Relocatable X-ray imaging system and method for inspecting commercial vehicles and cargo containers
First Claim
1. A relocatable security inspection system, comprising:
- a frame comprising;
a support beam having a first subsection with a first end and a second end and a second subsection with a first end and a second end wherein the second end of said first subsection is pivotally connected to the first end of the second subsection and wherein the first and second subsections are pivotable between an imaging position in which the first and second subsections are substantially linear relative to one another, and a transport position in which the first and second subsections are substantially parallel to one another;
a first leg section pivotally connected to the first end of the first subsection of the support beam, the first leg section pivotable between an imaging position in which the first subsection of the support beam and the first leg section are substantially perpendicular to one another, and a transport position in which the first subsection of the support beam and the first leg section are substantially parallel to one another;
a second leg section pivotally connected to the second end of the second subsection of the support beam, the second leg section pivotable between an imaging position in which the second subsection of the support beam and the second leg section are substantially perpendicular to one another, and a transport position in which the second subsection of the support beam and the second leg section are substantially parallel to one another,wherein the frame defines an inspection area;
an X-ray source disposed on the frame for generating an X-ray beam into the inspection area toward an object;
a detector disposed on the frame 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 contents thereof; and
an image processor for converting the output signal into a visual image of the object and contents thereof.
3 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 commercial vehicles, cargo containers, and other large objects. The X-ray imaging, system comprises a substantially arch-shaped collapsible frame having an X-ray source and detectors disposed thereon. The frame is preferably collapsible via a plurality of hinges disposed thereon. A deployment means may be attached to the frame for deploying the frame into an X-ray imaging position, and for collapsing the frame into a transport position.
The collapsible X-ray frame may remain stationary during X-ray imaging while a vehicle or container is driven through or towed through an inspection area defined under the frame. Alternatively, the collapsible X-ray frame may be movable relative to a stationary vehicle or container during X-ray imaging.
151 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A relocatable security inspection system, comprising:
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a frame comprising; a support beam having a first subsection with a first end and a second end and a second subsection with a first end and a second end wherein the second end of said first subsection is pivotally connected to the first end of the second subsection and wherein the first and second subsections are pivotable between an imaging position in which the first and second subsections are substantially linear relative to one another, and a transport position in which the first and second subsections are substantially parallel to one another; a first leg section pivotally connected to the first end of the first subsection of the support beam, the first leg section pivotable between an imaging position in which the first subsection of the support beam and the first leg section are substantially perpendicular to one another, and a transport position in which the first subsection of the support beam and the first leg section are substantially parallel to one another; a second leg section pivotally connected to the second end of the second subsection of the support beam, the second leg section pivotable between an imaging position in which the second subsection of the support beam and the second leg section are substantially perpendicular to one another, and a transport position in which the second subsection of the support beam and the second leg section are substantially parallel to one another, wherein the frame defines an inspection area; an X-ray source disposed on the frame for generating an X-ray beam into the inspection area toward an object; a detector disposed on the frame 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 contents thereof; and an image processor for converting the output signal into a visual image of the object and contents thereof. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification