Tomographic imaging systems and methods

An inspection system, comprising:

• a frame;
• at least one radiation source, supported by the frame, that emits rays of radiation;
• radiation detectors, supported by the frame, that are configured and arranged to detect rays of radiation emitted by the at least one radiation source;
• a conveyor configured and arranged to move an item under inspection in a first direction relative to the frame such that at least a portion of the item under inspection passes between the at least one radiation source and at least some of the radiation detectors;
• and
• a processor configured to process data accumulated by the radiation detectors to form a three-dimensional tomographic data image of at least a portion of the item under inspection;
• wherein the at least one radiation source and the radiation detectors are configured and arranged with respect to the conveyor such that ray paths extending linearly between the at least one radiation source and at least some of the radiation detectors form acute angles with respect to a plane having a normal direction coinciding with the first direction that are substantially in excess of three degrees, wherein:
• the at least one radiation source comprises at least first and second radiation sources;
• and
• the inspection system further comprises a controller configured to control the first and second radiation sources so that the first and second radiation sources illuminate at least some of the same radiation detectors.

An inspection system, comprising:

• means for moving an item under inspection in a first direction relative to and at least partially between at least a first and second radiation sources and at least some radiation detectors illuminated by the at least one radiation source;
• means for operating the at least first and second radiation sources and the radiation detectors such that ray paths extending linearly between the at least first and second radiation sources and at least some of the radiation detectors of the at least some radiation detectors form acute angles with respect to a plane having a normal direction coinciding with the first direction that are substantially in excess of three degrees;
• means for processing data accumulated by the radiation detectors to form a three-dimensional tomographic data image of at least a portion of the item under inspection;
• and
• a controller configured to control the first and second radiation sources so that the first and second radiation sources illuminate at least some of the same radiation detectors.