Patents by Inventor Edward James Morton

Edward James Morton 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).

  • Hand-held portable backscatter inspection system
    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
  • Multiple energy detector
    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
  • Intelligent security management system
    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
  • Combined Scatter and Transmission Multi-View Imaging System
    Publication number: 20180313770
    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: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • X-Ray Tomography Inspection Systems and Methods
    Publication number: 20180299580
    Abstract: An X-ray inspection system for scanning items is provided. The system includes: a stationary X-ray source extending around a rectangular scanning volume, and defining multiple source points from which X-rays can be directed through the scanning volume; an X-ray detector array also extending around the rectangular scanning volume and arranged to detect X-rays from the source points which have passed through the scanning volume; a conveyor arranged to convey the items through the scanning volume; and at least one processor for processing the detected X-rays to produce scanning images of the items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Detector support structures for gantry scanner systems
    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
  • Drive-Through Scanning Systems
    Publication number: 20180284315
    Abstract: A drive-through scanning system comprises a radiation generating means arranged to generate radiation at two different energy levels and direct it towards a scanning volume, detection means arranged to detect the radiation after it has passed through the scanning volume, and control means arranged to identify a part of a vehicle within the scanning volume, to allocate the part of the vehicle to one of a plurality of categories, and to control the radiation generating means and to select one or more of the energy levels depending on the category to which the part of the vehicle is allocated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Four-Sided Imaging System and Method for Detection of Contraband
    Publication number: 20180284316
    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: March 28, 2018
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventors: Edward James Morton, Andreas F. Kotowski
  • Compact mobile cargo scanning system
    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
  • Scanning systems
    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
  • Portable Security Inspection System
    Publication number: 20180128935
    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: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Optimization of the Source Firing Pattern for X-Ray Scanning Systems
    Publication number: 20180128754
    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: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: William Thompson, William Robert Breckon Lionheart, Edward James Morton
  • Mobile imaging system and method for detection of contraband
    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
  • Ultra wide band detectors
    Patent number: 9891314
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward James Morton, Anthony J. Peyton
  • X-ray Tomographic Inspection System for the Identification of Specific Target Items
    Publication number: 20180038988
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved scanning process with a stationary X-ray source arranged to generate X-rays from a plurality of X-ray source positions around a scanning region, a first set of detectors arranged to detect X-rays transmitted through the scanning region, and at least one processor arranged to process outputs from the first set of detectors to generate tomographic image data. The X-ray screening system is used in combination with other screening technologies, such as NQR-based screening, X-ray diffraction based screening, X-ray back-scatter based screening, or Trace Detection based screening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Dual mode X-ray vehicle scanning system
    Patent number: 9835756
    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: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Combined scatter and transmission multi-view imaging system
    Patent number: 9823201
    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: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Radiation Signal Processing System
    Publication number: 20170329036
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Drive-through scanning systems
    Patent number: 9817151
    Abstract: A drive-through scanning system comprises a radiation generating means arranged to generate radiation at two different energy levels and direct it towards a scanning volume, detection means arranged to detect the radiation after it has passed through the scanning volume, and control means arranged to identify a part of a vehicle within the scanning volume, to allocate the part of the vehicle to one of a plurality of categories, and to control the radiation generating means and to select one or more of the energy levels depending on the category to which the part of the vehicle is allocated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Covert Surveillance Using Multi-Modality Sensing
    Publication number: 20170299526
    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 system is configured to also simultaneously detect passive radiation. 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Edward James Morton, Joseph Bendahan