Patents by Inventor Francois A. Mesqui

Francois A. Mesqui 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: 7050536
    Abstract: An x-ray technique-based nonintrusive inspection apparatus is provided which is capable of inspecting 600 containers an hour which is small, and which is easily maintainable. Features of the apparatus include “radiation locking” with “active curtains”, “continuous scanning” utilizing an x-ray line scanner subsystem and a CT scanner subsystem, good structural integrity, radiation containment in a self-shielding manner, an easily maintainable driving arrangement, shielding curtains that can be raised and lowered quickly, a container jam release mechanism, and efficient air conditioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: InVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerhard Fenkart, François A. Mesqui, David E. Kresse, William H. Baylis
  • Patent number: 6957913
    Abstract: An x-ray technique-based nonintrusive inspection apparatus is provided which is capable of inspecting 600 containers an hour which is small, and which is easily maintainable. Features of the apparatus include “radiation locking” with “active curtains”, “continuous scanning” utilizing an x-ray line scanner subsystem and a CT scanner subsystem, good structural integrity, radiation containment in a self-shielding manner, an easily maintainable driving arrangement, shielding curtains that can be raised and lowered quickly, a container jam release mechanism, and efficient air conditioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: InVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerhard Renkart, François A. Mesqui, David E. Kresse, William H. Baylis
  • Patent number: 6757354
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for mapping the relevant material properties of a log, such as knot location and extent. The outer shape of the log under bark is also revealed using this method, and the boundary between the heartwood and sapwood is accurately mapped. The apparatus includes three x-ray sources and arrays of x-ray detectors, for measuring the attenuation of the wood in the log. Deviations in attenuation are related to changes in density, which are indicative of knots and other defects. Accurate estimates of shape, density and knot location render improved sawing decisions at the headrig of a sawmill, which improve the yield of high quality lumber from a given log. The techniques may also be used in a system for sorting logs according to quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: InVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sondre Skatter, Francois Mesqui
  • Publication number: 20040057551
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for mapping the relevant material properties of a log, such as knot location and extent. The outer shape of the log under bark is also revealed using this method, and the boundary between the heartwood and sapwood is accurately mapped. The apparatus includes three x-ray sources and arrays of x-ray detectors, for measuring the attenuation of the wood in the log. Deviations in attenuation are related to changes in density, which are indicative of knots and other defects. Accurate estimates of shape, density and knot location render improved sawing decisions at the headrig of a sawmill, which improve the yield of high quality lumber from a given log. The techniques may also be used in a system for sorting logs according to quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: InVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sondre Skatter, Francois Mesqui
  • Patent number: 6707875
    Abstract: An x-ray technique-based nonintrusive inspection apparatus is provided which is capable of inspecting 600 containers an hour which is small, and which is easily maintainable. Features of the apparatus include “radiation locking” with “active curtains”, “continuous scanning” utilizing an x-ray line scanner subsystem and a CT scanner subsystem, good structural integrity, radiation containment in a self-shielding manner, an easily maintainable driving arrangement, shielding curtains that can be raised and lowered quickly, a container jam release mechanism, and efficient air conditioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: InVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerhard Fenkart, Francois A. Mesqui, David E. Kresse, William H. Baylis
  • Publication number: 20030215054
    Abstract: An x-ray technique-based nonintrusive inspection apparatus is provided which is capable of inspecting 600 containers an hour which is small, and which is easily maintainable. Features of the apparatus include “radiation locking” with “active curtains”, “continuous scanning” utilizing an x-ray line scanner subsystem and a CT scanner subsystem, good structural integrity, radiation containment in a self-shielding manner, an easily maintainable driving arrangement, shielding curtains that can be raised and lowered quickly, a container jam release mechanism, and efficient air conditioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Gerhard Fenkart, Francois A. Mesqui, David E. Kresse, William H. Bayles
  • Patent number: 6647091
    Abstract: An x-ray technique-based nonintrusive inspection apparatus is provided which is capable of inspecting 600 containers an hour which is small, and which is easily maintainable. Features of the apparatus include “radiation locking” with “active curtains”, “continuous scanning” utilizing an x-ray line scanner subsystem and a CT scanner subsystem, good structural integrity, radiation containment in a self-shielding manner, an easily maintainable driving arrangement, shielding curtains that can be raised and lowered quickly, a container jam release mechanism, and efficient air conditioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: InVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerhard Fenkart, Francois A. Mesqui, David E. Kresse, William H. Baylis
  • Patent number: 6590956
    Abstract: An x-ray technique-based nonintrusive inspection apparatus is provided which is capable of inspecting 600 containers an hour which is small, and which is easily maintainable. Features of the apparatus include “radiation locking” with “active curtains”, “continuous scanning” utilizing an x-ray line scanner subsystem and a CT scanner subsystem, good structural integrity, radiation containment in a self-shielding manner, an easily maintainable driving arrangement, shielding curtains that can be raised and lowered quickly, a container jam release mechanism, and efficient air conditioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: InVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerhard Fenkart, François A. Mesqui, David E. Kresse, William H. Baylis
  • Patent number: 6430255
    Abstract: An x-ray technique-based nonintrusive inspection apparatus is provided which is capable of inspecting 600 containers an hour which is small, and which is easily maintainable. Features of the apparatus include “radiation locking” with “active curtains”, “continuous scanning” utilizing an x-ray line scanner subsystem and a CT scanner subsystem, good structural integrity, radiation containment in a self-shielding manner, an easily maintainable driving arrangement, shielding curtains that can be raised and lowered quickly, a container jam release mechanism, and efficient air conditioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: InVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerhard Fenkart, François A. Mesqui, David E. Kresse, William H. Baylis
  • Publication number: 20020097835
    Abstract: An x-ray technique-based nonintrusive inspection apparatus is provided which is capable of inspecting 600 containers an hour which is small, and which is easily maintainable. Features of the apparatus include “radiation locking” with “active curtains”, “continuous scanning” utilizing an x-ray line scanner subsystem and a CT scanner subsystem, good structural integrity, radiation containment in a self-shielding manner, an easily maintainable driving arrangement, shielding curtains that can be raised and lowered quickly, a container jam release mechanism, and efficient air conditioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: Gerhard Fenkart, Francois A. Mesqui, David E. Kresse, William H. Baylis
  • Publication number: 20020071522
    Abstract: An x-ray technique-based nonintrusive inspection apparatus is provided which is capable of inspecting 600 containers an hour which is small, and which is easily maintainable. Features of the apparatus include “radiation locking” with “active curtains”, “continuous scanning” utilizing an x-ray line scanner subsystem and a CT scanner subsystem, good structural integrity, radiation containment in a self-shielding manner, an easily maintainable driving arrangement, shielding curtains that can be raised and lowered quickly, a container jam release mechanism, and efficient air conditioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Gerhard Fenkart, Francois A. Mesqui, David E. Kresse, William H. Baylis
  • Publication number: 20020071524
    Abstract: An x-ray technique-based nonintrusive inspection apparatus is provided which is capable of inspecting 600 containers an hour which is small, and which is easily maintainable. Features of the apparatus include “radiation locking” with “active curtains”, “continuous scanning” utilizing an x-ray line scanner subsystem and a CT scanner subsystem, good structural integrity, radiation containment in a self-shielding manner, an easily maintainable driving arrangement, shielding curtains that can be raised and lowered quickly, a container jam release mechanism, and efficient air conditioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Gerhard Renkart, Francois A. Mesqui, David E. Kresse, William H. Baylis
  • Publication number: 20020071525
    Abstract: An x-ray technique-based nonintrusive inspection apparatus is provided which is capable of inspecting 600 containers an hour which is small, and which is easily maintainable. Features of the apparatus include “radiation locking” with “active curtains”, “continuous scanning” utilizing an x-ray line scanner subsystem and a CT scanner subsystem, good structural integrity, radiation containment in a self-shielding manner, an easily maintainable driving arrangement, shielding curtains that can be raised and lowered quickly, a container jam release mechanism, and efficient air conditioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Gerhard Fenkart, Francois A. Mesqui, David E. Kresse, William H. Baylis
  • Publication number: 20020071516
    Abstract: An x-ray technique-based nonintrusive inspection apparatus is provided which is capable of inspecting 600 containers an hour which is small, and which is easily maintainable. Features of the apparatus include “radiation locking” with “active curtains”, “continuous scanning” utilizing an x-ray line scanner subsystem and a CT scanner subsystem, good structural integrity, radiation containment in a self-shielding manner, an easily maintainable driving arrangement, shielding curtains that can be raised and lowered quickly, a container jam release mechanism, and efficient air conditioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Gerhard Fenkart, Francois A. Mesqui, David E. Kresse, William H. Baylis
  • Publication number: 20020018542
    Abstract: An x-ray technique-based nonintrusive inspection apparatus is provided which is capable of inspecting 600 containers an hour which is small, and which is easily maintainable. Features of the apparatus include “radiation locking” with “active curtains”, “continuous scanning” utilizing an x-ray line scanner subsystem and a CT scanner subsystem, good structural integrity, radiation containment in a self-shielding manner, an easily maintainable driving arrangement, shielding curtains that can be raised and lowered quickly, a container jam release mechanism, and efficient air conditioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventors: Gerhard Fenkart, Francois A. Mesqui, David E. Kresse, William H. Baylis