X-ray or gamma ray systems or devices – Specific application – Diffraction – reflection – or scattering analysis
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-09
2001-08-28
Porta, David P. (Department: 2882)
X-ray or gamma ray systems or devices
Specific application
Diffraction, reflection, or scattering analysis
C378S137000, C378S088000, C378S086000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06282260
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an apparatus for imaging a concealed target by unilateral irradiation and detection of penetrating radiation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Schulte (U.S. Pat. No. 5,763,886) teaches a two-dimensional imaging backscatter probe for using a source of gamma-rays to illuminate a surface and for generating a two-dimensional image of the backscattered radiation. It is valuable, in many applications, to know the shape and volumetric distribution as well as material characteristics of objects lying behind or beneath the illuminated surface. Schulte, however, fails to suggest that any depth or compositional information may be obtained with respect to objects lying behind or beneath the illuminated surface or to teach any manner in which such information may be obtained. Additionally, Schulte requires that the probe be moved and that the position of the radiation detectors with respect to the target be sensed using means external to the probe in order to map the backscattered radiation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, in one of its embodiments, there is provided a hand-holdable inspection device for three-dimensional inspection of a volume distal to a surface. The inspection device has a hand-holdable unit including a source of penetrating radiation for providing a beam of specified cross-section and a detector arrangement for detecting penetrating radiation from the beam scattered by the object in the direction of the detector arrangement and for generating a scattered radiation signal. Additionally, the inspection device has a controller for characterizing the volume based at least on the scattered radiation signal.
In accordance with alternate embodiments of the invention, the source of penetrating radiation may be an x-ray source, the source may include a scanner, such as an electronic scanner, for scanning a direction of emission of the beam, the detector arrangement may be integral to the hand-holdable unit and may include an array of semiconductor detectors, and the inspection device may additionally have a display screen for displaying an image characterizing the volume distal to the surface.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4267446 (1981-05-01), Brown et al.
patent: 5068883 (1991-11-01), DeHaan et al.
patent: 5077771 (1991-12-01), Skillicorn et al.
patent: 5181234 (1993-01-01), Smith
patent: 5692029 (1997-11-01), Husseiny et al.
patent: 5696806 (1997-12-01), Grodzins et al.
patent: 5763886 (1998-06-01), Schulte
patent: WO 97/01089 (1997-01-01), None
American Science & Engineering, Inc.
Bromberg & Sunstein LLP
Hobden Pamela R.
Porta David P.
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