Radiation monitoring system for containers, livestock, and foodstuff

Radiation monitoring systems for crates and containers, and small volumes of foodstuff and tobacco, and whole body animal monitoring system for measuring the radiation contamination levels of containers, foodstuff, tobacco or animals and in the case of animals particularly, livestock utilized for meat consumption. The containers or animals are weighed, identified and then directed through a specially constructed shielded holding area, wherein multiple radiation detectors measure the radiation level for the containers or animal in the pen. A microprocessor analyzes the data information and provides a respective output for each container or animal which in turn is compared with predetermined standards and input information. The particular reading per container or each animal monitored actuates controls to segregate the containers or animals by those having acceptable and non-acceptable levels of radiation. The non-acceptable segregated containers or animals are specially held for evacuation and for disposal. In case of small volumes of grocery, a small scale radiation monitoring system provides the user indication of fitness of the product for human consumption.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to the field of radiation detection of live 
animals, foodstuff, goods for human consumption, containers, and crates 
for the purpose of segregating them based upon radioactivity present 
therein. 
2. The Prior Art 
Contamination by various forms of radiation is known to affect the 
environment, including the soil, bodies of water, and the atmosphere. Such 
contamination has various causes, such as natural radiation, nuclear 
accidents, and nuclear tests. Additionally, radioactive waste materials 
may leak into the air, the water, and the soil through various pathways. 
Such radioactive contamination affects animals which graze upon plants 
growing in fields, with radioactivity from such plants being taken up by 
the animals. Such grazing animals can absorb radiation through various 
additional pathways, such as by the drinking water used, and by fallout of 
radioactive particles landing directly upon the animals, for example. 
It has been determined that such grazing livestock can absorb levels of 
radiation which would render the meat from the animal unfit to meet 
governmental regulations for the limits for safe consumption. 
Livestock is shipped all over the world, so that animals in an area 
affected by radiation contamination, may be introduced into various 
countries or states which are relatively unaffected by such contamination. 
Accordingly, various governmental entities exist which may test such 
livestock for radiation contamination. 
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a system for detecting 
radiation levels in individual animals, and for segregating the animals 
based upon their radiation content. There is furthermore a need for a 
system for determining the radiation concentration in livestock, that is, 
a system which determines the amount of radiation per pound of a given 
animal, and for segregating same based upon predetermined limits. 
Similarly, produce may be radioactively contaminated. Produce is ordinarily 
shipped throughout the world, and various governmental bodies may exist in 
various countries and states, to set safety standards for radiation 
concentration in produce. 
Accordingly, there is a need for a system for screening produce to 
determine radiation concentration therein, that is, to determine the 
radiation concentration of the produce per unit weight, and for 
segregating the produce based upon the levels of radiation concentration 
therein. 
Additionally, crates of various types are used for shipping articles 
throughout the world. There is therefore a need for radiation screening of 
such crates, to sort or segregate such crates based upon the radiation 
concentration therein. 
Furthermore, retail goods for human consumption such as foodstuff including 
produce, milk, milk products, cereals, flour, meats, and meat products; 
beverages including juices carbonated drinks, coffee, tea, etc.; and 
tobacco may be radioactively contaminated. Foodstuff and beverages are 
ordinarily shipped throughout the world frozen, packaged, canned, dried, 
or fresh, and tobacco is supplied in various forms raw, processed, snuff, 
chewing, cigars, cigarettes, etc. and various international bodies and 
local governmental bodies may exist in various countries and states, to 
set safety standards for radiation concentration in each type of product 
for human consumption as it pertains to human intake. However, 
contamination of such retail goods may escape detection at ports of entry 
and be sold in the local markets of various countries, and tobacco 
specially, is frequently contaminated with high levels of radioactive 
material, naturally occurring in soil such as Polonium-210 and Radium-222 
and escapes detection prior to entering the market place. 
Accordingly, there is a need for a small scale radiation monitoring system 
for screening foodstuff, produce, beverages and tobacco by individuals at 
home, restaurants, or local grocery stores to determine, radiation 
concentration therein, that is, to determine the radiation concentration 
of the consumption goods per unit weight, and for visual indication of 
whether or not the goods meet the requirements for human intake or use 
based upon levels of radiation concentration therein and based on degree 
of personal aversion to risk. 
