X-ray imaging system having improved weather resistance

• US 20060280286A1
• Filed: 04/14/2006
• Published: 12/14/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 04/15/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Rapiscan Systems Incorporated (OSI Systems Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Rapiscan Systems Incorporated (OSI Systems Incorporated)
• Inventors: Kaval, Brian
• Granted Patent: US 7,471,764 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 378/57
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 23/04 and forming images of the material
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 5/22 Active interrogation, i.e. by irradiating objects or goods using external radiation sources, e.g. using gamma rays or cosmic rays

Abstract

It is an object of the present invention to provide a radiation inspection system, such as an X-ray system, that can operate efficiently even in inclement weather conditions while being highly mobile. Thus the improved inspection system of the present invention is capable of operating in high temperature and corrosive environments and is designed to withstand moisture, dirt and/or dust from the articles of inspection as well.

Claims

1. An X-ray imaging system for searching an object for an item comprising:

an X-ray source encased in a first enclosure;

a conveyor belt assembly arranged to loop around the external underside of said imaging device;

an electronics system for controlling the X-ray source and conveyor belt, wherein said electronic system is encased in at least one second enclosure;

a base frame physically integrated with at least one of said first or second enclosure wherein said base frame comprises a connector for transporting the system; and

a display device for presenting an image of said object to an operator.

2. The X-ray imaging system of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of cleaning elements for removing contaminants from said conveyor belt.

3. The X-ray imaging system of claim 2 wherein said cleaning element is at least one of a brush, blower, cleaning pad, or ionizer.

4. The X-ray imaging system of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of heating elements for heating at least one of said X-ray source and electronics system.

5. The X-ray imaging system of claim 1 further comprising a sensor for sensing a temperature and a controller wherein said controller controls the activation of said X-ray source or said electronics.

6. The X-ray imaging system of claim 5 wherein said controller activates said X-ray source or said electronics when said temperature sensed by said sensor exceeds a predetermined temperature.

7. The X-ray imaging system of claim 1 wherein said connector comprises at least one of a tube, beam, hook, indentation, or metal projection.

8. The X-ray imaging system of claim 1 further comprising removable covers enclosing at least a portion of said conveyor belt.