Patent ID: 6430255
Filing Date: 2002-08-06
Classification: G01N,G01V

Abstract:
An x-ray technique-based noninstrusive inspection apparatus (8) which includes:first and second tunnel sections (12, 14), each having a respective first end (42) and a respective second end (44) opposing the first end thereof, the second tunnel section being located in line after the first tunnel section so that the second end of the first tunnel section is adjacent the first end of the second tunnel section; first and second conveyor systems (18, 20), the first conveyor system having at least one belt (50), at least partially located within the first tunnel section, which upon, movement, is capable of moving an object (60) from the first end of the first tunnel section to the second end of the first tunnel section, and the second conveyor system having at least one belt (50), at least partially located within the second tunnel section, which, upon movement, is capable of moving an object from the first end of the second tunnel section to the second end of the second tunnel section; an x-ray source (34) which, when operated, creates radiation within the second tunnel section; first and second actuation devices (242); and first and second radiation resistant closure members (56), the first closure member being movable by the first actuation device between an open position wherein the first end of the first tunnel section is open, and a closed position wherein the first closure member closes the first end of the first tunnel section, and the second closure member being movable by the second actuation device between an open position wherein the second end of the first tunnel section is in communication with the first end of the second tunnel section to allow for movement of an object from the first tunnel section to the second tunnel section, and a closed position wherein the second closure member substantially closes off communication between the first and second tunnel sections.