Daniel D Shedlock

US Patent:

7643611, Jan 5, 2010

Filed:

Apr 30, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/112892

Inventors:

Daniel Shedlock - Knoxville TN, US
Alan M. Jacobs - Gainesville FL, US
Sharon Auerback Jacobs - Gainesville FL, US
Edward Dugan - Gainesville FL, US

Assignee:

University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc. - Gainesville FL

International Classification:

G01N 23/203

US Classification:

378 87

Abstract:

A shadow aperture backscatter radiography (SABR) system includes at least one penetrating radiation source for providing a penetrating radiation field, and at least one partially transmissive radiation detector, wherein the partially transmissive radiation detector is interposed between an object region to be interrogated and the radiation source. The partially transmissive radiation detector transmits a portion of the illumination radiation field. A shadow aperture having a plurality of radiation attenuating regions having apertures therebetween is disposed between the radiation source and the detector. The apertures provide illumination regions for the illumination radiation field to reach the object region, wherein backscattered radiation from the object is detected and generates an image by the detector in regions of the detector that are shadowed by the radiation attenuation regions.

US Patent:

8033724, Oct 11, 2011

Filed:

Jun 30, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/495224

Inventors:

William Talion Edwards - Foristell MO, US
Morteza Safai - Seattle WA, US
Gary E. Georgeson - Federal Way WA, US
Daniel Shedlock - Knoxville TN, US

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Chicago IL

International Classification:

H05G 1/06
G01N 23/203

US Classification:

378194, 378 58, 378 87, 378102, 378146, 378198

Abstract:

Methods and systems for X-ray imaging are disclosed. An X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray tube to generate X-rays and a detector array to capture scattered X-rays. A rotational collimator directs the X-rays at an object under inspection. Rotational mechanisms rotate the X-ray tube and the detector array about a roll axis and a yaw axis to inspect various portions of the object. A track unit mechanism moves the X-ray imaging system linearly along a track unit to further inspect portions of the object.

US Patent:

8138471, Mar 20, 2012

Filed:

Dec 9, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/963654

Inventors:

Daniel Shedlock - Knoxville TN, US
Andrew Hammerschmidt - Chicago IL, US

Assignee:

Gas Technology Institute - Des Plaines IL

International Classification:

G01V 5/08

US Classification:

2502691

Abstract:

An apparatus for inspection in situ of a wellbore casing and a pipeline from inside the wellbore or pipeline. The apparatus includes a penetrating radiation source such as x-rays, a rotatable beam collimator adapted to collimate the penetrating radiation source and produce at least one pencil radiation beam rotatable about the radiation source, an arcuate radiation detector suitable for detecting radiation scattered off a target, and a housing containing the radiation source, the rotatable beam collimator, and the radiation detector. The housing is provided with at least one exit point for exiting of the at least one pencil radiation beam from the housing.

US Patent:

8300763, Oct 30, 2012

Filed:

Jul 22, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/841401

Inventors:

Daniel Shedlock - Knoxville TN, US

Assignee:

Nucsafe, Inc. - Oak Ridge TN

International Classification:

G01N 23/04

US Classification:

378 57, 378 87

Abstract:

Systems and methods for scanning an object in an inspection space are disclosed. The systems and methods generally incorporate spatially separated and sequenced Compton x-ray backscatter imaging techniques in a plurality of perspective planes. Such processes as time-gating detectors, weighting scintillation detections, and preferentially accepting signals that originate from a point that is substantially orthogonal to a radiation detector and at least partially shielding out signals that do not originate from a point substantially orthogonal to the detector may be used to enhance the data acquisition process.

US Patent:

8532259, Sep 10, 2013

Filed:

Apr 17, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/812427

Inventors:

Daniel Shedlock - Oak Ridge TN, US
Christopher Meng - Gainesville FL, US
Nissia Sabri - Gainesville FL, US
Edward T. Dugan - Gainesville FL, US
Sharon Auerbach Jacobs - Gainesville FL, US

Assignee:

University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc. - Gainesville FL
Nucsafe, inc. - Oak Ridge TN

International Classification:

G01N 23/203

US Classification:

378 87

Abstract:

Systems and methods of x-ray backscatter radiography are provided. A single-sided, non-destructive imaging technique utilizing x-ray radiation to image subsurface features is disclosed, capable of scanning a region using a fan beam aperture and gathering data using rotational motion.

US Patent:

20060018434, Jan 26, 2006

Filed:

Jul 20, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/896243

Inventors:

Alan Jacobs - Gainesville FL, US
Edward Dugan - Gainesville FL, US
Daniel Shedlock - Gainesville FL, US

International Classification:

G21K 1/04

US Classification:

378150000

Abstract:

A reconfigurable collimated radiation detector, system and related method includes at least one collimated radiation detector. The detector has an adjustable collimator assembly including at least one feature, such as a fin, optically coupled thereto. Adjustments to the adjustable collimator selects particular directions of travel of scattered radiation emitted from an irradiated object which reach the detector. The collimated detector is preferably a collimated detector array, where the collimators are independently adjustable. The independent motion capability provides the capability to focus the image by selection of the desired scatter field components. When an array of reconfigurable collimated detectors is provided, separate image data can be obtained from each of the detectors and the respective images cross-correlated and combined to form an enhanced image.

US Patent:

20110268247, Nov 3, 2011

Filed:

Apr 30, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/771719

Inventors:

Daniel Shedlock - Knoxville TN, US
Paul Ridgeway - Knoxville TN, US
Steve Dylewski - Knoxville TN, US

Assignee:

NUCSAFE, INC. - Oak Ridge TN

International Classification:

G01N 23/04

US Classification:

378 62

Abstract:

Systems for scanning an object are disclosed. Such systems typically are used to inspect various objects with equipment that produces an image of the object based on penetrating radiation. Examples are X-Ray imaging, infrared imaging, terahertz imaging, and radar imaging. The systems typically include a radiation source and a rotating collimator for generating a beam of energy. A detection array is provided for detecting imagery elements from the beam of energy. A motion controller is provided for instructing a positional driver system to move the radiation source, the rotating collimator and the detector system to the plurality of locations about a support structure. The motion controller may also instruct the positional driver system to turn, oscillate, or otherwise maneuver a portion of the imaging system to the virtually limitless orientations made possible by the disclosed embodiments.

US Patent:

20120114102, May 10, 2012

Filed:

Nov 3, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/288168

Inventors:

Jeffrey Allen CHAPMAN - Knoxville TN, US
John E. GUNNING - Oak Ridge TN, US
Daniel F. HOLLENBACH - Oak Ridge TN, US
Larry J. OTT - Knoxville TN, US
Daniel SHEDLOCK - Knoxville TN, US

Assignee:

UT-BATTELLE, LLC - Oak Ridge TN

International Classification:

G01N 23/203

US Classification:

378 87

Abstract:

The energy of an X-ray beam and critical depth are selected to detect structural discontinuities in a material having an atomic number Z of 57 or greater. The critical depth is selected by adjusting the geometry of a collimator that blocks backscattered radiation so that backscattered X-ray originating from a depth less than the critical depth is not detected. Structures of Lanthanides and Actinides, including nuclear fuel rod materials, can be inspected for structural discontinuities such as gaps, cracks, and chipping employing the backscattered X-ray.