Relocatable X-ray imaging system and method for inspecting vehicles and containers
First Claim
1. A relocatable security inspection system, comprising:
- a substantially rectangular frame having first and second substantially vertical leg sections spaced apart from one another by a distance greater than a width of an object to be imaged, the space between the first and second leg sections defining an inspection area;
a conveyor mechanism connected to the frame for transporting the object through the inspection area, the conveyor mechanism configured to rest on a surface and having a height that permits a vehicle driver to readily step off of the conveyor mechanism onto the surface;
an X-ray source disposed on the frame for generating an X-ray beam along an outgoing path toward the object while the object moves through the inspection area;
a detector disposed on the frame in the outgoing path for receiving the X-ray beam after the X-ray beam passes through the object, and for producing an output signal representative of the object and of contents located inside the object;
an image processor for converting the output signal into a visual image of the object and of the contents located inside the object.
8 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A readily relocatable X-ray imaging system for inspecting the contents of vehicles and containers, and a method for using the same. In a preferred embodiment, the system is relatively small in size, and is used for inspecting containers and passenger vehicles, such as cars, SUVs, and small trucks, at a variety of sites. The X-ray inspection system includes a substantially rectangular frame having an X-ray imaging system disposed thereon. The frame is detachably connected to a conveyor mechanism having a minimal height, which allows drivers and passengers of vehicles to readily step off of and onto the conveyor mechanism without the aid of steps, railings, and the like. In a preferred configuration, the conveyor mechanism includes two detachable sections comprising a plurality of rollers, or other transport mechanism, having a radio-transparent plate or belt resting thereon for transporting a vehicle or container through the inspection area under the X-ray frame.
289 Citations
44 Claims
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1. A relocatable security inspection system, comprising:
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a substantially rectangular frame having first and second substantially vertical leg sections spaced apart from one another by a distance greater than a width of an object to be imaged, the space between the first and second leg sections defining an inspection area;
a conveyor mechanism connected to the frame for transporting the object through the inspection area, the conveyor mechanism configured to rest on a surface and having a height that permits a vehicle driver to readily step off of the conveyor mechanism onto the surface;
an X-ray source disposed on the frame for generating an X-ray beam along an outgoing path toward the object while the object moves through the inspection area;
a detector disposed on the frame in the outgoing path for receiving the X-ray beam after the X-ray beam passes through the object, and for producing an output signal representative of the object and of contents located inside the object;
an image processor for converting the output signal into a visual image of the object and of the contents located inside the object. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A readily deployable security inspection system, comprising:
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a substantially rectangular X-ray frame having first and second substantially vertical leg sections spaced apart from one another by a distance greater than a width of an object to be imaged, the space between the first and second leg sections defining an inspection area;
a first conveyor section detachably connected to the X-ray frame, the first conveyor section having a first transport mechanism disposed thereon for transporting the object into the inspection area, the first conveyor mechanism having a height that permits a vehicle driver to readily step from a vehicle located thereon onto the surface;
a second conveyor section detachably connected to the X-ray frame, the second conveyor section comprising a second transport mechanism disposed thereon for transporting the object out of the inspection area, the second conveyor section having a height that permits a vehicle driver to readily step off of the surface into a vehicle located thereon. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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32. A method of inspecting an object, comprising the steps of:
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deploying a frame having an X-ray source disposed thereon onto a surface;
activating a drive mechanism disposed on the X-ray frame;
raising the frame on support rods into a substantially upright position via the drive mechanism, the frame defining an inspection area therein;
attaching a first conveyor section to a first side of the frame, such that the first conveyor section rests on the surface;
attaching a second conveyor section to a second side of the frame, such that the second conveyor section rests on the surface;
moving an object to be imaged onto the first conveyor section;
generating an X-ray beam from the X-ray source into the inspection area;
transporting the object from the first conveyor section to the second conveyor section such that the object passes through the inspection area wherein the object is penetrated by the X-ray beam;
detecting the X-ray beam after the X-ray beam penetrates the object. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35, 36, 37)
producing an output signal representative of the object and of contents located inside the object after the X-ray beam is detected; and
converting the output signal into a visual image of the object and of the contents located inside the object for viewing by an operator.
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34. The method of claim 32 further comprising the step of deploying a substantially flat transport platform onto the first conveyor section after the first conveyor section is attached to the frame, the transport platform configured for supporting and transporting the object.
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35. The method of claim 34 wherein the step of moving the object onto the first conveyor section comprises moving the object onto the transport platform, and the step of transporting the object comprises moving the transport platform along a first plurality of rollers disposed on the first conveyor section onto a second plurality of rollers disposed on the second conveyor section.
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36. The method of claim 35 further comprising the steps of:
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moving the object off of the transport platform after the object passes through the inspection area; and
moving the transport platform along the second plurality of rollers onto the first plurality of rollers to receive a new object to be imaged.
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37. The method of claim 32 further comprising the step of X-ray imaging the object at a plurality of energy levels such that visual images of metallic materials, organic materials, and inorganic materials located inside the object are readily distinguishable from one another.
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38. A method of assembling an X-ray inspection system, the inspection system including a frame having first and second leg sections connected by an X-ray generator section, comprising the steps of:
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deploying the frame onto a surface, the first and second leg sections each having a winch mechanism disposed thereon;
attaching a first stabilizing support to a first face of each of the first and second leg sections;
activating the winch mechanisms;
hoisting the frame up on support rods via the first and second winch mechanisms until the first stabilizing supports come to rest on the surface, such that the frame is in a substantially upright position;
attaching a second stabilizing support to a second face of each of the first and second leg sections. - View Dependent Claims (39, 40, 41)
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42. A method of assembling an X-ray inspection system, the inspection system including an X-ray frame having first and second leg sections connected by a X-ray generator section, comprising the steps of:
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deploying the X-ray frame onto a surface such that a first face of each of the first and second leg sections faces substantially upward, a second face of each of the first and second leg sections faces substantially sideways and outward from the X-ray frame, and a third face of each of the first and second leg sections faces substantially downward against the surface, the first leg section having a first winch mechanism with a first cable disposed thereon and the second leg section having a second winch mechanism with a second cable disposed thereon;
attaching a first stabilizing support to the first face of first leg section, and a second stabilizing support to the first face of the second leg section;
sliding a first support rod through a support guide located on the second face of the first leg section, and a second support rod through a support guide located on the second face of the second leg section, such that a first end of each support rod engages the surface;
attaching a free end of the first cable to a second end of the first support rod, and a free end of the second cable to a second end of the second support rod;
activating the first and second winch mechanisms to hoist the X-ray frame up on the first and second support rods until the first and second stabilizing supports come to rest on the surface;
attaching a third stabilizing support to the third face of the first leg section, and a fourth stabilizing support to the third face of the second leg section;
activating the first and second winch mechanisms to lower the X-ray frame until the third and fourth stabilizing supports come to rest on the surface. - View Dependent Claims (43, 44)
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Specification