Ferromagnetic threat detection method apparatus
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for detecting a ferromagnetic threat object, comprising:
- a mounting structure, said mounting structure having a gurney path along which a recumbent patient on a gurney can pass;
a plurality of detection stations on said mounting structure, said detection stations being arranged sequentially along said gurney path;
a magnetic field source in each said detection station; and
at least one magnetic sensor in each said detection station, said at least one sensor being adapted to sense the magnetization of a ferromagnetic threat object in the field established by an associated said magnetic field source in said detection station;
wherein the primary magnetic axis of each said magnetic field source is orthogonal to the primary magnetic axis of at least one other said magnetic field source.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for detecting ferromagnetic threat objects on a recumbent patient, including magnetizing/sensing stations having mutually orthogonal magnetizing axes. Two magnetizing/sensing stations can be used, but three or more are preferred. The magnetizing/sensing stations are arranged on a table-like mounting structure providing a path for the patient to roll beneath the magnetizing/sensing stations on a gurney. Three additional magnetizing/sensing stations can be provided on either side, or on each side, of the gurney path, at the same height as the patient.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. An apparatus for detecting a ferromagnetic threat object, comprising:
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a mounting structure, said mounting structure having a gurney path along which a recumbent patient on a gurney can pass; a plurality of detection stations on said mounting structure, said detection stations being arranged sequentially along said gurney path; a magnetic field source in each said detection station; and at least one magnetic sensor in each said detection station, said at least one sensor being adapted to sense the magnetization of a ferromagnetic threat object in the field established by an associated said magnetic field source in said detection station; wherein the primary magnetic axis of each said magnetic field source is orthogonal to the primary magnetic axis of at least one other said magnetic field source. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for detecting a ferromagnetic threat object, comprising:
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providing a plurality of detection stations on a mounting structure, each said detection station having a magnetic field source and an associated magnetic sensor, wherein the primary magnetic axis of each said magnetic field source is orthogonal to the primary magnetic axis of at least one other said magnetic field source; passing a recumbent patient on a gurney along a path, sequentially bringing said patient into close proximity with each of said detection stations; magnetizing any ferromagnetic threat object present on the patient with a magnetic field established by one of said magnetic field sources; and sensing, with said magnetic sensor associated with said one magnetic field source, the magnetization of said ferromagnetic threat object in said magnetic field. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification