US6094472A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
X-ray backscatter imaging system including moving body tracking assembly
Assignee: Rapiscan Systems Inc
•
Filing: 1998-04-14
•
Granted: 2000-07-25
•
Expires: 2018-04-14
Abstract
Abstract A pencil beam of X-rays is scanned over the surfaces of the body of a person being examined as the person walks through the scanning apparatus. Specifically, a tracking assembly is employed to rotate the scanning plane through a tracking angle and in a direction progressing from the entrance to the exit of the portal, through which the person passes, in order to substantially track the person or body as it moves with respect to the system from the entrance to the exit X-rays that are scattered or reflected from the subject's body are detected by a detector assembly. The signal produced by this scattered X-ray detector in then used to modulate an image display device to produce an image of the subject and any concealed objects carried by the subject. The detector assembly is constructed in a configuration to automatically and uniformly enhance the image edges of low atomic number (low Z) concealed objects to facilitate their detection. A storage means is provided by which previously acquired images can be compared with the present image for analyzing variances in and similarities with the present image, and provides means for creating a generic representation of the body being examined while suppressing anatomical features of the subject to minimize invasion of the subject's privacy.
Inventors
- 👤 Steven W. Smith
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 06:20
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01V; G01V5/00; G01V5/20; G01V5/22; G01N; G01N23/00; G01N23/20; G01N23/203; G01V5/222
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 88
Claim 1
Independent Claim
195 words
X-ray imaging apparatus for detecting an object carried by or on a body moving relative to the apparatus, said apparatus having an entrance and an exit, said apparatus comprising: a passageway extending at least from said entrance to said exit; at least one X-ray source having means for producing a pencil beam of X-rays directed toward said body in said passageway, said pencil beam intersecting said body at a region of intersection corresponding to a pixel having a pixel value; a scanning means disposed adjacent said at least one X-ray source for moving the region of intersection of said pencil beam and said body over a surface of said body; a tracking means for causing the scanning means to substantially track said body as it moves with respect to said apparatus from said entrance to said exit; a detector assembly for detecting an intensity of X-rays scattered from said body as a result of being scanned by said first scanning means and for generating a signal representative of the intensity of the scattered X-rays, said detector assembly comprising a plurality of detectors; and display means for presenting characteristics of the detector signal to an operator.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
195 words
X-ray imaging apparatus for detecting an object carried by or on a body moving relative to the apparatus, said apparatus having an entrance and an exit, said apparatus comprising: a passageway extending at least from said entrance to said exit; at least one X-ray source having means for producing a pencil beam of X-rays directed toward said body in said passageway, said pencil beam intersecting said body at a region of intersection corresponding to a pixel having a pixel value; a scanning means disposed adjacent said at least one X-ray source for moving the region of intersection of said pencil beam and said body over a surface of said body; a tracking means for causing the scanning means to substantially track said body as it moves with respect to said apparatus from said entrance to said exit; a detector assembly for detecting an intensity of X-rays scattered from said body as a result of being scanned by said first scanning means and for generating a signal representative of the intensity of the scattered X-rays, said detector assembly comprising a plurality of detectors; and display means for presenting characteristics of the detector signal to an operator.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
71 words
The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 1, wherein said passageway comprises a left side and a right side relative to said body as said body moves between said left side and said right side of said passageway from said entrance to said exit, and wherein said at least one X-ray source comprises a first X-ray source disposed within said left side and a second X-ray source disposed within said right side.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The X-ray imaging apparatus as in claim 2, wherein said first X-ray source and said second X-ray source are disposed offset from each other along said passageway for scanning said subject from a plurality of angles.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
The X-ray imaging apparatus as in claim 3, wherein said first X-ray source and said second X-ray source operate sequentially for providing a plurality of scans in a succession, said plurality of scans producing a plurality of images of said body at said plurality of angles.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 4, wherein the plurality of images comprises four images.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 2, wherein said plurality of detectors comprises a first array of detectors corresponding to said left side of said passageway and a second array of detectors corresponding to said right side of said passageway.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 2, wherein said passageway further comprises a ceiling, wherein at least one detector of said plurality of detectors is disposed in said ceiling.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 6, wherein said first X-ray source is disposed within said first array of detectors and said second X-ray source is disposed within said second array of detectors.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 8, wherein each of said first X-ray source and said second X-ray source is disposed at a height generally corresponding to a mid-torso height of the body.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 1, wherein each detector of said plurality of detectors comprises a fluorescent screen having a persistence of less that about 10 microseconds.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 10, wherein said fluorescent screen is made from barium lead sulfate.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 10, wherein said fluorescent screen is made from barium strontium sulfate.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 1, wherein said tracking means comprises means for horizontally sweeping said scanning means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 13, wherein said means for horizontally sweeping comprises a turntable assembly for rotating said scanning means about a vertical axis.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
30 words
The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 13, wherein said means for horizontal sweeping comprises a horizontal axis disposed above said passageway, wherein said scanning means pivots on said horizontal axis.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
