Relocatable X-ray imaging system and method for inspecting commercial vehicles and cargo containers

• US 9,285,498 B2
• Filed: 06/24/2011
• Issued: 03/15/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 06/20/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Rapiscan Systems Incorporated (OSI Systems Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Rapiscan Systems Incorporated (OSI Systems Incorporated)
• Inventors: Carver, James, Kotowski, Andreas F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ho, Allen C.
• Application Number:
  US13/168,440
• Publication Number:
  US 20120177176A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,726 Days
• Field of Search: 378/57, 378 87- 90, 378196-198
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 23/04 and forming images of the material
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 23/083 the radiation being X-rays
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 23/087 using polyenergetic X-rays
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 23/10 the material being confined in a container, e.g. in a luggage X-ray scanners
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 5/20 Detecting prohibited goods, e.g. weapons, explosives, hazardous substances, contraband or smuggled objects
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 5/22 Active interrogation, i.e. by irradiating objects or goods using external radiation sources, e.g. using gamma rays or cosmic rays
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 5/224 Multiple energy techniques using one type of radiation, e.g. X-rays of different energies
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 5/232 having relative motion between the source, detector and object other than by conveyor G01V5/226 takes precedence

Abstract

The present specification discloses a readily relocatable X-ray imaging system for inspecting the contents of vehicles and containers, and a method for using the same. 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 has a substantially arch-shaped collapsible frame with an X-ray source and detectors disposed thereon. The frame is preferably collapsible via a plurality of hinges and may be deployed into an X-ray imaging position, and collapsed into a transport position.

Claims

1. A relocatable security inspection system, comprising:

an X-ray source;

a vehicle having a bed section; and

a frame secured to the bed section, wherein the frame comprises a first leg section, a second leg section, and a support beam, wherein the first leg section is connected to the support beam via a hinge and the second leg section is connected to the support beam via a hinge, and

wherein, when in a transportation position, each of the first leg section, the second leg section, and the support beam are collapsed against one another in a substantially parallel orientation.

2. The relocatable security inspection system of claim 1, further comprising a detector adapted to be disposed on the frame and configured to produce an output signal representative of a scanned object.

3. The relocatable security inspection system of claim 2, further comprising an image processor for converting the output signal into a visual image of the scanned object.

4. The relocatable security inspection system of claim 1, further comprising a sensor system that generates information used to modify a processing of an output signal.

5. The relocatable security inspection system of claim 1, wherein, when in a scanning position, the first leg section is substantially perpendicular to the support beam, the second leg section is substantially perpendicular to the support beam, and the frame is stationary relative to a moving object being scanned.

6. The relocatable security inspection system of claim 1, wherein the first leg section and the second leg section each include a base portion configured to rest on a surface and maintain the frame in a stationary position during imaging of a moving object.

7. The relocatable security inspection system of claim 1, further comprising a radiation shield attached to the frame for preventing radiation produced by the X-ray source from escaping an inspection area.

8. The relocatable security inspection system of claim 1, further comprising a detector disposed on at least one of the first leg section and the second leg section.

9. The relocatable security inspection system of claim 1, wherein the first leg section comprises a telescoping portion that is adapted to be retracted or extended.

10. The relocatable security inspection system of claim 9, wherein the second leg section comprises a telescoping portion that is adapted to be retracted or extended.

11. The relocatable security inspection system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle further comprises an arm, wherein, in a transport position, said arm is attached to the frame.

12. The relocatable security inspection system of claim 11, wherein, to deploy said frame in a scanning position, the arm is adapted to extend outward, causing portions of said frame to move away from each other and lock into said scanning position.

13. The relocatable security inspection system of claim 1, further comprising a strain gauge positioned on the frame, wherein said strain gauge is adapted to measure strain and/or stress in the frame and to determine if frame deflection is occurring.