JPS60133360A - Spot scanner - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for measuring the permeability of a material and furthermore for measuring the uniformity of the permeability of a material. As used below, applicants refer to the term "transmittance" and refer to it as a property of a material that allows high energy waves or radiation to pass through the material. Therefore, under this definition, transmittance is a function of both the quality and density of the material. Additionally, the present invention provides a number of adult characteristics, including, but not limited to, adult size, material uniformity, processing uniformity, and overall adult acceptability. It concerns the use of transmittance data to ascertain the Therefore, the results obtained can be compared with predetermined acceptance values and if substandard changes are detected, the material can be rejected and changes in the manufacturing process can be made as desired. Ru. By continuously using the present invention to inspect the manufacturing process, trends can be determined while the organisms are still in the acceptable range and trends can be reduced so that substandard acceptance values are removed. Modifications may be made to do so.

By way of example only, when rubber is extruded, it is important that the manufacturer be able to accurately measure the density uniformity of the extrudate in order to maintain control of the extrusion process. The measured permeability value can be compared with a predetermined acceptance value and if a change is detected, the extrusion process can logically be immediately modified to eliminate the change, and If appropriate changes cannot be made in a timely manner, substandard changes are preferably corrected quickly so that only a practical minimum amount of defective extrudate is allowed to be rejected. The obtained transmittance values are also used to determine extrudate size characteristics, as well as extrudate acceptability criteria.

Analysis and numerical representation of conventional technology products and each manufacturing process has a large number of characteristics,
For example (but not always) accurate measurements of characteristics such as adult size and material uniformity are required. Measurements of such size may be made with various instruments and r-gears well known in the field, and the radioactive materials may be measured by means of pictures, diagrams, transparent (tr
This is done by comparing it to a visible criterion such as ``unparent''). Measurement of material uniformity L1 requires more complex analytical procedures. This is because a substantial amount of the necessary data and information is not directly visible to human senses. For example, such treatment is detrimental to physical, chemical or X-ray scanning analyses.

The measurement method I) above has several serious drawbacks. First, these methods rely on human evaluation of the physical properties of materials. For example, X-ray scanning is a technique for analyzing features that are otherwise hidden from human observation, and the human eye generally only distinguishes between 16 shades of gray in the range from black to white. , when trying to confirm subtle changes, we distinguishably limit the elements. Second, human sensory reliability leads to foreseeable and uncontrollable inaccuracies. The inaccuracy is due to the inherent change in sensory discrimination from one examiner to the next. Third, these methods require a substantial dedication of time.
ion). Many tests that require human evaluation use substantially more time than their automated counterparts. Not only does the actual evaluation take advantage of time, but the production line is often slowed down or stopped until the Sunnol is withdrawn or the evaluation of the material being processed is completed. Fourth, manufacturing labor and time are generally primary costs incurred by manufacturing facilities.

By way of example only, the material properties of the extrudate of a dem-extrusion process must be measured. The uniformity of the extrudate density must be known to maintain control over the extrusion process. It is also desirable that adult size characteristics be measured to maintain an acceptable quality level.

The value of the quantitative density of a substance can be converted differently from the quantity per unit volume. This is because it is only a density variation from a predetermined criterion that is necessary for uniformity of measurements in relation to each other.

Therefore, the quantitative density of the material is ascertained by the use of X-ray scanning techniques. As x-rays diffuse through a material sample, they are generally absorbed in proportion to the density and mass of the material. By detecting the relative level of x-ray penetration, a quantitative transmittance value is obtained.

Conventional x-ray scanning devices, such as those used in airport safety equipment, use diode string arrays with multiple diodes as detectors, with independent amplifier circuits for each diode signal input. Such devices are inconvenient for measuring density uniformity. This is because it is necessary to maintain a precise sensitivity balance of all the individual amplifiers, and the resolution of the device is limited to that of the fixed noclameter and diode array.

Conventional X-ray scanners used for body imaging in the medical field (e.g., those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,342,914) are limited due to excessive capital, operating, and maintenance costs. undesirable in the commercial field.

Conventional X-ray scanners that utilize indirect illusion testing methods such as X-ray fluoroscopy are undesirable due to inferior resolution and noise problems compared to direct illusion techniques.

It is therefore clear that there is a need for beneficial results to arise from the state of the art, eg, from effective metrology devices that incur excessive losses in time, effort, cost, and accuracy. The need that exists for a wide range of methods and apparatus capable of low cost, minimal time, and a high degree of accuracy has given rise to a useful database of quantitative transmittance values, which can be used to calculate average and large values. It is jin which determines the characteristics of sanity.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is therefore a first object of the present invention to provide a new and improved method of using said permeability data to measure the permeability of a material and to ascertain the resulting properties. and equipment.

Another object of the invention is to generate a radiation beam of uniform intensity and to provide a material between the radiation source and the detector.
An object of the present invention is to provide an effective and low-cost device for detecting changes in beam nozzle after an object has been placed.

Yet another object of the invention is that the radiation source can be moved for maintenance without major disassembly of the entire device.

Yet another object of the invention is that the radiation source is constructed to allow easy maintenance.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a scanner that directly detects radiation beam intensity patterns using a minimum number of sensors and that provides variable scanning area size and resolution. be.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a signal processing circuit for amplifying scanner sensor signals and converting analog signals to digital signals.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide computerized data reduction and analysis for ascertaining multiple organism characteristics from a database generated by the scanner and associated circuitry.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a synchronization circuit that matches the scanning period of the sensor and the data sampling period of the data processing device.

These and other objects are achieved by the innovations encompassed by the present invention, and the preferred embodiments described herein by way of example include the best known ways of accomplishing the invention. Various modifications and variations in construction details are included within the scope of the appended claims.

Generally speaking, the present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring the transmittance of an object and determining a plurality of object properties therefrom. Such a device includes a radiation source for generating a radiation field that is applied to an object, a radiation source for detecting changes in the intensity of the radiation field, and generating an electric signal proportional to the intensity. It has an analyzer for receiving electrical signals and determining a plurality of organism characteristics from these signals.

The radiation field is generated by a radiation source such as an x-ray tube. The container contains a 1M source of radiation and the nozzle allows the container to be oriented with respect to a predetermined axis. A container is movably supported within the housing. The movement is such that it slides out of the housing and is capable of multiple rotations through angular displacements about a predetermined axis.

A unique device for scanning a radiation field and generating an electrical signal proportional to the radiation field is also provided. The device uses a radiation sensor, which generates an electrical signal proportional to the intensity of the radiation field applied to the sensor.

One element is specifically provided for rotating the sensor in a plane traversed by the radiation field.

The coupling element conveys electrical signals from the rotating sensor to the non-rotating electrical contact element. For continuous scanning in position, a novel apparatus is provided for generating electrical signals indicative of the rotational position of the scanner. The scanner is supported on a rotating shaft, the shaft of which has elements for reflecting the projected beam.

The reflective element provides a continuous reflective and non-reflective surface, such as a wall with a partially cut-out arcuate portion.

The arcuate portion corresponds to the rotational position of the scanner.

The beam is projected towards a reflective element and is also blocked by a wall. However, it is reflected back to the sensor by the partially cut out arcuate section. The reflected light projects onto a sensor and generates an electrical signal used for effective synchronization.

The invention also relates to a method for measuring the transmittance of an object and for determining properties of a plurality of objects from the transmittance. Such methods include methods for generating a radiation field of uniform intensity, methods for exposing an object to the radiation field, methods for detecting changes in the intensity of the radiation field transmitted through the object and proportional to the intensity; and a method of generating an electrical signal that is analyzed to determine a plurality of adult organism characteristics.

A novel and unique device incorporating the concepts of the invention; by way of example, one preferred embodiment and three alternative embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. They are not intended to describe all of the various forms and modifications in which the invention may be practiced. The invention is determined by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

〔Example〕

Referring to FIG. 1, a stone and a device embodying the concepts of the invention are generally designated by the numeral 10.

Cabinet 11 houses a radiation source 12 and supports a spot scanner 13. An electrical cable consists of multiple wires that carry electrical control signals to a computer console.
5 to the spot scanner 13 and the radiation source 12, and also provides means for transmitting electrical output signals from the spot scanner 13 to the computer console 15.

