Patents Assigned to Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
  • Mobile scanning systems
    Patent number: 9158027
    Abstract: A mobile scanning system with a scanner including a radiation source and detectors mounted on a vehicle and arranged to scan an object, a controller mounted on the vehicle and arranged to control the scanner, an operator system arranged to be located remote from the vehicle and to communicate with the controller to enable an operator to interact remotely with the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • X-Ray Imaging System Having Improved Mobility
    Publication number: 20150285940
    Abstract: It is an object of the present application to provide a radiation inspection system, such as an X-ray system, that can operate efficiently even in inclement weather conditions while being highly mobile. Thus the improved inspection system of the present application is capable of operating in high temperature and corrosive environments and is designed to withstand moisture, dirt and/or dust from the articles of inspection as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Applicant: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Kaval
  • Time of flight backscatter imaging system
    Patent number: 9128198
    Abstract: The present application discloses an X-ray imaging apparatus for determining a surface profile of an object under inspection that is positioned at a distance from the apparatus. The X-ray imaging system has an X-ray source for producing a scanning beam of X-rays directed toward the object, a detector assembly for providing a signal representative of an intensity of X-rays backscattered from the object, and processing circuitry to determine a time difference between when the X-ray source is switched on and when the backscattered X-rays arrive at the detector assembly. The processing circuitry is adapted to output data representative of the surface profile of the object under inspection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Scanning systems
    Patent number: 9121958
    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: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Methods and systems for time-of-flight neutron interrogation for material discrimination
    Patent number: 9123519
    Abstract: The present invention provides a Time-of-Flight based neutron inspection system. The system employs a collimated beam of fast neutrons for targeted interrogation of suspect areas in cargo. Elemental composition is determined as a function of depth. Analysis is then used to determine the presence of contraband. The system may be used for secondary inspection for material discrimination to reduce false alarm rate and high cost and time associated with manual unpacking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Bendahan, Vladimir Solovyev
  • X-ray inspection system that integrates manifest data with imaging/detection processing
    Patent number: 9111331
    Abstract: The present specification discloses systems and methods for integrating manifest data for cargo and light vehicles with their X-ray images generated during scanning. Manifest data is automatically imported into the system for each shipment, and helps the security personnel to quickly determine the contents of cargo. In case of a mismatch between cargo contents shown by manifest data and the X-ray images, the cargo may be withheld for further inspection. In one embodiment, the process of analyzing the X-ray image of the cargo in conjunction with the manifest data is automated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Shehul Sailesh Parikh, Balamurugan Sankaranarayanan, Jeffery Bryan Abel, Siva Kumar
  • X-ray tube electron sources
    Patent number: 9093245
    Abstract: An electron source for an X-ray scanner includes an emitter support block, an electron-emitting region formed on the support block and arranged to emit electrons, an electrical connector arranged to connect a source of electric current to the electron-emitting region, and heating structure arranged to heat the support block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward James Morton, Russell David Luggar, Paul De Antonis, Michael Cunningham
  • Multi-view cargo scanner
    Patent number: 9086497
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-view X-ray inspection system. In one embodiment, a beam steering mechanism directs the electron beam from an X-ray source to multiple production targets which generate X-rays for scanning which are subsequently detected by a plurality of detectors to produce multiple image slices (views). The system is adapted for use in CT systems. In one embodiment of a CT system, the X-ray source and detectors rotate around the object covering an angle sufficient for reconstructing a CT image and then reverse to rotate around the object in the opposite direction. The inspection system, in any configuration, can be deployed inside a vehicle for use as a mobile detection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Bendahan
  • Integrated, portable checkpoint system
    Patent number: 9069101
    Abstract: The present specification discloses a portable system for inspecting objects. The system includes a housing adapted to be carried by a vehicle, which houses a metal detector and an X-ray scanner and further includes a deployable boom positioned on a top surface of the housing. Operationally, the system is transported to a location, persons or objects are inspected by the metal detector or X-ray scanner and the boom is deployed to inspect external cargo. The integrated portable checkpoint system provides security screening and inspection equipment with increased operational capabilities in one fully integrated package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Luis E Arroyo, Jr., Andreas F. Kotowski, Siva Kumar
  • Beam forming apparatus
    Patent number: 9058909
    Abstract: The present specification discloses a beam chopping apparatus, and more specifically, a helical shutter for an electron beam system that is employed in radiation-based scanning systems, and more specifically, a beam chopping apparatus that allows for variability in both velocity and beam spot size by modifying the physical characteristics or geometry of the beam chopper apparatus. The present specification also discloses a beam chopping apparatus which provides a vertically moving beam spot with substantially constant size and velocity to allow for substantially equal illumination of the target. In addition, the present specification is a beam chopping apparatus that is lightweight and does not cause an X-ray source assembly employing the beam chopper to become heavy and difficult to deploy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph W. Kaminski
  • Combined scatter and transmission multi-view imaging system
    Patent number: 9057679
    Abstract: The present specification discloses a multi-view X-ray inspection system having, in one of several embodiments, a three-view configuration with three X-ray sources. Each X-ray source rotates and is configured to emit a rotating X-ray pencil beam and at least two detector arrays, where each detector array has multiple non-pixellated detectors such that at least a portion of the non-pixellated detectors are oriented toward both the two X-ray sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Compact mobile cargo scanning system
    Patent number: 9052403
    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: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward James Morton, Francis Baldwin, Andreas F. Kotowski
  • Scanning systems
    Patent number: 9052264
    Abstract: A scanner system comprises: a radiation generator arranged to generate radiation to irradiate an object, the radiation generator comprising a radiation source arranged to produce radiation and a filter arranged to provide variable filtering of the radiation from the source; a detector structure arranged to detect the radiation after it has interacted with the object and generate a sequence of detector data sets as the object is moved relative to the generator, and a processing system arranged to process each of the detector data sets thereby to generate a control output arranged to control the radiation generator so as to vary the filtering, thereby to vary the radiation output by the radiation generator as the object is scanned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Bendahan, Willem G. J. Langeveld
  • X-ray scanners and X-ray sources therefor
    Patent number: 9048061
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an X-ray scanner that has an electron source and an anode. The anode has a target surface with a series of material areas spaced along it in a scanning direction. The material areas are formed from different materials. The electron source is arranged to direct electrons at a series of target areas of the target surface, in a predetermined order, so as to generate X-ray beams having different energy spectra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Optimization of the source firing pattern for X-ray scanning systems
    Patent number: 9046465
    Abstract: The present application discloses a computed tomography system having non-rotating X-ray sources that are programmed to optimize the source firing pattern. In one embodiment, the CT system is a fast cone-beam CT scanner which uses a fixed ring of multiple sources and fixed rings of detectors in an offset geometry. It should be appreciated that the source firing pattern is effectuated by a controller, which implements methods to determine a source firing pattern that are adapted to geometries where the X-ray sources and detector geometry are offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William Thompson, William Robert Breckon Lionheart, Edward James Morton
  • Methods and systems for the rapid detection of concealed objects
    Patent number: 9042511
    Abstract: This specification is directed towards finding, locating, and confirming threat items and substances. The inspection system is designed to detect objects that are made from, but not limited to, special nuclear materials (“SNM”) and/or high atomic number materials. The system employs a dual energy CT scanning first stage inspection system and advanced image processing techniques to analyze images of an object under inspection (“OUI”), which includes, but is not limited to baggage, parcels, vehicles and cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kristian R. Peschmann
  • Dual mode X-ray vehicle scanning system
    Patent number: 9036779
    Abstract: A variable mode X-ray transmission system is provided that can be operated in low or high dose rate modes depending upon the area or portion of the vehicle to be screened. In one embodiment, variable dose rate is achieved by use of a novel collimator. The systems disclosed in this application enable the scanning of a vehicle cab portion (occupied by people, such as a driver) at low dose rate, which is safe for human beings, while allowing the scanning of the cargo portion (unoccupied by people) at a high dose rate. Rapid switching from low dose rate to high dose rate operating mode is provided, while striking a balance between high material penetration for cargo portion and low intensity exposure that is safe for occupants in the cab portion of the inspected vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Cargo scanning system
    Patent number: 9025731
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a portable inspection system for generating an image representation of target objects using a radiation source. A detector array having a first configuration and a second configuration is connected to a housing and at least one source of radiation. The radiation source is capable of being transported to a site by a vehicle and of being positioned separate from the housing. The radiation source is housed in a radiation source box and movable within the radiation source box using an actuator. The actuator is operably connected to the radiation source and provides a translational energy that moves the radiation source between an operational position and a stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Kotowski, Neeraj Agrawal
  • Self contained mobile inspection system and method
    Patent number: 9020096
    Abstract: The inspection methods and systems of the present invention are mobile, rapidly deployable, and capable of scanning a wide variety of receptacles cost-effectively and accurately on uneven surfaces. The present invention is directed toward a portable inspection system for generating an image representation of target objects using a radiation source, comprising a mobile vehicle, a detector array physically attached to a movable boom having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is physically attached to the vehicle. The invention also comprises at least one source of radiation. The radiation source is fixedly attached to the distal end of the boom, wherein the image is generated by introducing the target objects in between the radiation source and the detector array, exposing the objects to radiation, and detecting radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Allman, Andreas F. Kotowski
  • X-ray scanners
    Patent number: 9020095
    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: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton