Mobile x-ray inspection system for large objects

Abstract

A device for inspecting a cargo container such as a motor vehicle or freight pallet, with penetrating radiation. A source of penetrating radiation is mounted on a moveable bed, thereby allowing a beam of penetrating radiation to sweep the large container. At least one detector is also mounted on the bed, either on the side of the source or on a boom, so that, as the beam is scanned across the container, the container and any contents of the container are characterized by transmitted or scattered radiation, or both.

Description

[0001]The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 072,212, filed May 4, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,903,623 currently allowed, itself a continuation of Ser. No. 08 / 799,533, filed Feb. 12, 1997, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,764,683, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional application No. 60 / 011,495, filed Feb. 12, 1996, also incorporated herein by reference.[0002]The U.S. Government may have a paid-up license in portions of this invention and the right in limited circumstances to require the patent owner to license others on reasonable term as provided by the terms of Contract No. N39998-97-C-5209 awarded by the U.S. Department of the Navy, and Grant No. 93-G-003 awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0003]The present invention relates to the inspection of large containers by means of x-ray radiation, and more partic...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The current invention extends the role of inspection by penetrating radiation to encompass large containers and over-the-road vehicles, and at the same time retains the advantages of discriminating among materials as provided by backward, forward, or sideward scatter imaging.

Problems solved by technology

The non-intrusive aspect of these inspection techniques is important; the great majority of containers do not carry contraband, and the public would not long tolerate the delays, disruption (and in some cases damage) of property, and invasions of privacy that would occur if invasive inspection means were commonly used.

Since the penetrating power of these sources is limited, inspection is limited to relatively small parcels and containers.

A few large, expensive, high-energy transmission imaging systems have also been built for the inspection of large containers or vehicles.

These systems typically operate within the range of 6 MeV to 12 MeV, require heavily-shielded, fixed installations, and provide no means to distinguish organic materials.

Images