Linear Motion Control A multi axis (X, Y, Z, and rotational) motion system was designed and developed by ACS. This system is designed around synchronous drive motors and optical encoder closed loop control to achieve high resolutions of 0.5mm of linear movement, 0.5 Degrees of rotational movement, and 100% repeatable results. A pneumatically driven radiation source transfer system was also developed and married to the positioning system. The source transfer system employs the latest technology in positioning multiple radiation source to allow the pneumatics to transfer the radiation source to the calibration position. All of the positioning and monitoring of the source is carried out by a close loop source positioning system interfaced with high speed fiber optic sensors for correct position monitoring while source is in flight. All sensors and feedback loops are fed into the main system controller via optically isolated circuits. These optical circuits transfer information to the control software about the position and status of the radiation sources and positioning information about any of the 16 axis within the motion control. This system performs precise positioning of nuclear sources to remote locations for use in calibration of radiation measurement instruments and personal dosimeter devices.  

Single Axis Positioning Control System for Beam Type Calibration System Two single axis motion control systems were designed to interface directly with existing calibration systems for precise instrument positioning. The instruments are positioned directly into the center of a radiation beam so as to maximize the dose of radiation seen by the instrument, for correct instrument calibration. The system was designed and developed by ACS to adhere to tight positioning specifications. The systems can be run simultaneously without effecting resolution or repeatability. This system is designed around DC stepper motor drives with optical encoder closed loop control to achieve high resolutions of 0.5mm of linear movement and a 100% repeatability rate.  

Radiation Measurements and Calibration Control Created various control software and hardware interfaces for environmental monitoring and radiation dose management, to allow for complete control and precise calibration of radiation detection instruments.

 Serial Dosimeter Irradiator A computer controlled serial irradiator was developed and produced for Department of Energy of the United States. This system stores a quantity of 100 EPD units and automatically irradiates the units one by one. This system can be used totally unattended after the technician loads the system. The system is designed to be universal in that any manufacturers EPD can be run through the system, just by changing the holders for the EPD units. This allows for a more universal irradiator and also sells for $$$ less than the individual irradiators produced by the specific manufactures of the EPD units. This system is so versatile, that the specific EPD readers that the manufacturers sell for their EPD units can be interfaced into the control computer; thus, giving a nice complete package that handles the total EPD calibration process. The facts of the system being universal and versatile alone have a great effect on the operation budget for any one facility, by freeing resources that can be used for other projects.  

Safety Interlock System To meet the requirements of ANSIN543 for irradiation system safety, an interlock system with associated lights and door controls was developed and interfaced to existing facility systems. This system is used for 100% redundant safety control against wrongful tampering or interference of automated control system. The system will shut down or neutralize any operation being conducted dependent upon the level of security breach to the safety system.

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