The operational summary is as follows. Each major subassembly of the device is described separately under a different heading.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 10, the radiation source 12 is energized by power from the Humbeater console 15 to a high voltage transformer (not shown in FIG. 1) well known to those skilled in the art. Ru. The radiation source 12 may be a conventional potentiostatic x-ray tube 16 (partially shown in Figure i1) operating at 60 kg volts, 5 mA, but rated at 120 kg volts, 10 mA. Low operating power reduces turn-on power problems, lowers operating costs, and increases the useful life of the x-ray tube. A lead shield 17 surrounds the x-ray exposure to the spot scanner 13 and provides x-ray shielding from the external environment. Although the radiation source 12 in the preferred embodiment is described as an x-ray source, the invention should not be construed as limited to x-ray analysis; further, the apparatus and methods described herein It may also be used with other radiation sources such as light and suitable sensor devices in the spot scanner 13.

As the material passes under the spot scanner 13, it is exposed to x-rays emanating from the radiation source 12 and localized by the lead shield 17. The spot scanner 13 detects changes in the x-ray intensity after passing through the material and entering a slot in the spot scanner's base. Spot scanner 13 generates an electrical signal with an amplitude that varies according to the detected relative x-ray intensity. These signals are transmitted along the cable 14 to a flash controller 1s (6Bt).
,.

(Figure). The flash converter 18 fits a standard analog-to-digital converter interface with a special data analyzer 19 selected according to methods well known in the art. The digital output of the flannel shoe y7 part 18 is then received by a data analyzer, indicated generally by the numeral 19 (FIG. 10). In the preferred embodiment, an 8-bit converter 18 is found to provide sufficient resolution, but if greater resolution is required, an 8-bit or higher converter may be used. Often, less than 8 bits may also be used if less data analyzer 19 memory is required.

Data analyzer 19 may be any conventional computer with sufficient memory capacity and software capabilities to perform the data analysis and device control functions described in the above. Data analyzer 19 is zologrammed by methods well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The data analyzer 19 stores the initial data readings from the flash converter 18 and is programmed to compare successive data readings from the flash converter to the stored initial readings. This comparison is the calculated fcd fractional deviation between the two readings being compared. The data analyzer then outputs the percentage deviation between the readout values to a conventional digital readout display 2o. The data analyzer is also zologrammed to output data readings to a conventional chart recorder 21 and other graphic display rays that graphically zolot separate data readings. The data analyzer 19 is also zologrammed to detect acceptable and severe changes between data readings and provide an output signal indicating rejection of the results.

Synchronization device 22 provides a synchronization electrical signal to data analyzer 19 that indicates when data analyzer 19 should record a data reading. The synchronization signal corresponds to the period during which the spot scanner 13 is sensing X-ray intensity changes.
A control signal for starting, stopping, and speed control is provided to 3, and a control signal for energizing radiation #i12 is also provided. Like F, the data analyzer 19 is also the only control device of the device 1o.

Referring to FIG. 2, the Sukhnod Scanner is designated by the number 13. There are two main f7
Specifically, the scan head subassembly is designated by the numeral 23 and the synchronization device is designated by the numeral 22.
Indicated by

FIG. 2 is a =p cross-sectional view of the scan head assembly 23 and a direct view of the drive motor 24.

The scanhead assembly 23 has a generally cylindrical housing 25 which houses the scanning device, indicated by the numeral 26, and associated circuitry. The housing 25 is designed to provide radiation shielding to the surrounding environment.
5 has a lead ring 27 placed circumferentially along its inner circumference. Attached to the bottom of the lambda housing 25 by any suitable means, such as screws 28, is a pace grate 29. Referring to FIG. 3, an arcuate slot 30 is provided near the periphery on pace grating 29. Referring to FIG. The slots 30 extend at opposing or approximately 90° angles.

Referring to FIG. 4, a bottom lead plate 31 is placed between the pace plate 29 and the nozzle 25. The bottom lead plate 31 provides peripheral radiation shielding and reduced radiation scattering. The bottom lead plate 31 also has a pace grade 2
The arcuate slot 32 as well as the arcuate slot 30 in FIG.
and are placed side by side in the arcuate slots 30 of the paceplate 29. The arcuate slot 32 of the bottom lead plate 31 is
When the arcuate slot 30 is aligned with the arcuate slot 32 in FIG. 4 and the grates 29 and 31 are gelled as in FIG. The cover grate is attached to the top of the housing 25 by suitable means such as bolts 33, as seen in FIG. 34, which is the cover of the scan head subassembly 23 and the drive motor 2.
Positioned between the cover grate 34 and the housing 24 is a top lead plate 35, which is also a mounting plate for radiation exposure. Cover grate 34 and top lead plate 35 each have concentric, generally circular cutouts 36 and 37;
The cutout provides an opening through which the drive shaft 38 of the drive motor 24 passes through the housing 2.
It extends into 5.

Drive motor 24 may be a low inertia DC motor and is attached to force grate 34 by any suitable means, such as screws 39. A drive shaft 38 extends into the housing 25 and extends into the scanner hub (5eann).
er hub) It ends at 40.

The scanner knob 4O is a generally cylindrical structure and is disposed concentrically within the housing 25.

The scanner nozzle 40 has a rear plate 41 to which the drive shaft 38 is attached. Attachment is such that the collar 42 is weired to the rear plate 41 by any suitable means such as screws 43. For installation, the collar 42 is the drive shaft 3
It has a central threaded hole of sufficient diameter to allow the insertion of 8. The arcuate, half-moon-shaped crank f44 is attached to a cutout in the collar 42 and provides a clamp assembly that securely holds the drive shaft 38. After drive shaft 38 is fully inserted into collar 42, flange 44 is attached to collar 42 by screws 45. In this manner, drive shaft 38 is securely attached to hoop 40 such that when drive motor 24 rotates drive shaft 38, scanner frame 4O rotates as well. There are screws 4 on the bottom side of the rear plate 41.
An electrical coupling 46 is attached by suitable means such as 7 and spacing strips 48.

Attached to the front of the scanner chassis 4O by any suitable means, such as screws, is a ScanDisk printed circuit board 49. FIG. 5 is a schematic electrical diagram of the video amplifier circuit 50 located on the scan disk 49. Video amplifier 50 is a conventional circuit of the art commonly known in the art. ICI provides linear current for voltage conversion and IC2 provides non-inverting gain amplification. The function of video amplifier 50 in the preferred embodiment is described in further detail below. The scan disk 49 may still be made of any standard circuit board material of conventional technology well known in the art. Both sides of the plate are copper plated, and the plating may be electrically grounded to provide a ground plane as well as improved noise immunity. The copper is etched as necessary to provide electrical isolation for mounting the electronic components of video amplifier 50 by methods known to those skilled in the art. As shown in FIG. 3, circuitry is purposely installed to ensure that the scan disc 49 is mechanically balanced around the central axis. It is important to minimize vibrations induced during high speed rotation of disk 49. A sensor 51 is placed on the outer periphery of the scan disk 49 at a position diametrically opposite to the sensor 51 . These elements are conventional silicon photodiodes.

The diode, when used in short circuit mode, such as in video amplifier 50, provides a linear current in response to changes in the intensity of the radiation flash.

Referring again to FIG. 4, fitting 52 is attached to scan disk 49 by any suitable means, such as screws. Fittings 46 and 52 are constructed using techniques common in the art.
Forms an American pin and socket electrical coupling assembly, known as one of the American pin and socket electrical fittings (Fig. 82). Obviously, fitting 46 must be attached to rear plate 41 in alignment with fitting 52 so that fittings 46 and 52 are properly mated as in FIG. 2 when scan disk 49 is attached to scanner frame 40.

The scanner hub 40 also includes an alignment guide when the scan disc 49 is installed.
Dowel pin (do ent guide)
wel pins) 53 (FIG. 4).

As mentioned above, the sensor 51 is a photodiode,
As the scan disc 49 rotates as in FIG.
0, at diametrically opposite positions near the periphery of the scan disk 49. Bow-shaped thrower) 3
0, the sensor 51 is exposed to the radiation beam as shown.
It is wide enough to expose the mother turn.

Referring to FIG. 6, the rotary electrical coupling 54
A standard mercury contact slip ring of the type manufactured by Ian Laboratory B may be used. Fitting 54% inch (0,635 cm) rotatable shaft 55
has. Shaft 55 is bored to accommodate four wires 56. The shaft 55 is inserted into the motor drive shaft 38, and the two shafts are connected to the General El
Mechanical connections are made using standard adhesives such as room temperature vulcanized rubber sold under the trademark RTV84 by Electric. The adhesive is a family of silicone rubber compounds that have good physical and electrical properties similar to silicone rubber.

