Relocatable X-ray imaging system and method for inspecting commercial vehicles and cargo containers

A relocatable security inspection system, comprising:

• a frame having first and second leg sections spaced apart from one another, the frame defining an inspection area and wherein the frame is collapsible via a plurality of hinges;
• an X-ray source disposed on the frame for generating an X-ray beam into the inspection area toward the object;
• a detector disposed on the frame distally from the X-ray source for receiving the X-ray beam after the X-ray beam passes through the object, and for producing an output signal representative of the objects and contents thereof;
• and
• an image processor for converting the output signal into a visual image of the object and contents thereof.

A relocatable security inspection system, comprising:

• a support beam section having a first end and a second end;
• a first leg section pivotally connected to the first end of the support beam section, the first leg section pivotable between an imaging position in which the support beam section and the first leg section are substantially perpendicular to one another, and a transport position in which the support beam section and the first leg section are substantially parallel to one another;
• a second leg section pivotally connected to the second end of the support beam section, the second leg section pivotable between an imaging position in which the support beam section and the second leg section are substantially perpendicular to one another and a transport position in which the support beam section and the second leg section are substantially parallel to one another;
• and
• a locking mechanism disposed on at least one of the support beam section and the first and second leg sections for detachably connecting the inspection system to a delivery vehicle.

A method of inspecting an object, comprising the steps of:

• deploying an X-ray imaging scanner from a delivery vehicle into an imaging position wherein an inspection area is defined by the scanner;
• generating an X-ray beam from the scanner into the inspection area toward an object to be imaged;
• detecting the X-ray beam after the X-ray beam passes through the object;
• producing an output signal representative of the object and contents thereof;
• converting the output signal into a visual image of the object and contents thereof;
• moving the scanner relative to the object to image the object wherein the step of moving the scanner comprises self-propelling the scanner relative to the object;
• and
• regulating the speed and/or alignment with a light source, a light sensor, and a processor.

A method of deploying a security inspection system from a delivery vehicle to an inspection site, the inspection system including a frame having first and second leg sections pivotally connected to opposite ends of a support beam section, comprising the steps of:

• activating a deployment mechanism located on the delivery vehicle;
• moving the frame into an X-ray imaging position via the deployment mechanism;
• inclining a bed section of the delivery vehicle until a base solution of at least one of the first and second leg sections comes into contact with at least one of a surface of the inspection site and an object located on the surface of the inspection site;
• and
• detaching the frame from the bed section of the delivery vehicle such that the frame comes to rest in a substantially upright position on the surface of the inspection site.

A method of deploying a security inspection system from a delivery vehicle to an inspection site, the inspection system including a frame having first and second leg sections pivotally connected to opposite ends of a support beam section, the support beam section comprising first and second scanner segments pivotally connected to one another, the method comprising the steps of:

• activating a deployment mechanism located on the delivery vehicle;
• moving the first and second leg sections away from one another via the deployment mechanism such that the support beam section pivots into an imaging position in which the first and second scanner segments are locked into place substantially linear to one another, and substantially perpendicular to the first and second leg sections;
• inclining a bed section of the delivery vehicle until a base portion of at least one of the first and second leg sections comes into contact with at least one of a surface of the inspection site and an object located on the surface of the inspection site;
• and
• detaching the frame from the bed section of the delivery vehicle such that the frame comes to rest in a substantially upright position on the surface of the inspection site.