System - A method and apparatus for inspecting an object is present. Radiation is emitted from a radiation source. A beam is formed from a portion of the radiation emitted by the radiation source using a collimator. The collimator is connected to the radiation source by a bearing system comprising a first structure associated with the radiation source and a second structure connected to the first structure. The second structure is configured to hold the collimator. The second structure of the bearing system is moved using a movement system such that the second structure rotates in one of a plurality of directions substantially about a center point in the radiation source while the radiation source remains stationary relative to the second structure. Rotation of the second structure substantially about the center point in the radiation source changes a direction in which the beam is directed. | 10-31-2013 |
20150139386 | FEEDBACK MODULATED RADIATION SCANNING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REDUCED RADIOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT - Methods and systems for scanning objects comprising scanning a portion of an object by a first radiation beam having a first value of a beam characteristic, such as the dose, and detecting the first radiation beam after interaction with the object by a first detector. It is determined whether to change the first value to a second value based, at least in part, on the detected first radiation beam. That portion of the object is then scanned by a second radiation beam having the first value or the second value based on the determination. The second radiation is detected after interacting with the object by a second detector. The second detector may have a second resolution greater than a first resolution of the first detector. The first and second radiation beams may be formed by first and second slots angled with respect to each other. | 05-21-2015 |