Detection of nuclear materials
First Claim
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1. A method for detecting Special Nuclear Materials (SNM) or Radiological dispersion Devices (RDD), comprising:
- conveying an object along a predetermined path;
imaging a distribution of radioactive sources associated with the object as it passes along said path;
determining the presence and location of one or both of an RDD or SNM radioactive source within the object.
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Abstract
A method for detecting Special Nuclear Materials (SNM) or Radiological dispersion Devices (RDD), comprising: conveying an object along a predetermined path; imaging a distribution of radioactive sources associated with the object as it passes along said path; determining the presence and location of one or both of an RDD or SNM radioactive source within the object.
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Citations
63 Claims
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1. A method for detecting Special Nuclear Materials (SNM) or Radiological dispersion Devices (RDD), comprising:
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conveying an object along a predetermined path;
imaging a distribution of radioactive sources associated with the object as it passes along said path;
determining the presence and location of one or both of an RDD or SNM radioactive source within the object. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method for detection of nuclear radiation comprising:
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providing an image of a distribution of nuclear radiation from an object; and
classifying the distribution as belonging to a benign source or a weapons source. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24)
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25. Apparatus for detecting Special Nuclear Materials (SNM) or Radiological dispersion Devices (RDD) from an object comprising:
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at least one detector, operative and configured to detect radiation emanating from at least RDD and SNM associated with an object passing along a predetermined path and to form an image output based on the detected radiation;
a controller configured to receive the image output and to determine the presence and location of a radioactive source or sources within the object. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39)
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40. A liquid scintillator detector comprising:
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a vessel filled with liquid scintillator material;
a front face that is at least partially transparent to radiation detectable by the liquid scintillator material;
at least one partition that separates the vessel into sections; and
a plurality of light detectors arranged to detect light produced in the liquid scintillator, wherein each section is situated within the vessel such that one portion of its periphery is formed by a portion of its front face. - View Dependent Claims (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49)
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- 50. An imaging detector that is operative to detect and image a source or sources of neutrons.
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52. A system for detecting nuclear/radiological treats, comprising:
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a nuclear radiation detector configured for detecting RDD and SNM and having an entrance surface, the detector being mounted so that its entrance surface is substantially perpendicular to a ground surface; and
a collimator which defines a direction of view of the detector, the collimator being configured to reduce the effect of radiation emanating from the ground. - View Dependent Claims (53, 54)
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55. A method for detecting threats, comprising:
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generating first image data based on radionuclide radiation detected by a detector in the absence of any threats;
generating a second image data based on nuclear radiation detected by the detector in the presence of a possible threat; and
adjusting the at least one second image data based on the at least one first image. - View Dependent Claims (56, 57, 58, 59)
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60. Apparatus for radioactive emission tomographic imaging of a moving conveyance, comprising:
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a plurality of nuclear imaging detectors placed around the axis of a path suitable for passage of a moving conveyance, the detectors being operative to detect and image radiation from at least some RDD and SNM sources; and
a controller that receives signals from the nuclear imaging detectors and forms a tomographic image of sources of radiation associated with the conveyance and its cargo. - View Dependent Claims (61)
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62. A method for determining a nuclear threat associated with a conveyence, comprising:
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(a) detecting nuclear emissions from the conveyance at a first detection station;
(b) determining conveyances that do not pose a threat according to a first criterion responsive to the emissions detected at the first detection station;
(c) directing conveyances that contain potential threats according to the first criteria to a second detection station and releasing conveyances that do not meet the first criterion;
(d) detecting nuclear emissions from the conveyance at the second detection station;
(e) determining conveyances that do not pose a threat according to a second criterion responsive to the emissions detected at the second detection station;
(f) directing vehicles that contain potential threats according to the second criterion to a third station for further inspection; and
(g) releasing conveyances that do not contain potential threats according to any of the criteria, without further testing. - View Dependent Claims (63)
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Specification