Slightly amusing and misleading (moreso) headline

[bikkuri bahn]

California Firm to Provide High-Speed-Rail Inspection in Europe

 

Oh goody, I think, an American firm (and one from California to boot), is getting in on the action.  Or so I thought (visions of sleek HSR, tinkling flutes of champagne in the bistro car)...Then I read the article:

 

OSI Systems Inc., a Hawthorne, Calif.-based manufacturer of specialized electronic systems and components, said it has been awarded "a multimillion-dollar contract from a prominent customs agency based in Europe for high-speed-rail inspection solutions using the Rapiscan Eagle R60 rail-scanner platform."

 

The rail-inspection system will allow cargo trains to be screened as they travel at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, according to the company.

 

The contract went to OSI's security division, Rapiscan Systems.

 

"Rapiscan Systems is the only security screening company that offers ultrahigh-speed comprehensive inspection of rail-borne commerce, which is an increasingly important part of today's global supply chain," Rapiscan Systems President Ajay Mehra asserted. "We look forward to this implementation in an identified growth region."

 

So, it's basically a bigass barcode reader.  Well, good for them, I suppose reading data at 35mph is commendable in the rail logistics field.

 

source: http://www.industryweek.com/articles/california_firm_to_provide_high-speed-rail_inspection_in_europe_23704.aspx

[westfalen]

Looking at their website, http://www.rapiscansystems.com/, it would appear to be a big ass X-ray machine.