WO2011051701A2

WO2011051701A2 - An inspection apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2011051701A2
Application number: PCT/GB2010/051775
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nigel Haworth
Original assignee: Fortishield Limited
Priority date: 2009-10-26
Filing date: 2010-10-21
Publication date: 2011-05-05
Also published as: GB0918734D0; WO2011051701A3

Abstract

An inspection apparatus is provided. The inspection apparatus (1) comprises a base (100) having a longitudinal axis extending from a front end to a rear end and finding a longitudinal direction. The inspection apparatus (1) also comprises a boom (200) comprising detection sensors (202) which is moveable relative to the base (100) from a first position to a second position, the first position being a stored position, and the second position being a deployed position for detection. The boom (200) in the second position is moveable relative to the base in the longitudinal direction.

Description

AN INSPECTION APPARATUS

BACKGROUND Technical Field The invention relates to an inspection apparatus. More specifically, the invention relates to a vehicle, cargo or container inspection apparatus capable of travelling on public roads.

Description of Related Art

There are several cargo inspection systems available which are capable of travelling on public roads. The known systems are typically built on a commercially available solid frame truck chassis, which supports X-ray imaging equipment and an onboard cabin for housing an inspector. The known systems are fully self-contained and include all components and capabilities required to scan containers, vehicles and a wide range of cargo.

The known cargo inspection systems are road mobile and may be driven to a site in response to changing operational requirements. According to the known systems, the system is ready to scan an unoccupied parked truck or line of trucks in either the forward or reverse directions. A typical known system is the Rapiscan Eagle (RTM) M4507 marketed by Rapiscan (RTM) Rapiscan Systems (RTM). There are other similar systems available.

The known systems all use booms to deploy sensors over and around the cargo to be scanned. The boom systems of the prior art are mounted to rigid chassis vehicles, typically having three or four axles. As mentioned above, the known systems operate by engaging a hydraulic or electric drive to deploy the boom. Then the truck is driven along a road to scan the intended cargo. Typically, a hydraulic drive is used to control the speed of movement of the truck, though there are other methods of controlling the speed of movement of the truck.

The known systems are prone to a number of potential problems. To summarise, some of the problems are outlined below:

• There is the potential for unbalanced loads on the truck chassis, resulting in chassis twist. In some cases, this may give rise unpredictable movement of the chassis which makes the scanning results less reliable, or requires more sophisticated and expensive scanning equipment. · The truck requires expensive drive systems to control the drive speed within a tight tolerance in order to allow the most accurate scans to be obtained. • There is an issue with over-weight axle loading, and also over-length vehicles which may not meet the legal road requirements in some cases.

• There is a requirement for the driver of the cargo inspection system to be in the cab and shielded from the X-ray equipment.

• There is a requirement for at least two operating staff as someone is required to drive the cargo inspection system whilst someone else is required to be in the rear cabin operating the inspection equipment.

• There is the potential for collision whilst the cargo inspection system is moving.

• Because of the use of X-ray equipment, an exclusion zone must be set up for safety.

However, there is a potential for radiation exposure if the cargo inspection system moves so as to send the X-ray radiation beyond the exclusion zone.

• Any poor road conditions will affect the quality of the scan. For example, potholes will tilt the truck chassis and boom and sensors.

An aim of the invention is to solve one or more of the above problems with the known systems. At the very least, it is an aim of the invention to improve upon the known systems in some way.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a cargo inspection apparatus comprising: a base having a longitudinal axis extending from a front end to a rear end and defining a longitudinal direction; and a boom comprising detection sensors which is movable relative to the base from a first position to a second position, the first position being a stowed position, and the second position being a deployed position for detection; wherein the boom in the second position is movable relative to the base in the longitudinal direction.

In this way, many of the afore-mentioned problems of the prior art are solved or mitigated. For example, by moving the boom relative to the base, the condition of the road surface does not impact on scan quality. Also, the exclusion zone will remain static reducing the risk of radiation exposure to people outside an exclusion zone. The potential for collision whilst the vehicle moves is reduced or eliminated. There is no need to have a driver, reducing staffing costs. There is no need for a driver to be in a cab and shielded. The problems with overweight axle loading and over-length vehicles are reduced or eliminated. There is no need for expensive drive systems to provide accurate control of vehicle speed in order to provide accurate scan speeds, and the apparatus loads may be more easily balanced.

In one embodiment, the base is a trailer capable of travelling on public roads and which is arranged to be deployable in a static position. In this way, the cargo inspection apparatus is mobile and may be deployed to sites very quickly. Also, by reducing the need for the cargo inspection apparatus itself to move relative to the ground, there is no need for a truck. Instead, a trailer may be used and the cab separated from the trailer once deployed. The cab can then be used elsewhere increasing efficiency.

Also, if the cab breaks down or is out of service, for example for regular or routine maintenance, a replacement cab can be used allowing the apparatus to remain mobile.

Preferably, the boom is arranged to move relative to the chassis along a rail system deployed on the base. In this way, the boom cannot wander from the scan position and collide with the target or other nearby objects. Also, the rails will provide smoothness of operation.

Preferably, the trailer is extendable so that a deployed length is greater than a stowed length. In this way, the cargo inspection apparatus is capable of inspecting maximum length vehicles, whilst remaining within the maximum length allowed for normal road-going vehicles itself. Preferably, the trailer may be extended by stretching overlapping platforms in the stowed position into concurrently running platforms in the deployed position. Alternatively, the trailer may be extended by using a cantilever section at either end. In another embodiment, the trailer may be extended in a mid-portion by pulling apart two end sections.

Preferably, the cargo inspection apparatus may be arranged to provide a counter balance system for the boom. In one embodiment, the counter balance comprises an equipment housing. Preferably, the equipment housing includes an office for at least one inspector. Preferably, the equipment housing houses ancillary equipment required for the scanning process, such as a generator, electrical equipment, or fuel.

Preferably, in one embodiment, rails are deployed in a gap left by extending the trailer. The rails may rotate, slide or flip into position.

In one embodiment, the rails are mounted on the roof of the trailer.

The cargo inspection apparatus may use a suspension system between the boom and the rails. In this way, transmission over rail joints will not unduly affect the quality of the image.

In one embodiment, the boom is deployed using a pantograph mechanism. In this way, the length of the vehicle can be kept to a minimum in the stowed position, but the height of the scan area can be maximised in the deployed position. The boom may not be counter-balanced and may be supported on the roadway by one or more wheels. Preferably, the boom is supported on the roadway by at least two wheels arranged to pivot to dampen the effect of poor road conditions, and the boom is pivotable on the base. Preferably, the boom is hinged to minimise the effect of poor road conditions. Preferably, the boom is hinged in at least one plane, preferably two or more planes.

Preferably, the counter balance system is capable of deployment on either side of the base. Preferably, the counter balance system and boom are arrangeable so as to set a scan angle of 90° to the target. Additionally, the counter balance system and boom is capable of setting another scan angle to the target, other than 90°. Preferably, sensors are employed to ensure that the boom or counter balance, or both the boom and counter balance do not impact any object.

Preferably, encoders are used to enable the cargo inspection apparatus to determine where the boom is located on the rails. Preferably, sensors are used to prevent the boom running off the end or ends of the rails.

Preferably, generator fuel used to power drive mechanisms of the cargo inspection apparatus is stowed about longitudinal axis to avoid fluctuations in volume or weight affecting the counter balance.

Preferably, stabilising jacks are used to support and level the rails. Preferably, operation is powered by an onboard generator or electrical source. Alternatively, operation may be powered by a remote system, such as a tractor unit or via an umbilical cord to a fixed power supply, for example.

The counter balance system may be fixed to the bed of the trailer in the stowed position for transportation. Preferably, sensors are employed to ensure that the counter balance system is correctly stowed. Preferably, the sensors are linked to the braking system, preventing movement of the vehicle if the counter balance is incorrectly stowed.

Preferably, the boom is stowed within the envelope of dimensions of a road legal vehicle. Preferably, the boom is stowed in a direction parallel to the direction of travel.

Preferably, the boom is fixed to the bed of the trailer for transportation. Preferably, sensors are employed to ensure the boom is correctly stowed. Preferably, the sensors are linked to the braking system, preventing movement of the cargo inspection apparatus if the boom is incorrectly stowed. Preferably, the cargo inspection apparatus is powered by hydraulics or electrical motors. The hydraulics or electrical motors are used to move the boom relative to the base. Preferably, the hydraulics or electrical motors are arranged to deploy the cargo inspection apparatus from the stowed position to the deployed position. Preferably, the hydraulics or electrical motors are used to stabilise the unit. Preferably, the hydraulics or electrical motors are used to level the cargo inspection apparatus.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of inspecting cargo, the method comprising moving a boom on a base over a full length of a stationary cargo, the boom comprising one or more sensors arranged to detect signals indicative of the contents of the cargo, and the base defining a longitudinal axis along which the boom is arranged to move relative to the base.

Preferably, the base is a trailer and the method comprises moving the boom from a first position in which the boom is stored for transportation to a second position in which the boom is in a deployed position ready for movement over the full length of the stationary cargo. Preferably, the trailer is extendable so that the boom is moveable over the full length of the stationary cargo.

Preferably, the method comprises moving the boom along rails which are arranged to extend along the base in the longitudinal direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how example embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cargo inspection apparatus in a stowed position according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective rear view of the cargo inspection apparatus of Fig. 1 with cab removed; Fig. 3 is a plan view of the cargo inspection apparatus of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a side view of the cargo inspection apparatus of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the cargo inspection apparatus of Fig. 2 in a deployed position scanning a truck-loaded cargo;

Fig. 6 is a plan view of Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is a side view of Fig. 5; Fig. 8 is an end elevation of Fig. 5;

Fig. 9 is an end elevation of Fig. 5 cut-away to show internal component parts; and

Fig. 10 is a side view of a cargo inspection apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention; Fig. 1 1 is a side view of a cargo inspection apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 12 is a side view of the cargo inspection apparatus of Fig. 1 1 in an extended but not fully deployed position;

Fig. 13 is a side view of the cargo inspection apparatus of Fig. 1 1 in an extended and deployed position;

Fig. 14 is a cut-away end elevation of the cargo inspection apparatus of Fig. 1 1 in an extended and deployed position;

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative arrangement to the cargo inspection apparatus of Fig. 1 1 ; Fig. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative arrangement to the cargo inspection apparatus of Fig. 1 1 ; and

Fig. 17 is a side view of yet another alternative arrangement to the cargo inspection apparatus of Fig. 1 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the figures, and like reference numerals are used throughout for equivalent parts. Only the differences between the embodiments are described.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cargo inspection apparatus 1 in a stowed position according to a first embodiment of the invention. The cargo inspection apparatus 1 of this embodiment comprises a tractor unit 50 connected to a trailer 100.

The trailer 100 comprises stabilising jacks 101 , wheels 102 and axles 103. In this embodiment, the trailer is a three-axle trailer, but the invention is not limited thereto. The trailer 100 provides a rail platform 1 10 which comprises a pair of rails 1 1 1 running from a front end of the trailer adjacent the tractor unit 50 to a rear end of the trailer opposite the front end. The rail platform 1 10 comprises a top platform 1 12 and a bottom platform 1 14. In the stowed position, as shown in Fig. 1 , the top platform 1 12 and the bottom platform 1 14 are arranged one on top of the other. They are arranged to move with respect to one another to create an elongated rail platform 1 10, in use, as will be described later.

Additionally, the trailer 100 comprises a front cantilever section 1 16 adjacent the tractor unit 50 and a rear cantilever section 1 18 at the opposite end of the trailer 100. Each cantilever section 1 16, 1 18 is attached by a hinge, or other mechanism, to the trailer 100 so as to extend the trailer 100 in use. In this embodiment, each cantilever section 1 16, 1 18 provides a continuation of the rails 1 1 1 across the full length of the deployed trailer 100.

The cargo inspection apparatus 1 further comprises a boom 200 which in this embodiment is supported on the trailer 100 by an equipment housing 300.

The boom 200 comprises one or more sensors which allows for the inspection of cargo. The boom also comprises warning lights 204 on both sides thereof to warn people of the status of the cargo inspection apparatus.

The boom 200 also comprises a down leg 210 which also contains sensors 202 (see Fig. 5). The boom 200 and the down leg 210 are connected together by a hinged connection 212. A mechanism for moving the down leg 210 relative to the boom 200 is included in the cargo inspection apparatus 1 , but is not shown in the drawings. The mechanism may be a simple winch, electrical drive, or hydraulic drive. In this embodiment, it is important that the down leg 210 is pulled under the boom 200 so that it may be stowed on the trailer 100.

