CA1126878A - Article inspection apparatus with protective chambers having article-loading facility - Google Patents
Article inspection apparatus with protective chambers having article-loading facilityInfo
- Publication number
- CA1126878A CA1126878A CA339,443A CA339443A CA1126878A CA 1126878 A CA1126878 A CA 1126878A CA 339443 A CA339443 A CA 339443A CA 1126878 A CA1126878 A CA 1126878A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- inspection apparatus
- regions
- article
- chamber
- disposed
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 238000007689 inspection Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 25
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 title abstract 2
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract 2
- 229920000136 polysorbate Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000012780 transparent material Substances 0.000 claims 2
- 230000002844 continuous effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 13
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 10
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 8
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 241000518994 Conta Species 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003384 imaging method Methods 0.000 description 2
- BHMLFPOTZYRDKA-IRXDYDNUSA-N (2s)-2-[(s)-(2-iodophenoxy)-phenylmethyl]morpholine Chemical compound IC1=CC=CC=C1O[C@@H](C=1C=CC=CC=1)[C@H]1OCCNC1 BHMLFPOTZYRDKA-IRXDYDNUSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 101710083262 Ectin Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 206010056740 Genital discharge Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 208000003464 asthenopia Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000002238 attenuated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002356 single layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 241000894007 species Species 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G01V5/20—
Abstract
ABSTRACT:
"Article inspection apparatus with protective chambers having article-loading facility"
An article inspection apparatus comprising cham-ber defining means that are substantially impermeable to x-rays. The chamber defining means comprise a first portion comprising entry and exit portions and a second portion located between the entry and exit portions. Also included is an x-ray source for directing x-rays to the chamber at said second portion and flexible x-ray shielding means dis-posed at the entry and exit portions, the entry and exit portions both comprise respective first and second regions, the first regions being removed from the chamber second portion and the second regions being located between the second portion and their respective said first regions.
The second regions comprise completely enclosed tunnels communicating with the second portion and with the first regions. The first regions comprise top and partial side wall members, which side wall members have a cutaway at the end thereof more remote from the second portion. The apparatus also contains an article transport system having a first part thereof disposed at the chamber second por-tion and at least a second part thereof disposed at the first chamber portion, which article transport system serves to carry the article through the chamber second portion. Also included are means for converting the x-rays passing through the chamber first portion and the article, into a visual image.
"Article inspection apparatus with protective chambers having article-loading facility"
An article inspection apparatus comprising cham-ber defining means that are substantially impermeable to x-rays. The chamber defining means comprise a first portion comprising entry and exit portions and a second portion located between the entry and exit portions. Also included is an x-ray source for directing x-rays to the chamber at said second portion and flexible x-ray shielding means dis-posed at the entry and exit portions, the entry and exit portions both comprise respective first and second regions, the first regions being removed from the chamber second portion and the second regions being located between the second portion and their respective said first regions.
The second regions comprise completely enclosed tunnels communicating with the second portion and with the first regions. The first regions comprise top and partial side wall members, which side wall members have a cutaway at the end thereof more remote from the second portion. The apparatus also contains an article transport system having a first part thereof disposed at the chamber second por-tion and at least a second part thereof disposed at the first chamber portion, which article transport system serves to carry the article through the chamber second portion. Also included are means for converting the x-rays passing through the chamber first portion and the article, into a visual image.
Description
~2~i~37E~
29-r'~ 79 1 PIIA 20 830 ~ rtlc:l.e :inspect:ion apparatlls ~rith p:rotect:ive chaLmbers llavin~ art:iclo Joacl:i.ng facil:i.ty"
BiLc];~round of he :invent:ion.
The present :invention relates to apparatus for inspec-tirg ~ar:ious a:rti.cles, including conta:i}lers, parti~
cularly such of the type lencLing i-tselI' to luggage and ' 5 conta:iner inspection.
The rocent h:igh incidence of aircra~-t hijackings~
theft, terrorist bornb:ings, and o-ther unlawful acts ha~s promted and necessita-ted the developMen-t of` inspection systems for locati.ng weapons, con-traband, .and other ar-ticles in lugga~-~e so as to -th~ar-t such acts. Such sys-tems generally have :in~rolved the use o:L' x-rays but this leads to problemc of .shieldi13g personnel and othe:r from the irradia-t:ion. These problems also exist in various appara-tu.s for inspecting various articles other than luggagr3.
~lany prior art x~:ray appara.tus employed for in-- specting various ar-ticles require -the use of enclosing structures to prevent the escape o:f x-rays from the appa-ratus i.nto the surrounding area and the consequent possi-bility of the irradiation of persons in this a:rea by the 20 escaping x-rays. Such enc]osing structures can be x--ray : :impermeable hangi.ng doors, telescoping doors, or other - suitable, relatively r:i.gi.d parts.
Anot11er type of x-ray appara-tus u-til.izes flexible eurtains that are x-ray impermeable, one variety of sueh 25 curt;ains be:ing i.n the :L'orm of hang:ing strips of load-con--tain:in~ flex:ible matorial.
~y f`ederal regulat.ory agr-~ncy requiremen-ts; x-~ray - apparatus oI`-tlie abo~e t~i-pe are required -to ha~e a certai.t3 minirllulIl.r~.:istancr.? betl.ieen t}1e entry and exit po:rl;s O:r ) t;he mac}l:iLIe ar;d -the ~--ray beam, so as l;o a~oid -the possi-bi.l:i.t~ o:L' a parsc,~ a.d~re3-ten-t1y- thruc;t:ing his a:rM o:r a}L~
other par-t o:L` hi.s body :i.n-to the x~-:ray beam.
'rO meet the fedr-rIl sa:L`r3ty reqll.rr-~mr?IIts~ t.lIe 68~8 29-~-1979 ~ 1'[1~ 20 ~90 presently kno~ vorsi.ons of ~-ray inspect.ion appara-tus provide for all oui-er envelope ~hose openlngs fo:r :i.nser-ting and rernoving the various inspec-ted a.rt:icl.es, are .l.ocated such that the~r are at a rniniml:llrl speci:~ied di.stance (pre-sently 36 inches) from the fringes o~ the ~ imary x-ray beam. Such an apparatus includes t~o tunnels located be-tween the patll of -the ~-ray bealn and, respectlvely, the article entr~ and ex:it ports 5 such tunnels be:ing completel~
closed on all sides and a conveyor bel.t extencling from the lO entry port, -through the vicinity of th~ x-ray beam -to the exit port. Where the conveyor belt is co-extensive with the tunlleLs, the articles ~or inspecti.on are required -to -~ be inserted :into the -tunnel, requiring some manipula-tlonS
so, to avoid this disadvantage, the apparatus ls construc-15 ted so that the conveyor belt ex-tends for con.siderable dis-tances beyond the entry and exit ports. Eoweve], this type of s-tructure is undesirable because of the resultin~
greater si~e and cost of the appara-tus.
The present invention seel~s -to overcome -this dis-20 advantage and to provide other benefits as well.
Brief description of` drawin~s.
~igure t is a sec-tional elevation vie~ schema-.: tically representing the apparatus of the present invention according to a preferred embodiment.
Figure 2 is a sectional elevation view of the apparatus of Figure 1, taken along axis 2-2.
~igu:res 3-7 are fractional side eleva-tion views schematically representing fur-ther embodi.ments of the presen-t invention, the apparatus shown in these figures 30 being similar to that O:r ~igure 1, e~cept ~or -the prof`ile of a part of the s:ide ~alls (corresponding parts being similarly numbered).
Preferred embodiments.
Accorcling to 2 prefe:rred embodi.mellt, the p:resent 35 invention comprises an apparatus 10 (~ig. l) includ:ing a substalltially ~Y~radia-t:io:n imperlrleable structure 1~ (e g~
a lead-iine housi.ng or cabillat 13 and shielding means 7~
descr:ibed belc)w) thak ~.efines an :i.nte:Lior charnber 14, an ~L~Z6~78 29-S-197~ ~ PH~ 20 890 x-ray source 16 for prov:iclillg an interr-uptible x-ray bearn 1~ :in a de-termined d:irec-tion, as desc:r:ibed belo~, a con-veyor sys-tenl includillg a conveyor 20, fluorescent screen means 22 located 90 as!~to receive -the x-ray beam 18 ancl adapted to convert x-radlatio:rl :in-to v:is:i'ble rad:ia-tion 2LI
(Fig. 2),anc. an imaging sys-tem 66 for transmit-ting the v:isible radiaticn 24 to a v:ie~er.
The interLor chamber Ill comprises entry and ox:i-t tunnel regions Llo and 1l2, respect:ivel)r, and a cen-tral space 10 l~4 intermediate thereto. The conveyor belt 20 is endless and can be driven by, ~or e~ample, a motor-driven chain drive sys-tem 50 that; -turns a pulley 52 which is connecl;ed to a drive roller element, the conveyor belt 20 being n~ounted on the various guide rollers 56 so that the upper 15 and lo~.~er portions 5~, 60 of the conveyor belt 20 are spaced apart by an appreciable dis-tance, :i.e., a distance significantly greate:r than the diameter of a guide roller 56, at at least the parts 5Sa, 60a ofthe conveyor bel-t 20 tha-t pass, in the operation of the apparatus 10, through 20 the central space 4LI.
- ~t the cen-tral space 4L~, preferably bet-~een the upper and lo~er portions 5~, 60 of -the conveyor belt 20, there is located the fluorescent screcIl 22, wllich is in the path of the x-ra~r beam 1~ and receives the x-ra~rs tha-t 25 pass through the article,e.g. luggage 62, and through only a single layer of the conveyor belt 20, i.e., through the part 5~a of the upper port:ion 5~. ' The ~luorescent screen means 22 con~erts the - x~ray beanl into visible light, -the x-ray being modula-ted 30 or attenuated by, for example, any metallic objects or other objects tl1at migh-t be pre~sent in the luggage or othe:r container 62 as the beam passes through the luggage or con---tainer.~The beam port:ion reach:ing thG fluoresce3l-t screen 22 carr:ies a latent imaf~re of the metallic or other objec-ts, 35 which image :is reproducecL :into the visi'ble radia-t:ionby the fluoresceut screen 22, the visible image be:ing directed to an :imagiI~f~ system 6G (Fif~rs~ 1 and 2) clisposed at a port:ion 6rf of the c~n-trcll space ~14 belo~ the fl1lorescen-l scrGen so ~%~7~
29-S-19~9 /I PlIA 20 890 as to receive t~e visible image.
~ ccord~ g -to a preI`erred e1nhod~ ent of` the ln-vention, each of the tunnels 40, L12 enclosing respective passageways, co1npr:ises a f:irst portion ~Oa and L~2a~ respec-tively, that is located adjacent the central chamber 44and a second portion LIOb and 42b, respect:ively, -that is disposed Inore remote f:rom -the center chamber 4LI, the parts LIOa and Ll2a, and the parts 40b and 42b genera:Lly being co-extensive with the parts of the apparaLus 10 indicated by 10 ~ and B, respectively. The first por-t:ions 40a and 42a are closed on all s:ides (including the top) by the x-ray im-permeable walls of the tunnels Llo, L12, w:itll the ends open.
The second por-tions LIOb and 42b have their ends open but are only par-tly enclosed by the x-ray :impermeable wal:ls, it ;5 being more preferred that -there be at least top walls 80 that project out in cantllever fashion froin their respec-tive first portions 40a, 42a forthe ent:ire length of the second pGrtions 40b, 42b. It is desirable that at least a por-tion of the top walls 70 (and, where sought, at least a 20 portion of the side walls at the second portions 40b, 42b) be of transpa:rent material, such as plastic.
The seconcl portions 40b and L~2b can (and, often it is preferred that they do) have side wall elements 74 (on both sides o* each tunnel Llo, L12) that enclose only a 25 part of` the space between the top walls 80 and the conveyor bel-t 20. Thus, there are located at the second portions Llob, 42b only partial side walls. Such a preferred side wall can have the cutback shape shown in Figure 1(which has a general profile of half a U) or some other suitable configuration, 30 e.g., generally a U-shape, (Figs. 3 and 4, Flg. 3 being a full U and Fig. 4 being be-tween a half and a full U-shaped profile generally). It is in1portant l;hat there be at most, only part oP a side wa:ll at tlle mouth of the second port:ion so that the end part of the conveyor :;s access:ible for 35 Loading and ul:l]oadir1g the :inspGcted art:icles. Therefore, the side wall elements 7L~ sho~lld have a pro:file -that moves downward il~ movitlg toward the centra:l space 411 . It is I`-urtller preferl~d that -the top wall e:lemerlts 70 o:f the .. ~ ... . . .. .. ~ , . ~ . .. . ...... . . .... . . . . . . .
29-R- 1979 5 PIJA 20 8c~o second por-t:ions /IOb, 42'b of the respcctive passageways llo, 112 be loca-ted~ gellc:rally, a-t or be:Low shou:Lder height of` an adult of a~rerage statllre, it being more preE`erred that same be at o:r belo~ chest level so as -to prec:Lude a person's uninten-tional:Ly :i.nserti-ng a part o~ h:is body ln the x--ray beam. Where it is des:irecl, the sicle wall elements of the apparatus can ha-ve other configurations, such as, f`or exam--ple, the convex profile shown in Fig-ure 4 9 or the -tr:iangu-lar profile shown in Fig~re 5,in botb of` wh:icb. r:igures the~
lO side wall element 74 encloses only a pa:rt of the spaceat the second por-tion 40b. 'l`he appara-tus can llave a second portion (Fig. 7)whose side wall elemen-ts par-tially enclose the space a-t -the second por-t:ion, wh:ich side walls exten.d downward in the direction toward the centraL space bu-t 15 extend down only over a part of the height of -the second portion instecld of extending down over -the enl;ire such height.
:Cn the above arran~em.en-t, the first portions IIOa and ll2a ac-t to contain stray radiation -that eman.ates from 20 the central. chamber, -t:here preferably being located wi-thi the firs-t por-tions 4Ga and 42a plural, e.g., two, curtains : 76 of flexible radiation proc'if material, such curtains covering -the entire cross-sectional area of the firs-t portions ~IOa, 42a of the tunnels and being spaced apart 25 by a distance substantially equal to the longest dimensio of the inspec-ted articles (so that at least one cur-tain is down and blocking any stray radiation, when the articles pass through the tunnel).
The prov:ision to the second portions ~Ob, 42~ o~
30 side walls,if any, having at leas-t a part, ancl prefera~ly, a major part or even all of, -thei:r lower portions C~lt away, so that there is, at most, onl-y a partial side wallg exposes the end regions 78 of the conveyor belt, -thus facili~atlll~ the loading and unl.oad:ing of the inspected 35 articles thereon. l~hil.e such loading and un].oading of ar-t:ic]es on the present apparatus is not as easy as doing same on a complelaly open conveyor9 .i.t is, neve:rthcless, consiclernb:Ly si.mp:Ler that do:ing so where the tunnel com-~ 6~78 pletely encloses the conveyor. In the case where the con-veyor is open completely at the loading and uIlloading points, as in the prior art, its length has to bo greater than the present apparatns in order to achieve substan-tially the same degree of radiation safety. Hence, thepresent invention provides a very desirable combination of features of facile loading and unloading and rad:iation safety with a considerably shorter apparatus that provides lower weight and cost. In sorne instances, it may be de-10 sirable to have a second por-tion having partial side walls (such as that labeled as "A" in the figures) at only the entry or exit area of the apparatus with -the other such area having, e.g., a competely closed tunnel structure.
It is generally prefAerred that -the side walls of the second 15 port:ions be such that, at their lower parts, -there be accessible for loading and unloading a substan-tial par-t, and even at least a major part, of *hat portion of -the conveyor belt located between the end of the conveyor 20 and the fringe of the radiation leakage boundary. In -the 20 embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the accessible part of -the con-veyor is approximately -that extending over the region indicated B.
While it is preferred that the cu-t-awa)r side wall element of the present apparatus (which provides with the 25 other walls of the regions labeled as "B", a physical bar-rier to prevent insertions oi a person's arms, etc., into the radiation zone "A") be coextens:ive with the tunnel se-cond portions (B), that comprise the -tunnel length beyond the radiation zones (A), so as to minimize the leng-th of - 30 the apparatus, the second portions (B) may, if desired~ be longe:r -thall the cut-away side wall element.
In -the x-ray optical system of the apparatus 10, for exalr~ining an ar-ticle, the x-ray source 16 is directed in a gellerally downward first direction and -the fluorescent 35 screen means 22 for converting -the x-rays to a light image is disposed below the x-ray source. The article passes between the x--ray sourcc and tlle fluorescen-t screen means such that x-rays passing -through the article reach the .. . . .
screen 22 to generatc -thereat a light image of the article.
The imaging system 66 comprises a first light-reflec-ting means, or mirror 80, cl:isposed generally below the fluores-` cent screen 22 so as to receive -the light image from -the fluorescent screen 22, the light image moving generally in the firs-t direct:ion. A second light--refl.ecting means, or mirror 82, is disposed opposite and obliquely to the first light-reflect:ing rneans, so a,s -to receive the light image reflected from the first light-ref`lecting means and 10 to redirect the llght lmage in a generally upwarcl second direction and means for vie~ing the light image are disposed above the second light-reflecting means.
The apparatus 10 further in.cludes an optical system 22 that comprises an objective lens 86 and can in-15 clude an image intensifier of a type known to the art.The x-ray source 16 and fluorescent screen 22 are located on a first ax.is 88, while the optical system 84 is located on a second axis 90, the firs-t and second axes 88 and 90, res~
pectively, being substantially parallel to each other and 20 substantially vertical, it being preferred that the axes be parallel and ver-tical.
The first and second radiation-reflecting mem'bers or mirrors 80, ~2 respectively, e.g. objective mir:rors, are disposed obliquely to each other and the firs-t reflecting 25 member 80 is disposed ~-t -the first axis 88 so as to receive a radia-tion image from the fluorescent screen 22 and reflect it toward the second reflec-ting member 82, which is dis-posed at the second axis 90. It is generally preferred tha-t the ref`lecting members $0, 82 be f`~ont surface mirrors, 30 which can reflect the radiation image directly from the reflect.ing layer of the mirrors ~ithou-t the image passing through the t.r~nsparent layer of the mirrors to reach the reflec-ting 1ayer and then passing through the -transparent layer once again after the reflection thereof.
'rl-le second reflecti.l1g member 82 is located 90 as to .receive 1;he radiation image from -the first one 80 and direct same toward the optical system 84. rt is generally preferred t'hat the fi.rst and second reflecti.ng members ~0, .. .. . . .. .
82 be disposed at substantially right angles to each other, they being located in the chamber 66 together with the fluorescent screen 22. The Pluorescent screen 22 can be carried by the housing 12, it being preferred that the screen 22 comprise a layer of x-ray permeable material facing the x-ray source 16 and that a layer of Pluorescing material be located at the screen side more remote Prom the x-ray source 16.
It can be seen that the above arrangement has a 10 generally U-shaped proPile, with a result being a more squat structure, thus Pacilitating the observation ol` the visible image of the inspected article. This compares qu:ite favorably wi-th the above-described prior art dcvices, whose various component parts are loca-ted on a single axis or - ; 15 on two axes that generally are perpendicular ~o each other.