Drive shaft 38 is centrally drilled to allow electrical Ifj 56 to pass through rotary electrical coupling 54 to coupling 46 (see FIG. 2).

These conductors carry power to video amplifier 50 (FIG. 2), which outputs a signal.

As shown in FIG.
8 and a spacing piece 59 by any suitable means, such as on the top of the drive motor 24. Bracket 57 provides a clamp designed to accommodate fitting 54. Bracket 57 has a through hole 60 of sufficient diameter to accommodate fitting 54. Notsuchi 61 is
As the clamping screw 62 is turned counterclockwise or clockwise, the through hole 60 slightly expands, respectively.
Allow contraction. The joint 54! The joint shaft 55 is inserted into the racket 57, and the joint shaft 55 is inserted into the motor drive shaft 3 as described above.
8 is inserted. The connecting wire 56 is connected to the drive shaft 3
8 and is stopped at the joint 46 as described above. When the connecting shaft 55 and the motor shaft 38 are firmly tightened together, the tightening screw 62 is turned clockwise until the bracket 57 firmly tightens and supports the coupling 54. Four fixed contacts 63 provide access points for inputting power into the circuitry of video amplifier 50 and for taking up the output of video amplifier 50.
points). The contactor 63 is connected to the connecting shaft 55
and across the motor drive shaft 38, the hub rear plate 4
Corresponds to the wire 56 reaching the joint 46 on 1. Fitting 5
4 is the fixed contact 63 and the wire 56 in the connecting shaft 55
It is recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art to provide electrical contact between. Here, the wire 56 necessarily rotates as the drive motor shaft 38 rotates. Mercury contact slit rings, such as those used in rotary joint 54, have been preferred over conventional plush connection methods due to the need to have an electrically noise free connection. A pair of contacts 64 (FIG. 2) provide power input contacts for drive motor 24. FIG. 2 is a side view of the rotary joint 54 as it appears when the rotary joint 54 is assembled to the drive motor 24 and supported by the bracket 57.

This determines the structural characteristics of the scan head sash assembly 23. The other major subassembly of the spot scanner 13 is the synchronizing denoisseur, indicated generally by the numeral 22 in FIG.

Synchronization device 22 sends electrical signals to computer console 15 (FIG. 1). The computer console has either sensor 51 located in arcuate slot 30 (FIG. 3).
Indicates the time limit for crossing.

Referring to FIG. 6, the tachometer sensor 5 is substantially sleeved and includes a motor drive shaft 38.
shaft 38 by means of a push screw 66.
installed on. tach ring
) 67 is a generally cylindrical ring, the wall of which is partially cut away. The wall is cut in such a way as to form two diametrically opposed sections of a substantially 900 arcuate shape.

The tattering ring 67 slides on the huff 65 and the push screw 6
8 to its hub 65. In this way, the tattering 67 is connected to the motor drive shaft 38.
rotates with The tattering ring 67 and the hub 65 are disposed along the drive shaft 38 between the upper part of the drive motor 24 and the bracket 57, but are not in contact with the bracket 57 (as shown in the assembled side view of FIG. ).

Quadrant synchronization detector (quadrant 5sync)
detector) 69 is an electronic circuit that senses the position of tattering 67 as drive motor 24 rotates.

Detector 69 is a standard printed circuit board 70 on which many electronic components (not shown in FIG. 6) are mounted.

FIG. 7 is a schematic main line diagram of the circuit of the detector 69, and
The diagram shows how the detector 69 works as a function of the rotational position of the tattering 67. Optical sensor 71 is a light reflection sensor with a focal length of 0.2 inches (5.1 mm).

Sensor 71 emits an infrared beam 72. If a reflective object such as the Sensano Pro 5 is at the focal length, the light will be reflected back to the optical sensor 71, which will output a discrete positive voltage of approximately 5 Vdc per wave. . If an object, such as a wall of tattering 67, blocks the beam within the focal length, the beam will be blocked and insufficient light will be reflected back to sensor 71, causing sensor 71 to output zero voltage. Therefore, the optical sensor 71 is
5 at a distance of 0.2 inches (5,1+m). The walls of tattering 67 are therefore very close to sensor 71 as shown in FIG.

Since the tattering ring 67 rotates due to the rotation of the drive motor shaft 38, the wall of the tattering 67 is connected to the sensor 7.
1, the output of sensor 71 is approximately QVdc. However, as noted above, the tattering 67 is cut into approximately 90° quadrants at diametrically opposite locations (FIG. 6).

When the tattering 67 rotates %, the optical sensor 71 is 0.2 inches (5,1+am) from the sensor hub 65, so the sensor 71 has an output of approximately +5 Vdc. Thus, as the tattering 67 rotates, every other unwalled quadrant causes the optical sensor 71 to output approximately +5 Vdc. The output of sensor 71 resembles a square wave signal, the logic high duration of which is a function of the rotational speed of tattering 67 and the width of the reflective wall when drive shaft 38 rotates at a constant speed. During a given rotational speed, the +5Vdc signal from optical sensor 71
indicates that the reflective wall of is located at 0.2 inches (5,tm).

The remaining circuit of the quadrant synchronization detector 69 (Fig. 7) is as follows:
Requires minimal sophistication to those of ordinary skill in the art. The transistor, Ql, inversion r-) ICI and associated passive elements provide a double inversion and essentially a digital signal, i.e. the waveform of its output such that at any point in time the output of the optical sensor 71 is QVdc or +5Vdc. The double reversal serves as a buffer for the output of optical sensor 71, and in addition, the output of quadrant synchronization detector 69 must be coupled to computer console 15 via cable 14 (see FIG. 1). ) to provide more output devices.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the optical sensor 71 is mounted on the circuit board 7.
circuit board 70 with an optically sensitive area at one end of the
It is installed above. The touch sensing bracket 73 is attached to the top of the drive motor 24 by any suitable means, such as screws 74 and spacing strips. As shown, the sensing bracket 73 is a tadelic 67
It has an arcuate shape 6 at its front end so that it can be positioned close to the front end. Slightly behind the notch 76 is an arcuate slot 77. Circuit board 70 is mounted to bracket 73 in a manner that allows slight angular adjustment of optical sensor 71 with respect to tadelic 67. ? - The card holder 78, the bracket 73, the spacer 79, and the circuit board 70 are screwed together by screws 80. screw 80
specifically passes through the slot 77 so that the circuit board 70 can pivot along the slot 77. The spacing piece 81 acts like a pair to prevent the threads of the screw 80 from rubbing against the bracket 73. Ha-dopolder-
78 is generally a metal par with a slot cutout 82. The hole has a partial slot 82 in the wall that accommodates a threaded shaft 83. Bracket 73 has a hole 84 that accommodates adjustment pin throat shaft 85 . The bipagut shaft 85 is held in place by a sand ring 86. Sgeling 87 is Piget axis 8
5 and a threaded shaft 83. A hand screw 88 with a give is inserted through a hole 89 in the adjustment male shaft 85 and passes through the spring 87 and the threaded shaft 83. When screw 88 is turned, ? - The door holder 78 advances in a direction along the thread axis of the screw 88 due to the threaded shaft 83.

The movement of the door holder 78 is further restrained in the path of the slot 77 by the screw 8o. The screw ring 87 provides an axial restraining force that minimizes rotation of the screw 88 after adjustment. Circuit board 7o is attached to date holder 78 so that as board holder 78 advances along arcuate slot 77, circuit board 70 also advances as such. In this way, accurate alignment of the optical sensors 71 with all the optical sensors 71 is achieved. Spacing maintenance-2-79
is used to place the circuit board 70 and optical sensor 71 in approximately the central area of the taderick 67 as shown in FIG.

The purpose of synchronization device 22 is to provide an electrical instruction signal to the computer console to begin sampling data. Data sampling is done by sensor 5
1 is traversing the arcuate slot) 30. The following alignment processing method may be performed to complete this function. The scan disc 49 is rotated by hand in the same manner as the drive motor 24 rotates the disc 49 until one of the two sensors 51 reaches the leading edge of the arcuate slot 3°. The disk 49 is held in this position and the trailing edge of either wall of the tadelic 67 is adjusted to provide just the 5 Vdc output from the quadrant sync detector 69. Fine-tuned alignment is obtained by adjusting knob 88 as described above. When the second element is placed diametrically opposite the arrayed elements, the sensor 51
Only one alignment is required, with the reflective wall quadrants also being diametrically opposed as described above with respect to the tadelic 67. Therefore, both sensors 51
are arranged at the same time when either one of them is arranged. After alignment, when drive motor 24 rotates scan disk 49, the tadelic rotates as well. When one of the sensors 51 just reaches the front of the arcuate slot 30, the opposing Tachi sensor hub 6
The reflective wall 5 reflects the light from the optical sensor 71 and returns it.

Quadrant synchronization detector 69 therefore outputs a +5 Vdc indicator signal to computer console 15. As long as one of the sensors 51 remains within the arc formed by the arcuate slot 30, the sica dorant synchronous detector 69 continuously outputs +5 Vdc. Since both the walls of the arcuate slot 30 and the tadelic 67 are relative to and across one quadrant or 9o0 section, when the sensor 51 reaches the trailing edge of the arcuate slot 30, the corresponding Leading edge force on the wall of tadelic 67; similarly arrives and moves in front of optical sensor 71.

Since the wall of tadelic 67 blocks the light beam from optical sensor 71, quadrant synchronization detector 69 outputs zero delt. Thus, during each 360° rotation of the shaft 38, each sensor 51 passes through the arcuate slot 30 once, and the quadrant synchronous detector detects the corresponding It is clear that it outputs . As further described, only one of the two sensing elements 51 is required for the spot scanner-13o operating IC. By programming the data analyzer 19 to ignore every other signal generated by the quadrant synchronization detector 69, data will only be collected on one of the sensors 51. Furthermore, the width of the sensor 51 is independent of the rotational speed of the drive motor 24.
This is a direct indication of the duration of crossing zero. The synchronization device 22 described above is highly accurate and is a reliable method of determining the rotational position of the sensor 51 with respect to time with minimal circuit requirements.

The operation of the spot scanner 13 as an assembled device will be described with reference primarily to FIGS. 2 and 4.

First, optical sensor 71 alignment is done as outlined above. The radiation beam lean to be scanned is exposed to an arcuate beam (30). Figure 2 shows, by way of example only, how the spot scanner 13 is exposed to a radiation beam passing through the sample to be tested. Sunsol 90 is external, j? - ) 92 (see Figure 1) internal collimating plate (collimating plate)
plate) 91. Slot 93 exposes the radiation beam generatus turn α to sunsol 90 (shown below plate 91 in FIG. 2). The radiation passes through the sample 90 according to a function of the shape and material properties of the sample 90, and then passes through the sample 90 and the sensor 51.
be exposed to. Electric power is supplied to the drive motor 2 via contact 64.
4, thus rotating the motor drive shaft 38. The amplitude of the applied motor voltage is
Determine the rotation speed of Since the scanner hub 40 is attached to the drive shaft 38, the scanner hub 40
The hub 40 similarly rotates as the scan disk 49 attached to its hub 40 rotates.

As the scan disk 49 rotates, the sensor 51 alternately moves once into the arcuate slot 30 for each 360° rotation.
pass over. Thus, for each full revolution of scan disk 49, sensor 51
are each exposed to one radiation turn. Exposure of sensor 51 to radiation, such as X-rays, causes sensor 51 to generate a small current linearly proportional to radiation intensity, just as a phototransistor reacts when exposed to light. Become. The small current generated by sensor 51 is converted into a voltage signal that is amplified by video amplifier 50. In a preferred embodiment the video amplifier 5O
Although the sensor-51 current signal is converted to an amplified voltage signal, it is contemplated that other signal processing circuits may be used to provide a signal suitable for analog-to-digital conversion. Power for video amplifier 50 is supplied via contact 63 on a rotary electrical coupling electrically connecting contact 63 and wire 56. Wire 56 extends from rotary electrical joint 54 to mating joints 46 and 52. Wire 56 also carries the output of video amplifier 50 from scan disk 49 via combined couplings 46 and 52 to rotary electrical coupling 54, which output is thereby coupled to one of external stationary contacts 63. The amplified video signal is routed to computer console 1 via cable 14 for further signal processing as detailed below.
5 (see Figure 1).

As mentioned above, the synchronization device 22 generates a digital output pulsed, where the pulse corresponds precisely to the time during which the sensor 51 traverses the arcuate slot 30. Before the actual use of the spot scanner 13 for evaluation of the effectiveness, the alignment of the optical sensor 71 with the tadelic 67 of the quadrant synchronous detector 69 which exactly corresponds to the exposure period of the sensor 51 as described above is performed. This is done to ensure output.

Radiation Source and Cabinet Assembly Referring to FIG. 1, the radiation source is designated by the numeral 12. The radiation source 12 is typically contained within a cabinet and is mounted on a pair of slide rails 94 for access for maintenance. The radiation source 12 is surrounded by a lead shield 17 and provides constant intensity x-ray radiation passing through the top of the cabinet 11 to a spot scanner 13. Again, it is noted that the preferred embodiments described herein should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention to X-ray analysis. For example, infrared optical analysis may also be used in the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the generator 12. Generator 12 is a generally cubic outer tank with four side walls 95.
, a bottom wall 96 and a cover 97. All wall connections are welded using conventional welding techniques to ensure gas and oil tightness of the tank 12. Within tank 12 is an internal frame 98, which is also generally cubic in shape. The insulating material for the inner frame 98 may be phenolic impregnated paper.

The use of internal frame 98 provides electrical and thermal isolation from the outer tank 12 walls. The inner frame 981d is completely filled with oil, which is primarily used as an insulator.

Although not shown in FIG. 7, water-filled cooling tubes run through the oil to dissipate the heat generated when the x-ray tube 16 is operated. This is one of the cooling techniques commonly known to those skilled in the art.

Mounted on the inside of the rear wall of internal frame 98 is an x-ray tube socket, designated by numeral 99.

Socket 99 is phenolic tube 1o.

and a pair of spring contact surfaces 101. Pipe contact surface 102
is a half-moon-shaped contact surface, and by using a pair of screws,
It can rotate about the tube axis and is designed by the tube manufacturer. Contact surface 101 is in electrical contact with wire 103 that is transported to high voltage transformer 104 . A pair of input power wires 105 carry the supplied control voltage power through a coupling 106 and the power (needed to energize the x-ray tube 16 via a transformer 104.
00 is just enough diameter to allow insertion of the x-ray tube 16. The open end of tube 100 may be curved to facilitate insertion of x-ray tube 16.

The front wall 95 has a wide opening 107 into which the X-ray tube 16 is inserted.
has. As shown in FIG.
ped-up flange) 108. For external mounting, ring 109 has a stepped interior diameter that receives stellate butt up flange 108. 0-ring 11
The O-ring 110 is placed around the outside periphery of the small diameter 7-run 111 and when the X-ray tube 16 is inserted into the ring 109, the O-ring 110 is attached to the ring 109 and the large diameter flange of the X-ray tube. 108.

O-ring 110 thus provides a seal against oil leaks. The tightening screw 112 acts as a receiving plate for the ring 109. Tightening screws 112 are attached to ring 109 by any conventional means such as melt 113. X-ray tube 16, external mounting is ring 109.0-1J
Ring 110 and clamping ring 112 are assembled as a unit prior to installing x-ray tube 16 into x-ray tank 12. Franz 108 has a blind hole 114;
The tightening screw 112 has a guide pin 115 which must be inserted into the hole 114 while the tightening screw 112 is attached to the ring 109 for external mounting.

For external installation, after the ring 109 and the clamp 112 are installed on the X-ray tube 16, the X#il tube 16 is attached to the tank 1.
It is inserted into 2. To ensure that the x-ray tube fixture 116 is vertically aligned when inserted into the shield 17, the external mounting ring 109 and the clamping ring 112 each have one hole. ing. The holes must be aligned with the dowel pins 117 placed in the front wall 95. A tube assembly consisting of tube 16, ring 109, and IJ ring 112 is attached to front wall 95 by any suitable means, such as a bolt 113. However, the socket 118 is placed between the front wall 95 and the outer ring 109, and is oil-tight. When the tank 12 is horizontal as shown in FIG. 8, the X-ray tube 16 emits an X-ray beam! It is inserted so that it is oriented vertically upward. It can be seen that the x-ray source fixture 116, which faces the contact 102 at the end of the tube 16, is not inserted into the interior of the tank 12. As briefly described, the surrounding environment is protected from X-ray beam scattering by a lead shield 17.

two big eye nuts 1197
5 (attached to the cover 97, and
r (!!1 Force near wall 95 - 97 opposite (l
It's in i. Eye nut 119 mates with support rod 120. The support rods are attached to the inner frame 98 by suitable external force means, such as bolts, to provide mechanical support to the inner frame 98. The eye nut 119 can be used as a nondle when rotating or moving the tank 12.

It can be seen that the tank design described above has the very important advantage of easy X-ray tube maintenance. Orient the tank 12 so that the tube 16 is perpendicular to the top of the front wall 95;
By removing several bolts 113, tube 16 is removed and separated. It is naturally necessary to orient the tubes 16 vertically to prevent oil from being lost through the openings 107 when the tubes 16 are released. As stated briefly,
The cabinet 11 is assembled so that the tank 12 can be rotated through 90 degrees.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the cabinet 11.

Cabinet 11 provides a housing for radiation source 12 and provides mechanical support for spot scanner 13 (see FIG. 1). The cabinet 11 generally includes a pedestal frame 121, a site nozzle 122, a front nozzle! It is shown as a cubic structure consisting of a panel 123 and a top panel 124. For clarity in Figure 9, side t? The front flannel 122 and front flannel 123 are shown partially cut away, and the rear flannel is not shown. Attached to the frame 121 along the two side tunnels 122 are slide rails 94. Rails 94 are attached to frame 121 by any suitable means, such as bolts 125. Rail 94 is track bar 1
26 and V-rubar 127, rail/J-12
7 is placed to slide along track S-126. Tank hem 128 provides a support frame for radiation tank 12. The tank 12 is placed in the cage 128, and Haruto 129 places the tank 12 in the basket 128.
Attach to 28.

The tank is then placed between the slide rails 94 and attached by melt. rail·? - When the 127 is fully extended, the corner 128 and the tank 12 therein are located outside the cabinet 11 and the rail par 127
The rail-? −
127 is attached to the side of the heel 128. In FIG. 1, the radiation source 12 is shown at position A, which is the location for performing material analysis. The X-ray tube 16 is horizontal and the
The line beam is directed vertically upward through the lead shield 17. In position B, the tank 12 is located outside the cabinet 11 by fully extending the slide rail 94, and then by rotating the tank 12 90 degrees clockwise, the pipe 16 can be easily and quickly maintained. Indicates that it is oriented vertically. The rotation of the tank 12 can be controlled by the following means.

As previously described, the X-ray radiation source is placed outside the tank 12 and the X-ray tube 16 is inserted into the tank 12 so that it is oriented vertically upwards when the tube 16 is horizontal. As shown in FIG. 9, attached to the front wall 95 of the tank 12 is a lead seal l'17 (7) lower funnel half 131. That portion of the x-ray tube 16 that extends out of the tank 12 is completely surrounded by the lower no. 7131. beneath··
The funnel is essentially a square funnel made of lead to provide radiation shielding to the surrounding area.

The top flannel 124 has a square opening cutout.

The cutout allows insertion of the upper funnel half 132. The upper funnel 132 is the radiation tank 1
2 is fully enclosed within the cabinet 11, the upper funnel 132 and the lower funnel 131 extend downward into the cabinet to include the interlocking lead shield 17 (see FIG. 1).
It will be extended during the 11th. Attachment plates 133 are provided for secure attachment to the cabinet top 124 to the top funnel 132 to ensure adequate radiation shielding.

As mentioned above, the radiation tank 12 is attached to the slide rail 9
4 is attached to the heel 128. In addition to allowing the tank 12 to be easily lifted from the cabinet 11, the slide rail 94 also has a bit axis 134. The bit axis allows for 90° clockwise rotation of the tank cage 12g when the rail 94 is fully extended in the unlocked position.

This rotation directs the x-ray tube 16 into a vertical position where it can be easily moved for replacement. In this manner, the cabinet design described herein allows for quick and effective maintenance of the x-ray tube 16.

When using the spot scanner 13, the upper funnel 1
32 is covered with a collimating plate 91. Plate 91 is Spot Scan, Chi Base Grate 29 (see Figure 4)
It has an arcuate slot 93 similar to the one shown in FIG. The spot scanner 13 has a slot 93 and slot 7) 30
(Fig. 4)
placed on top of. In this way, the upper funnel 132
The x-ray radiation of the glass is made parallel to the beam whose shape is formed by the shape of the arcuate slot 93. Positioned between the spot scanner 13 and the plate 91 is an external support 92, which is part of the cabinet top 124, and which supports the scanner 3 with sufficient space for the passage of the X-ray emitted material. It is separated from the mating plate 91. Support 92 also provides radiation shielding and may be hinged to allow easy placement of the material to be analyzed.

Referring to FIG. 1, the numeral 15 indicates a computer console. Figure 10 shows the computer console 15
FIG. The detection part is
Flash converter 18, data analyzer 19,
Power console 137, disk gray unit 2o and motor speed sensor? It is 138.

Franche converter 18 is a standard 256-bit MATV analog-to-digital converter well known as one of ordinary skill in the art.

The converter continuously receives the analog output of the video amplifier 5o and substantially simultaneously converts the output into a digital signal that can be processed by the data analyzer 19. Adjustment of the flash converter 18 is necessary because the sensing element is exposed when the radiation intensity is zero.
? It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the flash converter 18 is configured to output a digital signal corresponding to the integer 0. When exposed to the highest intensity radiation beam, the video amplifier 5
Receiving an output voltage of 0 to maximum, the Furanosee converter outputs a digital signal corresponding to the integer 255.

0rI? For all output signals from video amplifier 50 from default to maximum voltage, flash converter 18
outputs digital signals corresponding to integers 0 to 225. These are linearly proportional to the signal received from video amplifier 50. In this manner, the data values generated by flash converter 18 are digitized into integers.

Its value is determined by the relative intensity of the radiation beam detected by the sensing element 51 at the position across the arcuate slot 30 determined by the element 51 at the time the data was generated. Furthermore, since the flash converter 18 provides 256 bisotho resolution, the present invention is capable of distinguishing between 256 distinct x-ray intensity levels. This is 1 of the X-ray intensity
A resolution of 6 shades (5 hades) (ie, eg, 16 shades of gray on an X-ray exposure plate) is an essential and significant improvement over the K-limited prior art (eg, by the human eye). As mentioned above, better resolution can be achieved with a flash converter using 8 bits or more to provide the computer console 15 with sufficient storage capacity.

Data analyzer 19 is programmed by methods known in the art and, when so programmed, controls the functional operation of console 15. The digitized output from the flash converter 18 is converted into an accumulator buffer by an analyzer 19.
140 into computer memory 139.

This data is stored only for the time indicated by quadrant synchronization detector 69. Quadrant synchronization detector 6
9 is the scan head subassembly 2 as described above.
3, a sensing element 51 traverses the arcuate slot 30.

The data of the flash converter 18 is serially conveyed to the memory 139 such that a finite set of data values is stored for each sweep of the sensing element 51 across the arcuate slot 130 in the scan head 23. As noted, each data value is an integer representing the relative intensity level of the X-ray lean detected by the sensing element 51 at the corresponding location in the arcuate slot 3O as the flash converter 18 is sampled, stored and wound. It is the digital equivalent of O to 255. In the preferred embodiment, the output of the flash converter 18 is sampled and stored 5000 times during each sweep as the sensing element 51 passes the arcuate groove 30. In this way, each data set has an arcuate slot 30
During the sweep of element 51 across flash converter 18
is sent to the analyzer 19 and has 5000 values. The 5000 samples for the sweep rate are determined by a clock signal programmed into the analyzer 19 software. The selection of 5000 samples per sweep is a function of the rotational speed chosen for drive motor 24, the storage capacity of computer console 15, the degree of image resolution of the desired signature image, and the desired size of the scan area across slot 30. It is a function. As the speed of motor 24 increases, more sunsols from flash converter 18 are required to maintain the same degree of image resolution across the desired scan area. If more samples are taken to increase image resolution, more storage capacity is required as well. Noro) 30
The trade-off between scan area, image resolution, and memory capacity that occurs when slowing down the motor rotating the resulting scan area sensed by element 51 across the flash converter 1
The sampling rate by the analyzer 19 of 8 is reduced as it is determined by the clocked analyzer 19 and is independent of the speed of the motor 24. Just as an example, if the speed of motor 24 is 2011+1rn
m "7" t & pull and left sample air 11 AE50
00 samples, a 3 inch (7,62 cm) scanning area across slot 30, then as the motor speed decreases to 1500 rpm, slot 3
The scan area across zero is only 1.5 inches (38,1-
), but the image resolution is doubled. A variable scanning field size with respect to this variable resolution and the video resolution of the sign image is produced by the slit scanner 13, and the 256 discrete levels of x-ray intensity resolution are a function of the particular flash converter 18 selected. It can be seen that the parameters are different. Thus, a significant accomplishment of the invention lies in providing the possibility of variable video resolution and variable scanning area using only one sensing element. Depending on the particular application, the 500.0 sample rate can also be varied to suit different video resolution requirements. Since the data samples are timed by the Sansol rate programmed into the data analyzer 19 software, the sampled scan area of the arcuate slot 30 passed by the sensing element 51 is determined by the scan disc 490 rotational speed. Variations are understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, accurate rotational speed control of the scan disk 49 is important. The constant speed of the Dryzomotor 24 is set to 1? This is accomplished using drive circuit 138. Is this a standard service well known as one of the common techniques in the field? dry! It is a control circuit. It utilizes the tachometer signal from motor 24 as feedback input to circuit 138 for adjustment of the drive voltage supplied to motor 24.

The accumulator buffer 140 provides a noise filter function and its sensitivity level is an optional control of the accumulator buffer.
During each scan by sensing element 51 across , a data value from flash converter 18 is collected and corresponds to the relative intensity level sensed by element 51 as it passes through arcuate slot 56 . An addition may be made to reduce spurious noise affecting the data values for successive sweeps, which may then be divided by a filter coefficient to obtain an average value for each data value. In a preferred embodiment, the filter coefficients may be selected from any power between 1 and 256, or higher filter coefficients may be selected. For example, filter a16
is selected, the first scan (5000 in the preferred embodiment)
Data cents from data values) are continuously loaded into accumulator buffer 140. When the second scan is performed, each position in the second data set is added to the corresponding data value already stored in accumulator 140, and so on for 16 subsequent scans. After the 16th set of data values is added into the accumulator 140, the accumulator 140 contains 5000 different data values.

Each position is the sum of the 1 6 rla readings υ values taken at the same position across the slot 30.

Each data value is then divided numerically into 16 and the result is sent to Memo IJ 139K. As a result, 5000
data values are placed in memo IJ-139. Each data value is the average of 16 consecutive readings.

By using the average reading value only the sharp noise variations are reduced, but the fixed generated image is unaffected. For maximum filtering, 256 scans can be performed before the average data set is determined and loaded into memory 139. Filtering is removed by simply choosing a filter coefficient of 1, in which case each data set is loaded directly into memory l-139. On the other hand, if a special application requires high filtering, better filtering can be achieved using 256 or more scans.

It is necessary to mention here, by way of example only, the relationship between the analyzed substance, the spot scanner 13 and the stored data set. The material being analyzed can be any material suitable for X-ray analysis.

Although the example used herein is an extruded rubber specimen that has been exposed to X-rays, it is understood that the methods and apparatus implementing the concepts of the invention are limited to X-ray or radiological analysis of extrudates. Shouldn't. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a typical sample piece of extruded material 9o, such as rubber.

A piece of extrudate is placed under the spot scanner 13 (FIG. 1) on top of the collimating plate 91 (FIG. 9), so that the sample 90 is exposed to a single intensity X from the radiation source 12 as before. exposed to the line. Alternatively, the extruded material may be passed continuously under a spot scanner as it comes from the extruder along conveyor VC, as detailed below in FIG. 12. In both methods, the material is oriented to be placed radially over the center of the arcuate slot 93 in the collimating plate 91. In this way, a single-intensity x-ray beam traverses a cross-section [slice] of the extrudate. Figures 2 and 3 show how the Chiang-like alignment of sample 9o is arranged in scanner 1.
This diagram shows whether it is related to 3. The beam then passes through the arcuate slot 3o into the spot scanner 13. The x-ray beam intensity pattern transmitted through the material varies across the width of the "slice" with respect to the density and geometry of the extrudate. As mentioned above, the sensing 514 child 5
1U detect this change as they pass or scan across the arcuate slot 30 of the pace grade 29. The output of video amplifier 50 is an analog voltage proportional to the change detected by sensing element 51. This voltage is quantified by a flash controller 18 whose output is then sampled 5000 times during each scan as described above. As a result, the 5000 data values of each data set stored in the memo 'J-139 or exported to the Achimulator Buffer 140 represent the transmission of the extrudate when measured across a cross-sectional slice of the material. It is an indication of the number of . Spot scanner 13 thus provides a signature of the sample being analyzed. Since the Sunnol ratio is fixed during any test, the rotational speed of sensing element 51 is determined by the rotational speed of sensing element 51 when element 51
It is understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that when scanning across the sample 90, the sensing element 51 is passed across the sample 90, which is placed near the center of the slot 30. The rotation speed of the element 51 fits all Sansol 90
may be in the scan area. In addition to the desired resolution, such considerations will determine the appropriate speed of motor 24 for any particular application described above.

Note that since the sample material is stationary, each scan traverses the same cross-sectional portion of the material. Since it is a noiseless device, the 5000 individual data values measured during each scan should be equal to the value of the corresponding data position in the next scan.

However, such a condition causes radiation scattering, video amplifier 5
0 is out of the ordinary due to noise caused by electrical noise or slight translation of the sandal itself. To minimize the effect of any snorious readings on isolated data values,
The digital filter method described above may be used.

Cali rate memory (cal 1brate me
141 is used to store an initial filtered or unfiltered data set collected from extruded sandals known to have the required size and density uniformity properties. That is, the initial data set represents a predetermined number of acceptable signatures to be analyzed. Memory 141 stores this data for further processing. The filtering capabilities described above come into play when determining the data sets to be stored in memory 141. This is because this data cent corresponds to a predetermined acceptance value against which all successive scan data sets are compared. Therefore, it is desirable that the computed data set be as noise free as possible. When actually scanning a "well-known" sample to obtain a predetermined acceptance value, the predetermined value may be divided in some other way and then placed in memory 141. good. By way of example, and not limitation, if it is desired to measure dimensional tolerances, the relevant dimensions may be taken from the Sansol Installation Drawing 1;
Memory 1 used as a predetermined pass judgment value
41. The actual sandal may then be scanned, the data points determined to provide relevant dimensional measurements, and then compared to the data set stored in memory 141.

This will be detailed below.

Data analyzer 19 is programmed to perform at least two primary data operations.

First, either a stored data set or a current data set can be taken and the transmission values for all cross-sectional slices of the material can be calculated according to a predetermined formula. This transfer calculation is repeated for the dataset stored in the stored memory 141. The two transmission values are then compared and the 6 minute deviation is calculated. The data analyzer 19 is programmed to display on the display device 2o the six minute deviation of the current transfer value from the transfer value calculated from the data set in the calculated memory 141. Display device 2O may be a conventional CRT. What is thus visually displayed on the device 20 is the percentage deviation of the analyzed current slice from the glomodulated acceptance value, or in other words, the known good sign reading and accuracy. It is the deviation between the determined signature reading. If the operator sees a deviation exceeding a predetermined limit, he can interrupt the operation to remove the defective material. The data analyzer 19 also accepts deviation limit input from the operator, at which time a check for deviations exceeding the defined limits is automatically performed. If such is detected, the analyzer 19 is programmed to output a control signal that alerts the operator that a defect has been detected. This control signal may be an illuminated red rung, an alarm bell sound, or a control voltage to pull Zolaid to automatically shut off the defective slice.

A second mode of operation of the data analyzer 19 is to output the values of some data set to the recorder 21 by conventional graphical methods.

