Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a synchronization device and method for identifying a specific moment in a patient's respiratory cycle to aid medical interventions. The device includes a locating apparatus, a patient reference with radio-opaque markers, a detectable locating element, an X-ray detector, and a control unit for data recording and processing. The invention aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of medical procedures by synchronizing them with the patient's respiratory cycle.

Abstract: A tunable implant, system, and method enables a tunable implant to be adjusted within a patient. The tunable implant includes a securing mechanism to secure the implant in the patient, a actuation portion that enables the implant to move and an adjustment portion that permits adjustment of the implant after the implant has been positioned within the patient. The method of adjusting the tunable implant includes analyzing the operation of the implant, determining if any adjustments are necessary and adjusting the implant to improve implant performance. The implant system includes both the tunable implant and a telemetric system that is operable to telemetrically receive data from the tunable implant where the data is used to determine if adjustment of the tunable implant is necessary. The system also includes an instrument assembly that is used for performing spinal surgery where the instrument assembly includes a mounting platform and a jig.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system connectable to a respiration monitor configured to provide an output signal whose level represents a respiration state. A prospective acquisition scheme for acquiring magnetic resonance images at each of a set of selected respiration states is provided, the triggering on the selected respiration states being based on predetermined threshold output signal levels of the respiration monitoring means, Respiration states at which magnetic resonance images were actually acquired, are compared with the selected respiration states according to the prospective acquisition scheme and predetermined ranges of tolerance of the selected respiration states, The prospective acquisition scheme is modified, if one of the actual respiration states lies outside the predetermined range of tolerance of the selected respiration state, and magnetic resonance imaging acquisition is executed pursuant to the modified prospective acquisition scheme.

Abstract: Intraoperative radiation therapy involves a treatment head disposed on a distal end of a robotic arm. An X-ray component included as part of the treatment head generates therapeutic radiation in the X-ray wavelength range. At least one patient motion sensor detects a breathing movement of a patient body. A control system dynamically controls a position of the treatment head by causing a position variation in at least one of the movable joints comprising the robotic arm. This movement is managed so that a relative motion as between the treatment head and a tumor bed internal of the patient is minimized.

Abstract: A method includes receiving during a first time interval associated with a path of motion of a dynamic body, image data associated with a plurality of images of the dynamic body. The plurality of images include an indication of a position of a first marker coupled to a garment at a first location, and a position of a second marker coupled to the garment at a second location. The garment is coupled to the dynamic body. During a second time interval, an image from the plurality of images is automatically identified that includes a position of the first marker that is substantially the same as a position of a first localization element relative to the dynamic body and a position of the second marker that is substantially the same as a position of the second localization element relative to the dynamic body.

Abstract: The presently described method is directed to determining a way of positioning a patient before execution of a medical procedure involving irradiating the patient with ionizing treatment radiation based on comparing medical images of the patient with a pre-acquired medical image. The planning computed tomography is searched for an image of the reference structure in order to determine the position of the patient relative to a patient support device. A retroreflective marker device, having a known and advantageously fixed position relative to the base plate, is detected by a navigation system operatively coupled to a motor of the support device. Based on the detected position of the marker device, the motor of the support device is activated to drive the patient into a desired position relative to beam direction along which the treatment radiation is to be issued towards the patient to execute the medical procedure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the position of an object moving within a body, wherein the body is connected to markers, a movement signal is determined based on the measured movement of the markers, images are taken from the object using a camera or detector, wherein the camera or detector is moved with respect to the object, it is determined from which direction or range of angles or segment the most images corresponding to a predefined cycle of the movement signal are taken, and using at least some or all of the images of the segment containing the most images for a specified movement cycle, an image of the object is reconstructed.

Abstract: A system for automatic segmentation of tumor tissue, useful for motion correction during radiotherapy using real-time imaging, identifies multiple regions based on the values of data and then identifies the tumors within the regions based on a priori knowledge about tumor size and/or location. The regions may be refined with robust and fast morphological operations, providing segmentation at speeds commensurate with the motion to be corrected.

Abstract: An apparatus for the sterilization of containers with a conveying device which conveys the containers along a pre-set conveying path, with at least one stressing device which acts upon the containers with radiation, for the purpose of the sterilization thereof, and with a screening device which screens off X-ray radiation which is formed in the context of the sterilization. The screening device has at least one outer wall which bounds the conveying path of the containers and which extends along the conveying path. The outer wall has at least one recess which forms a cavity which faces the conveying path of the containers in such a way that X-ray radiation formed during the sterilization can enter this cavity.

Abstract: Provided is an x-ray device capable of suppressing reduction in detection precision. The X-ray device irradiates x-rays on an object and detects X-rays that pass through the object. The X-ray device comprises: an X-ray source that emits X-rays; a stage that holds the object; a detection device that detects at least some of the x-rays that have been emitted from the X-ray source and have passed through the object; a chamber member that forms an internal space wherein the X-ray source, the stage, and the detection device are arranged; and a partitioning section that separates the internal space into a first space wherein the X-ray source is arranged and a second space wherein the detection device is arranged.

Abstract: A computing system determines a full motion range of a target, wherein the full motion range of the target defines an internal target volume (ITV). The computing system identifies a partial motion range of the target, wherein the partial motion range is a subset of the full motion range of the target. The computing system generates a partial-ITV based on the identified partial motion range, wherein the partial-ITV is a volume swept by the target as the target moves through the partial motion range, the partial-ITV being smaller than the ITV. The computing system generates a treatment plan to deliver treatment to the partial-ITV.

Abstract: Isotope identification imaging of nuclear fuel material or explosives concealed in a drum or container in which nuclear reactor fuel or radioactive waste are sealed is realized while ensuring high precision, high reliability, and safety. A sample 31 is irradiated with laser Compton photon beams 21 and 22 generated by a collision between an electron beam 12 and polarized laser light 16 and 20. An isotope in the sample is identified using nuclear resonance fluorescence, and the spatial distribution thereof is imaged. In so doing, a nuclear level of an isotope whose emission direction of nuclear resonance fluorescence is dependent on the planes of polarization of the incident LCS photon beams is used.

Abstract: Radiosurgery systems are described that are configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation to a target structure in a patient. In some embodiments, inflammatory ocular disorders are treated, and in some embodiments, other disorders or tissues of a body are treated with the dose of radiation. In some embodiments, target tissues are placed in a global coordinate system based on ocular imaging. In some embodiments, a fiducial marker is used to identify the location of the target tissues.

Abstract: The invention comprises an X-ray tomography method and apparatus used in conjunction with multi-axis charged particle or proton beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. In various embodiments, 3-D images are generated from a series of 2-D X-rays images; the X-ray source and detector are stationary while the patient rotates; the 2-D X-ray images are generated using an X-ray source proximate a charged particle beam in a charged particle cancer therapy system; and the X-ray tomography system uses an electron source having a geometry that enhances an electron source lifetime, where the electron source is used in generation of X-rays. The X-ray tomography system is optionally used in conjunction with systems used to both move and constrain movement of the patient, such as semi-vertical, sitting, or laying positioning systems. The X-ray images are optionally used in control of a charged particle cancer therapy system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device (10) comprising a radiation source (17) which is embodied, in particular, as an X-ray source for irradiating a pharmaceutical product (1) embodied, in particular as a capsule, a detector (18) for detecting radiation after irradiating the pharmaceutical product (1), a tube or shaft-shaped supply device (15) which is preferably arranged vertically at least in the region of the beam path (16) of the radiation source (17) for feeding the pharmaceutical product (1) into the beam path (16) of the radiation source (17), and means (25) for positioning and releasing the pharmaceutical product (1) in the region of the radiation beam (16) of the radiation source (17).

Abstract: The invention comprises a semi-vertical patient positioning, alignment, and/or control method and apparatus used in conjunction with charged particle or proton beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. Patient positioning constraints are used to maintain the patient in a treatment position, including one or more of: a seat support, a back support, a head support, an arm support, a knee support, and a foot support. One or more of the positioning constraints are movable and/or under computer control for rapid positioning and/or immobilization of the patient. The system optionally uses an X-ray beam that lies in substantially the same path as a proton beam path of a particle beam cancer therapy system. The generated image is usable for: fine tuning body alignment relative to the proton beam path, to control the proton beam path to accurately and precisely target the tumor, and/or in system verification and validation.

