The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 22, 2013
Filed:
Nov. 24, 2009
Wayne B. Norris, Santa Barbara, CA (US);
Wayne B. Norris, Santa Barbara, CA (US);
BOSS Physical Sciences LLC, Troy, MI (US);
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for operating a neutron gamma fluorescence based system by modulating the interrogating neutron flux (φ) to allow for optimized signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or to improve other detection parameter such as integration time. The apparatus includes one or more sensing systems to detect the range from the neutron source to an Area Under Investigation (AUI) or other parameters, one or more sensing systems to detect the return signal or signals caused by the interrogating neutrons, and a controller to receive inputs from the sensing systems, process them, and generate neutron beam modulation commands capable of being used by an agile neutron source to adjust its flux rate (φ) and/or other characteristics. Examples of possible embodiments include: radar, video, acoustic, or hybrid sensors to determine range; gamma ray, X-ray, electromagnetic, neutron, proton, acoustic, or hybrid sensors to determine return flux, and analog, digital, optoelectronic, or hybrid neutron beam controllers.