Calibration memory 141 may be subsequently filled in with green ink, for example, and similarly the data set in memory 130 may be subsequently plotted with red ink. Any deviation in the two data sets is directly visible as a separation of the two graphs. memory 13
9 or the data points of the data set given in the same order as the data values stored in memorite 11 are the points of transmission that have the characteristics of the corresponding "slice" of the material measured during the scanning operation. A graphical representation of a position is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

These graphical displays are used to confirm dimensional tolerances or uniformity of results, as dimensional changes in the material under analysis affect the transmission values.

The computer console 21 also has a drive motor 24
It has a power console 137 that coordinates power distribution across the device 10, such as a power supply, a video amplifier power supply, a high voltage power supply to the x-ray tube 16, and a data analyzer 19 power supply. Such power distribution is accomplished by methods known as one of ordinary skill in the art.

Apparatus Operation and Another Embodiment A detailed description of the operation follows, first referring to FIG. The examples given are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting in any way. The sandal piece of extruded comb-like material is outside-! I-,t? 92 (FIG. 9). The arrangement is such that the material radially traverses the arcuate slots 93 of the collimating plate 91. The spot scanner 13 is placed above the extrudate and the external I-tring 93 is inserted so that the arcuate slot 3o of the base grating 29 of the spot scanner 13 is aligned with the slot 93 of the collimating plate 91 as shown in FIG. placed at the top.

The radiation source 12 is energized by a high voltage power supply and emits x-rays of constant intensity vertically upward within the lead shield 17.

The lead shield 17 prevents Xm scattering and
Provide line protection. The X-rays pass only through the slots 93 of the collimating plate 91, resulting in a narrow, well-defined, constant-intensity X-ray beam. The substance is collimating plate 9
It is placed radially in the center above slot 1, so
The x-ray beam traverses the material substantially transversely, as detailed above, and in fact travels through a cross-sectional slice of the material. The transmission of a beam through a material is a function of the cross-sectional shape of the material and the density of the material. For example, referring to FIG.
At point B, a very small substance crosses the X-ray beam, and when viewed from point B, a beam similar to the strongest dust is transmitted. At point B, the cross-sectional slice is thicker and the X-rays do not pass through completely, resulting in a loss of intensity detected by the spot scanner 13.

By detecting the beam intensity across the cross-sectional slice, this technique not only verifies the uniformity and dimensional tolerances of the overall result, but also detects the presence of voids,
It is used to identify contaminants or defects in the size and shape of a material that have a density different from that of the material. By utilizing the acceptable signature stored in the stored memory 141, all successive scans are compared to this standard to ascertain the acceptability of the various resulting attributes, as described above.

A spot scanner 13 is used to detect different intensities of the X-ray beam across a slice of material. The pacesolate 29 of the scanner 13 has an arcuate slot 30 that allows the x-ray beam to be exposed to either one of the two sensing elements 51. Sensing element 51 is a diode that produces a small current when exposed to radiation. The current generated is linearly proportional to the intensity of the exposed radiation.

Sensing element 51 is mounted on an essentially circular printed circuit board scanning disk 49 that is rotated at high speed by drive motor 24 (FIG. 2). Sensing element 51 is placed diametrically and near the outer circumference of scanning disk 49 such that disk 49 rotates sensing element 51 across alternating arcuate slots 30 . In this way, sensing element 51 is exposed to the x-ray beam passing through the cross-sectional slice of material and detects changes in the intensity of the x-ray beam across the "slice" of material each time the diode passes through slot 30. . Only one diode is needed to detect this beam lean. two diodes are used to maintain the dynamic geometric balance of the scanning disk 49, providing easy maintenance;
That is, if one of the diodes fails, the other diode can be used, thus preserving repair time before both diodes fail. Which diode is used is a simple matter of selecting the appropriate corresponding synchronization pulse from the quadrant synchronization detector 69.

Two diodes (Dl and D2 in Figure 5).

are electrically connected in parallel across the differential inputs of video amplifier 50 (FIG. 5). The design of video amplifier 50 is one of common techniques well known in the art;
It amplifies the small current produced by the sensing element 51 when the sensing element 51 is exposed to the x-ray beam f-turn. The output of the video amplifier 50 is an analog voltage, and the sensing element 5
is linearly proportional to the current signal generated by 1. The output of video amplifier 5O is transmitted along one of four wires 56 that exit coupling 46 and travel down drive motor shaft 38 to a standard electrical rotary coupling 54 (FIG. 2). The rotary joint 54 uses noiseless mercury contact Slizzo rings to couple electrical signals from the four rotating wires of the drive shaft 38 to the four fixed contacts 63 on the outer case of the rotary joint 54. As mentioned above, one of the four wires transmits the output of the video amplifier 50.

The other three wires carry the power input signal to the video amplifier 5°.

The fallen tree wire of cable f14 is connected to video amplifier 5.
The output signal of 0 is connected to the 7 Lassie converter 18 through the rotary joint 54. Flash converter 18 is a standard circuit used to convert analog signals to digital signals. At each instant in time, the analog amplitude provided by the video amplifier 50 is converted into a binary representation of the numbers O through 255, a counting process well known to those skilled in the art. The output of the flash converter 18 is therefore a digital signal that is a mathematical representation of the relative x-ray beam intensity detected by the sensing element 51 scanning the x-ray beam as described above.

By storing this digital data at appropriate times when element 51 passes through sandal 90, changes in the Xw beam intensity transmitted through the material are measured and stored.

The synchronization device 22 sends the flash converter 18 a zJ? Provide Luz. - The mother las has a duration equal to the time it takes for each diode to scan the x-ray beam passing through the slot 30. By selecting only every other sensor from the synchronization device, data is collected for only one of the two sensing elements 51.

The selection of every other /J rus is controlled by the data analyzer 19 software. Data analyzer 19 stores data from flash converter 18 5000 times for the time indicated by the synchronization device as sensing element 51 traverses arcuate slot 30 . As mentioned above, the scan area is a function of the sample rate and the rotation speed of the element 51. The stored data set is therefore a digital representation of the X-ray intensity variation through a cross-sectional slice of material, in other words a characteristic characteristic of the slice of material.

Data analyzer 19 calculates the percentage deviation between the current data set and the data set stored in calculated memory 141 (FIG. 10), or graphically separates each successive data point in the data set. It is a zologram.

Data Deind displays the transmission of X-rays at a special position within a substance in numbers, so it's graphical! Loft represents the density distribution through a cross-sectional slice of material. Initially, a data set obtained from scanning a piece of material that has been previously determined to be accepted is stored in the calipred memory 141. Next, a standard gloduction stop (p
The unknown substance, such as roduction IItock), is scanned and the results are compared to the data stored in calibration memory 141 to determine the acceptability of the adult. For each data set, data analyzer 19 calculates a complex equation that provides an approximate density reading for the cross-sectional slice, compares it with the density calculation for the data set in calibration memory 141, and calculates a percentage deviation. and is zologrammed to calculate whether the deviation exceeds a predetermined limit and to give an alarm signal if it significantly exceeds the limit.

The data analyzer 19 is also zologrammed to simply provide a graphical chart of all 5000 data points in every data center so that the determination of adult acceptability is visualized by the operator.

In another embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. The feed may be applied continuously.

For example, as extrudate exits an extrusion machine (not shown in Figure 12), it may be moved along conveyor 142 and under spot scanner 13 for continuous scanning of the material and early detection of defects during the extrusion process. It's okay. As an alternative to using a predetermined sample of material for the data set in the calculated memory 141, the calibration data set may be the first piece of material that is sent in succession. By comparing this data set with data collected from continuously moving scans on the material, the uniformity of the material is continuously verified. Therefore, the invention may be used as an off-line inspection device or
Online monitoring device (online mo
The conveyor line 142, which may be used as a nitrating device), directs the radiation beam 9 into the Sunsol 90 at the aperture 143 without interference from the conveyor belt.
4 must be separated so that it is exposed.

In another embodiment of the invention, partially shown in FIG. 12, the spot scanner 13 and collimating plate 91 can be removed to allow visual or optical observation of the X-ray scan. A fluorescent viewing plate is placed in the path of the transmitted beam.

In a preferred embodiment, the spot scanner-1 described
3 provides direct observation of the X-rays by the sensing element 51, but it is understood that there may be a viewing plate of a phosphor screen that allows indirect optical observation, measurement or sensing. Observation 7+? -) 144 allows human optical observation of the fluorescent screen. Kerr J-145 protects device 1O from dust, shock and other harmful events.

