X-ray security inspection machine
First Claim
1. An X-ray security inspection machine, comprising:
- a machine housing defining therewithin an X-ray tunnel for receiving an article to be inspected;
a conveyor means for conveying the article through the tunnel;
an X-ray source for irradiating the article within the tunnel;
an X-ray detection means for detecting X-rays transmitted through the article, wherein the X-ray detection means comprises a photodetector array module actuatable between a first stowed configuration in which the photodetector array module occupies a region of the X-ray tunnel and a second deployed configuration in which the photodetector array module projects from the machine housing and the X-ray tunnel is substantially unobstructed by the photodetector array module; and
an actuation means for translating the photodetector array module between the stowed and deployed configurations, wherein the actuation means comprises an extendable and retractable actuator arm coupled to the photodetector array module wherein the actuator arm is coupled to the photodetector array module via a pivoting arm extending across and slidingly coupled to the photodetector array module, such that rotational movement of the pivoting arm effected by the actuator arm is transformed into translational movement of the photodetector array module.
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Accused Products
Abstract
X-ray security inspection machine (10) comprising an X-ray tunnel (40); a conveyor means (50) for conveying an article through the tunnel; an X-ray source for irradiating the article; and an X-ray detection means for detecting X-rays transmitted through the article. In one aspect, the detection means comprises a photodetector array module (20) actuatable between a first stowed configuration and a second deployed configuration. In a second aspect, the detection means comprises a first unit having a first photodetector array (22); and a second unit, having a second photodetector array (24), offset with respect to the first unit. The units are moveable relative to one another between a first arrangement where the arrays overlap to a first degree and a second arrangement where they overlap to a second, lower degree; preferably zero. Also, a conveyor belt-tracking device (100) comprising a guide frame (104) to receive the conveyor belt (116) and substantially to restrict its motion to a predetermined direction.
153 Citations
15 Claims
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1. An X-ray security inspection machine, comprising:
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a machine housing defining therewithin an X-ray tunnel for receiving an article to be inspected; a conveyor means for conveying the article through the tunnel; an X-ray source for irradiating the article within the tunnel; an X-ray detection means for detecting X-rays transmitted through the article, wherein the X-ray detection means comprises a photodetector array module actuatable between a first stowed configuration in which the photodetector array module occupies a region of the X-ray tunnel and a second deployed configuration in which the photodetector array module projects from the machine housing and the X-ray tunnel is substantially unobstructed by the photodetector array module; and an actuation means for translating the photodetector array module between the stowed and deployed configurations, wherein the actuation means comprises an extendable and retractable actuator arm coupled to the photodetector array module wherein the actuator arm is coupled to the photodetector array module via a pivoting arm extending across and slidingly coupled to the photodetector array module, such that rotational movement of the pivoting arm effected by the actuator arm is transformed into translational movement of the photodetector array module. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An X-ray security inspection machine, comprising:
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a machine housing defining therewithin an X-ray tunnel for receiving an article to be inspected; a conveyor means for conveying the article through the tunnel; an X-ray source for irradiating the article within the tunnel; and an X-ray detection means for detecting X-rays transmitted through the article, wherein the X-ray detection means comprises a photodetector array module actuatable between a first stowed configuration in which the photodetector array module occupies a region of the X-ray tunnel and a second deployed configuration in which the photodetector array module projects from the machine housing and the X-ray tunnel is substantially unobstructed by the photodetector array module, wherein the photodetector array module comprises a first photodetector array arranged to provide a first X-ray detection area having a first substantially planar extent and wherein the photodetector array module comprises a second photodetector array arranged to provide a second X-ray detection area having a second substantially planar extent perpendicular to the first planar extent. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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14. An X-ray security inspection machine, comprising:
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a machine housing defining therewithin an X-ray tunnel for receiving an article to be inspected; a conveyor means for conveying the article through the tunnel; an X-ray source for irradiating the article within the tunnel; an X-ray detection means for detecting X-rays transmitted through the article, wherein the X-ray detection means comprises a photodetector array module actuatable between a first stowed configuration in which the photodetector array module occupies a region of the X-ray tunnel and a second deployed configuration in which the photodetector array module projects from the machine housing and the X-ray tunnel is substantially unobstructed by the photodetector array module; and a stationary photodetector array which is fixed in relation to the X-ray tunnel and adjacent the photodetector array module, wherein when in the deployed configuration the first photodetector array module and the stationary photodetector array provide a substantially continuous X-ray detection area. - View Dependent Claims (15)
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Specification