Patent ID: 7376216

Claim:
A method to reduce a risk of terrorists or criminals using cargo space of metal freight containers to convey people, material, or contraband across security borders undetected, including the steps of: providing a metal container with a single drawer-like, inner sensor-transparent security compartment sized to occupy all accessible space inside the metal container; placing cargo only inside said security compartment inserting said security compartment fully into said container; transporting said container to an inspection station having a sensor array and a hydraulic platform; passing said container through said sensor array until said container is positioned adjacent thereto, said sensor array scanning said container to determine the dimensions and orientation of said container; positioning said hydraulic platform in response to said dimensions and orientation of said container such that said platform is aligned with the level of the base of said security compartment; withdrawing said security compartment from said metal container through said sensor array onto said hydraulic platform, said security compartment being withdrawn until fully withdrawn from said metal container and through said sensor array; scanning said security compartment while it passes through said sensor array to examine said cargo; reinserting said security compartment into said container.