Thermal Surveys

Thermoteknix New VisIR 320-P Thermal Imaging Camera

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:00:00 +0000

New VisIR® 320-P with Condition RED® database and software introduces point-and-click efficiency into your Predictive Maintenance programmes.Capture, Analyse, File, Trend, Report - VisIR 320-P takes it in its stride at the touch of a button.

VisIR 320-P delivers outstanding Infrared Thermal Imaging from a sensitive 320 x 240 uncooled infrared sensor with precise temperature measurement and unique time-saving tools.

VisIR 320-P complements the existing VisIR 640-P camera with a lower resolution and cost to address the needs of the wider Predictive Maintenance market. With a rugged industrial housing, articulated central optics pod for safe ergonomic operation and large high contrast touch screen, VisIR 320-P provides high definition thermal and visual image clarity in all lighting conditions.

Source: http://www.thermoteknix.com/

Infrared Thermal Imaging

FLIR Systems Announces Executive Management Changes

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:55:00 +0000

FLIR Systems, Inc announced today the planned retirement of Arne Almerfors, Executive Vice President and President of the Company's Thermography division, effective in the first quarter of 2010.

Mr. Almerfors began his career at FLIR in 1997, and became president of the Company's Thermography division in 2000. Under his leadership, the Thermography division pioneered a price elastic market strategy, opening new markets and increasing the penetration of infrared technology into applications such as predictive maintenance, building diagnostics, HVAC, medical, R & D, and many others.

FLIR also announced that effective January 1, 2010; the Company will merge its Commercial Vision Systems and Thermography divisions into one unit, led by Andy Teich, currently President of the Commercial Vision Systems division. The new division will continue to focus on the large potential for growth in commercial and industrial markets, and will create value from commonality in distribution, customers and strategic product development focused on uncooled infrared technology.

Earl R. Lewis, Chairman and CEO of FLIR, stated: "Under Arne's stewardship, our Thermography division has enjoyed tremendous growth, and truly changed the direction of the infrared industry by opening up a wide array of uses for our technology, and created enormous value for our shareholders. I would like to personally thank Arne for his superb leadership and outstanding performance over the past decade. All of us at FLIR wish Arne the best and congratulate Andy on his new responsibilities."

About FLIR Systems

FLIR Systems, Inc. is a world leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of thermal imaging and stabilized camera systems for a wide variety of thermography and imaging applications including condition monitoring, research and development, manufacturing process control, airborne observation and broadcast, search and rescue, drug interdiction, surveillance and reconnaissance, navigation safety, border and maritime patrol, environmental monitoring and ground-based security. Visit the Company's web site at www.FLIR.com.

Thermal Imaging

NEC releases new thermal imaging camera

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:27:00 +0000

NEC has released the H2640 thermal imaging radiometric camera.
According to NEC, the radiometric camera has a temperature resolution of 0.03ordm and its uncooled 640x480 focal plane array detector is said to deliver 0.6mrad IFOV (instantaneous field of view) with a standard 22°(H)x16°(V) lens.

The NEC radiometric camera also delivers full 30z frame rate with on-board memory for over 830 discrete images, for high speed thermal imaging events.

The radiometric camera also includes visible and infrared fusion which simultaneously overlays the visible image with the thermal image for easy identification of thermal hot-spots.

Thermal Imaging

Heat Seekers are in Winchester

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:25:00 +0000

The heat seeker vehicles that detect how much heat is being lost from properties are visiting Winchester this month to show homeowners what improvements they should make, such as installing insulation or double glazing, to increase energy efficiency.

The HeatSeekers vehicles are using Infrared Thermal Imaging to find Winchester properties that are wasting the most heat and energy.

Keith Hewitson, director of the Energy Saving Partnership, said that the vehicle has already created "quite a buzz" and added that he was "delighted" to see it in action in the Winchester District.

New Flir M-320L & M-626L Marine Thermal Cameras

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:54:00 +0000

FLIR Systems has launched a new, revolutionary thermal imaging camera for maritime applications. The M-Series combine a thermal imaging camera with a low light camera. They provide crisp, clear Thermal Imaging in total darkness, light fog or smoke.

Packaged in a small, ultra-compact gimbal they are designed for the most demanding maritime applications. They are great tools for night-time navigation, shipboard security, man overboard situations and anti-piracy. The M-Series are available in two different versions, both of which are extremely lightweight and can be installed at any position on board. Both versions also come equipped with a low light camera:

M-320L: This version is equipped with a Vanadium Oxide microbolometer detector that produces crisp thermal images of 320 x 240 pixels.
M-626L: This version however has a Vanadium Oxide microbolometer detector that produces images of 640 x 480 pixels. This is four times the resolution of the M-320L. It allows you to see the sharpest thermal images on which the smallest of details can be seen.

The camera’s vital core is rated IP66 (Totally dust tight and rotection against string water jets and waves.) and is well protected against humidity and water. Operating between -25°C and +55°C, the M-Series have a built-in heater to defrost its protective window. This apparently ensures a clear lens and good quality infrared images displayed on your monitor, even in extremely cold environments.<br><br>The M-Series comes standard with a remote Joystick Control Unit (JCU) to operate the Pan/Tilt. Additional JCUs, which can be used to control the M-Series from different locations on board of a vessel, are optionally available. The JCU is the primary method of control for the M-Series camera. It can be used to move the camera (pan or tilt), electronically zoom the cameras in and out, switch between thermal and visible low light camera, adjust the image quality, and access the on-screen menus. The M-Series control panel is fully sealed for use in a maritime environment. Like the camera itself, it meets IP66 standards.

Infrared Thermal Imaging

Hertsmere Borough Council is offering a free energy efficiency survey

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:32:00 +0000

Heat-seaking Thermal Imaging vehicles are taking to the streets later this month to help Hertsmere residents save money on energy bills.

The vehicles have been developed by the Energy Saving Partnership and use a thermal imaging camera to identify homes that may benefit from improved insulation.

Each vehicle can assess up to 1,000 properties an hour. Thermal-imaging shows where heat is escaping from and identifies areas which require further insulation.

A dedicated team of energy advisors will then carry out free surveys, advice residents how to improve insulation and take action to reduce energy bills.

For a free insulation survey telephone Herts and Essex Energy Partnership on 0800 980 6026.

Fluke Thermal Imaging Camera on-site trial promotion

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:08:00 +0000

Fluke has a special promotion of its rugged, handheld Ti9 Electrical Thermal Imagers to electrical contractors and electricians who have no experience, or limited experience, of using thermal imaging cameras to inspect, repair and verify electrical infrastructure and electromechanical equipment. The free, on-site, no obligation, trial scheme is for a limited period and is supported by a free 72-page booklet, entitled 'Introduction to Thermography Principles’, which is sent in advance of the 2-day trial. More information can be found at www.fluke.co.uk/Ti9

The low-cost, entry-level Fluke Ti9 Thermal Imager, designed for electricians, helps extend equipment lifetime, avoid electrical fires, and validate installation, repair and maintenance procedures. It can rapidly detect problems in a wide range of equipment including switchgear, motor control centres and lighting systems. Even small temperature differences are visible in components like transformers, panels, controls, fuses, receptacles and bus bars.

The Fluke Ti9 Electrical Thermal Imager brings accurate thermal imaging within the reach of many more users. With 160 x 120 pixel resolution, three times that of competing imagers, the Fluke Ti9 shows more essential details. It features a widescreen format colour LCD display to show every detail. Users just point the instrument and pull the trigger to capture the full image. That saves valuable time and greatly increases the speed of inspecting, repairing and verifying electrical and electromechanical equipment. The Fluke Ti9 is also designed for harsh industrial environments: IP54-rated, it resists dust and water, and withstands a drop test of 2 metres.

Hot spots regularly indicate an imminent problem or equipment failure in electrical equipment. Infrared thermometer measurements show only a single hot spot at a time, which is not enough for an accurate evaluation. Thermal imagers show the full picture instantly, with different colours representing different temperatures.

Fluke SmartView® software, featuring the first 3D imaging capability in the industry and options for optimising and organising thermal images and creating professional reports, is included with the product as well as a 2GB SD memory card and a rugged hard carry case.

For more information about all Fluke products, visit www.fluke.co.uk
PandCT.com are not responsible for the content of submitted or externally produced articles.

Thermography preferable to mammography

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:03:00 +0000

Women with a continued interest in breast cancer screening would do well to choose thermography rather than mammography. Thermography utilizes digital infrared thermal imaging, a safe detection method that analyzes body heat levels in and around the breasts. By analyzing blood vessel circulation and metabolic changes that typically accompany the onset of tumorous growths, thermography is arguably the most effective, accurate, and safest breast cancer detection method.

A healthy, cancer-preventative diet is the best way to prevent the onset of malignant cancers. Keeping the body in an alkaline state by feeding it a diet rich in natural foods will safeguard the body from becoming an environment in which cancer can thrive and replicate.

Vitamin D, curcumin, chaparral, garlic, and aloe vera are a few of the many beneficial nutrients that will serve the body well in preventing cancer. Raw brazil nuts, rich in selenium, and saw palmetto are two superb nutrients for maintaining a healthy prostate.

http://www.breastthermography.com/

Heat seeking van targets hot houses

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:57:00 +0000

A revolutionary heat seeking van is to hit the streets of the Rochdale to help thousands of households pinpoint heat loss from their homes.

Rochdale Borough Council has invited the Energy Saving Partnership to survey the borough using its award winning, energy efficiency detection van. The ‘HeatSeekers’ vehicle, uses state of the art Thermal Imaging technology to identify homes that may benefit from improved insulation.

Operating at night, during the colder months, each vehicle has the ability to assess up to 1,000 properties an hour. The thermal imaging technology highlights of heat loss from a property and identifies if your property would benefit from further insulation.

Once the area has been imaged, a team of energy advisors will carry out free surveys, talking to home owners and private tenants about how they can improve insulation and take action to reduce both their energy bills and carbon footprint.

The scheme is entirely optional and there is no obligation on householders to participate. The thermal image only shows the exterior of homes and cannot see through walls.

Rochdale Borough Council cabinet member for housing, Councillor Doreen Brophy-Lee said: “We know all about the cold and wet in the borough. We also know people want to be more energy efficient as claims for grants to keep our homes warm are at record levels.

"By inviting HeatSeekers to the Borough the Council wants to help and encourage many thousands more to look closely at the heat escaping from their homes.

"I urge owner occupiers and tenants of private landlords to take advantage of the low cost or no cost insulation on offer, help save the environment and save money on their heating bills too.”

Residents on means tested benefits or over 70 years of age will be offered free insulation under the scheme while all other householders will receive a substantial discount on the normal retail price.

Keith Hewitson, Director of the Energy Saving Partnership, said: “The technology has already helped improve energy efficiency in thousands of homes across the country. The HeatSeekers vehicle is one of the key front-line weapons in the battle against climate change and is already playing an integral role in the plans to make UK homes more energy efficient.”

The HeatSeekers thermal imaging van takes to the borough’s streets in November and will survey homes through the winter. But you don't have to wait until your image is produced to take up the insulation offer, simply call 0800 111 4968.

Reporter: Aisha Iqbal
www.rochdaleonline.co.uk

FLIR Systems buy up OmniTech Partners

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:26:00 +0000

FLIR Systems, Inc announced today the acquisition of OmniTech Partners, Inc. for $42 million in cash. OmniTech, based in Freeport, PA, is a leader in the development and manufacturing of weapon-mounted image intensified (I2) sensors, and image-fused I2/infrared thermal imaging systems. The acquisition provides a bridge for I2 users to the world of infrared and the future of multi-spectral night vision, allowing the merger of these two critical technologies to maximize the benefits of both.

OmniTech’s night sights and other I2 products, which operate in the visible and near infrared bands, are complementary with FLIR’s existing line of mid wave and long wave infrared sighting sensors and systems. FLIR’s low cost, high performance infrared technology will augment OmniTech’s I2 technology and allow the creation of low cost, multi-spectral clip on solutions using OmniTech’s patented optical fusion technologies. With infrared, I2 users will be able to detect targets more quickly despite camouflage, smoke, dust and adverse weather, and follow up with the high resolution I2 imagery for target identification.

Operating as a part of FLIR’s Government Systems Division, OmniTech, which will be known as FLIR Government Systems Pittsburgh, will target weapon sights, night vision goggles and other night vision sensors for individual Soldiers, force protection, ISR, and other I2 applications that will benefit from the addition of infrared vision. As the world’s leader in infrared detectors and cameras, FLIR’s high volume manufacturing capacity and low costs will be essential to the adoption of these combined products on a large scale. In addition to the acquisition of Salvador Imaging (now known as FLIR Advanced Imaging Systems), a maker of advanced CCD and EMCCD cameras, in June 2009, the acquisition of OmniTech further cements FLIR’s position as a full spectrum supplier of night vision sensors and systems.

“With the acquisition of OmniTech, FLIR’s technology covers the full spectrum from visible through long wave infrared, and all major night vision technologies including not only infrared but EMCCD as well as I2,” said Earl R. Lewis, President and CEO of FLIR Systems, Inc. “We are impressed with OmniTech’s abilities and products, and look forward to sharing those capabilities with our customers. FLIR is well positioned to be the World’s leader in night vision, with the unique ability to integrate all these technologies together to provide complete solutions at the lowest cost”

OmniTech is currently forecasted to reach $21.8 million in revenue by the end of 2009. The transaction is expected to be immaterial to FLIR’s earnings in 2009 and 2010.

About FLIR Systems
FLIR Government Systems, a division of FLIR Systems, Inc., is a world leader in the design, qualification, and manufacture of thermal imaging and stabilized EO/IR systems for a wide variety of airborne, maritime, land based and man-portable applications including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat search and rescue (CSAR), border control and drug interdiction, navigation safety, maritime patrol, force protection and facility security, forward observation, training, targeting, and fire control, and laser weapons designation. FLIR Systems is headquartered in Portland Oregon, with service and manufacturing facilities worldwide.

Source: FLIR

Bluesky Launches Thermal Imaging Web Mapping Tool

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:12:00 +0000

UK aerial survey company Bluesky has launched an easy-to-use property heat loss mapper to help Local Authorities view thermal data collected during airborne thermal imaging surveys. The HELIOS (Heat Loss Investigation System) web based reporting tool, developed by Manchester Geomatics, will help energy and environment teams understand the results of thermal surveys and allow cross referencing of data with other information.

With fuel poverty and energy consumption high on both the political and personal agenda, HELIOS allows survey results to be presented in a visually appealing and easily understandable way. HELIOS is designed to manage multiple data types enabling the cross referencing of thermal mapping with geo-demographic data such as Census information, building classification mapping and land use. It also matches address information including the National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG), base mapping from Ordnance Survey, and other custom data layers such as the energy consumption compiled by BERR.

This powerful combination of information will help Local Authorities identify opportunities to engage with residents and the business community about suitable insulation grants, consumption advice and renewable energy products thus helping to measure and report on National Indicators and Performance Targets.

“Fuel consumption and energy efficiency are ‘hot’ topics impacting not only on the environment but on the purse of every business, household and individual,” commented Rachel Tidmarsh, Managing Director of Bluesky. “By providing Local Authorities with up to date, building level thermal imagery plus the tools they need to analyse and communicate this information rich resource we can help reduce consumption, protect at risk residents and preserve the environment.”

The end to end solution offered by Bluesky to Local Authorities includes a cost effective airborne thermal survey service measuring building roof heat loss levels across an entire city in just one evening plus a bespoke thermal mapping service creating intelligent energy consumption and fuel poverty maps to support energy strategies and local campaigns. Using HELIOS Councils can now easily analyse complex data from multiple sources and share results with colleagues, partner organisations and members of the public. Bluesky has many years of successfully delivering thermal survey solutions to Local Authorities and help assemble, host and manage a HELIOS installation on behalf of an organisation.

Website: www.bluesky-world.com
Contact Bluesky sales on +44 (0)1530 518 518

Faulty Electric Circuits Caused IMPZ Fire

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:48:00 +0000

The cause of the fire at a labour camp in the International Media Production Zone (IMPZ) on Saturday night is believed to have been caused due to an electrical fault, according to the IMPZ authorities.

Speaking to Construction Week, IMPZ spokesperson Yaqoob Al Zarooni said, “The fire was not a big one and it was tackled very quickly and caused no injuries. I believe the fire started due to a short circuit.”

Construction Week witnessed the fire first-hand as it ripped through four cabins of a temporary labour camp for workers of landscaping company Proscape, which is carrying out the IMPZ lake works. No injuries were reported.

Firefighters accompanied by the police and ambulances arrived on scene in under an hour and the fire was put out by about 1am.

At the time a spokesperson for Proscape said he thought the fire was due to a short circuit.

Previous fires have shown that poor MEP works were the cause and calls from experts to tighten regulations have been made in the past.

