Self-contained, portable inspection system and method
First Claim
1. A portable inspection system for generating an image representation of target objects using a radiation source, comprising:
- a mobile vehicle;
a housing connected to the vehicle;
a detector array having a first configuration and a second configuration wherein said array is connected to the housing; and
at least one source of radiation wherein said radiation source is capable of being transported to a site by said vehicle and of being positioned separate from the housing wherein said image is generated by introducing the target objects in between the radiation source and the detector array, exposing said objects to radiation, and detecting radiation.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The inspection methods and systems of the present invention are mobile, deployable, and capable of scanning a wide variety of receptacles cost-effectively and accurately on uneven surfaces. The inspection system comprises an inspection module that, in a preferred embodiment, is in the form of a mobile trailer capable of being towed and transported to its intended operating site with the help of a tug-vehicle. The tug-vehicle preferably includes at least one source of electromagnetic radiation, a hydraulic lift system to load and unload the radiation source, and at least one radiation shield plate positioned on the back of the driver cabin of the tug-vehicle.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. A portable inspection system for generating an image representation of target objects using a radiation source, comprising:
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a mobile vehicle;
a housing connected to the vehicle;
a detector array having a first configuration and a second configuration wherein said array is connected to the housing; and
at least one source of radiation wherein said radiation source is capable of being transported to a site by said vehicle and of being positioned separate from the housing wherein said image is generated by introducing the target objects in between the radiation source and the detector array, exposing said objects to radiation, and detecting radiation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method for inspecting objects using a portable inspection system that generates an image representation of a target object using a radiation source, comprising the steps of:
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transporting at least one source of radiation to an operation site using a vehicle;
transporting a detector array to an operation site using a trailer wherein the vehicle is attached to the trailer;
detaching the vehicle from the trailer;
deploying the radiation source from the vehicle, said vehicle having a base, by positioning the radiation source separate from the detector array;
deploying the detector array to expose a plurality of detector panels to the radiation source wherein the detector array and radiation source define an inspection space;
towing the target object into the inspection space;
exposing the target object to radiation emitted from the radiation source wherein the exposing step results in secondary radiation; and
detecting secondary radiation by the detector array. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification