Patent classifications
G01N2223/308
X-RAY TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMAGING AN AIRCRAFT PART
X-ray tomography systems and methods for imaging an aircraft part are disclosed herein. The systems include a part fixture, which is configured to support the aircraft part. The systems also include an x-ray source, which is configured to selectively emit x-rays, and an x-ray detector, which is configured to detect the x-rays. The systems further include a support structure that operatively supports the x-ray source and the x-ray detector such that x-rays emitted by the x-ray source travel along a beam path that is incident upon the x-ray detector and that passes through the aircraft part. The systems also include a rotary scanning structure, which is configured to selectively rotate the support structure about a scan axis, and a longitudinal scanning structure, which is configured to selectively translate the support structure along the scan axis. The methods include methods of utilizing the systems.
X-ray seed imaging system, cabinet x-ray device, and methods of evaluating seeds
A cabinet x-ray device for imaging seeds includes an x-ray source configured to transmit an x-ray beam along a beam path. A seed holder is configured to hold seeds and be selectively positioned in the x-ray device such that the beam path crosses the seed holder and the x-ray beam passes through at least some of the seeds. An x-ray detector is configured to detect the x-ray beam after passing through the seeds such that one or more x-ray images of the seeds can be formed. Self-supporting x-ray shielding can extend circumferentially around the x-ray beam to mitigate x-ray transmission outside the device. A drive mechanism can automatically move the seed holder so that discrete x-ray images of subsets of seeds are taken in an automatic seed imaging operation. Various seed evaluations and seed process evaluations can be made using the device.
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for measuring submerged surfaces
The present disclosure provides systems, apparatuses, and methods for measuring submerged surfaces. Embodiments include a measurement apparatus including a main frame, a source positioned outside a pipe and connected to the main frame, and a detector positioned outside the pipe at a location diametrically opposite the source and connected to the main frame. The source may transmit a first amount of radiation. The detector may receive a second amount of radiation, determine a composition of the pipe based on the first and second amounts of radiation, and send at least one measurement signal. A control canister positioned on the main frame or on a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) attached to the apparatus may receive the at least one measurement signal from the detector and convey the at least one measurement signal to software located topside.
SCANNING SPECTRAL X-RAY IMAGING USING AN ALTERNATING HIGH VOLTAGE X-RAY SOURCE
Methods, systems, and apparatus for performing scanning spectral tomographic reconstruction of an object. The imaging system includes a power source that is configured to provide an alternating high voltage. The imaging system includes an X-ray source. The X-ray source includes an array of X-ray emitters that allow fast switching “ON” and “OFF” using a grid electrode. The source is configured to generate an X-ray beam with an energy spectrum based on the alternating high voltage and uses X-ray filters. The imaging system includes a controller configured to operate synchronously with the alternating high voltage. The controller is also configured to drive an actuator to position the X-ray source with respect to an object and drive the source in a pre-defined trajectory about the object. At each position in the trajectory, the controller is configured to control the exposure timing of the emitters based on a predefined firing pattern.
SYSTEMS, APPARATUSES, AND METHODS FOR MEASURING SUBMERGED SURFACES
The present disclosure provides systems, apparatuses, and methods for measuring submerged surfaces. Embodiments include a measurement apparatus including a main frame, a source positioned outside a pipe and connected to the main frame, and a detector positioned outside the pipe at a location diametrically opposite the source and connected to the main frame. The source may transmit a first amount of radiation. The detector may receive a second amount of radiation, determine a composition of the pipe based on the first and second amounts of radiation, and send at least one measurement signal. A control canister positioned on the main frame or on a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) attached to the apparatus may receive the at least one measurement signal from the detector and convey the at least one measurement signal to software located topside.
X-ray imaging apparatus and method
An x-ray imaging apparatus includes an x-ray source module configured to output source x-rays, a pencil-beam-forming module having input and output ports, and a module engagement interface that enables a user to select aligned and non-aligned configurations of the source and pencil-beam-forming modules. In the aligned configuration, the pencil-beam-forming module is aligned with the source module to receive source x-rays at the input port and to output a scanning pencil beam through the output port toward a target. In the non-aligned configuration, the pencil-beam-forming module is not aligned with the x-ray source module to receive the source x-rays nor to output the pencil beam, but instead enables the source x-rays to form a stationary, wide-area beam directed toward the target. Example embodiments can be handheld, can enable both backscatter imaging and high-resolution transmission imaging using the same apparatus, and can be employed in finding and disarming explosive devices.
X-RAY APPARATUS
An equipment mount for an x-ray apparatus is disclosed. The mount comprises a main shield element, a peripheral shield element and a secondary shield element arranged to permit a mounting element to pass through the main shield element in a shielded manner. A support apparatus for an x-ray apparatus is also disclosed. The support apparatus comprises a separable bearing for translating a support part between a first position and a second position and an elevator mechanism for translating the support part from the second position to a third position, thereby separating the bearing. A manipulator stage for an x-ray apparatus is also disclosed. The stage comprises a first support structure arranged to support a sample stage and supported at first and second positions either side of the sample stage by second and third support structures, the second and third support structures being configured to allow the first support structure to raise and lower while remaining supported at both ends.
Device and method for determining the microstructure of a metal product, and metallurgical installation
A device for determining the microstructure of a metal product during metallurgical production of the metal product, the device having at least one X-ray source, at least one X-ray detector and at least one accommodating chamber, inside which the X-ray source and/or the X-ray detector is/are arranged and which has at least one window which is transparent to X-ray radiation. To allow reliable determination of the microstructure of a metal product during the metallurgical production thereof, the device includes at least one cooling installation for actively cooling the accommodating chamber.
DUAL ROBOT CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR NON-DESTRUCTIVE EVALUATION
A system for non-destructive evaluation of an object uses a spherical coordinate system to control two robotic arms. In some examples, the system includes a radiation source coupled to one robotic arm, a radiation detector coupled to the other robotic arm; and a control unit configured to determine, based on input, a first position located on a first surface of a first sphere within the spherical coordinate system; determine, based on the input, a second position located on a second surface of a second sphere within the spherical coordinate system, wherein the second position is located opposite a midpoint of the spherical coordinate system from the first position; and control a motion of the source robotic arm and the detector robotic arm such that the radiation source and the radiation detector move to different ones of the first position and the second position.
MEASUREMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A MEASUREMENT SYSTEM
A method for operating a measurement system (100) comprises: generating a beam of electromagnetic radiation (25) directed along a central ray (27) using a radiation source (19); moving the radiation source (19) relative to an object region (35) so that the central ray (27) is directed onto a radiation detector (31) during the movement; wherein the moving of the radiation source (19) relative to the object region (35) comprises: rotating the radiation source (19) about a first axis of rotation (D1), wherein the radiation source (19) is disposed eccentrically to the first axis of rotation (D1); rotating the radiation source (19) about a second axis of rotation (D2), wherein the first axis of rotation (D1) and the second axis of rotation (D2) together enclose an acute angle (α) amounting to at most 80°.