On Sunday, it was revealed that the cause for the fire at a Sharjah warehouse was due to poor MEP works.

“The standard of MEP work is generally very poor in the UAE,” said Iain Fryer, director of KMI International, a company that specialises in providing thermal imaging technology to check for MEP problems.

Often, problems are difficult to spot with the naked eye and this, claimed Fryer, is where thermal imaging has advantages.

“The cabling can look fine but then we’ll notice that it’s running much hotter than it should be and there’s actually a fire risk. Short circuiting is the reason for many fires and, as we saw recently in Sharjah, the results can be disastrous.”

Source: www.constructionweekonline.com

BMW Thermal Imaging System

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:41:00 +0000

BMW packed the new 7-Series sedan with optional gadgets ranging from radar-assisted cruise control to blind spot detection. There’s even a heads-up display. Pick all the high-tech options and you’ll add $26,000 to the car’s already hefty price tag. But the coolest feature is the new Thermal Imaging system that likens a twilight drive to a Special Forces recon mission.

The Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection system significantly advances the first-gen system found in the last 7-series by adding people-spotting technology that distinguishes between animals and humans. The system was developed by the Swedish firm Autoliv Electronics. It is the latest evolution of technology that Lexus and Mercedes-Benz also have offered since Cadillac brought it to the automotive sector in the 2000 Deville sedan.

Since then, thermal imaging has made way for far- and near-infrared cameras that detect even the smallest changes in temperature. BMW’s passive system uses far-infrared technology to scan for heat, whereas Mercedes’ near-infrared system illuminates the road with projected infrared light. The BMW system stands apart for its extreme depth, clarity in rain and ability to minimize extraneous information. Despite the added safety such systems offer, Cadillac and Lexus dropped them because few people bought them. But BMW, like Mercedes, still sees a market for it.

The system does a great job of helping you see in the dark, but it is not without flaws.

BMW isn’t suggesting drivers switch off their headlights. The $2,600 option compliments the 7-Series’ adaptive headlights, which follow your steering inputs to help you see around that turn. The system provides a crisp, clear picture of 1,000 feet of pavement ahead of you, a distance Autoliv says is twice the range of the headlights. That can mean the difference between avoiding that deer and totaling your $110,000 Beemer.

“The new system is like an extra set of eyes — a very complex processing unit is constantly monitoring video of the road ahead,” says Stuart Klapper, night vision business director at Autoliv.

bmw_night_vision_02A silver dollar-size far-infrared camera in the grille detects the temperature of everything ahead. A computer converts the data into an image (shown at right) that appears on the dashboard’s i-Drive navigation display. Warmer objects like a pedestrian or moose are white, while cooler objects like a parked car are black. The pedestrian-detection feature kicks in when the car exceeds 25 mph, scanning the road 10 to 100 yards ahead of you. Pedestrians appear with a yellow tint, helping you figure out if that dark shape is a kid on a bike or a dog in the road. The system also monitors your speed and trajectory to warn you if you’re on a collision course.

BMW designed the system to account for country and city driving conditions. When driving at slower speeds in the city, where higher pedestrian traffic is expected, the system monitors a smaller area ahead of you so it isn’t warning you about the drunk staggering across the street three blocks ahead.

We tested the system during a weekend in Manhattan and the Berkshire Mountains, about 150 miles from the Big Apple. We did more than 500 miles behind the heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel of the big Beemer and have mixed feelings about the system’s execution.

The system is remarkable for the crisp, clear picture that it projects. It’s like watching a black and white movie on a nice TV. The more time you spend with it, the more you appreciate how well it highlights everything from a couple walking down the street to an oncoming car. Things you couldn’t see through the windshield appear clearly and vibrantly on the screen. This was particularly helpful driving a tight country road. A motorist had pulled over on the side of the road and, thanks to the bright image on the screen, was easily spotted. That might have prevented an accident.

That said, the system provided a few false warnings on the run from Sandisfield, Massachusetts, to Becket on Route 8, a winding road with plenty of tight turns and blind corners. It’s exactly the kind of road where you’d want the system to work flawlessly, yet it continued to warn of dangers that weren’t there. We suspect that, as the car rounded a corner and its nose pointed ever-so-briefly away from the road, the sensors detected something at the side of the road.

“It is possible that an animal or another warm object may have triggered the alert. In the 7-series, a false warning can occur,” Klapper says. “In the new 5-series, we have fine-tuned the warning algorithms to eliminate most false warnings.”

That’s all well and good, but the one time a deer did cross our path, there was no warning because we weren’t going fast enough to activate the pedestrian/animal warning. But we did find that the system is far more effective — and useful — in the city.

The biggest problem is that you have to take your eyes off the road to use it. You have to wonder why the display wasn’t mounted closer to the driver’s line of sight as it is in Mercedes S-Class models with Night View Assist Plus. Klapper says BMW wanted to take advantage of its high-resolution iDrive navigation display. That may be, but it detracts from any safety advantage the system might provide.

BMW’s done a good job advancing in-car night vision, but it remains to be seen whether consumers will embrace it with the same fervor as navigation systems and voice-activated controls. The technology’s future isn’t as clear as the image on the screen in the car.

Source: www.wired.com

FLIR releases new PTZ network thermal imaging cameras

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:38:00 +0000

F-Series thermal camera
FLIR Systems, Inc. – the world’s leading manufacturer of thermal security cameras – announced the release of a new suite of fixed, pan/tilt, and dome cameras to their popular line of industry-leading thermal security products.

The new F-Series, PT-Series, and D-Series of thermal security cameras are all fully network enabled and offer a variety of configuration options, including flexible daylight/lowlight cameras for new levels of multi-sensor performance and high-resolution 640 × 480 thermal imaging cameras that provide four-times the image clarity and longer threat detection range performance than standard resolution cameras.

