Abstract: An X-ray imaging inspection system for inspecting items comprises an X-ray source 10 extending around an imaging volume 16, and defining a plurality of source points 14 from which X-rays can be directed through the imaging volume. An X-ray detector array 12 also extends around the imaging volume 16 and is arranged to detect X-rays from the source points which have passed through the imaging volume, and to produce output signals dependent on the detected X-rays. A conveyor 20 is arranged to convey the items through the imaging volume 16.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a radiographic inspection system for screening an area. The inspection system has a container that defines an enclosed volume, a radiation source positioned within the enclosed volume, a detector array, a movable structure attached to a portion of the base of the container, and a controller programmed to move the movable structure to achieve an optimum height of the radiation source's field of view based upon a plurality of data.

Abstract: The present specification discloses an X-ray scanning system with a non-rotating X-ray scanner that generates scanning data defining a tomographic X-ray image of the object and a processor executing programmatic instructions where the executing processor analyzes the scanning data to extract at least one parameter of the tomographic X-ray image and where the processor is configured to determine if the object comprises a liquid, sharp object, narcotic, currency, nuclear materials, cigarettes or fire-arms.

Abstract: The present application is directed toward cargo scanning systems having scanners, each arranged to scan a respective object and generate a set of scan data, processors arranged to process each set of scan data to determine whether it meets a predetermined threat condition, workstations, and data management system arranged to direct data that meets the threat condition to one of the workstations for analysis.

Abstract: The present specification describes an improved multi-energy radiation detector. In one embodiment, the signal generated by the detection medium is converted to digital form directly at the point of signal collection. This avoids the need for power intensive high bandwidth amplifiers and analog-to-digital converters, as it integrates the sensing device and signal processing onto the same silicon substrate to reduce the number of components in the system. In one embodiment, a single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) is coupled directly to a threshold detector to achieve an intrinsically low power and low noise detector.

Abstract: The present specification describes a compact, hand-held probe or device that uses the principle of X-ray backscatter to provide immediate feedback to an operator about the presence of scattering and absorbing materials, items or objects behind concealing barriers irradiated by ionizing radiation, such as X-rays. Feedback is provided in the form of a changing audible tone whereby the pitch or frequency of the tone varies depending on the type of scattering material, item or object. Additionally or alternatively, the operator obtains a visual scan image on a screen by scanning the beam around a suspect area or anomaly.

Abstract: The present specification describes an improved multi-energy radiation detector. In one embodiment, the signal generated by the detection medium is converted to digital form directly at the point of signal collection. This avoids the need for power intensive high bandwidth amplifiers and analog-to-digital converters, as it integrates the sensing device and signal processing onto the same silicon substrate to reduce the number of components in the system. In one embodiment, a single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) is coupled directly to a threshold detector to achieve an intrinsically low power and low noise detector.

Abstract: A portal for scanning a person walking through a surveillance volume defined by the portal, wherein the surveillance volume is illuminated by a magnetic field, and wherein the person is carrying at least one object on the person's body, the portal having a plurality of magnetic sensor modules arranged in at least one array and positioned on at least one of first and second opposing sides of the portal, wherein the plurality of magnetic sensor modules measure perturbations in the magnetic field caused by the at least one object in the surveillance volume, and wherein each of the magnetic sensor modules includes first, second and third magnetometers configured in substantially three orthogonal directions; and a processor associated with the plurality of magnetic sensor modules to process the measured perturbations to determine a location and magnetic signature of the at least one object.

Abstract: The present application discloses an X-ray scanner having an X-ray source arranged to emit X-rays from source points through an imaging volume. The scanner may further include an array of X-ray detectors which may be arranged around the imaging volume and may be arranged to output detector signals in response to the detection of X-rays. The scanner may further include a conveyor arranged to convey an object through the imaging volume in a scan direction, and may also include at least one processor arranged to process the detector signals to produce an image data set defining an image of the object. The image may have a resolution in the scan direction that is at least 90% as high as in one direction, and in some cases two directions, orthogonal to the scan direction.

