X-ray device for checking the contents of closed cargo carriers

• US 6,058,158 A
• Filed: 07/02/1998
• Issued: 05/02/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 07/04/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Peter Eiler
• Original Assignee: Peter Eiler
• Inventors: Eiler, Peter
• Primary Examiner(s): Porta, David P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Ho, Allen C
• Application Number:
  US09/109,624
• Time in Patent Office: 670 Days
• Field of Search: 378/57, 378/197, 378/198, 378/51, 378/53, 378/54, 378/55, 378/146
• US Class Current: 378/57
• CPC Class Codes: B66C 19/007 for containers
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 5/20 Detecting prohibited goods, e.g. weapons, explosives, hazardous substances, contraband or smuggled objects
• CPC Class Codes: G21F 5/14 Devices for handling containers or shipping-casks, e.g. transporting devices loading and unloading, filling of containers cranes, load-engaging elements or devices for cranes, capstans, winches or tackles B66C

Abstract

An x-ray examination device for checking the contents of closed cargo carriers having two steerable single-track carriages disposed parallel to each other, wherein the carriages each support a vertical column. The free ends of the columns are connected to each other by means of a yoke spanning the space between the carriages, which corresponds to the maximal possible width of the cargo containers. The yoke can be raised and lowered on the two columns. Cantilevers are aligned horizontally, and parallel relative to each other, and are arranged on the yoke. The free ends of the cantilevers support a cross bar. Connected to one end of the cross bar are supports for supporting the x-ray equipment. The x-ray equipment includes an x-ray emitter and an x-ray receiver. Moreover, one or more screen vehicles having leaded mesh screens for surrounding the cargo containers are provided to shield against harmful x-rays outside the cargo container area.

Claims

1. A device for checking the contents of closed cargo carriers using x-rays comprising:

two steerable single track carriages disposed parallel to each other;

a plurality of vertical columns having a bottom end and a top end wherein said bottom end is supported by said carriages;

a yoke having a right end and a left end connected to said top end of each vertical column so as to space apart said carriages, said yoke being vertically movable on said columns;

a first series of supporting elements connected to said right end and said left end of said yoke;

a cross beam having a first end and a second end disposed on said yoke and spanning between said carriages;

a first and a second support respectively connected to said first end and said second end on said cross beam;

an x-ray radiation source disposed on one side of said cross beam and connected to said first support; and

a receiving screen located on the opposite side of said cross beam so that when said device travels along the cargo carriers, it x-rays the contents of these carriers.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein each said column extends from a center region in each associated carriage.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein each of said columns comprises a fixed segment, and at least one displaceable segment designed to telescope out from said fixed segment, wherein said at least one displaceable segment is connected to each other by said yoke.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein each carriage is designed so that said displaceable segments have a release mechanism capable of releasing over each of said carriages.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein each of said column has a rectangular shape.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein said supporting elements are cantilevers aligned substantially horizontal and parallel relative to each other.

7. The device according to claim 6, further comprising:

a projecting platform connected to said yoke opposite said radiation source;

a set of operating controls for controlling an energy supply for the x-ray machine located on said projecting platform; and

;

an operator'"'"'s cabin located on said platform.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein each cantilever is designed in the form of a rod mechanism.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein said cross bar is rotatably supported on said first set of supporting elements, rotating around a horizontal axle, said device further comprising at least one support designed to counteract the rotation of said cross bar.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein said first series of supporting elements each have vibration dampening elements.

11. The device according to claim 9, wherein at least one support in said first series of supports is connected to said yoke, wherein when said cross bar rotates about its horizontal axle, said at least one support is receives tensile stress and said support further comprises at least one dampening element serving as a vibration absorber.

12. The device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one screening device for protecting against radiation.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein each screening device comprises a tunnel hood for covering the cargo container, said tunnel hood having walls with linings designed to block x-rays.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein the screening material is in the form of lead plates or mats.

15. The device according to claim 12, wherein each screening device is equipped with at least one carriage.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein each screening device is designed in the form of a self-propelled unit having its own drive unit and separate control unit.

17. The device according to claim 16, further comprising a system coupled to said at least one screening device for synchronizing the drive unit and guiding control unit of said screening device with respect to said drive unit and control unit of said x-ray device.

18. The device according to claim 15 wherein said screening wall comprises an upper screening wall and a lower screening wall wherein said lower screening wall disposed adjacent to said receiving screen is extendible.

19. The device according to claim 18 further comprising an apron guided in vertical guides wherein at least one drive is associated with each apron.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein each drive is an operating cylinder.

21. The device according to claim 12 wherein the screening walls of each tunnel hood are thicker in areas disposed adjacent to the x-ray installation during operation.

22. The device according to claim 21, wherein each carriage of each tunnel hood has multi-axle arrangements in the areas of its highest concentration of weight with respect to the dimensions of the screening walls.