FLIR’s new F-, PT-, and D-Series thermal security cameras deliver true 24/7 video security coverage over IP networks, and include a built-in web interface that enables comprehensive system setup and configuration capability.

PT-Series thermal camera

All F-, PT-, and D-Series thermal security cameras are designed for simple installation and integration. Based on open IP network standards these thermal cameras are available with dual channels of streaming digital video in H.264, MPEG-4, or MJPEG formats, allowing users to mix and match formats to meet various viewing and recording requirements.

“FLIR is proud to continue supporting the security industry with three new lines of thermal security cameras,” said Earl Lewis, CEO of FLIR Systems.

“The D-Series is particularly exciting,” continued Lewis. “It is the industry’s first line of cameras to package high-quality thermal security cameras and daylight/lowlight cameras together in a robust, network-enabled dome configuration.”

D-Series thermal camera

Breast Thermography

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 09:04:00 +0000

Nancy Gardner, PhD offers free breast health presentations locally and world-wide teaching people how to prevent breast cancer.

Nancy, a pioneer in the field of Breast Cancer Prevention and Thermography, says there is much to be done to prevent this life threatening disease. Information is key.

Dr. Gardner has created a presentation that is comprehensive, entertaining and creates a real bond amongst the women participants making it truly a healing experience. Her PhD in Clinical Research and a Masters degree in nutrition plus her devotion to empowering women with education helps all to be better able to make intelligent decisions about their health.

"Knowledge is power" according to Nancy and she reminds us that no one can make a good decision while being fearful. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month during which Dr. Gardner will be offering her free presentation in numerous locations just visit her website at www.healthybreasts.info and look under for a location near you, and tell your friends.

She also offers Breast Thermography Screening in clinics around the Bay Area. Thermography as a breast screening tool can see changes in the breast years before breast cancer has developed. This gives us plenty of time the work with address the patient’s health by decreasing their stress factors and building their immune system. Dr. Gardner has published and presented case studies that prove to reverse early signs of breast disease in 80% of her patients in 3 to 6 months. She also offers FREE phone consultations for any women with breast cancer or concerns about a suspicious breast screening at her clinic in San Rafael called the Optimum Health Clinic.

For more info: call 866-766-2468 or visit their website at: www.OptimumHealthClinic.info

Thermal Imaging

Thermal Imaging Cameras Target Fire Ants

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 09:03:00 +0000

For eight years authorities in Queensland, Australia have been desperately trying to eradicate the South American red fire ant. Now they're turning to thermal imaging to wipe them out.
Thermal Imaging UK

US Thermal Camera Smugglers Jailed

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 07:38:00 +0000

LOS ANGELES - A US judge has sentenced two Chinese nationals and a Chinese-American to up to five years in jail in two separate cases involving the export of sensitive technology to China, officials said.

William Chi-Wai Tsu, a 61-year-old Chinese American who was formerly the vice-president of a California trading firm, was handed a 40-month sentence by the judge in California.

He had been found guilty of seeking to export thumbnail-sized devices that can be used in high-tech communication and military radar systems, according to a statement from the US justice department.

In a separate case, 53-year-old Tah Wei Chao of Beijing, pleaded guilty to, 'attempting to smuggle 10 highly sensitive and advanced thermal-imaging cameras to China', and was ordered to serve 20 months.

'Chao's co-defendant Zhi Yong Guo, 50, also of Beijing, was sentenced on July 27 to five years in federal prison for his involvement in the thermal-imaging cameras scheme,' the justice department statement said.

The cameras, each worth US$5,000 (S$7,165), were found hidden in the pair's luggage as they attempted to leave Los Angeles airport in April 2008.

The justice department said the cameras, which were contained in small cubes, were so sensitive they could pick up heat sources 'not visible to the naked human eye' as well as heat residues after the source has moved.

Source www.straitstimes.com

Thermal Imaging

Thermal Imaging Camera is pocket-sized and portable.

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 07:25:00 +0000

LumaSense Technologies, a leading provider of infrared thermography and non-contact temperature and gas sensing solutions, today announced the release of its new Mikron MikroSHOT(TM)-B thermal imaging camera.

The MikroSHOT-B is the latest offering from LumaSense Technologies' Mikron Infrared thermal imaging product line. By reducing the temperature range and doubling the sensitivity, Mikron has created the perfect infrared camera for weatherization professionals.

The easy-to-use and fully radiometric thermal imaging camera has the key features and versatility to fit a wide variety of building inspection applications. The MikroSHOT-B offers affordable pocket-sized portability with capabilities normally found in larger, more expensive thermal imagers including measuring range of -4°F to 212°F (-20°C to 100°C), operating temperature range of 5°F to 122°F (-15°C to 50°C) and color alarm. Both infrared and visible images are taken with one click.

"The MikroSHOT-B is a camera is designed specifically for weatherization professionals. Its small size and unique features will benefit any thermographer in the field", comments Brett Sargent, General Manager, Thermal Imaging. "The MikroSHOT-B allows for radiometric data to be displayed and stored directly on the visual image, stores images in JPEG formats and is compatible with Mikron Infrared's suite of powerful software products. No camera on the market can fit in your pocket, be operated with one hand and comes with so many features at a great low price. The MikroSHOT-B will bring the benefits of thermal imaging to existing applications and a whole new set of applications."

The MikroSHOT series of thermal imaging cameras offer the innovative Thermal-on-Visible mode allowing for radiometric temperature data to be displayed directly on the visible image. The lightweight (10.5 ounces) camera uses off-the-shelf AA rechargeable batteries (AC adapter also included) so it can go anywhere you go. Its large 2.7-inch display and 160x120 pixel image resolution allow easy viewing of your images. The SD card, USB and video output capability allow for convenient, quick analysis of the JPEG-format data on a laptop or other mobile device using common software. MikroSpec(TM) 4.0 software is included for image analysis and reporting.

About LumaSense Technologies(TM)
LumaSense Technologies is a global leader in providing temperature and gas sensing solutions to industrial, energy, medical and clean technology markets. We design and manufacture sensors for end-user and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) applications. LumaSense has proven expertise in developing state of the art infrared and fiber optic temperature sensors, radiometric thermal imagers, and gas analyzers. A common theme in our sensors is the use of infrared (IR) light to provide robust, accurate sensors for demanding environments, applications and customers. With Worldwide offices located in Asia, Europe and the Americas, LumaSense Technologies is backed by Oak Investment Partners, a leading multi-stage venture capital firm with a 28-year history and Element Ventures, a leading venture capital investor in clean technology
www.lumasenseinc.com
Infrared Thermal Imaging

Thermal Imaging UAVs Hunting Pythons in the Everglades

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 07:22:00 +0000

For years, Burmese pythons have invaded Florida's Everglades National Park, preying on indigenous species. Tracking them down has proven time consuming and difficult, so Park wardens have begun testing a new hunting method imported straight from the front lines of the War on Terror: unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and thermal imaging technology.

David Hallac of The National Park Service already uses manned, fixed-wing aircraft to search the Everglades for birds, and he said moving to UAVs to cut down on costs is the natural next step.

Additionally, recent tests by the scientists at the University of Florida have shown that thermal imaging can detect the snakes, even though their cold-blooded bodies reflect the heat of their environment.

According to Frank Mazzotti, an Associate Professor of Wildlife Ecology at the University of Florida and one of the scientists who hunts for the pythons, the snakes regulate the temperature of their nests in a way that makes them easily visible through thermal imaging.

Despite being cold blooded, the pythons keep their nests cool in the heat, and shiver to warm up the nests when it gets too cold, providing a heat contrast to the surrounding environment.

"Whether its really hot or really cold, the nest stands out on the thermal imager," said Mazzotti. "Someone using that to find python nests might be the best move, because by going for the nests, you target the population."

Interestingly, while both the UAV and the thermal imaging search programs are moving a head at a rapid pace, there are currently no plans to combine the two technologies and put thermal imaging cameras on the UAVs. However, that doesn't mean the natural pairing of heat sensors and UAVs won't occur sooner rather than later.

"We haven't tested either, and I'm not wise enough to have a clever phrase about trying out two untested technologies together," said Mazzotti, "but I think down the road they're gonna get coupled."

Infrared Thermal Imaging

New FLIR H-Series Hand Held Law Enforcement Thermal Imager

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:10:00 +0000

FLIR Systems' Commercial Vision Systems Division announced today the launch of its new H-Series line of hand-held law enforcement thermal imaging cameras. Purpose-built for the law enforcement community, H-Series cameras feature several powerful new tactical features and four times the resolution of competing systems.

H-Series thermal cameras let users see things other technologies miss. With prices starting at $4,999, law enforcement agencies can afford to equip every officer with the powerful tactical advantages that H-Series thermal cameras provide compared to legacy night vision devices. H-Series development capitalized on FLIR's recently introduced Tau™ thermal camera core which is lower cost, lighter weight, smaller, and uses less power than any previous camera core.

FLIR has long been a pioneer in law enforcement thermal imaging, and -- with 860,000 law enforcement officers in the U.S. alone, the feature rich H-Series is positioned to expand this vital market.

"The H-Series is an outstanding example of FLIR's ongoing strategy to expand new markets for thermal imaging by reducing costs and offering innovative new products through broad distribution channels. FLIR revolutionized airborne law enforcement operations 30 years ago, and today we are bringing the same capability to the officers on the ground," stated Earl Lewis, President and CEO of FLIR Systems.

About FLIR Systems

FLIR Systems, Inc. is a world leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of Thermal Imaging and stabilized camera systems for a wide variety of thermography and imaging applications including condition monitoring, research and development, manufacturing process control, airborne observation and broadcast, search and rescue, drug interdiction, surveillance and reconnaissance, navigation safety, border and maritime patrol, environmental monitoring and ground-based security. Visit the Company's web site at www.FLIR.com.

Thermal Imaging

Thermal Imaging in the Afghanistan darkness

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Defence analyst Dr Graham Cushway examines the return of the sniper amid the growing intensity of counter insurgency operations in Afghanistan, and the new developments in Sniper Thermal Imaging Capability for night conditions.

The British armed forces have long had an ambiguous attitude to sniping. Despite repeated demonstrations of the value of snipers, in Northern Ireland, the Falklands and the Gulf War, British sniper development has been hindered by a perceived moral ambiguity. The demands of recent operations and changing political perceptions have led the MoD to re-appraise the role of snipers in the British armed forces. In both Iraq and Afghanistan, two-man sniper teams have proved capable of engaging targets at extreme range, allowing British forces to avoid costly engagements in complex urban environments or heavy vegetation. The rocky, dusty terrain with little cover common to both theatres also lends itself to sniper warfare. Politically, snipers have also found favour due to their ability to eliminate specific targets with more certainty than airstrikes and without causing collateral damage. Once stigmatised for their apparent willingness to kill in cold blood, the role of snipers has been re-appraised and they are now accorded enough prestige to feature in a recent episode of Top Gear.

