US Patent:
20120177177, Jul 12, 2012
Inventors:
Karl Masters - Culpeper VA, US
International Classification:
G01N 23/04
Abstract:
The Non-destructive Evaluation Automated Inspection System (NDE-AIS) is a deployable, high speed, automated, radiographic inspection system that determines ceramic plate serviceability in the field and has been designed, constructed and recently field tested. Ceramic plates are x-rayed and inspected at an average rate of 240 plates per hour in a process that automatically identifies and withdraws defective plates from service. Inspection results are maintained in a database which will help facilitate inventory, monitoring, logistical activities and production analysis. Ceramic armor plates are produced to meet a ballistic requirement. Because of this, each manufacturer has unique design attributes that are visible within an x-ray. The algorithm that supports the AIS accounts for these artifacts as well as others and has the ability to identify even the smallest of crack indications. All images are stored in a first in first out basis as a way to manually review the results of an image if needed. Currently the system can store well over 3000 images. UID labels created by a laser labeling system were placed on the plate and read by the UID reader on the AIS system. This label visibly shows the manufacturer, size, lot number, serial number and date of manufacturing. The reader captures all that data and uses it for material development and logistics.
