Back to results
US 6,037,597 AGranted
Non-destructive detection systems and methods
AssigneeNeutech Systems, Inc.
InventorAngelo Karavolos
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Described are preferred devices and systems useful in the non-destructive detection of predetermined substances, such as plastique explosives, in objects under interrogation. The devices and systems are readily constructed and can be manufactured as self-contained, portable detection devices.
Claims9
A laminate device for self-contained delivery of epithermal neutrons, comprising:
- a first polymer layer having embedded therein a chemical source of alpha-radiation;
- a second polymer layer, the second polymer layer being opaque to alpha-radiation and having defined therein a diffraction opening for passing alpha-radiation from said chemical source of alpha-radiation;
- a third polymer layer having embedded therein a source of epithermal neutrons, said third polymer layer being positioned relative to said second polymer layer such that alpha-radiation from said chemical source of alpha-radiation impinges upon the source of neutrons, thereby generating epithermal neutrons;
- and
- a fourth polymer layer, said fourth polymer layer being impermeable to epithermal neutrons and defining a diffraction opening for passing said generated epithermal neutrons.
2 more elements
A radiation source/detector array device for non-destructive interrogation, comprising:
- a non-conductive substrate opaque to epithermal neutrons;
- a pattern of electrically conductive material imprinted upon said non-conductive substrate, said pattern providing a plurality of leads for electrical connection of radiation detectors;
- a plurality of radiation detectors affixed to said substrate and electrically connected to said plurality of leads;
- and
- a plurality of self-contained radiation sources affixed to said substrate.
2 more elements
A method for non-destructively interrogating an object, comprising:
- positioning said object adjacent a source/detector array device for non-destructive interrogation, the device including:
- a non-conductive substrate;
- a pattern of electrically conductive material imprinted upon said non-conductive substrate, said pattern providing a plurality of leads for electrical connection of radiation detectors;
- a plurality of radiation detectors affixed to said substrate and electrically connected to said plurality of leads;
- and
- a plurality of self-contained radiation sources affixed to said substrate;
- so that the object interacts with radiation generated by said radiation sources and generates a characteristic radiation signal;
- and
- detecting said characteristic radiation signal with said detectors.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.