The equipment housing 300 is arranged to comprise an X-ray housing 310, a fuel housing 320, an office 330 and a generator housing 340. Fig. 2 is a perspective rear view of the cargo inspection apparatus 1 of Fig. 1 , showing the tractor unit 50 removed. The tractor unit 50 would normally be removed prior to the full deployment of the cargo inspection apparatus 1. In other words, after the completion of any trailer 100 extension required, i.e., the tractor 50 is arranged to pull the trailer 100 to the deployed length when the trailer 100 is braked. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show a plan view and side view of the cargo inspection apparatus 1 , respectively. Here, it can be seen that the warning lights 204 are placed on either side of the boom 200.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the cargo inspection apparatus 1 shown in a deployed position scanning a truck-loaded cargo 400. In Fig. 5, the equipment housing 300 is moved relative to the trailer 100 on a pivot 350. In this example, the equipment 300 is at 90° to the trailer 100.

In addition the boom 200 is shown in an extended position. In this example, the boom 200 is extended using a pantograph 220. The pantograph comprises arms 222, boom pivots 224, housing pivots 226 and a drive mechanism which is not shown in the drawings. By using the pantograph 220 in this way, the stowed length of the boom 200 is reduced, whilst the deployed height of the boom is increased. Also, as can be seen in Fig. 5, the down leg 210 is in a substantially vertical position ready to detect the cargo 400.

The front cantilever section 1 16 and the rear cantilever section 1 18 are both shown in the deployed position. Here, the continuity of the rails 1 1 1 along the full length of the trailer 100 is clearly shown.

The X-ray housing 310 is also shown in the deployed position. Advantageously, the X-ray housing is able to deploy below the rail platform 1 10, and to a cargo-side of the trailer 100. This allows for better scanning of the cargo 400. Interference from the trailer 100 can be eliminated in this way. The fuel housing 320 is located above the pivot 350 to make a more stable cargo inspection apparatus 1 independent of the amount of fuel used. The office 330 is used as a counter-balance to the extended boom 200, as is also the generator housing 340. In this way, a much more balanced system is available.

The office 330 is suitably screened from X-ray generating equipment contained in the X-ray housing 310.

In use, the equipment housing 300 and boom 200 are arranged to move along the longitudinal length of the trailer 100 in order to scan the cargo 400. This direction is shown by the arrows in Fig. 5.

Prior to operation of the cargo inspection apparatus 1 , the truck-loaded cargo 400 is parked adjacent the cargo inspection apparatus 1. The driver of the truck-loaded cargo 400 leaves the area whilst the cargo inspection apparatus 1 scans the contents of the vehicle.

Because the equipment housing 300, and therefore the boom 200, are moveable in the longitudinal direction along the trailer 100 on rails 1 1 1 , the scanning operation is smooth, consistent, and highly controllable. Furthermore, there is no need for a driver of the cargo inspection apparatus 1 to be present during the scanning operation. Nor is there any chance that the X-ray radiation will escape from an exclusion zone in any appreciable quantity. By using an extendable trailer 100, the trailer 100 is able to scan full-length road vehicles without a problem, but is also able to shrink to a road legal length itself, for mobile deployment on the road. All necessary computing equipment and such like is stored in the cargo inspection apparatus 1 , and the office 330 provides space for a user to interrogate that data and make decisions on the contents or otherwise of the cargo 400.

Fig. 5 also shows the X-ray beam emitted from the X-ray housing 310. As can be seen, this beam cuts through the boom 200 as approximately half-way along its length, and cuts through the whole of the down leg 210. The sensors 202 are appropriately deployed in the boom 200 and down leg 210 as would be known by those skilled in the art.

For completeness, Figs. 6, 7 and 8 are the plan view, side view and end elevation of the cargo inspection apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 9 is an end elevation of the cargo inspection apparatus 1 when deployed, cut-away to show carriages 360 operating on the rails 1 1 1. Also, the pivot 350, or slewing ring 350 is also shown mounted on the carriages 360.

Whilst Figs. 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 show the cargo inspection apparatus 1 deployed so that the boom 200 is at an angle of 90° to the trailer 100, the system is able to provide other angles to aide with X-ray scanning. Typical angles would range from 45° to 90° to the trailer. Whilst not shown, a suspension system may be provided to minimise bumps associated with the transmission of the carriages 360 over joints in the rails 1 1 1. Also, the rails 1 1 1 are set smooth and level, and joints are scarfed to minimise any steps and bumps.

During operation, sensors which are not shown in the drawings are employed to ensure that the boom and counter balance do not impact any object during travel.