Abstract: A radiation detector includes a semiconductor substrate having opposing front and rear surfaces, a cathode electrode located on the front surface of the semiconductor substrate configured so as to receive radiation, and a plurality of anode electrodes formed on the rear surface of said semiconductor substrate. A work function of the cathode electrode material contacting the front surface of the semiconductor substrate is lower than a work function of the anode electrode material contacting the rear surface of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: Lesion positioner systems and, which perform positioning of a lesion A by moving a top board for allowing a subject to be placed thereon, set an isocenter of a diagnostic 3D imaging unit as a virtual isocenter at the time when a treatment table is in a 3D imaging diagnosis position, and positions the lesion A to the virtual isocenter, based on a three-dimensional diagnostic image in consideration of particle beam therapy. A treatment table moving mechanism moves the treatment table to the treatment position relative to the particle beam therapy system while maintaining states of the top board and the lesion positioner systems and at the time of positioning, thereby positioning the lesion A to the isocenter of the particle beam therapy system.

Abstract: Apparatus for location-detection of an object within a region comprising a reflective element mountable on the object, a scanning light source adapted to issue a beam of light in a scanning pattern illuminating a point that moves over the region, a detector for light reflected from the reflective element and a control unit adapted to report the position of an object based on the point in the scanning pattern at which the detector detects light returned from the reflective element relative to at least one point in the scanning pattern at which the detector detects light returned from a reflective object.

Abstract: A patient positioning assembly is described. The patient positioning assembly including a plate member rotatably mounted on a base member, and an arm extending between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is rotatably attached to the plate member. The patient positioning assembly further including a support device rotatably attached to the second end of the arm to support a patient thereon, with the support device is configured to move the patient in at least five degrees of freedom.

Abstract: For quarantine treatment of a farming and forestry product for pest control, a method and a device may irradiate logs as a phytosanitary treatment with electron beams. The method may include: spreading the logs; aligning the spread logs to be flush at one end; conveying the spread and flush logs laterally; conveying the logs longitudinally through an irradiation field formed by accelerators to provide treatment of irradiation with the electron beams; throwing the irradiated logs out; and laterally conveying the logs away. The device may include a conveying device for conveying the logs, a shielding structure surrounding the conveying device, and accelerators provided in the conveying path of the conveying device. Two or more accelerators may be provided in centrosymmetry about the conveying path.

Abstract: The invention comprises a laying, semi-vertical, or seated patient positioning, alignment, and/or control method and apparatus used in conjunction with multi-axis charged particle or proton beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. Patient positioning constraints are used to maintain the patient in a treatment position, including one or more of: a seat support, a back support, a head support, an arm support, a knee support, and a foot support. One or more of the positioning constraints are movable and/or under computer control for rapid positioning and/or immobilization of the patient. The system optionally uses an X-ray beam that lies in substantially the same path as a proton beam path of a particle beam cancer therapy system. The generated image is usable for: fine tuning body alignment relative to the proton beam path, to control the proton beam path to accurately and precisely target the tumor, and/or in system verification and validation.

Abstract: The invention comprises an X-ray system that is orientated to provide X-ray images of a patient in the same orientation as viewed by a proton therapy beam, is synchronized with patient respiration, is operable on a patient positioned for proton therapy, and does not interfere with a proton beam treatment path. Preferably, the synchronized system is used in conjunction with a negative ion beam source, synchrotron, and/or targeting method apparatus to provide an X-ray timed with patient respiration and performed immediately prior to and/or concurrently with particle beam therapy irradiation to ensure targeted and controlled delivery of energy relative to a patient position resulting in efficient, precise, and/or accurate noninvasive, in-vivo treatment of a solid cancerous tumor with minimization of damage to surrounding healthy tissue in a patient using the proton beam position verification system.

Abstract: An X-ray treatment apparatus comprises a low energy X-ray generator for detecting a marker, a marker sensor detecting a position of the marker fixed in the patient to a couch, and both low energy X-ray generator and the marker sensor are installed in the couch, a high energy X-ray generator for treatment, a X-ray sensor for treatment detecting the high energy X-ray for treatment. An X-ray treatment method using the X-ray treatment apparatus comprises the steps of detecting a position of a marker by the marker sensor, irradiating to a lesion the high energy X-ray for treatment, detecting the penetrated high energy X-ray for treatment by the X-ray sensor for treatment, modifying the beam profile, the dosage or/and the radiation direction of the X-ray for treatment according to the latest data of the sensors, performing the next radiation for the lesion.