Despite the Labour government's addiction to illogical defence cuts, operational demands have led to windfalls in terms of infantry equipment, via the Urgent Operational Requirements (UOR) programme. In 2008, the MoD announced that one project financed under UOR would be an £11m Sniper System Improvement Program (SSIP). 580 L115A3 rifles from Accuracy International were introduced in 2008 as replacements for the older L96 rifle from the same source. The new rifles have improved stopping power, firing a heavier 8.93mm round, and extending the sniper's effective range from 1,000 to 1,500m. Other features include a suppressor to lessen the chance of detection and an improved daylight scope, which compensates for heat haze and has double the magnification.

However, another lesson drawn from recent operations in Afghanistan is the importance of night vision equipment, which allows a crucial battlefield edge over the night-blind Taliban and allows coalition forces to launch night operations with little chance of disruption. VIPIR night vision sets had already been in use in Afghanistan for some years and an improved night-scope was expected as part of the SSIP program, known as the Sniper Thermal Imaging Capability (STIC). In response, the MoD opted to purchase an improved sight from VIPIR's originators in April 2008.

As a result, the SVIPR2+ suite was developed, which incorporates a thermal sniper sight, a spotter's site and a weapon integration kit. Unlike most night vision sights, SVIPR2+ is designed to operate in total darkness, rather than in conditions where there is some ambient light from star or moonlight. This is an improvement over systems such as the Head Mounted Night Vision System (HMNVS) already in use, which have proved incapable of operating in conditions with too little ambient light. SVIPR2+ sniper teams should remain capable in heavy cloud or dust cover. While snipers using SVIPR2+ may not be able to reach quite the range achievable with the day sight, the system does allow the detection and engagement of targets at 1,200m by night.

SVIPR2+ is also fairly light at 1kg, and is small compared to some of the immediate competition, such as SAGEM's enormous Lunette FRF2, currently in service with the French army. It is also lighter than the older German AIM HuntIR TI and SIMRAD's KN200, which has found favour with the Norwegian army and US Special Forces. The system does have a deficiency in terms of power consumption. SVIPR2+ requires four AA batteries, which is poor compared to its competitors. These also only power the scope for six hours, while other scopes allow 60 or 70 hours' usage before a battery change is needed. This high rate of expenditure is likely to lead to plenty of scrabbling for spare batteries. However, SVIPR2+ should prove a capable tool, allowing British sniper teams to operate almost completely unhindered by night conditions for the first time.

Thermal Imaging

Thermal Imaging and Lubrication Keeps Your Equipment Running Economically and Efficiently

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 08:53:00 +0000

Background

In the midst of the current economic turmoil, it’s not surprising that company boardrooms around the world are operating under the ‘Cash is King’ mantra. Efficiency and productivity are high on their agenda as a result. Now more than ever plant managers are looking for ways to improve equipment reliability, optimize maintenance, and reduce energy consumption. Often they are doing so by challenging the status quo and experimenting with new ideas. Re-training their staff to use effective lubrication techniques is proving another approach to the need for efficiency.

The Lubrication Six “R”s

Using a superior lubricant will not prevent lubrication problems, nor will upgrading to new and improved equipment. The Molykote® brand lubricant team encourages plants to consider the 6 “R’s” when selecting a lubricant team to accomplish maintenance and lubrication goals.

Right People

There are two groups of people critical to the lubricant team:

* The employees implementing the plan and
* The lubricant supplier team that ensures proper training and brings outside expertise.

There are many lubricant logistics suppliers, but few lubrication experts. A good lubricant supplier provides the expertise, training and tools you need to properly maintain your production line. They should also offer a comprehensive product line that fills all your lubrication needs. Plant managers should expect a comprehensive suite of services from their supplier to facilitate lubrication management. If your supplier does not offer products and services tailored to help you achieve best in class lubrication and maintenance practices, find one that does.

Right Time

The old standard most plants use for lubrication intervals is time-based. Today’s plants use a mixture of new oils and greases, making dependence on time alone unreliable.

Let condition monitoring be your guide. There are many condition monitoring methods designed to optimize maintenance, such as oil analysis. Condition monitoring methods help optimize performance and minimize maintenance costs. They also help maximize equipment uptime and subsequent production capacity by aligning maintenance activities to reduce the impact to production demands.

Right Place

Site-specific applications impose their own requirements. For example, food processing equipment subject to daily wash downs requires gearbox and conveyor chain lubricants that resist emulsification. Knowledgeable lubricant suppliers understand such applications and know the right lubricants to use at the right place and time. Their expertise helps maintenance professionals avoid mistakes in lubricant selection and application that can shorten equipment life and unexpectedly halt production.

Right Quantity

Plants need to determine how much lubricant is needed and be sure that lubrication best practices are properly implemented. Dedicated lubrication management software is a powerful tool to schedule, supervise, and record a consolidated lubrication program. It complements oil analysis by collecting trend data and developing responsive lubrication schedules. A typical large plant requires the plant lubrication team to track a complex schedule of lubricants and applications. Tracking usage can be an important indicator of developing problems or misunderstanding of lubrication procedures.

Right Product

Suppliers best equipped to meet requirements for diverse lubricating solutions are those offering a complete line of industrial lubricants, not just a “wide range” of products. The full-line supplier must also be able to draw on functional additive technologies including anti-oxidant, anti-wear and extreme temperature additives.

Right Method

A thorough oil analysis program can track critical wear-related characteristics of oil in service by comparing the results with previous reports and noting the trends. This helps identify contamination, lubricant degradation, abnormal machine wear and problems with sampling. It can also incorporate activities such as vibration analysis, infrared Thermal Imaging and ultrasonic monitoring to transform a lubrication program from time-based to condition-based, eliminating unnecessary changes.

The Right Track

Many lubrication suppliers have begun to offer tools to help customers understand savings potential. For example, the Molykote® Energy Saving Calculator was created to help plant managers understand potential energy and emissions savings through proper lubrication techniques. This calculator, which can be found at www.molykote.com, allows the user to adjust different entry options, power values and costs in order to simulate plant operation conditions.
Summary

Discovering where plants can be more efficient plays a great role in a successful lubrication system. Molykote® lubrication suppliers and other high-quality lubrication suppliers work with their clients to analyze troublesome pieces of equipment while looking for improvement areas which can lead to savings. With an effective lubrication system, plant managers can achieve longer machinery life and reduce down-time between planned maintenance to improve production performance and bottom-line profitability.

Source -Molykote® brand lubricants from Dow Corning
Author - Chad Chichester, pplication Engineering and Technical Service

For more information on nthis source, please visit Dow Corning

Thermal Surveys

Detecting Moisture Intrusion With Thermal Imaging

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:28:00 +0000

What is the difference between Moisture Intrusion and Water Damage?

Many homes and buildings have moisture intrusion problems for a long time without knowing it. Once a moisture problem is noticeable to the naked eye it has become water damage and can be expensive to repair.

Unseen leaks can hide behind ceilings, walls or flooring for some time before becoming visible on the interior surface. These moisture Intrusions are developing mold, rotting framing members and generally degrading the building materials long before they are visible on the outer surface.

A drywall ceiling or wall can hide moisture for a very long time before showing through to the finished surface as a stain or eventually collapsing. In the meantime the insulation is losing its R value and potentially growing fungus in the paper backing. The drywall is degrading, losing strength and also growing fungus. Framing members will degrade much more slowly but can also fail and will grow fungus. The electric wiring and fixtures can develop even more serious problems and cause immediate danger by shorting out or starting a fire. In some flooring materials moisture intrusions will usually show up sooner as we will notice a musty smell from carpeting or see warping of hardwood floors. Vinyl and tile floors can hide moisture problems longer, like the wall and ceiling surfaces.

Infrared thermal imaging can locate Moisture Intrusion problems behind the surface without destructive testing. A Infrared camera can "see" the thermal signature of water and damaged insulation areas through the walls and ceilings. A Trained Certified Thermographer can determine problem areas in most building materials and locate the source of the problem so that it can be prevented from recurring and properly repaired.

Thermal scanning can also be invaluable in determining the success of repair and dry out procedures. We can make sure all moisture was eliminated and insulation was replaced even after the repairs are completed.

Don't let hidden moisture become a mold or major water damage repair!

Copyright - American Infrared Consultants, LLC - All Rights Reserved

source : americaninfraredconsultants.com

Infrared Thermal Imaging

Infrared Thermal Billboard in Belgium

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:02:00 +0000

Belgium's first green power supplier Electrabel has installed the 'worlds hottest billboard' at Brussels airport. Thermal imaging cameras film passing travellers and their energy is directly shown on 42 lcd screens.

We think its using thermal imaging to check for H1N1 swine flu

Infrared Thermal Imaging

Infrared Imaging System To Detect Whales

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:25:00 +0000

A new measurement system for the detection of whales is used for the first time on board of the research vessel Polarstern. Whales are usually difficult to spot. On the one hand, they spend the greater part of their life under water. On the other hand, only a small part of their body can be seen when they surface, and this can even hardly be distinguished from the surrounding water. Visual sightings by marine mammal observers are therefore usually based on observations of the spout, the condensing and quite warm breathing cloud. It rises, depending on the whale species and wind conditions, between one metre and ten metres over the water surface and remains visible for only a few seconds. A thermal imaging camera specifically optimized for this purpose now uses the heat of this spout. It is employed for the first time during the current expedition of RV Polarstern.

The underlying measurement method, infrared thermography, registers both at day and night the heat radiation originating from each body. It depicts it on a computer screen as a black and white picture, thus making it visible for humans: the brighter a spot, the warmer it is. The warm spout of a whale clearly stands out against the background of the cold North Atlantic or Antarctic waters.

Infrared thermography is already in use with great success, for example to examine the heat insulation of buildings. However, the ship-based detection of whales on sea presents new challenges: the camera must have "all-round visibility", it is subject to the constant movement of the ship and the spout is only briefly visible, possibly at a great distance. This poses high demands on the camera's optics: similar to animal photography, highest resolution telephoto lenses are necessary. When mounted to the ship, however, the camera would, due to the ship's motion, only point into the sky for much of the time.

A new thermal imager developed by Rheinmetall Defence Electronics, Bremen, Germany overcomes these challenges. The system, called FIRST Navy, was installed during Polarstern's last port call on a highly stabilized platform in the ship's crow's nest at a height of about 28 metres. The system generates five thermographic all-round images per second with a resolution of 7200 x 563 pixels of about 4 megapixels each. The stabilization compensates the ship's movements with the effect that the upper edge of the image is always aligned with the horizon and the surrounding water surface does not move out of the picture. The system produces about a terabyte of data each day.

Researchers from the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research in the Helmholtz Association currently develop software to evaluate this data volume automatically. "We are very happy that the hardware of the system works successfully on board of Polarstern. The software is designed to search the stream of pictures for whale spout", explains Dr. Olaf Boebel, head of the research group Oceanic Acoustics at the Alfred Wegener Institute. He is in charge of the research project MAPS (Marine Mammal Perimeter Surveillance) which runs since early 2009. The aim is to transmit direction and distance of a whale sighting together with the respective video sequences to the ship's command in real-time. Ships equipped with such a system can, for the protection of the whales, respond by evasive manoeuvres or interrupt seismic measurements, as appropriate. Furthermore, the system can directly support
research projects concerning whale population in the scarcely researched Antarctic regions. Further application possibilities regarding ship security (evasion of collisions with growlers) and sea ice research (ice coverage at small-scales) are important, not least with regard to the diminishing Arctic ice cover.

Source www.underwatertimes.com

Infrared Thermal Imaging