It is especially preferred tha-t -the first rcflec-; ting member 80 be disposed near to the fluorescent screen 22, the position of the second rePlecting member 82 with respect to the first member 80 being in accordance with the 20 foregoing description, but, nevertheless, it being pre~ferred that the optical system 84 be disposed near to and above the second rePlecting member 82.
Particularly preferred is a source 16 that pro-vides a wide-angle x-ray beam 18, e.g., one having an angle 25 of about 60 or greater. It is generally prePerred that the optical system comprise a light rePlector or mirror 92 that is disposed so as to receive and rePlect to the viewer the light image of the ar-ticle to be inspected. The~ ;
mirror 92 can be pivotably rnounted? e.g., on a gimble, to ` 30 permit it -to be adjusted. lYhere it is desired, a television camera or other device can be incorporated in the apparatus ., . ~
`~ 10, to permit remote position viewing Where the image is to be viewed clirectly, the mirror 92 can be (and preferably is) located at a level that is comPortable to -the average ~ ;~
35 individual, this being greatly Pacilitated by the presen-t ~; invention.
In the operation of -the apparatus, the generated x-ray beam 18 travels from the source 16 to the P]uoresccellt ..
-:
. .. .. .. . . .. ..
- , , . ~ : : :~ . .
.
29-8-1979 9 PI~A 20 890 screen, it passing through the article 62 that is to be inspected. The real time vlsible x-ray image of the article 62 is converted to a visible image by the fluorescent screen 22, the visible image pa~ssing through the screen 22 and 5 reaching the first rePl'ectin~ member 80, by which it is d:irected toward the second reflecting member 82. The re-flected visibLe image is then again reflected by the second reflecting member 82 and directed by the latter toward the optical system 84 and is viewed on the mirror 92.
:Ct is preferred that the first reflecting member 80 be obliquely dispo~sed with respec-t to the ~luorescent screen 22 (e.g., that they form an acute angle, of, for example, L~5), and that the upper end gLI of the firs-t reflecting member be near or next to the fluorescen-t screen . 15 22. A desired result is that the rays oP light 24a reflected by the first reflecting member 80 and located nearest the fluorescent screen 22,travels toward the second reflecting member 82 along a path that is substantially parallel -to the adjacent the Pluorescent screen 22.
The reflecting members 80, ~2 should be sufficient-ly large to intercept the fully the largest image that ~ 9 expected to be produced with this apparatus 10.
; ~ ~ccording to a preferred embodiment of the in-vention, the optical s~s-tem has a distant focus, i.e., a 25 focal point of about three feet or more from the operators'~
normal eye position, which is about the loca-tion of the viewing mirror 92. This permjts a significant reduction in the viewers eye fatigue and permits observation of -the image at a relatively close distance.
The x-ray source 16 can be a standard industr:ial x-ray tube, e.g., an x-ray tube sold by ~mperex under the trademar]c RI-80, which can be operated in the range oP 60 to 100 ~V., and the fluorescen-t screen 22 can be a standard industrial Pluorescent screen, such as that sold under tlle 35 Dupon trademarlc E-2.
.
.
` ' " ' .
29-r'~ 79 1 PIIA 20 830 ~ rtlc:l.e :inspect:ion apparatlls ~rith p:rotect:ive chaLmbers llavin~ art:iclo Joacl:i.ng facil:i.ty"
BiLc];~round of he :invent:ion.
The present :invention relates to apparatus for inspec-tirg ~ar:ious a:rti.cles, including conta:i}lers, parti~
cularly such of the type lencLing i-tselI' to luggage and ' 5 conta:iner inspection.
The rocent h:igh incidence of aircra~-t hijackings~
theft, terrorist bornb:ings, and o-ther unlawful acts ha~s promted and necessita-ted the developMen-t of` inspection systems for locati.ng weapons, con-traband, .and other ar-ticles in lugga~-~e so as to -th~ar-t such acts. Such sys-tems generally have :in~rolved the use o:L' x-rays but this leads to problemc of .shieldi13g personnel and othe:r from the irradia-t:ion. These problems also exist in various appara-tu.s for inspecting various articles other than luggagr3.
~lany prior art x~:ray appara.tus employed for in-- specting various ar-ticles require -the use of enclosing structures to prevent the escape o:f x-rays from the appa-ratus i.nto the surrounding area and the consequent possi-bility of the irradiation of persons in this a:rea by the 20 escaping x-rays. Such enc]osing structures can be x--ray : :impermeable hangi.ng doors, telescoping doors, or other - suitable, relatively r:i.gi.d parts.
Anot11er type of x-ray appara-tus u-til.izes flexible eurtains that are x-ray impermeable, one variety of sueh 25 curt;ains be:ing i.n the :L'orm of hang:ing strips of load-con--tain:in~ flex:ible matorial.
~y f`ederal regulat.ory agr-~ncy requiremen-ts; x-~ray - apparatus oI`-tlie abo~e t~i-pe are required -to ha~e a certai.t3 minirllulIl.r~.:istancr.? betl.ieen t}1e entry and exit po:rl;s O:r ) t;he mac}l:iLIe ar;d -the ~--ray beam, so as l;o a~oid -the possi-bi.l:i.t~ o:L' a parsc,~ a.d~re3-ten-t1y- thruc;t:ing his a:rM o:r a}L~
other par-t o:L` hi.s body :i.n-to the x~-:ray beam.
'rO meet the fedr-rIl sa:L`r3ty reqll.rr-~mr?IIts~ t.lIe 68~8 29-~-1979 ~ 1'[1~ 20 ~90 presently kno~ vorsi.ons of ~-ray inspect.ion appara-tus provide for all oui-er envelope ~hose openlngs fo:r :i.nser-ting and rernoving the various inspec-ted a.rt:icl.es, are .l.ocated such that the~r are at a rniniml:llrl speci:~ied di.stance (pre-sently 36 inches) from the fringes o~ the ~ imary x-ray beam. Such an apparatus includes t~o tunnels located be-tween the patll of -the ~-ray bealn and, respectlvely, the article entr~ and ex:it ports 5 such tunnels be:ing completel~
closed on all sides and a conveyor bel.t extencling from the lO entry port, -through the vicinity of th~ x-ray beam -to the exit port. Where the conveyor belt is co-extensive with the tunlleLs, the articles ~or inspecti.on are required -to -~ be inserted :into the -tunnel, requiring some manipula-tlonS
so, to avoid this disadvantage, the apparatus ls construc-15 ted so that the conveyor belt ex-tends for con.siderable dis-tances beyond the entry and exit ports. Eoweve], this type of s-tructure is undesirable because of the resultin~
greater si~e and cost of the appara-tus.