In still other embodiments, lead shield 17 is removed;
The entire inner circumference of cabinet 11 is lined with lead as indicated by numeral 146 in FIG.

X-ray tube 16 directs a conical X-ray beam 94 vertically upward toward spot scanner 13 . The lead-lined walls of cabinet 11 provide x-ray shielding from the environment.

While the present invention is susceptible to many changes, modifications and alterations in detail, many of which have been described herein, all that is set forth in this entire specification or shown in the accompanying drawings is intended to be illustrative. and are intended to be construed in a non-limiting manner. Accordingly, devices constructed according to the inventive concept and methods encompassed within the inventive concept and suitable analogs thereto accomplish the object of the present invention and facilitate the use of metrology and mass transfer properties in other ways. Substantial improvements in the technology are obvious.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an apparatus for measuring the transmission of an object and for determining a plurality of properties of the object, the apparatus incorporating a radiation generator depicted in the operating position; Locations facilitating tube replacement are indicated by dashed lines. FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of the scanning nose subassembly partially removed, including the drive motor, synchronizing element, rotating electrical coupling, and sample workpiece directed beneath the scanning head assembly. 1 Figure 3 is substantially the same as Figure 2.
3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of the figure, showing an example workpiece oriented beneath a scanhead assembly; FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the scanning gutter subassembly depicted in the previous drawings. FIG. 5 is a schematic circuit diagram of the video amplifier circuit used here. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view depicting a rotating joint bracket assembly and a synchronizing device bracket assembly. FIG. 7 is a schematic circuit diagram of an optical sensor circuit along with a schematic diagram of the optical interaction between the optical sensor and the reflective device in the synchronization mechanism, shown on the same page as FIG. There is. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a typical radiation generator. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the cabinet assembly housing the radiation generator. FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of the computer console device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a typical sample analyzed by the apparatus and method described herein. FIG. 12 illustrates the use of the device of FIG. 1 in conjunction with a continuous pumping device or alternatively a lead shielding device. Explanation of main symbols 12... Radiation source 13... Spot scanner 15... Computer console 16... X-ray tube 17... Lead shield 18... Flash converter 19... Data analyzer 2O... Digital readout display 21...Chart recorder 22...Synchronization device 23...Scan head assembly 24...Drive motor 25...Housing 27...Lead ring 29...Base grating 30.77... - Arcuate slot 31... Bottom lead plate 36.37... Cutout 38... Drive shaft 42... Mounting is done by collar 46... Electrical joint 48.81... Spacing retaining piece 55... Rotatable Shaft 56... Connecting wire 67... Tadelic Patent Applicant De Stylastik Kannoguji

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An apparatus for measuring the transmittance of an object, comprising: a) means for generating a radiation field and exposing the object to the radiation field; and b) detecting changes in the intensity of the radiation field. C) means for receiving the electrical signal and measuring the transmittance of the object from the electrical signal. 2. The device according to claim 1,
The radiation means comprises: a) a radiation source producing a radiation field of uniform intensity; b) container means for containing the radiation source; and C) a predetermined axis of the container means. housing means for holding the container in line and sliding the container means out of the housing means; Thereafter, the container means comprises means for rotating said container means with an angular displacement about said predetermined axis.
A device having a combination of Ujifugu means. 3.l# Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said container means has plug-in socket means for receiving said radiation source means, said socket means for supplying electrical power to said radiation source. Apparatus having electrical contact means for the supply reservoir. 4. The device according to claim 3,
said contact means further comprising means for providing a contact force between said electrical contact means and said radiation source means, said container means having means for clamping said radiation source means within said container means; A device in which said contact force is maintained and said tightening means are externally attached to said container. 5. The device according to claim 4,
Apparatus wherein said radiation source means is a uniform intensity X-ray tube. 6. An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:
Apparatus wherein said scanner means comprises radiation sensor means for generating an electrical signal proportional to the intensity of the radiation field to which it is exposed, and means for rotating said sensor means in a plane intersected by said radiation field. . 7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the rotating means is a disk attached concentrically to the shaft of a motor, and the device facilitates rotation of the disk;
Apparatus, wherein said radiation sensor means is attached to said disk. 8. The device according to claim 7,
Apparatus wherein said disk further comprises amplifier means for amplifying at least one parameter of said electrical signal to generate a second electrical signal. 9. The device according to claim 7,
The apparatus wherein said scanner means further comprises electrical coupling means for transmitting said electrical signal from said rotation means to said analyzer means. 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said analyzer means comprises converter means for converting said electrical signal into a representative digital signal. 11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the analyzer means further comprises data storage means for storing the representative digital signal, and one of the objects from the representative digital signal. Apparatus having a means for calculating gross counts or more. 12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the analyzer means is a dezotal conbeater. 13. A method for measuring an object using a radiation source and a radiation sensing device rotatably mounted on a shaft, the method comprising: a) generating a radiation field of uniform intensity by the radiation source; b) C) detecting changes in the intensity of the radiation using the radiation sensing device; d) generating an electrical signal proportional to the intensity; e) A method comprising: analyzing said electrical signal to measure transmittance of an object. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising rotating the sensing device in a plane traversed by the radiation field. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising converting the electrical signal into a digital representation and storing the digital representation in a memory device. 16. A method as claimed in claim 15, comprising a method for calculating one or more characteristics of said object from one or more of said digital representations in a rainbow. How to have it. 17. The method of claim 13, further comprising: comparing the amount of transmittance and comparing the one or more characteristics with a predetermined acceptance value. How to have it. 18. A method as claimed in claim 17, further comprising: a) calculating a deviation of the transmittance quantity from the predetermined acceptance value and the characteristic; a method for determining from the deviation whether or not the deviation should be excluded; and C) a method for sending a control signal indicating an exclusion condition when exclusion is to be performed. 19. A device for generating an electrical signal indicating a time limit for an object mounted on a rotatable shaft to travel a predetermined arcuate distance for a) reflecting a beam of projected light; a) reflector means circumferentially mounted on a rotatable shaft; b) sensor means fixedly fixed on a diameter of said reflector means, said sensor means being mounted on said reflector; sensor means for emitting a beam of light towards said sensor means for generating an electrical signal when said beam of light is subsequently reflected back to said sensor means. 2. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the reflector means is a collar having a partially removed wall, the collar surrounding the rotatable shaft and having a partially removed wall. the apparatus being attached to said shaft by a wall which is partially removed, said wall presenting a reflective surface to said beam of light at a predetermined arcuate distance; 21. A device for generating a radiation field, comprising a)
a) a radiation source for producing a radiation field; b) container means for housing the radiation source means; and c) Hau-Zong means for retaining said container means on a preselected axis, comprising: means for sliding said container means outside said housing means and thereafter rotating said container means through an angular displacement about said preselected axis. 22. The apparatus as set forth in claim 21, wherein the container means includes a receiving socket means for receiving the radiation source means and an electric power supply for supplying power to the radiation source means. and contact means. 2. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the contact means further comprises means for providing a contact force between the contact means and the radiation source means, and the container Means further comprises means for clamping the radiation source means within the container means, the means for clamping the radiation source means within the container means when the contact force is maintained and the clamping means is securely attached to the container means. equipment where it has. 2. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the radiation source means is an X-ray tube. 25. An apparatus for scanning a radiation field and generating an electrical signal proportional to the radiation field, the apparatus comprising: a) radiation sensor means for generating an electrical signal proportional to the intensity of the radiation field to which it is exposed; b) rotation means for rotating the sensor in a plane traversed by the radiation; and C) means for transmitting the electrical signal from the radiation means to a receiver located at a specific distance from the rotation means. A device consisting of a coupling means; 2. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the rotating means is a disk mounted concentrically on the shaft of a motor, and the radiation sensor means is mounted on the disk. The device where you are. 2. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the disk further comprises an electronic device for amplifying at least one of the electrical signals to generate a second electrical signal. A device that has an amplifier. 28. A method for scanning a radiation field, comprising: a) confinement of the radiation field within a predetermined detection area; b) a method for traversing a radiation sensing device on a rotating element, the radiation field comprising: rotating in a plane, the radiation field in which the radiation sensing device produces an electrical signal proportional to the intensity of the exposed radiation field. 2. The method according to claim 28, further comprising amplifying the electrical signal and coupling the amplified signal from the rotating element to an analyte for further processing. Device.