The prior art includes measuring devices and systems for determining 
radioactivity in articles, as well as for systems for sorting articles 
depending on some predetermined characteristic. Examples of such prior art 
are discussed hereunder. 
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,445,615, sorting based on radiation count of a detector 
is adjusted depending upon the presence of adjacent particles. This 
reference acknowledges that the radiation count depends upon a variety of 
unaccounted-for factors including mass of the particles. This reference 
fails to teach accounting for mass of the particles in computing radiation 
concentration, nor does this reference teach sorting particles based upon 
their actual radiation concentration (rather than on the estimated 
concentration). 
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,646,978, a method for sorting radioactive waste is 
taught. Low revel radioactive waste can be sorted; however, there is no 
teaching or suggestion of determining actual radiation concentration of 
individual pieces of waste by weighing thereof, nor does it teach 
performing a computation of radiation concentration based upon actual 
weight of individual pieces. 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,872,306, disclosed separation of potatoes from stones by 
use of a control unit, conveying means, and a radiation detector (which, 
however, detects radiation from a radiation source 22 which generates 
X-rays), and deflecting devices. However, no weighing step is taught, nor 
is a concentration-determining step taught based upon actual weight of 
individual potatoes or stones. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,194,634 teaches an apparatus for sorting radioactive 
material and includes a control unit. The control unit has a cut-off grade 
radiation rate, for determining whether to reject the particle. The 
particles must, however, be closely sized since there is no teaching of 
weighing of individual particles and then computing a radiation 
concentration based upon this weight. 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,828,193 relates to detecting missing or partially-filled 
containers in a sealed shipping carton. U.S. Pat. No. 4,263,098 relates to 
determination of concentration of fats in meat using gamma detectors; 
however, no means for sorting is disclosed. U.S. Pat. No. 4,539,648 
relates to detection of agricultural contraband in baggage, and relates to 
image-formation techniques. U.S. Pat. No. 4,658,142 relates to a 
particular apparatus for detecting radiation in a container; however, no 
sorting or weighing means are taught to base segregation of containers 
based upon their radiation concentration. 
None of the prior art references disclose a process which includes the 
steps of detecting radiation counts from the whole body of a live animal, 
weighing the animal, determining the radiation concentration of the 
animal, and then segregating the livestock based upon their radiation 
concentration; a process which includes the steps of detecting radiation 
from a container, weighing the container, determining the radiation 
concentration of the container, and then segregating the containers based 
upon their radiation concentration; or a process for small scale radiation 
monitoring of human consumption goods which includes the steps of 
detecting radiation from grocery bags, weighing the grocery, determining 
the radiation concentration of foodstuff, beverages or tobacco, and 
indication of the suitability for human use or intake on a radiation level 
meter. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
According to the present invention, a system is shown for detecting 
radiation levels in livestock. In another aspect of the invention, a 
system detects radiation levels in crates and other containers, and 
segregates same according to the predetermined levels of radiation 
concentration therein. In a third aspect of the invention, a small-scale 
system detects radiation levels in grocery bags and similar packages, 
containing foodstuff, beverages, or tobacco, and indicates whether or not 
the goods are fit for human intake. 
The radiation monitoring system of the present invention, for crates and 
large containers, detects traces of radiation contamination in closed 
crates and large containers without need for random sampling of contents. 
The system includes a high voltage supply and accessories, an analyzer, a 
tagging system, a scale, a microprocessor, and a conveyer system. The 
scanning analyzer includes gamma detectors, a shield, a liner, sealed 
watertights and a multi-channel analyzer with associated electronics and 
ancilaries. The inventive process encompasses four steps for each 
container, namely to identify the container, weigh it, measure the 
radiation level, and to segregate containers based on their radiation 
concentration. This purpose is useful in determining fitness of 
consumption of foodstuffs or other use of goods in the container by the 
public at large. 
In a second aspect of the invention, drawn to a whole body radiation 
counter for livestock, there is included a high voltage supply and 
accessories, an analyzer, a tagging system, a scale, a microprocessor, and 
a series of automatically actuated gates, chutes, and holding pens for 
directing the animals and for rapid processing. The scanning analyzer 
includes a shield, a liner, watertight seals, a multi-channel analyzer 
with associated electronics and ancillaries, and gamma radiation 
detectors. The process according to the invention identifies each animal, 
weighs the animal, measures the radiation level, and segregates animals 
based upon the whole body radiation concentrations therein. All of the 
foregoing discussion with respect to the prior art references, can be 
applied here with only minor additional distinctions. Such minor 
additional distinctions are that animals cannot be divided as might a 
container, and that many prior art tests are not suitable for use with 
animals, where such tests involve intense radiation bombardment which 
causes radiation to pass through an animal and to a detector (that is, 
without causing death or illness of the animal). 
In a third aspect of the invention, drawn to radiation monitor for small 
quantities of foodstuff, or tobacco, which are typically used at home, 
there is included a lead box with thick walls for radiation shielding, a 
monitoring cavity to define the area for placing food or tobacco to be 
monitored, made from a low radiation background durable material such as 
stainless steel, detectors, high voltage bias supply, single channel 
analyzer, count rate meter, and amplifier. The process according to the 
invention, measures the radiation level, and provides the homemaker or the 
user with indication of whether or not the product is suitable for human 
intake. The inventive process encompasses two steps for each package or 
grocery bag, namely to identify the radiation level, and to determine the 
safety of consumption of the foodstuff, beverages, produce, or tobacco by 
human. 
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a 
radiation monitoring system for determining radiation concentration in 
livestock, crates, containers, or small quantities of food, beverage or 
tobacco. 
It is another object of the present invention to provide a system for 
determining radiation concentration in livestock, crates, containers, or 
small quantities of goods for human consumption, and for segregating same 
based on the level of radiation concentration detected. 
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system for 
rapidly screening livestock, crates, or other containers to minimize 
storage and holding facilities and to avoid economic penalties for the 
supplier and the receiver from long delays. 
It is still a further object of the present invention to enable individuals 
to screen goods for individual consumption to determine the fitness of 
same for human intake based on radiation level. 
It is still a further object of the present invention to process the 
livestock, crates, or other containers in confined space and 
radiation-shielded chambers to prevent the exposure of the system 
operators. 
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a system 
for automatically handling livestock, crates, or other containers 
including automated data handling equipment for identifying individual 
ones of the livestock, crates, or other containers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
The schematic diagram shown in FIG. 1 illustrates schematically main 
process steps and equipment according to the present invention. Livestock 
animals are provided either from a receiving pen 2 or a truck via a ramp 
1, to a crowding chute 3. Animals are separately weighed at a scale 4 with 
doors 101 and 102 being selectively openable and closeable to isolate an 
individual animal upon the scale 4. 
The weight of the individual animal is supplied to an analysis facility 6, 
for further processing. The individual animals are then sequentially moved 
to an animal whole body analyzer 5, and the animal can be isolated there 
by selective opening and closing of doors 103 and 104. The analyzer 5 
includes a radiation detector for detecting a radiation level in the 
animal. The radiation level is then supplied to the analysis facility 6, 
wherein a radiation concentration is determined for each animal. 
The radiation concentration is determined as the total radiation detected 
divided by the weight of the animal itself. Thus, a radiation 
concentration can be determined in units of radiation per gram of animal 
tested. A predetermined standard of an unacceptably high radiation 
concentration is provided for the analysis facility 6, so that cutting 
gates 7 can be selectively actuated by signals supplied from the analysis 
facility 6 to determine whether an individual animal is supplied to an 
area 9 for "accepted" animals and also, to, an area 10 for "rejected" 
animals, or to an area 8 for "suspected" animals. 
Animals supplied to the area 8 for "suspected" animals are to be further 
tested, possibly using substantially longer radiation detection times than 
that originally used in the analyzer 5. Such longer detection times would 
be employed for animals falling at or near the predetermined cutoff 
concentration for unacceptably high concentrations. 
The animal processing system is designed in a manner that allows high 
throughput in the monitoring area. A scale 4 is provided to determine the 
weight of each animal. The analyzer 5 includes mainly gamma detectors, a 
shield and a multi-channel analyzer (MCA). 
FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating a receiving area 90, an analyzing 
area generally indicated by block 91, and a released animal holding pen 
92. The analyzer area generally includes an air lock, processing area, a 
holding pen, a computer area, an operator area, an analyzer area including 
the scale 4 and the analyzer 5, a contaminated animal storage area and an 
output airlock. This figure merely illustrates one of many possible 
alternative arrangements of the system which includes the functional units 
described above. FIGS. 3, 5, and 6 illustrate, respectively, a perspective 
view, a side view and an end view of an analyzer shield 20 according to 
the present invention. The shield 20 has a first opening 21 and a second 
opening 22 therein. The analyzer shield surrounds the squeeze shoot (or 
crowding shoot) 3 to confine an animal within an area of approximately 1 
meter by 2 meters for detector efficiency, while the animal's radiation is 
counted, the shield 20 is preferably composed of 10 centimeters thick 
steel plate weighing approximately 53,600 pounds. The interior of the 
shield 20 is preferably lined with a stainless steel sheet material sealed 
to the walls to provide a waterproof barrier for protection of the 
detectors from the debris caused by the animals movements and the animal's 
activity within the counting area. 
A floor plan of the disposition of the radiation detectors and shields is 
illustrated in FIG. 4. Here, the shield 20 is seen generally in section 
view with a plurality of radiation detectors 21 disposed in pairs on 
opposite sides of the shield 20, at a total of eight locations therein. 
Disposed between adjacent pairs of detectors are a plurality of radiation 
shields 22 for detection accuracy. A pair of stainless steel covers 23, 23 
are illustrated in dotted outline in FIG. 4 for protecting the radiation 
detectors 21 from moisture and from activity of the animals as discussed 
above. 
FIG. 5 as discussed above, includes a schematic illustration of the 
radiation detectors 21 in the shield 20, with the shield 20 being broken 
away and the detectors 21 being schematically indicated. FIG. 7 
illustrates the analyzer configuration according to the present invention, 
schematically illustrating the shield 20 and detectors 21 therein, with 
the information flow path from the detectors 21 to a multi-channel 
analyzer 40. The multi-channel analyzer 40 supplies signals to a 
microprocessor 41. The microprocessor 41 receives signals from the scale 4 
as well, and supplies an output signal to a data base 42. The 
microprocessor 41 determines, as schematically indicated at 43, whether 
the radiation level (that is, the radiation detected divided by the weight 
of the animal) exceeds a predetermined level. This predetermined level 
determines whether the animal is "contaminated" or not by the safety 
standards chosen by the user, or else as determined by a governmental 
body. If the animal is contaminated, an alarm can be made to sound, and if 
the animal is not contaminated, it can be released. The microprocessor 41 
also supplies an output signal to a printer in a preferred embodiment, 
although such printer can be omitted if necessary. 
FIG. 8 shows a detailed perspective view of gamma detectors 21 which are 
Nal(Tl) logs with 3 inch phototube voltage dividers and preamps. A power 
supply 51 supplies the detectors 21, the amplifier 52 receives signals 
from the detectors and supplies them to a system control 53. The 
controller 53 in turn supplies signals to the printer 44, the analyzer 40, 
and to a computer interface 54. The interface 54 then supplies signals to 
the microcomputer 41. 
FIG. 9 illustrates various operations, and the general preferred time 
periods involved, according to the present invention. In a first step, an 
animal is tagged as indicated at 110, an operation taking approximately 1 
minute. The tag identification number is read, preferably by a bar code 
scanner or the like, and this information is then supplied to the 
microprocessor 41. Similarly, output signals from the scale are supplied 
to the microprocessor 41, an operation taking approximately 1 minute. The 
radiation analyzer is operated as indicated at 112. The analyzer is 
operated for preferably two to three minutes, and this signal is then 
supplied to the microprocessor 41. A scanner 130 can be used in 
conjunction with each of the operations 110, 111, and 112, and preferably 
has a data well including a charger, which communicates with the 
microprocessor 41. 
FIG. 10 illustrates output data highways of the monitoring system according 
to the present invention, including a "green" step 113 which releases the 
animal at step 114 when the concentration is below the cutoff level. The 
"amber" condition is indicated at step 115, and causes a temporary hold 
step 116 to occur when the concentration is still within a permissible 
level but is relatively high. This leads to further analysis at step 117 
to determine whether to reject the animal or not. The "red" step 118 
triggers a rejection of the animal at step 119 when the concentration of 
radiation is above a permissible level. These conditions are signaled to 
the microprocessor 41, which in turn communicates with the printer 44, a 
CRT display 45 or a plotter 46. 
FIG. 11 illustrates processing facilities of the microprocessor in a 
preferred embodiment of the present invention. The facilities are labeled 
in boxes, and illustrate the required stored data on hard or floppy disks, 
analysis routines, and display routines. 
FIG. 12 schematically illustrates an indicators flow chart of the system 
according to the present invention. The radiation concentration is 
determined and supplied as a signal at step 160 to either the CRT 45 or to 
a signal generator 161. The light colors shown in this figure are in 
correspondence with that shown in FIG. 10. 
FIG. 13 illustrates process steps carried out on animals, in accordance 
with the present invention. The steps are substantially as described 
hereinabove. 
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an optical bar code scanner for use in 
the present invention. Such scanners are conventional, and any type of bar 
code or other information scanner is usable in conjunction with the 
present invention. 
FIG. 15 illustrates data processing logic used in the present invention. 
Here, an isotope library 170 is provided, as are animal data at 171. 
Radiation data is supplied at step 172. 
FIG. 16 illustrates schematically energy calibration of the gamma detectors 
21 for the system according to the present invention. The detectors 
preferably are calibrated according to three distinct gamma ray energies 
for analysis thereof. The analysis is preferably by a curve fit, and is to 
determine the energy of the rays versus the peak location as well as the 
energy of the rays and the widths of the spectral peaks. 
FIG. 17 similarly illustrates frequency calibration of the gamma ray 
detectors 21. Such calibration of detectors is otherwise known in the 
radiation detection art and need not be further illustrated herein. 
FIG. 18 illustrates a tagging system and bar code use for the livestock 
monitoring system according to the present invention. 
FIG. 19 illustrates an alternative tagging system and bar code use. It is 
contemplated that other tagging systems and automatic readers of codes, 
including codes other than bar codes, could be used with the present 
invention, and all such alternative systems are contemplated as being 
usable with the present invention. 
FIG. 20 indicates animal flow in the system according to the present 
invention, showing animal information flow paths for animals 1-4. 
FIG. 21 illustrates a radiation surveillance flow chart included detailed 
operation steps for the detectors according to the present invention. 
The livestock whole body radiation monitor of the present invention is 
designed to detect any traces of radiation contamination in live animals 
due to contaminated feed or any other radiation pathways. The system is 
designed to handle a large volume of livestock at a short time without the 
need for laboratory analysis or quarantine. The radioactively contaminated 
animal whole body analyzer measures minute amounts of gamma rays being 
emitted from live animals. It then analyzes this data to determine the 
kind of radioactive material present and how much of each isotope is 
present. This sensitive counter can easily detect and measure the natural 
levels of radioactive K-40 present in the animals (about 400 nCi or 
14.8.times.10.sup.3 Bq for a cow) and other game emitting radioisotopes of 
interest which are not naturally occurring. The longer an animal is 
monitored within the system, the lower will be the detectable limit. For 
example, for a 3 minute measuring period it is estimated that a total 
amount of radioactivity of 6 nCi (222 Bq) of Cs-137 can be detected. That 
is, for a 460 kg cow the lower limit of detection would be about 
1.3.times.10.sup.-2 pCi/g (0.48 B1/kg). 
The container radiation monitoring system also is shown, and is designed to 
detect any traces of radiation contamination in closed crates and large 
containers without the need for random sampling of contents. The system 
can also be used for whole body counting of live animals, provided the 
animals are properly caged. This system too is designed to handle a large 
volume of containers at a short time without the need for further 
laboratory analysis. 
FIGS. 22-30 illustrate corresponding apparatus and steps similar to that 
described hereinabove for animals, but with respect to containers. 
FIG. 22 illustrates the scale and analyzer which are similar to FIG. 1, and 
FIG. 23 illustrates the flow path and handling facilities schematically, 
similar to that shown in FIG. 2 of the present invention. 
FIGS. 24, 26 and 27 are respectively: a perspective view, side view and end 
view of an analyzer shield for the container radiation monitoring system. 
This is substantially identical to that shown in the previously-discussed 
FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, different proportions being used for the containers 
according to the present invention. 
FIG. 25 is a floor plan or elevational view of the container radiation 
monitoring system according to the present invention. Here, four detectors 
401 are disposed on each side of the radiation shield 400. These detectors 
401 are substantially the same as the detectors 21 described hereinabove, 
and function in substantially the same way. The calibration and other 
steps are also substantially as described hereinabove. 
