Republic Steel Corporation

Robert A Kemmerling

Steven J Aron, Jr

Leonard R Stone

Jerry J Pollack

Thomas E Reim

A radiation energy transmission system including source collimating apparatus and its method of construction for maintaining the intensity of a radiation signal emanating from a radiation source along a narrow signal beam path to provide for long distance transmission of the collimated signal sufficiently above background radiation level to be detected by detector means within the path of the beam and at the same time sufficiently below safe radiation exposure levels so as not to be harmful to personnel in the immediate area of the beam.

Method and apparatus for detecting a distant object using gamma radiation

Apparatus for collimation of radiation signals for long distance

The output of a radioactive source is directed through a moving stream of granular material, e.g., coal on a conveyor, and the radiation passing through is sensed by a detector. The detector generates a pulse signal of which the pulse repetition rate varies with the radiation sensed. The pulses generated are counted in a binary counter, and a timer periodically initiates a read-out of and resets the counter to effect successive counting cycles, whereupon the digital count in each cycle is converted to an analog voltage, the magnitude of which is recorded in terms of bulk density of the coal. The recorder controls the addition of water or oil to the coal to, respectively, lower or increase the bulk density of the coal. Controls are included which guard the system from misperforming when a supply of coal has failed, when the depth of coal on the conveyor belt has been lost, and when the coal is so dense that an application of water is required. The system employs a drop of the coal before it passes the source of radiation so as to simulate the drop of coal in an oven to which the coal is normally supplied, thereby to present coal for bulk density control in a condition the same as that applied to the oven. A paddle-wheel assembly may be employed for this same purpose by striking the material as it is dropped past the paddle-wheel assembly. Alternatively, a sled assembly that tamps the coal may be employed for such simulation.

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Cleveland Heights, OH, United States of America

Robert A Kemmerling