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).

  • Covert Surveillance Using Multi-Modality Sensing
    Publication number: 20170299764
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • X-Ray Scanners
    Publication number: 20170299763
    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: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Portable security inspection system
    Patent number: 9791590
    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: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Imaging, data acquisition, data transmission, and data distribution methods and systems for high data rate tomographic X-ray scanners
    Patent number: 9747705
    Abstract: The present invention is an X-ray system having a source-detector module, which includes X-ray sources and detectors, for scanning an object being inspected, a scan engine coupled to the source-detector module for collecting scan data from the source detector module, an image reconstruction engine coupled to the scan engine for converting the collected scan data into one or more X-ray images, and a scan controller coupled with at least one of the source detector module, the scan engine, and the image reconstruction engine optimize operations of the X-ray system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Integrated Security Inspection System
    Publication number: 20170236232
    Abstract: A highly versatile and efficient integrated security inspection system that includes a plurality of security checkpoints wherein the process flow associated with said security checkpoints and the functionality and operation of screening devices deployed in said security checkpoints are controlled through a central processor. In an embodiment, the security supervisor can remotely manage the process flow across security checkpoints deployed across multiple sites in the real time. The system facilitates following differential security procedures for individuals across security checkpoints leading to high throughput with enhanced security.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Optimization of the source firing pattern for X-ray scanning systems
    Patent number: 9726619
    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: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William Thompson, William Robert Breckon Lionheart, Edward James Morton
  • Scanner systems
    Patent number: 9688517
    Abstract: A crane including support means arranged to support a load and to move the load along a path, and a scanner including a radiation source and radiation detection means arranged to scan a scanning volume. The path is arranged to pass through the scanning volume so that the scanner can scan the load as it moves along the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • X-ray scanning system
    Patent number: 9675306
    Abstract: This specification discloses methods and systems for generating a stereo image of an object that is positioned within an imaging volume. The object is positioned within the imaging volume. Two stationary X-ray source points are selected and activated. X-rays from both stationary X-ray source points are transmitted through the object being scanned and detected using detector elements positioned across the imaging volume and opposite the stationary X-ray source points. Image data sets from the X-rays detected by the detector elements are generated and then combined to produce the stereo image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Imaging, Data Acquisition, Data Transmission, and Data Distribution Methods and Systems for High Data Rate Tomographic X-Ray Scanners
    Publication number: 20170161922
    Abstract: The present invention is an X-ray system having a source-detector module, which includes X-ray sources and detectors, for scanning an object being inspected, a scan engine coupled to the source-detector module for collecting scan data from the source detector module, an image reconstruction engine coupled to the scan engine for converting the collected scan data into one or more X-ray images, and a scan controller coupled with at least one of the source detector module, the scan engine, and the image reconstruction engine optimize operations of the X-ray system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • X-ray scanners and X-ray sources therefor
    Patent number: 9638646
    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: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Covert surveillance using multi-modality sensing
    Patent number: 9632205
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Systems and methods for high-Z threat alarm resolution
    Patent number: 9625606
    Abstract: A second stage screening system configured to resolve a threat alarm detected in a cargo by a first stage screening system. The second stage screening system includes layers of first muon detectors placed above the cargo to detect a first coordinate and an angle of incidence of incoming muons and layers of second muon detectors placed below the cargo to detect an actual coordinate and an actual angle of exit of the incoming muons. The first and second detectors measure a momentum of the incoming muons. A processing unit receives threat sensitivity vectors determined from the first stage, operates a cargo positioning system that centers a high-Z threat within the cargo, relative to the first and second muon detectors, and analyzes the momentum and a distribution of deflection angles between the angles of incidence and exit to resolve the threat alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Bendahan, Edward James Morton, David Yaish, Yossi Kolkovich, Jacques Goldberg
  • X-ray scanners
    Patent number: 9618648
    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: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • X-ray tomographic inspection system for the identification of specific target items
    Patent number: 9606259
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Graphite backscattered electron shield for use in an X-ray tube
    Patent number: 9576766
    Abstract: The present invention is a shielded anode having an anode with a surface facing an electron beam and a shield configured to encompass the anode surface. The shield has at least one aperture and an internal surface facing the anode surface. The shield internal surface and anode surface are separated by a gap in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm. The shield of the present invention is fabricated from a material, such as graphite, that is substantially transmissive to X-ray photons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward James Morton, Russell David Luggar, Paul De Antonis
  • Covert surveillance using multi-modality sensing
    Patent number: 9562866
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward James Morton, Joseph Bendahan
  • Hand-Held Portable Backscatter Inspection System
    Publication number: 20170023696
    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: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • High-Speed Security Inspection System
    Publication number: 20170023698
    Abstract: The present specification discloses a high speed scanning system for scanning cargo carried by rail. The system uses of a two-dimensional X-ray sensor array with, in one embodiment, a cone-beam X-ray geometry. The pulse rate of X-ray source is modulated based on the speed of the moving cargo to allow a distance traveled by the cargo between X-ray pulses to be equal to the width of the detector, for a single energy source, and to half the width of the detector for a dual energy source. This ensures precise timing between the X-ray exposure and the speed of the passing object, and thus accurate scanning of cargo even at high speeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Gantry Scanner Systems
    Publication number: 20170013701
    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: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • X-Ray Sources
    Publication number: 20160343533
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventor: Edward James Morton