FIG. 28 is an analyzer configuration for the container monitoring system 
according to the present invention. Here, a conveyer is used to move the 
containers or crates, rather than relying upon the mobility of the animals 
themselves, as was applied previously to similar FIG. 7 discussed 
hereinabove. 
The input and output data highways of the container monitoring system 
according to the present invention are substantially as shown in FIGS. 9 
and 10 discussed hereinabove. Additionally, FIGS. 11 and 12 also apply to 
the container monitoring system, and these figures have been discussed in 
the above. 
FIG. 29 is a processor chart similar to FIG. 13, and is used for crates or 
containers according to the present invention. 
An optical bar code scanner such as shown in FIG. 14 can be used for the 
scanner in the container monitoring system according to the present 
invention. 
Additionally, the data processing logic for the container monitoring system 
can be that as shown in FIG. 15, except that the block 171 of FIG. 15 
showing animal data would be replaced with an equivalent block for crate 
or container data. 
The energy calibration spectrum and frequency calibration of the detectors 
are substantially identical to that shown in FIG. 16 and 17, for the crate 
or container monitoring system. Similarly, the tagging system and bar code 
use of the container monitoring system would be as shown and discussed in 
FIG. 18. The alternative tagging system and bar code use for the container 
monitoring system can be that as shown in FIG. 19 discussed hereinabove. 
FIG. 30 illustrates container flow in the container monitoring system of 
the present invention. Here, containers 1-4 are followed through the 
process shown in FIG. 30. 
The schematic view shown in FIG. 31 illustrates the four-detector counter 
equipment for use in radiation monitoring of small quantities of food, 
beverages or tobacco. The equipment is basically a cubical lead box 500 
with a structure similar to a microwave oven. In a preferable embodiment 
of the present invention the box has dimensions of 36".times.36".times.36" 
with 2" thick walls for radiation shielding that weighs about 6,000 
pounds, and a 20".times.20".times.2" door 501 in center of one side for 
access to a 20".times.20".times.20" monitoring cavity 502, with 1/8" walls 
503 stainless steel or other low radiation-background, durable material to 
define the area for placing food to be monitored. At the front side, a 
radiation level meter 504 is used to indicate whether the monitored item 
is normal, above average, or contaminated based on calibration of the 
detectors according to allowed food intake or use as shown in the 
magnified cutaway of the meter 504 in FIG. 32. 
FIG. 33 is a cutaway view down of the four-detector counter equipment, 
showing stainless steel covers 503, with access door 505 to the 
electronics compartment 506, with a hinge 507 and a handle 508 to operate 
a rear door 509 to the monitoring cavity, and a lead shield 510. Placed 
over the cover and on the sides of the cavity are four 
4".times.4".times.4" scintillation NaI (Tl) detectors 511. The electronics 
include a high voltage bias supply, a single channel analyzer with lower 
level discriminator and upper level discriminator, a count rate meter and 
an amplifier. 
FIG. 34 is a cutaway front looking back showing the location of the 
detectors with respect to the monitoring cavity and the shield. 
FIG. 35 shows the equipment for a one-detector counter system as a 
lower-cost implementation of the third aspect of the invention for use in 
radiation monitoring of small quantities of food, beverage, or tobacco. 
The radiation shield 510, weighs about 3,000 pounds. The lead box 510 
measures 24".times.24".times.30" and the rest of the measurements are 
similar to the system shown in FIG. 31. 
FIG. 36 shows a separate view of the electronics box 506, with the 
radiation level meter 504. 
FIG. 37 is a cutaway view down of the one-detector counter. 
FIG. 38 is a cutaway view front to back of the one-detector counter, with a 
false bottom access to the detector 512. 
The individual radiation counter is designed for use by laymen to give 
gross indication of fitness of food, drinks, or tobacco for individual 
consumption based on radiation contamination, especially in case of 
nuclear accidents, fallout, or personal concern. The system is designed to 
handle small volumes of food, packaged or not, and other items for 
personal consumption without the need for laboratory analysis or sampling. 
While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be 
understood that the present invention is not limited thereto but may be 
otherwise embodied with the scope of the present invention.