Abstract: This specification describes an anode for an X-ray tube with multiple channels, where each channel defines an electron aperture through which electrons from a source pass to strike a target and a collimating aperture through which X-rays produced at the target pass out of the anode as a collimated beam. At least a portion of the walls of each channel are lined with an electron absorbing material for absorbing any electrons straying from a predefined trajectory. The electron absorbing material has a low atomic number, high melting point and is stable in vacuum. Graphite may be used as the electron absorbing material.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a covert mobile inspection vehicle with a backscatter X-ray scanning system that has an X-ray source and detectors for obtaining a radiographic image of an object outside the vehicle. The systems preferably include at least one sensor for determining a distance from at least one of the detectors to points on the surface of the object being scanned, a processor for processing the obtained radiographic image by using the determined distance of the object to obtain an atomic number of each material contained in the object, and one or more sensors to obtain surveillance data from a predefined area surrounding the vehicle.

Abstract: A dual energy based X-ray scanning system has a linear detector array with high and low energy detectors. A signal processing method is employed that accounts for varying angles at which the transmitted X-rays impinge upon the detectors and also the varying order in which the transmitted X-rays pass through the high and low energy detectors. This yields both high resolution in the generated images and better penetration performance.

Abstract: An optical assembly for use in an X-ray inspection system. The optical assembly has a light source, a photocathode positioned such that it is in a path of light emitted by the light source, and at least two dynodes. One of the dynodes is positioned to receive electrons emitted by the photocathode and the other dynode is positioned to receive electrons emitted by the first dynode. The light source is preferably one of an LED light source or a LASER light source.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a radiographic inspection system for screening an area. The inspection system has a container that defines an enclosed volume, a radiation source positioned within the enclosed volume, a detector array, a movable structure attached to a portion of the base of the container, and a controller programmed to move the movable structure to achieve an optimum height of the radiation source's field of view based upon a plurality of data.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging inspection system for inspecting items comprises an X-ray source 10 extending around an imaging volume 16, and defining a plurality of source points 14 from which X-rays can be directed through the imaging volume. An X-ray detector array 12 also extends around the imaging volume 16 and is arranged to detect X-rays from the source points which have passed through the imaging volume, and to produce output signals dependent on the detected X-rays. A conveyor 20 is arranged to convey the items through the imaging volume 16.

Abstract: The present specification describes a smart security management system for managing the flow of people through security checkpoints in order to optimize overall throughput and efficiency. In an embodiment, the system includes a centralized database which is connected to a plurality of security checkpoints and which uses benchmark response data generated by a specific type of screening devices for a set of individuals. In an embodiment, the response data gathered by similar types of screening devices located at security checkpoints is compared with the benchmark response data stored in a centralized database to provide faster security clearance to individuals.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems and detector arrangements for scanning an object moving in a first direction that includes the steps of irradiating the object with radiation having a peak energy of at least 900 keV, providing a first detector region having a thickness of at least 2 mm and a second detector region having a thickness of at least 5 mm where the second detector region is arranged to receive radiation that has passed through the first detector region, and detecting the radiation after it has interacted with or passed through the object in order to provide information relating to the object.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-contained mobile inspection system and method and, more specifically, improved methods and systems for detecting materials concealed within a wide variety of receptacles and/or cargo containers. In particular, the present invention is an improved method and system with a novel boom structure that reduces the weight of the boom. The single, light-weight boom of the inspection system is relatively compact in a stowed configuration and has a low height and center of gravity lending to greater maneuverability.

Abstract: The present application discloses an X-ray scanner having an X-ray source arranged to emit X-rays from source points through an imaging volume. The scanner may further include an array of X-ray detectors which may be arranged around the imaging volume and may be arranged to output detector signals in response to the detection of X-rays. The scanner may further include a conveyor arranged to convey an object through the imaging volume in a scan direction, and may also include at least one processor arranged to process the detector signals to produce an image data set defining an image of the object. The image may have a resolution in the scan direction that is at least 90% as high as in one direction, and in some cases two directions, orthogonal to the scan direction.

Abstract: An ultra-wide band microwave based personnel/passenger screening system, and in particular, a system for material specific detection, uses non-ionizing radiation in which focused beams of low intensity microwave radiation are projected in rapid succession at an individual as they walk through a portal.