Patent ID: 9176253
Filing Date: 2015-11-03
Classification: G01V

Abstract:
1. A portable inspection apparatus for placement in an inspection area and for inspection of vehicles passing through the inspection area, the portable inspection apparatus comprising: a support structure arranged to extend away from a surface of the inspection area; a base for disposal on the surface; an inspection field generator comprising an emitter and a detector for generating an inspection field, wherein the emitter is configured for emitting X-ray or gamma ray radiation and the detector is configured for detecting X-ray or gamma ray radiation, a first one of the emitter and the detector being supported by the support structure and a second one of the emitter and the detector being supported by the base; a ramp arranged to pivot relative to the surface between a stowed position and a deployed position in which the ramp extends away from the base for allowing a vehicle to pass over the ramp and the base through the inspection field; and a sensor disposed adjacent the ramp for detecting presence of an object on the ramp, wherein the first one of the emitter and the detector supported by the support structure is configured to move between a first position at a first distance from the base and a second position at a second distance from the base; wherein the support structure includes an upper section and a lower section, wherein the upper section is movable relative to the lower section between the first position and the second position in which a first one of the upper section and the lower section houses a part of the second one of the upper section and the lower section such that the part of the second one of the upper section and the lower section is within the first one of the upper section and the lower section; and wherein the apparatus further comprising a controller for receiving a signal corresponding to the detected object on the ramp for deactivating movement of the support structure and movement of the ramp to the stowed position.