The present invention seel~s -to overcome -this dis-20 advantage and to provide other benefits as well.
Brief description of` drawin~s.
~igure t is a sec-tional elevation vie~ schema-.: tically representing the apparatus of the present invention according to a preferred embodiment.
Figure 2 is a sectional elevation view of the apparatus of Figure 1, taken along axis 2-2.
~igu:res 3-7 are fractional side eleva-tion views schematically representing fur-ther embodi.ments of the presen-t invention, the apparatus shown in these figures 30 being similar to that O:r ~igure 1, e~cept ~or -the prof`ile of a part of the s:ide ~alls (corresponding parts being similarly numbered).
Preferred embodiments.
Accorcling to 2 prefe:rred embodi.mellt, the p:resent 35 invention comprises an apparatus 10 (~ig. l) includ:ing a substalltially ~Y~radia-t:io:n imperlrleable structure 1~ (e g~
a lead-iine housi.ng or cabillat 13 and shielding means 7~
descr:ibed belc)w) thak ~.efines an :i.nte:Lior charnber 14, an ~L~Z6~78 29-S-197~ ~ PH~ 20 890 x-ray source 16 for prov:iclillg an interr-uptible x-ray bearn 1~ :in a de-termined d:irec-tion, as desc:r:ibed belo~, a con-veyor sys-tenl includillg a conveyor 20, fluorescent screen means 22 located 90 as!~to receive -the x-ray beam 18 ancl adapted to convert x-radlatio:rl :in-to v:is:i'ble rad:ia-tion 2LI
(Fig. 2),anc. an imaging sys-tem 66 for transmit-ting the v:isible radiaticn 24 to a v:ie~er.
The interLor chamber Ill comprises entry and ox:i-t tunnel regions Llo and 1l2, respect:ivel)r, and a cen-tral space 10 l~4 intermediate thereto. The conveyor belt 20 is endless and can be driven by, ~or e~ample, a motor-driven chain drive sys-tem 50 that; -turns a pulley 52 which is connecl;ed to a drive roller element, the conveyor belt 20 being n~ounted on the various guide rollers 56 so that the upper 15 and lo~.~er portions 5~, 60 of the conveyor belt 20 are spaced apart by an appreciable dis-tance, :i.e., a distance significantly greate:r than the diameter of a guide roller 56, at at least the parts 5Sa, 60a ofthe conveyor bel-t 20 tha-t pass, in the operation of the apparatus 10, through 20 the central space 4LI.
- ~t the cen-tral space 4L~, preferably bet-~een the upper and lo~er portions 5~, 60 of -the conveyor belt 20, there is located the fluorescent screcIl 22, wllich is in the path of the x-ra~r beam 1~ and receives the x-ra~rs tha-t 25 pass through the article,e.g. luggage 62, and through only a single layer of the conveyor belt 20, i.e., through the part 5~a of the upper port:ion 5~. ' The ~luorescent screen means 22 con~erts the - x~ray beanl into visible light, -the x-ray being modula-ted 30 or attenuated by, for example, any metallic objects or other objects tl1at migh-t be pre~sent in the luggage or othe:r container 62 as the beam passes through the luggage or con---tainer.~The beam port:ion reach:ing thG fluoresce3l-t screen 22 carr:ies a latent imaf~re of the metallic or other objec-ts, 35 which image :is reproducecL :into the visi'ble radia-t:ionby the fluoresceut screen 22, the visible image be:ing directed to an :imagiI~f~ system 6G (Fif~rs~ 1 and 2) clisposed at a port:ion 6rf of the c~n-trcll space ~14 belo~ the fl1lorescen-l scrGen so ~%~7~
29-S-19~9 /I PlIA 20 890 as to receive t~e visible image.
~ ccord~ g -to a preI`erred e1nhod~ ent of` the ln-vention, each of the tunnels 40, L12 enclosing respective passageways, co1npr:ises a f:irst portion ~Oa and L~2a~ respec-tively, that is located adjacent the central chamber 44and a second portion LIOb and 42b, respect:ively, -that is disposed Inore remote f:rom -the center chamber 4LI, the parts LIOa and Ll2a, and the parts 40b and 42b genera:Lly being co-extensive with the parts of the apparaLus 10 indicated by 10 ~ and B, respectively. The first por-t:ions 40a and 42a are closed on all s:ides (including the top) by the x-ray im-permeable walls of the tunnels Llo, L12, w:itll the ends open.
The second por-tions LIOb and 42b have their ends open but are only par-tly enclosed by the x-ray :impermeable wal:ls, it ;5 being more preferred that -there be at least top walls 80 that project out in cantllever fashion froin their respec-tive first portions 40a, 42a forthe ent:ire length of the second pGrtions 40b, 42b. It is desirable that at least a por-tion of the top walls 70 (and, where sought, at least a 20 portion of the side walls at the second portions 40b, 42b) be of transpa:rent material, such as plastic.
The seconcl portions 40b and L~2b can (and, often it is preferred that they do) have side wall elements 74 (on both sides o* each tunnel Llo, L12) that enclose only a 25 part of` the space between the top walls 80 and the conveyor bel-t 20. Thus, there are located at the second portions Llob, 42b only partial side walls. Such a preferred side wall can have the cutback shape shown in Figure 1(which has a general profile of half a U) or some other suitable configuration, 30 e.g., generally a U-shape, (Figs. 3 and 4, Flg. 3 being a full U and Fig. 4 being be-tween a half and a full U-shaped profile generally). It is in1portant l;hat there be at most, only part oP a side wa:ll at tlle mouth of the second port:ion so that the end part of the conveyor :;s access:ible for 35 Loading and ul:l]oadir1g the :inspGcted art:icles. Therefore, the side wall elements 7L~ sho~lld have a pro:file -that moves downward il~ movitlg toward the centra:l space 411 . It is I`-urtller preferl~d that -the top wall e:lemerlts 70 o:f the .. ~ ... . . .. .. ~ , . ~ . .. . ...... . . .... . . . . . . .