41 words
The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 13, wherein said means for horizontal sweeping comprises a horizontal beam disposed above said passageway and at least one slide means connected to said horizontal beam for sliding said scanning means within a horizontal plane.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
136 words
The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one X-ray source comprises a first X-ray source and a second X-ray source, said first X-ray source and said second X-ray source each having a corresponding scanning means, wherein said tracking means comprises: a pair of offset mountings for mounting said first X-ray source and its corresponding first scanning means near said entrance and said second X-ray source and its corresponding first scanning means near said exit so that each of said first X-ray source and said second X-ray source is positioned to project said pencil beam substantially toward a longitudinal center portion of said passageway between said entrance and said exit; and a sequential timer for sequentially activating said first X-ray source and said second X-ray source as said body moves within said passageway.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
16 words
The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 17, wherein said passageway includes a plurality of turns therein.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
27 words
The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one X-ray source comprises four X-ray sources, one X-ray source corresponding to one of four images.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
33 words
The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 19, wherein said tracking means comprises a timing device for sequentially activating said four X-ray sources one at a time as the body progresses through the passageway.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
27 words
The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 1, wherein said scanning means comprises a chopper assembly for vertically translating said pencil beam over a length of said body.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
28 words
The X-ray imaging apparatus as in claim 21, wherein said scanning means further comprises a means for horizontally moving said pencil beam over a width of said body.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
32 words
The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor for sensing movement of said body with respect to said apparatus and generating a motion signal in response thereto.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
17 words
The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 23, wherein said tracking means is responsive to said motion signal.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
19 words
The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a mechanical means for moving said body through said passageway.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
19 words
The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 25, wherein the mechanical means for moving said body comprises a moving walkway.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
28 words
The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one X-ray source comprises an X-ray tube operating at a potential of 70 KV at 10 ma.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
20 words
The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 1, wherein each pixel has an area on the order of 15 square millimeters.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
157 words
In an X-ray backscatter imaging system for searching a subject for concealed objects, a method comprising the steps of: moving the subject within a passageway, the passageway having an entrance and an exit; initiating operation of at least one X-ray source upon entry of the subject into the passageway; producing a pencil beam of X-rays having a low dose directed toward a scanning area at a plurality of scanning positions within the passageway; scanning the pencil beam of X-rays over the scanning area; tracking said pencil beam of X-rays to each of said plurality of scanning positions, wherein the tracking is substantially coordinated with forward progress of the subject through the passageway; using a plurality of detectors, detecting X-rays that are backscattered from said pencil beam as a result of interacting with the subject when positioned at each scanning position of the plurality of scanning positions; and displaying a digitally represented image of the detected backscattered X-rays.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
157 words
In an X-ray backscatter imaging system for searching a subject for concealed objects, a method comprising the steps of: moving the subject within a passageway, the passageway having an entrance and an exit; initiating operation of at least one X-ray source upon entry of the subject into the passageway; producing a pencil beam of X-rays having a low dose directed toward a scanning area at a plurality of scanning positions within the passageway; scanning the pencil beam of X-rays over the scanning area; tracking said pencil beam of X-rays to each of said plurality of scanning positions, wherein the tracking is substantially coordinated with forward progress of the subject through the passageway; using a plurality of detectors, detecting X-rays that are backscattered from said pencil beam as a result of interacting with the subject when positioned at each scanning position of the plurality of scanning positions; and displaying a digitally represented image of the detected backscattered X-rays.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 29, wherein said step of scanning comprises chopping the pencil beam of X-rays using a rotating chopper.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 30, wherein the step of tracking comprises rotating an X-ray source and the rotating chopper on a turntable disposed at a side of the passageway.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 29, wherein the step of tracking comprises pivoting an X-ray source and the rotating chopper on a horizontal axis disposed above the passageway.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 29, wherein the step of tracking is coordinated with the movement of the subject by sequentially activating a plurality of X-ray sources, each X-ray source generating a different vertically-scanned pencil beam of X-rays.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 33, wherein the plurality of X-ray sources comprises two X-ray sources disposed on opposite sides of the passageway.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 34, wherein the step of sequentially activating the two X-ray sources includes separately activating each X-ray source as the subject approaches a longitudinal center of the passageway and as the subject moves away from the longitudinal center of the passageway so that four scanning positions are defined.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 33, wherein the plurality of X-ray sources comprises two X-ray sources disposed on opposite ends of the passageway.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 36, wherein the step of sequentially activating the two X-ray sources includes separately activating a first X-ray source as the subject approaches a longitudinal center of the passageway and a second X-ray source as the subject moves away from the longitudinal center of the passageway so that at least two scanning positions are defined.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 29, wherein the plurality of detectors comprises detector arrays, one detector array disposed in opposite sides of the passageway.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 29, further comprising sensing a presence of the subject at an entrance of the passageway and generating an initiation signal to the imaging system.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
