American Science and Engineering, Inc.

Tel Nexx, Inc.

Terry Lee McElroy

Arthur Keigler

Jeffrey R Schubert

Daniel Goodman

Richard Schueller

William John Baukus

Gary Boulet

Jim Pascoe

John P Handy

David C Walazek

Embodiments of backscatter inspection systems include features to enable inspection of irregular surfaces, tight spacer, and other hard-to-reach places. Some embodiments include arms that maneuver a scan head with at least three degrees of freedom, and some embodiments include arms that maneuver a scan head with at least seven degrees of freedom. Some embodiments include proximity detectors on a scan head or base, detect contact with an object being inspected, and to slow or stop the motion of the system accordingly. Some compact embodiments scan the interior of an object from within, and include a rotating, low-energy source of penetrating radiation, and at least one backscatter detector, which may be stationary, or may rotate with the source.

Methods to perform backscatter inspection of complex targets in confined spaces

A substrate edge bevel etch module for etching a material from a peripheral edge of a substrate with an etchant is described. The substrate edge bevel etch module includes a rotatable substrate holder having a support for a substrate, and a surface tension etch applicator comprising a wetted etching surface opposing a substrate surface proximate an edge of the substrate when the surface tension etch applicator is located proximate to the edge of the substrate. The surface tension etch applicator further includes an etchant dispensing portion, proximate the wetted etching surface, which dispenses an etchant in a region between the wetted etching surface and the substrate surface and wet at least a portion of the wetted etching surface and the substrate surface. A spacing between the wetted etching surface and the substrate surface is selected to retain the etchant using surface tension forces and form a meniscus there between.

Edge bevel removal apparatus and method

A system and method for guiding a disruptor robot in disruption of an explosive device. The system includes a source of penetrating radiation, having a coordinated position on the robot with respect to a disrupter coupled to robot, and at least one detector for detecting radiation produced by the source and scattered by the explosive device. An analyzer produces an image of the explosive device and facilitates identification of a disruption target of the explosive device. A controller positions the disruptor with respect to the explosive device so that the disruptor is aimed at the disruption target.

Disruptor guidance system and methods based on scatter imaging

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Arlington, MA, United States of America

Terry Lee McElroy