29-R- 1979 5 PIJA 20 8c~o second por-t:ions /IOb, 42'b of the respcctive passageways llo, 112 be loca-ted~ gellc:rally, a-t or be:Low shou:Lder height of` an adult of a~rerage statllre, it being more preE`erred that same be at o:r belo~ chest level so as -to prec:Lude a person's uninten-tional:Ly :i.nserti-ng a part o~ h:is body ln the x--ray beam. Where it is des:irecl, the sicle wall elements of the apparatus can ha-ve other configurations, such as, f`or exam--ple, the convex profile shown in Fig-ure 4 9 or the -tr:iangu-lar profile shown in Fig~re 5,in botb of` wh:icb. r:igures the~
lO side wall element 74 encloses only a pa:rt of the spaceat the second por-tion 40b. 'l`he appara-tus can llave a second portion (Fig. 7)whose side wall elemen-ts par-tially enclose the space a-t -the second por-t:ion, wh:ich side walls exten.d downward in the direction toward the centraL space bu-t 15 extend down only over a part of the height of -the second portion instecld of extending down over -the enl;ire such height.
:Cn the above arran~em.en-t, the first portions IIOa and ll2a ac-t to contain stray radiation -that eman.ates from 20 the central. chamber, -t:here preferably being located wi-thi the firs-t por-tions 4Ga and 42a plural, e.g., two, curtains : 76 of flexible radiation proc'if material, such curtains covering -the entire cross-sectional area of the firs-t portions ~IOa, 42a of the tunnels and being spaced apart 25 by a distance substantially equal to the longest dimensio of the inspec-ted articles (so that at least one cur-tain is down and blocking any stray radiation, when the articles pass through the tunnel).
The prov:ision to the second portions ~Ob, 42~ o~
30 side walls,if any, having at leas-t a part, ancl prefera~ly, a major part or even all of, -thei:r lower portions C~lt away, so that there is, at most, onl-y a partial side wallg exposes the end regions 78 of the conveyor belt, -thus facili~atlll~ the loading and unl.oad:ing of the inspected 35 articles thereon. l~hil.e such loading and un].oading of ar-t:ic]es on the present apparatus is not as easy as doing same on a complelaly open conveyor9 .i.t is, neve:rthcless, consiclernb:Ly si.mp:Ler that do:ing so where the tunnel com-~ 6~78 pletely encloses the conveyor. In the case where the con-veyor is open completely at the loading and uIlloading points, as in the prior art, its length has to bo greater than the present apparatns in order to achieve substan-tially the same degree of radiation safety. Hence, thepresent invention provides a very desirable combination of features of facile loading and unloading and rad:iation safety with a considerably shorter apparatus that provides lower weight and cost. In sorne instances, it may be de-10 sirable to have a second por-tion having partial side walls (such as that labeled as "A" in the figures) at only the entry or exit area of the apparatus with -the other such area having, e.g., a competely closed tunnel structure.
It is generally prefAerred that -the side walls of the second 15 port:ions be such that, at their lower parts, -there be accessible for loading and unloading a substan-tial par-t, and even at least a major part, of *hat portion of -the conveyor belt located between the end of the conveyor 20 and the fringe of the radiation leakage boundary. In -the 20 embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the accessible part of -the con-veyor is approximately -that extending over the region indicated B.
While it is preferred that the cu-t-awa)r side wall element of the present apparatus (which provides with the 25 other walls of the regions labeled as "B", a physical bar-rier to prevent insertions oi a person's arms, etc., into the radiation zone "A") be coextens:ive with the tunnel se-cond portions (B), that comprise the -tunnel length beyond the radiation zones (A), so as to minimize the leng-th of - 30 the apparatus, the second portions (B) may, if desired~ be longe:r -thall the cut-away side wall element.
In -the x-ray optical system of the apparatus 10, for exalr~ining an ar-ticle, the x-ray source 16 is directed in a gellerally downward first direction and -the fluorescent 35 screen means 22 for converting -the x-rays to a light image is disposed below the x-ray source. The article passes between the x--ray sourcc and tlle fluorescen-t screen means such that x-rays passing -through the article reach the .. . . .
screen 22 to generatc -thereat a light image of the article.
The imaging system 66 comprises a first light-reflec-ting means, or mirror 80, cl:isposed generally below the fluores-` cent screen 22 so as to receive -the light image from -the fluorescent screen 22, the light image moving generally in the firs-t direct:ion. A second light--refl.ecting means, or mirror 82, is disposed opposite and obliquely to the first light-reflect:ing rneans, so a,s -to receive the light image reflected from the first light-ref`lecting means and 10 to redirect the llght lmage in a generally upwarcl second direction and means for vie~ing the light image are disposed above the second light-reflecting means.
The apparatus 10 further in.cludes an optical system 22 that comprises an objective lens 86 and can in-15 clude an image intensifier of a type known to the art.The x-ray source 16 and fluorescent screen 22 are located on a first ax.is 88, while the optical system 84 is located on a second axis 90, the firs-t and second axes 88 and 90, res~
pectively, being substantially parallel to each other and 20 substantially vertical, it being preferred that the axes be parallel and ver-tical.
The first and second radiation-reflecting mem'bers or mirrors 80, ~2 respectively, e.g. objective mir:rors, are disposed obliquely to each other and the firs-t reflecting 25 member 80 is disposed ~-t -the first axis 88 so as to receive a radia-tion image from the fluorescent screen 22 and reflect it toward the second reflec-ting member 82, which is dis-posed at the second axis 90. It is generally preferred tha-t the ref`lecting members $0, 82 be f`~ont surface mirrors, 30 which can reflect the radiation image directly from the reflect.ing layer of the mirrors ~ithou-t the image passing through the t.r~nsparent layer of the mirrors to reach the reflec-ting 1ayer and then passing through the -transparent layer once again after the reflection thereof.
'rl-le second reflecti.l1g member 82 is located 90 as to .receive 1;he radiation image from -the first one 80 and direct same toward the optical system 84. rt is generally preferred t'hat the fi.rst and second reflecti.ng members ~0, .. .. . . .. .
82 be disposed at substantially right angles to each other, they being located in the chamber 66 together with the fluorescent screen 22. The Pluorescent screen 22 can be carried by the housing 12, it being preferred that the screen 22 comprise a layer of x-ray permeable material facing the x-ray source 16 and that a layer of Pluorescing material be located at the screen side more remote Prom the x-ray source 16.
It can be seen that the above arrangement has a 10 generally U-shaped proPile, with a result being a more squat structure, thus Pacilitating the observation ol` the visible image of the inspected article. This compares qu:ite favorably wi-th the above-described prior art dcvices, whose various component parts are loca-ted on a single axis or - ; 15 on two axes that generally are perpendicular ~o each other.
It is especially preferred tha-t -the first rcflec-; ting member 80 be disposed near to the fluorescent screen 22, the position of the second rePlecting member 82 with respect to the first member 80 being in accordance with the 20 foregoing description, but, nevertheless, it being pre~ferred that the optical system 84 be disposed near to and above the second rePlecting member 82.
Particularly preferred is a source 16 that pro-vides a wide-angle x-ray beam 18, e.g., one having an angle 25 of about 60 or greater. It is generally prePerred that the optical system comprise a light rePlector or mirror 92 that is disposed so as to receive and rePlect to the viewer the light image of the ar-ticle to be inspected. The~ ;
mirror 92 can be pivotably rnounted? e.g., on a gimble, to ` 30 permit it -to be adjusted. lYhere it is desired, a television camera or other device can be incorporated in the apparatus ., . ~
`~ 10, to permit remote position viewing Where the image is to be viewed clirectly, the mirror 92 can be (and preferably is) located at a level that is comPortable to -the average ~ ;~
35 individual, this being greatly Pacilitated by the presen-t ~; invention.
In the operation of -the apparatus, the generated x-ray beam 18 travels from the source 16 to the P]uoresccellt ..
-:
. .. .. .. . . .. ..
- , , . ~ : : :~ . .
.
29-8-1979 9 PI~A 20 890 screen, it passing through the article 62 that is to be inspected. The real time vlsible x-ray image of the article 62 is converted to a visible image by the fluorescent screen 22, the visible image pa~ssing through the screen 22 and 5 reaching the first rePl'ectin~ member 80, by which it is d:irected toward the second reflecting member 82. The re-flected visibLe image is then again reflected by the second reflecting member 82 and directed by the latter toward the optical system 84 and is viewed on the mirror 92.
:Ct is preferred that the first reflecting member 80 be obliquely dispo~sed with respec-t to the ~luorescent screen 22 (e.g., that they form an acute angle, of, for example, L~5), and that the upper end gLI of the firs-t reflecting member be near or next to the fluorescen-t screen . 15 22. A desired result is that the rays oP light 24a reflected by the first reflecting member 80 and located nearest the fluorescent screen 22,travels toward the second reflecting member 82 along a path that is substantially parallel -to the adjacent the Pluorescent screen 22.
The reflecting members 80, ~2 should be sufficient-ly large to intercept the fully the largest image that ~ 9 expected to be produced with this apparatus 10.
; ~ ~ccording to a preferred embodiment of the in-vention, the optical s~s-tem has a distant focus, i.e., a 25 focal point of about three feet or more from the operators'~
normal eye position, which is about the loca-tion of the viewing mirror 92. This permjts a significant reduction in the viewers eye fatigue and permits observation of -the image at a relatively close distance.
The x-ray source 16 can be a standard industr:ial x-ray tube, e.g., an x-ray tube sold by ~mperex under the trademar]c RI-80, which can be operated in the range oP 60 to 100 ~V., and the fluorescen-t screen 22 can be a standard industrial Pluorescent screen, such as that sold under tlle 35 Dupon trademarlc E-2.
.
.
` ' " ' .
Claims (21)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An article inspection apparatus capable of con-tinuous operation for at least part of the operating time thereof, comprising:
(a) chamber defining means that are substantially impermeable to x-rays and that comprise a first portion com-prising entry and exit portions and a second portion located between said entry and exit portions;
(b) an x-ray source for directing x-rays to the chamber at said second portion of said means;
(c) flexible x-ray shielding means disposed at said entry and exit portions (d) said entry and exit portions both comprising respective first and second regions, said first regions being removed from said chamber second portion and said second regions being located between said second portion and their respective said first regions, said second regions comprising completely enclosed tunnels communicating with said second portion and with said first regions, said first regions comprising top and partial side wall members, said side wall members having a cut-away at the end thereof more remote from said second portion;
(e) an article transport system having a first part thereof disposed at said chamber second portion and at least a second part thereof disposed at said first cham-ber portion, said article transport system serving to carry said article through said chamber second portion; and (f) means for converting said x-rays passing through said chamber first portion and said article into a visual image.
(a) chamber defining means that are substantially impermeable to x-rays and that comprise a first portion com-prising entry and exit portions and a second portion located between said entry and exit portions;
(b) an x-ray source for directing x-rays to the chamber at said second portion of said means;
(c) flexible x-ray shielding means disposed at said entry and exit portions (d) said entry and exit portions both comprising respective first and second regions, said first regions being removed from said chamber second portion and said second regions being located between said second portion and their respective said first regions, said second regions comprising completely enclosed tunnels communicating with said second portion and with said first regions, said first regions comprising top and partial side wall members, said side wall members having a cut-away at the end thereof more remote from said second portion;
(e) an article transport system having a first part thereof disposed at said chamber second portion and at least a second part thereof disposed at said first cham-ber portion, said article transport system serving to carry said article through said chamber second portion; and (f) means for converting said x-rays passing through said chamber first portion and said article into a visual image.
2. An inspection apparatus as in Claim 1, wherein said cutaway has a profile that extends downward in the direction toward said second portion.
3. An inspection. apparatus as in Claim 1, wherein said top walls of said first regions project out in canti-lever fashion from said second regions.
4. An inspectionapparatus as in Claim 3, wherein said top walls extend over the entire length of said first regions.
5. An inspection apparatus as in Claim 1, wherein at least part of said top walls is of transparent material.
6. An inspection apparatus as in Claim 1, wherein at least part of said side walls of said first regions is of transparent material.
7. An inspection apparatus as in Claim 1, wherein said side walls enclose only a part of the space between said top walls and said transport system.
8. An inspection apparatus as in Claim 1, wherein said side walls have a cutaway portion whose profile ge-nerally is in the shape of a half "U".
9. An inspection apparatus as in Claim 1, wherein said side walls have a cutaway portion whose profile ge-nerally is U-shaped.
10. An inspection apparatus as in Claim 1, wherein said side walls have a cutaway portion whose profile generally is convex.
11. An inspection apparatus as in Claim 1, wherein said side walls have cutaway portions whose profile generally is concave.
12. An inspection apparatus as in Claim 1, wherein said side walls have a cutaway portion whose profile generally is triangular.
13. An inspection apparatus as in Claim 1, wherein said side wall comprise cutaway portions render accessible for loading and unloading of articles a substantial part of said conveyor system located between the end of said conveyor and said second regions.
14. An inspection apparatus as in Claim 1, wherein said converting means comprises:
(a) fluorescent screen means for converting said x-rays to a light image, said screen means being disposed below said x-ray source, '- .
... .. .
