Hand-held contraband detector

Details Hand-held contraband detector Hand-held contraband detector

1990-05-11

1991-11-26

Westin, Edward P.

X-ray or gamma ray systems or devices

Specific application

Diffraction, reflection, or scattering analysis

378 88, 378 83, 378197, 2504981, G01N 23203, G21F 5012

Patent

active

050688839

ABSTRACT:
A light-weight hand-held contraband detection system (10) includes two different sources (74) of low energy gamma rays. Each gamma ray source selectively emits gamma rays at a different energy level, which gamma rays are directed to a specific volume (30) of an object, e.g. a vehicle, being searched. The hand-held detection system also includes a gamma ray detector (42) coupled to a visual indicator (14), which indicator visually indicates the relative number of back-scattered gamma rays reflected back from the object being searched. Back scattering of the emitted gamma rays occurs in differing degrees depending upon the density and contents of the particular volume of the object receiving the gamma rays. Certain changes in density reflect the possibility that contraband, such as drugs, may be concealed in the object being searched. In use, the system is gripped in a hand of the user and passed over the surface of the object being searched. A mechanical latch (80, 82, 90, 92, 94) allows a user to use the system without having to continually press a thumb switch (22). The indicator (14) on the device is detachable from the housing, but remains electrically connected to the housing through an umbilical cord. One embodiment of the detection system also includes audible alarm means (54, 59) for providing an audible indication to the user of the relative number of backscattered gamma rays.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4494001 (1985-01-01), Peck

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