FPED VIII: Joseph Reiss, VP Marketing, American Science and Engineering (AS&E)

AS&E is a pioneering manufacturer of X-ray detection systems for force protection, homeland security and customs and border applications, says Joe Reiss. Its Gemini™ baggage scanning system uses two complementary types of X-ray – conventional transmission X-ray and Z Backscatter™ imaging technology developed by AS&E that can see concealed organic and metallic threat items such as handguns or plastic explosives. The Company’s newest application for Z Backscatter, called AXISS, is a smaller more flexible version of other Z Backscatter™ systems.  This system was originally created for explosive ordnance disposal teams and most recently under development for general aviation screening.  A new application for AXISS is the scanning of bicycles, the frames of which can be used to transport narcotics across the border. Reiss also demonstrates and discusses the company’s Z Backscatter Van, with graphics displaying various seizures. The Z Backscatter Van, which he describes as the most successful, largest selling cargo and vehicle X-ray system ever, is used for scanning trucks, cargo containers and passenger vehicles.