Patents Assigned to Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
  • Patent number: 10353109
    Abstract: The present specification describes a scanning/inspection system configured as a dual-view system using dual-energy sensitive stacked detectors that are partially populated with multi-energy discriminating detectors for overall enhanced energy resolution and therefore improved discrimination of materials through better estimation of material physical properties such as density and effective atomic number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerard Andrew Hanley
  • Patent number: 10345282
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for detecting a chemical substance. The methods and systems include chemically modifying a sample of a substance of interest through combination with a reagent to increase the volatility of the substance of interest. The systems and methods further include performing an analysis of the substance of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrey N. Vilkov, Joseph A. Widjaja, Jack A. Syage
  • Patent number: 10345479
    Abstract: The present specification discloses systems for a compact and portable X-ray transmission imaging system that is used for security inspection of small items. The system includes a housing with an X-ray tunnel for receiving an article to be inspected, a conveyor for conveying the article through the tunnel, a dual source X-ray system, with a central target, for generating two overlapping cone beams, and a two-dimensional X-ray detector system for detecting the generated dual energy X-rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Willem Gerhardus Johannes Langeveld, Edward D. Franco
  • Patent number: 10317387
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for detecting a chemical substance. The methods and systems include chemically modifying a sample of a substance of interest through combination with a reagent to increase the volatility of the substance of interest. The systems and methods further include performing an analysis of the substance of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrey N. Vilkov, Joseph A. Widjaja, Karl A. Hanold, Jack A. Syage
  • Patent number: 10317566
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Patent number: 10302807
    Abstract: The present specification discloses systems and methods for identifying and reporting contents of a tanker, container or vehicle. Programmatic tools are provided to assist an operator in analyzing contents of a tanker, container or vehicle. Manifest data is automatically imported into the system for each shipment, thereby helping security personnel to quickly determine container contents. In case of a mismatch between container contents shown by manifest data and the contents as ascertained from the scanning system, the container or vehicle may be withheld for further inspection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Songyang Yu, Rupa Chittineni, Mark J. McCarthy
  • Patent number: 10295483
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Patent number: 10281366
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a sampling device for collecting a sample from a target surface, the sample device including a handle, a body extending from the handle, and a mechanical force feedback mechanism. The mechanical force feedback mechanism is configured to change an orientation of the body relative to the handle when force is applied to a target surface by the sampling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Bilodeau, Thomas A. Hagerty
  • Patent number: 10175381
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Patent number: 10168445
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Patent number: 10156642
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Patent number: 10141173
    Abstract: A mass spectrometer system includes a sample injection device defining a sample injection aperture. The system also includes an ion trap defining an ion outlet aperture. The ion trap is coupled to the sample injection device. The system further includes a detector positioned downstream of the ion outlet aperture. The system also includes an ion source coupled to the ion trap. The ion source is configured to ionize a sample injected into the ion trap and generate a plurality of ionized molecules within the ion trap. The ion trap is configured to maintain the plurality of ionized molecules therein while a plurality of neutral molecules migrate out of the ion trap until a predetermined pressure is attained in the ion trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack A. Syage
  • Patent number: 10134254
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ari Jarvi, Jarno Tykkylainen, Edward James Morton
  • Patent number: 10107783
    Abstract: A detection system comprising a plurality of magnetic field generators and a plurality of magnetic field detectors located adjacent to a detection area, and a control system arranged to generate magnetic field using the generators, and, for each of the generators, to make measurements of the magnetic field generated using each of the detectors, and processing means arranged to process the measurements to generate a data set characterising the detection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William Robert Breckon Lionheart, Anthony Peyton, Xiandong Ma
  • Patent number: 10098214
    Abstract: A gantry scanner system comprises a radiation source, a plurality of detectors and a support frame supporting the detectors. The support frame includes an elongate support member arranged to support the detectors, cable support means arranged to support power cables or signal cables connected to the detectors, and cover means arranged to cover the support member, the cable support means and the detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Patent number: 10049868
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting constituents in a sample includes first and second drift tubes defining first and second drift regions, and a controllable electric field device within a fragmentation region coupled to the first and second drift tubes. The apparatus also includes a first ion shutter positioned between the first drift and fragmentation regions. The apparatus further includes a control system configured to regulate the first ion shutter, thereby facilitating injection of a selected portion of ions from the first drift region into the fragmentation region. The control system is also configured to regulate the controllable device to modify the selected portion of ions to generate predetermined ion fragments within the fragmentation region, thereby facilitating injection of a selected portion of the predetermined fragmented ions into the second drift region. A method of detecting constituents in a sample is facilitated through such an apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Eiceman, Stephen J. Davila, Stefan R. Lukow, Hartwig Schmidt
  • Patent number: 10021350
    Abstract: The present specification discloses a system for controlling a movement of at least one person into a controlled location. The system includes an X-ray screening system having an entrance area defined by walls and a gate, and an exit area defined by walls and a gate. The gates are automatically controlled based upon the output of the X-ray screening system. Additional gates, defining an additional holding area, are used for subsequent analysis and inspection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy James Rayner
  • Patent number: 10007021
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Patent number: 10007019
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward James Morton, Francis Baldwin, Andreas F. Kotowski
  • Patent number: 9958569
    Abstract: The present invention provides a four-sided scanning system for vehicles that uses a combination of backscatter and transmission based X-ray imaging to achieve material discrimination. In one embodiment, the system is designed as a mobile, drive-through system, which can be folded and stowed in a truck and can be conveniently deployed at any place when required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward James Morton, Andreas F. Kotowski