Also, encoders are used to ensure that the carriages 360 can be accurately located on the rails 1 1 1 for positional awareness and control purposes. Additionally, sensors not shown in the drawings are provided to stop the carriages 360 running off the end of the rails 1 1 1. Alternatively, end stops could be provided. The office 330 is shielded to protect against direct and scatter radiation from the X-ray generating equipment mounted in the X-ray housing 310.

Fig. 10 is a side view of the cargo inspection apparatus 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention.

The second embodiment of the invention is the same as the first embodiment except for a modification to the trailer 100.

In the second embodiment, the trailer comprises support girders 120 running longitudinally along the trailer 100 as a bottom section 122. The bottom section 122 comprises a pair of girders. The support girders 120 flip to an upper side of the rail platform 1 10 where the tractor unit 50 joins the trailer 100, to create an upper section 124. Otherwise, the support girders 120 would impede the connection of the tractor unit 50 to the trailer 100. This enables the overall height of the apparatus 1 when combined with the overall height of the trailer 100 to be maintained at the lowest possible dimension to maximise the office 330 headroom whilst achieving the maximum allowable legislative height for road going vehicles. To allow the carriages 360 of the equipment housing 300 to run along the full length of the rails 1 1 1 , the upper section 124 is set within the rails 1 1 1. The carriages 360 are arranged to pass over the upper section 124 in use. In this way, the equipment housing 300 can travel the full length of the rails 1 1 1 in use, the weight of the equipment housing 300 and boom 200 can be supported by the trailer 100, and the stowed length of the trailer 100 can be further minimised.

In Fig. 1 1 , a third embodiment is shown. Here, the cargo inspection apparatus 1 is shown in a static, but yet to be deployed position. In the third embodiment, the concept of moving the boom 200 relative to the trailer 100 remains. However, the mechanism for doing so is different.

Primarily, the rails 1 1 1 are mounted on the trailer roof 130. In this embodiment, the trailer roof 130 is a full height roof as should be known to those skilled in the art. All of the equipment is contained within the trailer provided by the side walls, the trailer floor and the roof 130.

In view of this, the guide rails 360 are integrated with a boom lift 140 which is arranged to travel along the trailer roof 130. The boom lift 140 is arranged to lift the boom clear of the trailer roof 130 during deployment and in the deployed position. The boom lift 140 is arranged to be lowered in the stowed position.

Additionally, the cargo inspection apparatus 1 of the third embodiment comprises a source housing 150 which is connected to the boom 200 via a source housing lift 152. The boom 200 is connected to the down leg 210 by a fixed connection instead of a hinged connection. The down leg 210 is in two-parts which are connected by a hinge. In the stowed position, the lower-most part of the down leg 210 is arranged to abut the upper-half of the down leg 210 so that they are parallel. The lower-most half of the leg is deployed using a hydraulic or electric, or other mechanism not shown on the drawing. In the deployed position, the lower-most half of the down leg 210 is in line with the upper-most half of the down leg 210 so that the down leg 210 abuts the ground. For this purpose, there is provided a down leg carriage 230 which is pivotable on the lower most part of the lower most half of the down leg 210. The carriage 230 comprises two wheels 232 at either end of the pivot aligned in the longitudinal direction of travel. In other words, the two wheels 232 of the carriage 230 are in line with wheels of the trailer 100. As mentioned with regard to the first embodiment, the trailer 100 is extendable. Instead of there being a top platform 1 12 and a bottom platform 1 14 like the first embodiment, the trailer has an extending chassis 160. In the third embodiment, the extending chassis 160 is arranged to split the trailer 100 into two parts and comprises a rail support frame 162 having thereon the rails 1 1 1. When stowed, the rails 1 1 1 and support frame 162 are contained within the body of the chassis 160. Rails 1 1 1 are also on either side of the extending chassis 160 at roof level of the trailer 100.

The rail support frame comprises substantially vertical legs 164 which support a substantially horizontal member on which the rails are deployed. There may be a pair of horizontal members 166, one for each rail 1 1 1 , as necessary, to link the rails 1 1 1 to each of the two split parts.

The rails 1 1 1 on the extending chassis 160 are arranged to be lifted by motors and locked into place. Any drive mechanism would be able to achieve the invention.

