Thermospectra

Dale D Thayer

Eric A Duff

Ransom A Yarnall

Philip Bowles

J Paul Axford

A method and apparatus are provided for imaging obscured areas of a test object. The apparatus includes an x-ray source having a cathode for producing a steerable electron beam. A controller directs the electron beam to predetermined locations on a target anode. The user may flexibly select appropriate predetermined positions. The predetermined locations may be obtained from the geometry of an obscuration. A detector receives x-rays that are transmitted through the test object from each of the predetermined locations, and produces images corresponding to each of the predetermined locations. The images are digitized and may be combined to produce an unobscured image of a region of interest.

Method and apparatus for imaging obscured areas of a test object

According to the present invention, a material handling system for transporting a device to or from a radiation chamber in which the device is inspected is provided. The system includes a shuttle carriage having a base and two opposing walls, a conveyor mounted between the two opposing walls of the shuttle carriage, and means for moving the shuttle carriage along a path between a loading position and an unloading position. The system also includes a housing that encloses the shuttle carriage and the moving means. The housing has an internal cavity that is fitted to the two opposing walls. The housing also has a first opening coincident with the loading position and a second opening coincident with the unloading position. Further, a drive mechanism is provided for extending the conveyor partially through the first opening and the second opening.

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San Diego, CA, United States of America

Dale D Thayer