Abstract: Method and systems are disclosed for radiating a moving target inside a heart. The method includes acquiring sequential volumetric representations of an area of the heart and defining a target tissue region and/or a radiation sensitive structure region in 3D for a first of the representations. The target tissue region and/or radiation sensitive structure region are identified for another of the representations by an analysis of the area of the heart from the first representation and the other representation. Radiation beams to the target tissue region are fired in response to the identified target tissue region and/or radiation sensitive structure region from the other representation.

Abstract: A deliverable four dimensional (4D) intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) planning method is disclosed, for delivery using a linear accelerator with a dynamic multi-leaf collimator (DMLC). A 4D computed tomography (CT) scan is used for segmenting tumor anatomy on a reference phase of periodic motion of the tumor. Deformable registration of the 4D CT data is used to generate corresponding anatomical structures on other phases. Preferably, the collimator for each beam position is aligned using the gross tumor volume (GTV) centroid motion corresponding to the periodic motion of the tumor, as determined from the two dimensional (2D) projection of a given beam position. A deliverable IMRT plan is created on the 4D CT image set in which the MLC leaf positions and beam on/off status can vary as a function of respiratory phase by solving a four dimensional optimization problem. The mechanical constraints of the MLC leaves are included in the optimization.

Abstract: An integrated radiation therapy process comprises acquiring first objective target data related to a parameter of a target within a patient by periodically locating a marker positioned within the patient using a localization modality. This method continues with obtaining second objective target data related to the parameter of the target by periodically locating the marker. The first objective target data can be acquired in a first area that is apart from a second area which contains a radiation delivery device for producing an ionizing radiation beam for treating the patient. The localization modality can be the same in both the first and second areas. In other embodiments, the first objective target data can be acquired using a first localization modality that uses a first energy type to identify the marker and the second objective target data can be obtained using a second localization modality that uses a second energy type to identify the marker that is different than the first energy type.

Abstract: Using nature that a pixel value in a lung of a chest X-ray moving image varies due to heart beat, the variation information on the pixel value is effectively used for diagnosis such as of a lung embolism or a heart disease, considering the variation information as lung blood flow information. A continuous X-ray image screening examination device receives a chest X-ray moving image from an X-ray detector and receives an electrocardiogram to become original information on a heart beat variation from an electrocardiogram recording apparatus. From the dynamic state of the heart wall measured by the electrocardiograph or the chest X-ray moving image, the heart dynamic state during the cardiac chamber systolic and diastolic phases is grasped, and information such as the variation of the pixel value of the chest X-ray moving image due to increase (lung blood flow increase) of the blood flow from the heart to the lung during the cardiac chamber systolic phase is generated.

Abstract: A method for substance identification and an apparatus thereof are disclosed.

Abstract: In a method and an x-ray diagnostic device for generation of an image of a body region of a living subject that executes a movement due to respiration, respiration signals of the subject are acquired and x-ray projections of the subject are acquired from different projection directions. The intensity of the x-ray radiation emanating from an x-ray source in the acquisition of the x-ray projections is modulated such that the intensity assumes a desired value, or a value decreased relative to the value, dependent on the value of the amplitude of the respiration signal and/or the respiration position of the subject.

Abstract: A system for planning a percutaneous procedure provides a patient 3-dimensional image data set within which an instrument trajectory is defined, for example, by selecting a skin entry point and a target point. A line, or “planned path,” is generated between the points. The system determines whether the path can be targeted so an optical axis of a movable arm coincides with the path so that a laser can be used for instrument guidance or whether a planned path can be targeted so that a C-arm can be made to coincide with the path so that the extension of the path is projected onto a radiation detector, using x-ray radiation. If neither laser guidance or x-ray guidance can be used, the path is replanned.

Abstract: A robotic patient positioning assembly including a patient treatment couch, and a robotic arm coupled to the patient treatment couch. The robotic arm is configured to move the patient treatment couch along five rotational degrees of freedom and one substantially vertical, linear degree of freedom.

