Patent ID: 6590956
Filing Date: 2003-07-08
Classification: G01N,G01V

Abstract:
An x-ray technique-based nonintrusive inspection apparatus (8) which includes:a support frame (10); a CT scanner subsystem (34) comprising: first and second spaced gantry plates (154, 156), each having a respective gantry aperture (166, 168) formed therein; at least one spacer (158, 160, 162) between the gantry plates which, together with the gantry plates, define a partial gantry enclosure (148); an x-ray source (152) secured to the gantry enclosure at one side thereof so that, when the x-ray source is operated, the confines of the gantry enclosure are at least partially radiated, wherein the gantry enclosure is at least partially of a material which substantially attenuates radiation leakage from the gantry enclosure, the CT scanner subsystem, including the first and second gantry plates, the spacer, and the x-ray source, being mounted to the support frame for rotation about an axis through the first and second gantry apertures; and a tunnel portion (122) which is nonrotatably mounted to the support frame, the tunnel portion having an end (132) which mates with the gantry aperture and the tunnel portion and being at least partially made of a material which substantially attenuates radiation leakage therefrom.