During deployment, the following steps are taken. Firstly, the brakes are applied to the rear most wheels of the trailer. Then, the trailer 100 is extended by the tractor unit 50 to support the extending chassis 160. Then, the boom lift 140 and source housing lift 152 lift the boom 200 clear of the trailer roof 130. The source housing 150 is supported by the trailer 100 at this point in the operation

Fig. 12 is a side view of the cargo inspection apparatus 1 in this semi-deployed position. Once the boom 200 is raised, the down leg 210 is extended to deploy the down leg carriage 230 onto the ground. During this process, the source housing 150 provides additional support to the boom 200. Once the down leg 210 has been deployed, the source housing 150 is lifted from the trailer 100. Then, the boom 200 rotates about the boom lift 140. A door is provided to allow the source housing 150 to leave the trailer 100. Then, the boom 200 is in the deployed position. Finally, the rails in the extending chassis 160 are fully raised to meet the rails 1 1 1 either side from the rest of the trailer roof 130.

Fig. 13 shows the cargo inspection apparatus 1 of the third embodiment fully deployed position.

Further details can be seen in Fig. 14 which is a cut-away end elevation of the cargo inspection apparatus 1 of Fig. 13.

Here, the X-ray housing 310 is located in the source housing 150. Also, the cargo to be inspected 400 is shown in the in-use position. The boom 200 and boom lift 140 are connected by a pivot allowing the boom to move up and down relative to the trailer 100. In this way, any unevenness of the ground is partly compensated for by the down leg wheels 232 and the pivot.

Fig. 15 is an alternative arrangement whereby the extending chassis 160 is deployed in the way described above. However, the rails 1 1 1 are extended across the full length of the extended trailer 100 using a swing frame 170 which is pivoted at the trailer 100 adjacent the extending chassis 160. The swing frame 170 is in two parts and each is arranged to swing around from each side of the trailer 100, from a stowed position adjacent side walls to connect with the other part of the trailer 100 separated by the extending chassis 160.

Fig. 16 shows another arrangement, whereby the swing frame pivots from a stowed position on the top of one half of the extended trailer 100.

Fig. 17 shows another arrangement where a scissor arrangement 180 is used to raise the rails 1 1 1 to the required height to allow full travel of the boom 200 along the length of the deployed trailer.

It should be noted that in all of the embodiments mentioned above, the tractor unit 50 may or may not be disconnected from the trailer 100 during operation. Also, the trailer may have any number of axles to spread their load evenly. The axles may be fixed or may turn to assist in a reduced turning circle.

A suspension system may be used to minimise judder during transmission of rail joints.

Temperature control may be provided using truck-mounted air conditioning systems. The use of indication lighting, traffic, or other likes of signals mounted to the side of the boom may be used to provide driver control.

The system is also capable of utilising several sizes of and types of radiation source. Also, the system may be passive and may not use X-ray at all.

The boom 200 and down leg 210 may be connected by a hinge mechanism or connected by a folding mechanism or such like to effect extension. Alternatively, a telescopic or sliding arrangement may be used.

Hydraulics, electric motors or other drive systems may be used to move or deploy the cargo inspection apparatus 1 , boom 200, rail platform 1 10, equipment housing 300 or any other moving part. Power may be generated on the cargo inspection apparatus 1 itself, or may be provided by an external source. Encoders and sensors may be used to enable the determination of the location of the system and/or to prevent the boom 200 running off the end of the rails.

The cargo inspection apparatus 1 of any of the above embodiments can be put from the deployed position to the stowed position by reversal of the steps already mentioned. Preferably, the trailer 100 is no greater than 14.04 metres, extending no more 12m to the rear of the fifth-wheel kingpin of the tractor unit 50 and extending no more than 2.04 metres in an arc forward of the fifth-wheel kingpin in the stowed position, and is extendable to a length of 26.4 metres in the deployed position. This allows the trailer 100 to be road legal under normal conditions in the stowed position, and ensures that the deployed cargo inspection apparatus 1 is of sufficient length so that the boom 200 may move along the full length of a normal road legal vehicle in order to inspect the cargo 400.

Above is disclosed a very useful vehicle inspection system 1. As is known to those skilled in the art, the inspection is carried out by scanning, whether active or passive, and the invention is not limited to the type of scanning performed. It is anticipated that the cargo inspection system is primarily for use on trucks, and perhaps other road-going vehicles. Of course, the cargo inspection system may find use in the scanning of goods containers of a reasonable size, equivalent to road-going vehicles. The vehicle inspection system 1 would primarily be of use at customs points, border crossings or the entrance or exit to sensitive sites such as military bases, oil fields, nuclear establishments, etc to detect elicit goods, including fire arms or other weaponry, explosives, radiation sources and illegal immigrants to name a few.

Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Although a rail system is disclosed, the skilled person would realise that any other running surface or grinding system would be suitable.

Although a pantograph is disclosed, the skilled person would realise that other methods could be used to deploy the boom, for example a scissor type arrangement or a hydraulic ram or cylinder.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. An inspection apparatus comprising:

a base having a longitudinal axis extending from a front end to a rear end and defining a longitudinal direction; and

a boom comprising detection sensors which is movable relative to the base from a first position to a second position, the first position being a stowed position, and the second position being a deployed position for detection;

wherein the boom in the second position is movable relative to the base in the longitudinal direction.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the base is a trailer capable of travelling on public roads and which is arranged to be deployable in a static position.

3. The apparatus of claims 1 or 2, wherein the boom is arranged to move relative to the base along a running surface deployed on the base.

4. The apparatus of any of claim 3, wherein the base comprises a roof and the running surface is mounted on the roof.

5. The apparatus of any of claims 3 to 4, wherein the apparatus comprises a suspension system between the boom and the running surface.

6. The apparatus of any of claims 3 to 5, wherein sensors are used to prevent the boom running off the end or ends of the running surface.

7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the base is extendable so that a deployed length is greater than a stowed length.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the base is extendable by stretching overlapping platforms in the stowed position into concurrently running platforms in the deployed position.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the base is extendable by using a cantilever section at either end.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the base is extendable in a mid-portion by pulling apart two end sections.

1 1. The apparatus of any of claims 7 to 10, wherein an auxiliary running surface is deployed in a gap left by extending the base by rotating, sliding or flipping the running surface into the gap.

12. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein stabilising jacks are used to support and level the base.

13. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the boom is deployed using a pantograph mechanism.

14. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the inspection apparatus comprises a counter balance system for the boom.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the counter balance comprises an equipment housing.

16. The apparatus of any of claims 14 or 15, wherein the counter balance system is capable of deployment on either side of the base.

17. The apparatus of any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the counter balance system and boom are arrangeable so as to set a scan angle of 90° to the target.

18. The apparatus of any of claims 14 to 17, wherein the counter balance system and boom is capable of setting a scan angle to the target other than 90°.

19. The apparatus of any of claims 14 to 18, wherein the counter balance is fixed to the bed of the trailer in the stowed position for transportation, and is stowed within the envelope of a road legal vehicle.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein sensors are employed to ensure that the counter balance is correctly stowed.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the sensors are linked to the braking system, preventing movement of the apparatus if the counter balance is incorrectly stowed.

22. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the boom is supported on the ground by one or more wheels.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the boom is supported on the ground by at least two wheels arranged to pivot to dampen the effect of poor ground conditions, and the boom is pivotable on the base.

24. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the boom is hinged to minimise the effect of poor ground conditions.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the boom is hinged in at least one plane.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the boom is hinged in two or more planes.

27. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein sensors are employed to ensure that the boom does not impact any object.

28. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein encoders are used to enable the inspection apparatus to determine where the boom is located.

29. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein generator fuel used to power drive mechanisms of the inspection apparatus is stowed about the longitudinal axis.

30. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the boom is stowed within the envelope of dimensions of a road legal vehicle.

31. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the boom is stowed in a direction parallel to the direction of travel.

32. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the boom is fixed to the bed of the trailer for transportation.

33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein sensors are employed to ensure the boom is correctly stowed .

34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the sensors are linked to the braking system, preventing movement of the inspection apparatus if the boom is incorrectly stowed.

35. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the boom is deployable on either side of the base.

36. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the running surface comprises rails.

37. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the inspection apparatus is for inspecting at least one of vehicles, cargo or containers.

38. A method of inspecting vehicles, cargo or containers, the method comprising: moving a boom on a base over a full length of a stationary object, the boom comprising one or more sensors arranged to detect signals indicative of the contents of the object undergoing inspection, and the base defining a longitudinal axis along which the boom is arranged to move relative to the base.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the base is a trailer and the method comprises moving the boom from a first position in which the boom is stored for transportation to a second position in which the boom is in a deployed position ready for movement over the full length of the stationary vehicle.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the trailer is extendable so that the boom is moveable over the full length of the object under inspection.

41. The method of any of claims 38 to 40, wherein the method comprises moving the boom along a running surface which is arranged to extend along the base in the longitudinal direction.

42. The method of claim 41 , wherein the method comprises moving the boom along rails which are arranged to extend along the base in the longitudinal direction.