Abstract: The invention comprises an X-ray tomography method and apparatus used in conjunction with multi-axis charged particle or proton beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. In various embodiments, 3-D images are generated from a series of 2-D X-rays images; the X-ray source and detector are stationary while the patient rotates; the 2-D X-ray images are generated using an X-ray source proximate a charged particle beam in a charged particle cancer therapy system; and the X-ray tomography system uses an electron source having a geometry that enhances an electron source lifetime, where the electron source is used in generation of X-rays. The X-ray tomography system is optionally used in conjunction with systems used to both move and constrain movement of the patient, such as semi-vertical, sitting, or laying positioning systems. The X-ray images are optionally used in control of a charged particle cancer therapy system.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus includes a vertical guide device, a turntable device which is movable along the vertical guide device upwards or downwards, and a first driving device which drives the turntable device moving in an upward and downward direction guided by the vertical guide device. The turntable device includes a bracket which is slidably engaged with the vertical guide device and projects perpendicularly toward a side of the vertical guide device, a turntable which is rotatably provided on the bracket, and a second driving device which rotates the turntable on the bracket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to track non-linear internal target movement based on movement of an external marker.

Abstract: A method of determining a distance of a source point to a surface of an object in three-dimensional space, wherein the object is represented by a decision rule and a plurality of volume elements arranged in slices comprising rows and columns, wherein each volume element carries at least one value, and wherein the decision rule determines membership of each volume element to the object in accordance with the at least one value of the volume element, the method comprising: determining a contour of a representation of the object within each slice; locating on the contour of each slice a homing point closest to the source point; fitting a curve to the located homing points; determining a distance from the source point to the fitted curve; and equating the determined distance as the distance of the source point to the surface of the object.

Abstract: The invention comprises an X-ray system that is orientated to provide X-ray images of a patient in the same orientation as viewed by a proton therapy beam, is synchronized with patient respiration, is operable on a patient positioned for proton therapy, and does not interfere with a proton beam treatment path. Preferably, the synchronized system is used in conjunction with a negative ion beam source, synchrotron, and/or targeting method apparatus to provide an X-ray timed with patient respiration and performed immediately prior to and/or concurrently with particle beam therapy irradiation to ensure targeted and controlled delivery of energy relative to a patient position resulting in efficient, precise, and/or accurate noninvasive, in-vivo treatment of a solid cancerous tumor with minimization of damage to surrounding healthy tissue in a patient using the proton beam position verification system.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining a first image, obtaining a second image, determining a deformation field using the first and second images, and determining a transformation matrix using the deformation field. A computer product having a set of instruction, an execution of which causes a process to be performed, the process comprising determining a deformation field using first and second images, and determining a transformation matrix using the deformation field. A system includes a computer-readable medium for storing a first image and a second image, and a processor configured to determine a deformation field using the first and second images, and determine a transformation matrix using the deformation field.

Abstract: An operation room may comprise both an object scanning apparatus for examining an object using x-ray radiation and an irradiation component for treating an object using particle radiation. A support article upon which the object may reside during (both) the examination and treatment may be configured to rotate about an axis substantially perpendicular to a plane through which x-ray radiation travels, may be configured to tilt with respect to the axis, and/or may be configured to yaw with respect to the axis. In this way, the relative orientation of the support article and the object remain substantially constant during the examination and treatment to facilitate treating a desired area of the object.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for optimizing a radiation treatment plan for a radiotherapy machine providing independently controlled radiation along a plurality of rays j directed toward a patient and configured to account for the effects of patient motion. The method includes generating a probability distribution function quantitatively expressing patient motion, identifying a prescribed total dose Dip at the voxels i in a treatment area, assigning a fluence value wj for each ray j based on an iterative function, calculating an actual total dose Did produced each voxel i within the assigned fluence values and calculating an expectation value of the dose per energy fluence, dij based on the actual total dose Did and the probability distribution function.

Abstract: A method and system is presented for treating moving target regions in a patient's anatomy by creating radiosurgical lesions. The method includes determining a pulsating motion of a patient separately from a determining of a respiratory motion, and directing a radiosurgical beam, from a radiosurgical beam source, to a target in the patient based on the determining of the pulsating motion. Directing the radiosurgical beam to the target may include creating a lesion in the heart to inhibit atrial fibrillation. The method may further include determining the respiratory motion of the patient, and compensating for movement of the target, due to the respiratory motion and the pulsating motion of the patient, in the directing of the radiosurgical beam based on the determining of the respiratory motion and the determining of the pulsating motion.

Abstract: Iso-centering a volume of interest (VOI) (170) within a patient (168) to undergo examination on a rotational X-ray apparatus (100) is achieved by taking two differently-angled pictures (S210) and updating positional settings (172) for the patient's table (112) responsive to respectively displayed centering of the VOI (152). Alternatively, the operator identifies respective VOI centers (S410, S450) for each of the two displayed pictures, and corresponding table movement is automatically calculated (S420).

Abstract: A method of providing intensity modulated radiation therapy to a moving target is disclosed. The target moves periodically along a trajectory that is projected onto a multi-leaf collimator (MLC) plane. The MLC plane is divided into thin slices parallel to the movement of the target. The present invention optimizes the leaf sequence such that, within each slice, if a point receives radiation, all other points in that slice that receive the same amount or more fluence are also receiving radiation at the same time.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray imaging unit, rotating unit configured to rotate a subject about an axis of rotation relative to the X-ray imaging unit, supporting unit configured to support the subject, and a limiting unit configured to limit the range in which the X-ray imaging unit is moveable along the axis of rotation depending on the position of the supporting means relative to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: An image system, notably an X-ray system and an ultrasound system, is provided in which images or sequences of images are generated and used to automatically change or optimize the operational behavior of individual image system components. Measurement fields are defined in the images of an image sequence by means of a data processing unit. Information is extracted from the measurement fields in order to adapt the system components. More specifically, in the course of a sequence of images the measurement fields are adapted or shifted in conformity with the motion of objects.

Abstract: An upright treatment system including a source housing including a radiation source operable to emit an orientated radiation beam, a source positioner operable to rotate the source housing through an elevation angle about a source housing elevation rotation axis which generally intersects a center of gravity of the source housing, and a target positioner operable to position a target linearly along a generally vertical target rotation axis for interception with the radiation beam, wherein the target positioner is further operable to rotate the target about the target rotation axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radiotherapy assembly comprising a particle emitter with an exit window for a fixed particle stream and a patient support device comprising a patient couch, which can be brought into an irradiation position that is suitable for irradiating a patient in front of the exit window. An X-ray diagnostic device determines or verifies the position of a tumor that is to be irradiated, said device comprising an X-ray source and a detector, which can be displaced in the area around the patient couch that has been placed in the irradiation position. The assembly permits the location of a tumor to be verified in the irradiation position, thus rendering a relocation of the patient unnecessary.

Abstract: An angular analysis system that can be controlled to receive radiation at a defined angle from a defined focus region. The angular analysis system is used for level 2 inspection in an explosive detection system. Level 2 inspection is provided by a three-dimensional inspection system that identifies suspicious regions of items under inspection. The angular analysis system is focused to gather radiation scattered at defined angles from the suspicious regions. Focusing may be achieved in multiple dimensions by movement of source and detector assemblies in a plane parallel to a plane holding the item under inspection. Focusing is achieved by independent motion of the source and detector assemblies. This focusing arrangement provides a compact device, providing simple, low cost and accurate operation.

Abstract: An inspection system according to various embodiments can include a stationary mono-energetic gamma source and a detector-spectrometer. The detector-spectrometer is configured to employ a modulation of energy bin boundaries within a multi-channel pulse height analyzer to encode voxels within the inspected object, and apply an analysis to determine the three-dimensional density image of the inspected object.

Abstract: An inspection system provides for inspection of cargo containers. A scanning tunnel has an entrance and an exit, a plurality of scanning entrance doors, each having an open position and a closed position, at least one of the plurality of scanning entrance doors interior to the scanning tunnel; a plurality of scanning exit doors, each having an open position and a closed position, at least one of the plurality of scanning exit doors interior to the scanning tunnel. A scanner is adapted to scan the contents of a container inside the scanning tunnel when at least one of the plurality of scanning entrance doors is in the closed position and at least one of the plurality of scanning exit doors is in the closed position. A carrier carries the container through the tunnel.