(b) means for receiving said article located be-tween said x-ray source and said fluorescent screen means, such that said x-rays passing through said article reach said screen means to generate thereat a light image of said article, (c) a first light reflecting means disposed generally below said fluorescent screen means so as to re-ceive said light image from said fluorescent screen means, said light image moving generally in said direction, (d) second light reflecting means disposed opposite and obliquely to said first light reflecting means, so as to receive said light image reflected from said first light reflecting means and to redirect said light image in a generally upward second direction, and (e) means for viewing said light image, said view-ing means being disposed above said second light reflecting means.
(a) fluorescent screen means for converting said x-rays to a light image, said screen means being disposed below said x-ray source, '- .
... .. .
(b) means for receiving said article located be-tween said x-ray source and said fluorescent screen means, such that said x-rays passing through said article reach said screen means to generate thereat a light image of said article, (c) a first light reflecting means disposed generally below said fluorescent screen means so as to re-ceive said light image from said fluorescent screen means, said light image moving generally in said direction, (d) second light reflecting means disposed opposite and obliquely to said first light reflecting means, so as to receive said light image reflected from said first light reflecting means and to redirect said light image in a generally upward second direction, and (e) means for viewing said light image, said view-ing means being disposed above said second light reflecting means.
15. An inspection apparatus as in Claim 14, wherein said viewing means comprises an image intensifier adapted to receive said image from said second reflective means.
16. An inspection apparatus as in Claim 14, wherein said first and second directions are at least substantially paralle.
17. An inspection apparatus as in Claim 14, wherein said first and second light reflecting means comprise mirrors.
18. An inspection apparatus as in Claim 14, wherein said x-ray source, fluorescent screen means, first and second light reflecting means, and viewing means are dis-posed in a generally U-shaped arrangement.
19. An inspection apparatus as in Claim 14, wherein said viewing means comprises a mirror element.
20. An inspection apparatus as in Claim 19, wherein said mirror element is pivotably mounted.
21. An inspection apparatus as in Claim 14, wherein said x-ray source, fluorescent screen means, and first light reflecting means are disposed substantially on a first axis and said second light reflecting means and view-ing means are disposed substantially on a second axis, said first and second axes being substantially parallel and substantially vertical.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US05/961,434 US4239969A (en) | 1978-11-16 | 1978-11-16 | Article inspection apparatus with protective chamber having article-loading facility |
| US961,434 | 1978-11-16 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1126878A true CA1126878A (en) | 1982-06-29 |
Family
ID=25504465
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA339,443A Expired CA1126878A (en) | 1978-11-16 | 1979-11-08 | Article inspection apparatus with protective chambers having article-loading facility |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4239969A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0011338B1 (en) |
| JP (2) | JPS5582041A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU530098B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1126878A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2965757D1 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES485935A1 (en) |
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| US9486840B2 (en) | 2013-05-24 | 2016-11-08 | Gii Acquisition, Llc | High-speed, triangulation-based, 3-D method and system for inspecting manufactured parts and sorting the inspected parts |
| US10207297B2 (en) | 2013-05-24 | 2019-02-19 | GII Inspection, LLC | Method and system for inspecting a manufactured part at an inspection station |
| US9539619B2 (en) | 2013-05-24 | 2017-01-10 | Gii Acquisition, Llc | High speed method and system for inspecting a stream of parts at a pair of inspection stations |
| CA2919159A1 (en) | 2013-07-23 | 2015-01-29 | Rapiscan Systems, Inc. | Methods for improving processing speed for object inspection |
| WO2016003547A1 (en) | 2014-06-30 | 2016-01-07 | American Science And Engineering, Inc. | Rapidly relocatable modular cargo container scanner |
| US10300510B2 (en) * | 2014-08-01 | 2019-05-28 | General Inspection Llc | High speed method and system for inspecting a stream of parts |
| US10345479B2 (en) | 2015-09-16 | 2019-07-09 | Rapiscan Systems, Inc. | Portable X-ray scanner |
| WO2017146930A1 (en) | 2016-02-22 | 2017-08-31 | Rapiscan Systems, Inc. | Systems and methods for detecting threats and contraband in cargo |
| CN110199373B (en) | 2017-01-31 | 2021-09-28 | 拉皮斯坎系统股份有限公司 | High power X-ray source and method of operation |
| US11212902B2 (en) | 2020-02-25 | 2021-12-28 | Rapiscan Systems, Inc. | Multiplexed drive systems and methods for a multi-emitter X-ray source |
| US11193898B1 (en) | 2020-06-01 | 2021-12-07 | American Science And Engineering, Inc. | Systems and methods for controlling image contrast in an X-ray system |
| CA3207580A1 (en) | 2021-02-23 | 2022-09-01 | Neil Duncan CARRINGTON | Systems and methods for eliminating cross-talk in scanning systems having multiple x-ray sources |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3018375A (en) * | 1959-11-19 | 1962-01-23 | Picker Chi Ray Corp | Viewing apparatus for amplified X-ray images |
| JPS4324372Y1 (en) * | 1964-01-28 | 1968-10-14 | ||
| JPS4910085A (en) * | 1972-05-24 | 1974-01-29 | ||
| US3808444A (en) * | 1973-01-05 | 1974-04-30 | Westinghouse Electric Corp | X-ray contrast detection system |
| US4020346A (en) * | 1973-03-21 | 1977-04-26 | Dennis Donald A | X-ray inspection device and method |
| US3980889A (en) * | 1974-04-08 | 1976-09-14 | North American Philips Corporation | Article transfer and inspection apparatus |
| JPS547472B2 (en) * | 1974-04-30 | 1979-04-06 |
-
1978
- 1978-11-16 US US05/961,434 patent/US4239969A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1979
- 1979-11-08 DE DE7979200653T patent/DE2965757D1/en not_active Expired
- 1979-11-08 CA CA339,443A patent/CA1126878A/en not_active Expired
- 1979-11-08 EP EP79200653A patent/EP0011338B1/en not_active Expired
- 1979-11-13 JP JP14614279A patent/JPS5582041A/en active Pending
- 1979-11-14 AU AU52819/79A patent/AU530098B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1979-11-14 ES ES485935A patent/ES485935A1/en not_active Expired
-
1989
- 1989-02-06 JP JP1989012293U patent/JPH01136450U/ja active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4239969A (en) | 1980-12-16 |
| JPS5582041A (en) | 1980-06-20 |
| EP0011338A1 (en) | 1980-05-28 |
| AU5281979A (en) | 1980-05-22 |
| AU530098B2 (en) | 1983-06-30 |
| JPH01136450U (en) | 1989-09-19 |
| DE2965757D1 (en) | 1983-07-28 |
| ES485935A1 (en) | 1980-07-01 |
| EP0011338B1 (en) | 1983-06-22 |
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