High performance security inspection system with physically isolated detection sensors
First Claim
1. An inspection system, comprising:
- a housing having a cavity which defines an inspection zone;
a positioning device within said inspection zone and providing positioning of a specimen within said inspection zone;
a sensor system for inspecting said specimen;
an entrance aperture formed in said housing, said entrance aperture sized to permit said specimen to pass through said entrance aperture; and
a first sealing mechanism cooperating with said positioning device, said first sealing mechanism slidably and operatively coupled to said housing and selectively positionable between open and closed positions, said open position permitting said specimen to pass through said entrance aperture, and said closed position sealing said entrance aperture to effectively isolate said inspection system, said first sealing mechanism outside said housing.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An inspection system includes a housing having a cavity which defines an inspection zone, and a positioning device within the inspection zone which provides positioning of a specimen within the inspection zone. The inspection system includes a sensor system for inspecting the specimen, and an entrance aperture formed in the housing. The entrance aperture may be sized to permit the specimen to pass through the entrance aperture. The inspection system also includes a sealing mechanism, such as a door, which cooperates with the positioning device. The sealing mechanism is operatively coupled to the housing and selectively positionable between open and closed positions. The open position permits the specimen to pass through the entrance aperture, and the closed position seals the entrance aperture to effectively isolate the inspection system.
53 Citations
38 Claims
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1. An inspection system, comprising:
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a housing having a cavity which defines an inspection zone;
a positioning device within said inspection zone and providing positioning of a specimen within said inspection zone;
a sensor system for inspecting said specimen;
an entrance aperture formed in said housing, said entrance aperture sized to permit said specimen to pass through said entrance aperture; and
a first sealing mechanism cooperating with said positioning device, said first sealing mechanism slidably and operatively coupled to said housing and selectively positionable between open and closed positions, said open position permitting said specimen to pass through said entrance aperture, and said closed position sealing said entrance aperture to effectively isolate said inspection system, said first sealing mechanism outside said housing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 37)
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30. A method for inspecting specimens, comprising:
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selectively operating a positioning device located within a housing having a cavity which defines an inspection zone;
selectively operating a first sealing mechanism slidably and operatively coupled to said housing, said first sealing mechanism outside said housing and being selectively positionable between open and closed positions, said open position permitting a specimen to pass though an entrance aperture and to come into contact with said positioning device, and said closed position sealing said entrance aperture to effectively isolate said inspection system; and
inspecting said specimen for an item of interest after said first sealing mechanism is positioned in said closed position. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 38)
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34. A sealing mechanism for seating an aperture, comprising:
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a flange with an interface defining an entrance aperture;
a first drive shaft;
a second drive shaft;
a drive source for driving said first drive shaft;
left and right drive elements, each separately connected to said first drive shaft and said second shaft;
left and right linear rails, each separately located on opposing aides of said entrance aperture;
left and right door linkages, each pivotally attached to a door, said left and right door linkages each being respectively received by said left and right linear rails and respectively connected to said left and right drive elements, wherein relative motion between said door and said entrance aperture is obtained by driving said left and right drive elements in one of two opposing directions;
pivoting left and right cams, each respectively attached to said left and right door linkages; and
left and right cam latches, each located on opposing sides of said entrance aperture and sized to respectively receive said left and right cams, wherein respective contact between said left end right cam latches and said left and right cams cause said door to travel inwardly at an angle relative to the direction of travel of said door, causing said door to ultimately contact an outer edge of said entrance aperture. - View Dependent Claims (35, 36)
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Specification