Patents by Inventor Andreas F. Kotowski

Andreas F. Kotowski has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8929509
    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: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward James Morton, Andreas F. Kotowski
  • Publication number: 20140341344
    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: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Luis E Arroyo, JR., Andreas F. Kotowski, Siva Kumar
  • Patent number: 8731137
    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: February 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Luis E. Arroyo, Jr., Andreas F. Kotowski, Siva Kumar, Peter Kant
  • Patent number: 8668386
    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: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward James Morton, Francis Baldwin, Andreas F. Kotowski
  • Publication number: 20130230148
    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: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventors: Edward James Morton, Francis Baldwin, Andreas F. Kotowski
  • Patent number: 8503605
    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: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward James Morton, Andreas F. Kotowski
  • Patent number: 8401147
    Abstract: The present specification discloses an improved detection system employing multiple screens for greater detection efficiency. More particularly, a first enclosure has two adjacent walls, each with interior surfaces, a first end and a second end. The first ends of the two adjacent walls are connected at an angle to form an interior and the second ends of the two adjacent walls are connected to a semi-circular housing. At least one substrate, positioned on each of the interior surfaces of the adjacent walls, has an active area for receiving and converting electromagnetic radiation into light. A photodetector, positioned in the interior portion of the semi-circular housing, has an active area responsive to the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Ryge, Ronald Hughes, Andreas F. Kotowski
  • Patent number: 8385501
    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: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Allman, Andreas F. Kotowski
  • Patent number: 8275091
    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: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward James Morton, Francis Baldwin, Andreas F. Kotowski
  • Publication number: 20120217408
    Abstract: The present specification discloses an improved detection system employing multiple screens for greater detection efficiency. More particularly, a first enclosure has two adjacent walls, each with interior surfaces, a first end and a second end. The first ends of the two adjacent walls are connected at an angle to form an interior and the second ends of the two adjacent walls are connected to a semi-circular housing. At least one substrate, positioned on each of the interior surfaces of the adjacent walls, has an active area for receiving and converting electromagnetic radiation into light. A photodetector, positioned in the interior portion of the semi-circular housing, has an active area responsive to the light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Peter Ryge, Ronald Hughes, Andreas F. Kotowski
  • Publication number: 20120177176
    Abstract: A readily relocatable X-ray imaging system for inspecting the contents of vehicles and containers, and a method for using the same. In a preferred embodiment, the system is relatively small in size, and is used for inspecting commercial vehicles, cargo containers, and other large objects. The X-ray imaging, system comprises a substantially arch-shaped collapsible frame having an X-ray source and detectors disposed thereon. The frame is preferably collapsible via a plurality of hinges disposed thereon. A deployment means may be attached to the frame for deploying the frame into an X-ray imaging position, and for collapsing the frame into a transport position. The collapsible X-ray frame may remain stationary during X-ray imaging while a vehicle or container is driven through or towed through an inspection area defined under the frame. Alternatively, the collapsible X-ray frame may be movable relative to a stationary vehicle or container during X-ray imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: James Carver, Andreas F. Kotowski
  • Publication number: 20120148020
    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: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Luis E. Arroyo, JR., Andreas F. Kotowski, Siva Kumar, Peter Kant
  • Patent number: 8148693
    Abstract: The present specification discloses an improved detection system employing multiple screens for greater detection efficiency. More particularly, a first enclosure has two adjacent walls, each with interior surfaces, a first end and a second end. The first ends of the two adjacent walls are connected at an angle to form an interior and the second ends of the two adjacent walls are connected to a semi-circular housing. At least one substrate, positioned on each of the interior surfaces of the adjacent walls, has an active area for receiving and converting electromagnetic radiation into light. A photodetector, positioned in the interior portion of the semi-circular housing, has an active area responsive to the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Ryge, Ronald Hughes, Andreas F. Kotowski
  • Publication number: 20120027172
    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: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Bryan Allman, Andreas F. Kotowski
  • Publication number: 20110274249
    Abstract: The present specification discloses an inspection system for detecting objects being carried by a person who is moving along a pathway. The inspection system has two detection systems configured to detect radiation scattered from the person as the person moves along the pathway and an X-ray source positioned between the detection systems. The X-ray source is configured to generate a vertical beam spot pattern and does not generate beams that move horizontally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Stephen Gray, Ronald Hughes, Peter Ryge, Andreas F. Kotowski
  • Publication number: 20110253898
    Abstract: The present specification discloses an improved detection system employing multiple screens for greater detection efficiency. More particularly, a first enclosure has two adjacent walls, each with interior surfaces, a first end and a second end. The first ends of the two adjacent walls are connected at an angle to form an interior and the second ends of the two adjacent walls are connected to a semi-circular housing. At least one substrate, positioned on each of the interior surfaces of the adjacent walls, has an active area for receiving and converting electromagnetic radiation into light. A photodetector, positioned in the interior portion of the semi-circular housing, has an active area responsive to the light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Peter Ryge, Ronald Hughes, Andreas F. Kotowski
  • Patent number: 7995705
    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: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Rapiscan Security Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Allman, Andreas F. Kotowski
  • Patent number: 7991113
    Abstract: The present specification discloses a readily relocatable X-ray imaging system for inspecting the contents of vehicles and containers, and a method for using the same. The system is relatively small in size, and is used for inspecting commercial vehicles, cargo containers, and other large objects. The X-ray imaging system has a substantially arch-shaped collapsible frame with an X-ray source and detectors disposed thereon. The frame is preferably collapsible via a plurality of hinges and may be deployed into an X-ray imaging position, and collapsed into a transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Rapiscan Security Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James Carver, Andreas F. Kotowski
  • Publication number: 20110064192
    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: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Edward James Morton, Andreas F. Kotowski
  • Publication number: 20110038453
    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: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Edward James Morton, Francis Baldwin, Andreas F. Kotowski