American Science and Engineering, Inc. Introduces the Next Generation Z Portal Multi-View Cargo and Vehicle Screening System

New Multi-Technology System Offers Enhanced Threat and Contraband Detection and Higher Throughput in a Smaller Footprint


BILLERICA, Mass., Sept. 25, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Science and Engineering, Inc. ("AS&E") (Nasdaq:ASEI), a leading worldwide supplier of innovative X-ray detection solutions, today announced the introduction of the next generation Z Portal® system, the only drive-through cargo and vehicle inspection system that uses multiple detection technologies to provide up to six views of scanned passenger vehicles, trucks, buses, and cargo. The new Z Portal system incorporates AS&E’s latest source and detector innovations in a more compact design, enabling improved image quality along with higher throughput, even in space-constrained locations.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/452dce1d-0d22-4a9c-b93f-2506c821a010

“The integration of dual-energy transmission with our proven Z Backscatter® and Forwardscatter® technologies in the next generation Z Portal system is another example of our commitment to innovation to solve customers’ real-world inspection challenges,” said Chuck Dougherty, AS&E's President and CEO. “This multi-technology solution delivers even greater visibility into scanned objects — at higher scan speeds and in a smaller footprint — giving our customers the most comprehensive detection in a single, drive-through platform.”  

The next generation Z Portal system builds on the success of AS&E’s proven Z Portal system, currently in operation at ports, borders, airports, and high-threat facilities worldwide. With over 100 systems sold to customers such as NATO, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Taiwan Aviation Police, and Abu Dhabi Customs, the Z Portal system supports vital security and customs missions by assisting in countless seizures of drugs, contraband, weapons, and stowaways.

Z Portal system enhancements include the following:

  • Enhanced Detection Capability – The Z Portal system’s new, innovative detector design brings improved detection capability to the system by capturing dual-energy transmission images in addition to its Forwardscatter and signature Z Backscatter images. This unique combination of technologies provides superior material discrimination while also highlighting organic and metallic anomalies, giving operators more information about the contents of the vehicle and enabling them to find more threats and contraband.  


  • Higher Throughput Screening – The next generation Z Portal system allows for increased vehicle speeds of up to 20 kph (12.4 mph) and high-throughput screening of up to 400 passenger vehicles or 250 trucks per hour. The innovative X-ray source assembly design enables the higher throughput rates without sacrificing image quality, giving ports and borders an ideal solution for primary or secondary screening of cargo and vehicles.

  • Compact, Efficient Design AS&E’s newly redesigned system fits into existing traffic lanes and easily integrates into diverse customer sites. A wide array of optional features and operating concepts allows for adaptation to each customer’s unique workflow and security requirements. Installation and relocation is simplified by the innovative surface-mount design, which eliminates the need for extensive civil works construction. The compact system is available in two configurations — one for large trucks, buses, and cargo vehicles and a smaller size for passenger vehicles — and is safe for drivers, operators, scanned cargo, and the environment.


The next generation Z Portal system will be featured at the upcoming ASIS International Conference in Anaheim, CA from September 28 – October 1, 2015, in AS&E Booth #1033.

About AS&E

American Science and Engineering, Inc. (AS&E) is the trusted global provider of threat and contraband detection solutions for ports, borders, military, critical infrastructure, law enforcement, and aviation. With over 50 years of experience, AS&E offers proven, advanced X-ray inspection systems to combat terrorism, drug smuggling, illegal immigration, and trade fraud. AS&E systems are designed in a variety of configurations for cargo and vehicle inspection, parcel inspection, and personnel screening. Using a combination of technologies, these systems provide superior detection capabilities, with high-energy, dual-energy, and Z Backscatter X-rays — pioneered by AS&E. Learn more about AS&E products and technologies at www.as-e.com and follow us on Twitter @ase_detects.

Safe Harbor Statement: The foregoing press release contains statements concerning AS&E’s financial performance, markets and business operations that may be considered “forward-looking” under applicable securities laws.  AS&E wishes to caution readers of this press release that actual results might differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Factors which might cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements contained herein include the following: significant reductions, delays or cancellations (in full or in part) in procurements of the Company’s systems by the United States and other governments; disruption in the supply of any source component incorporated into AS&E's products; litigation seeking to restrict the use of intellectual property used by the Company; limitations under certain laws on the Company’s ability to protect its own intellectual property; potential product liability claims against the Company; global political trends and events which affect public perception of the threat presented by drugs, explosives and other contraband; global economic developments and the ability of governments and private organizations to fund purchases of the Company’s products to address such threats; the potential insufficiency of Company resources, including human resources, capital, plant and equipment and management systems, to accommodate any future growth; technical problems and other delays that could impact new product development and the Company’s ability to adapt to changes in technology and customer requirements; competitive pressures; lengthy sales cycles both in United States government procurement and procurement abroad;  future delays in federal funding, the market price of the company's stock prevailing from time to time, the nature of other investment opportunities presented to the company from time to time,  the company's cash flows from operations and market and general economic conditions. These and certain other factors which might cause actual results to differ materially from those projected are detailed from time to time in AS&E’s periodic reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which important factors are incorporated herein by reference. AS&E undertakes no obligation to update forward looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or changes in future operating results, financial condition or business over time. Readers are further advised to review the “Risk Factors” set forth in the Company’s most recent Form 10-Q and Form 10-K,  which further detail and supplement the factors described in this Safe Harbor Statement.  Among other disclosures, the Risk Factors disclose risks pertaining to that portion of the Company’s business that is dependent on United States government contracting as well as international customers.


            
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