196 words
An X-ray imaging system for detecting an object carried by or on a body, said system having an entrance and an exit, said system comprising: a passageway extending from said entrance to said exit; at least one X-ray source for producing a pencil beam of X rays directed toward said body in said passageway, said at least one X-ray source comprising a collimator mechanism for scanning said pencil beam in a parallel beam plane; a scanning assembly for scanning said parallel beam plane over a surface of said body as said body moves in a direction of movement from said entrance to said exit; a tracking assembly for causing said scanning assembly to substantially track said body as it moves with respect to said system from said entrance to said exit; a detector array for detecting an intensity of X-rays scattered from said body and for generating a detector signal representative of an intensity of said scattered X-rays, said detector array comprising at least one detector; and a processor assembly for presenting characteristics of said detector signal to an operator, and for controlling said X-ray source, said scanning assembly, said tracking assembly, and said detector array.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
196 words
An X-ray imaging system for detecting an object carried by or on a body, said system having an entrance and an exit, said system comprising: a passageway extending from said entrance to said exit; at least one X-ray source for producing a pencil beam of X rays directed toward said body in said passageway, said at least one X-ray source comprising a collimator mechanism for scanning said pencil beam in a parallel beam plane; a scanning assembly for scanning said parallel beam plane over a surface of said body as said body moves in a direction of movement from said entrance to said exit; a tracking assembly for causing said scanning assembly to substantially track said body as it moves with respect to said system from said entrance to said exit; a detector array for detecting an intensity of X-rays scattered from said body and for generating a detector signal representative of an intensity of said scattered X-rays, said detector array comprising at least one detector; and a processor assembly for presenting characteristics of said detector signal to an operator, and for controlling said X-ray source, said scanning assembly, said tracking assembly, and said detector array.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
58 words
The X-ray imaging system of claim 40, wherein said passageway comprises a left side and a right side with respect to said body as said body moves through said passageway, and wherein said at least one X-ray source comprises a first X-ray source disposed within said left side and a second X-ray source disposed within said right side.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
36 words
The X-ray imaging system as in claim 41, wherein said first X-ray source and said second X-ray source are disposed offset from each other along said passageway for scanning said subject from a plurality of angles.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
46 words
The X-ray imaging system as in claim 42, wherein said first X-ray source and said second X-ray source operate sequentially for providing a plurality of scans in a succession, said plurality of scans producing a plurality of images of said body at said plurality of angles.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
33 words
The X-ray imaging system of claim 43, wherein said plurality of images comprises a left front image, a left rear image, a right front image, and a right rear image of said body.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
39 words
The X-ray imaging system of claim 41, wherein said detector array comprises a first array of detectors corresponding to said left side of said passageway and a second array of detectors corresponding to said right side of said passageway.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
14 words
The X-ray imaging system of claim 45, wherein said passageway further comprises a ceiling.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
22 words
The X-ray imaging system of claim 46, wherein said detector array further comprises at least one ceiling detector disposed in said ceiling.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
26 words
The X-ray imaging system of claim 40, wherein said at least one detector comprises a fluorescent screen having a persistence of less that about 10 microseconds.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
17 words
The X-ray imaging system of claim 48, wherein said fluorescent screen is made from barium lead sulfate.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
17 words
The X-ray imaging system of claim 48, wherein said fluorescent screen is made from barium strontium sulfate.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
23 words
The X-ray imaging system of claim 40, wherein said parallel beam plane is a vertical beam plane over a length of said body.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
24 words
The X-ray imaging system as in claim 51, wherein said scanning assembly horizontally sweeps said vertical beam plane over a width of said body.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
25 words
The X-ray imaging system of claim 52, wherein said tracking assembly comprises a turntable assembly for rotating said vertical beam plane about a vertical axis.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
23 words
The X-ray imaging system of claim 40, wherein said at least one X-ray source comprises an overhead X-ray source disposed above said passageway.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
38 words
The X-ray imaging system of claim 54, wherein said tracking assembly causes said scanning assembly to pivot said parallel beam plane about a horizontal axis, said parallel beam plane tracking said body along to said direction of movement.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
16 words
The X-ray imaging system of claim 40, wherein said passageway includes a plurality of turns therein.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
27 words
The X-ray imaging system of claim 40, wherein said at least one X-ray source comprises four X-ray sources, one X-ray source corresponding to one of four images.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
30 words
The X-ray imaging system of claim 57, further comprising a timing device for sequentially activating said four X-ray sources one at a time as said body progresses through said passageway.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
33 words
The X-ray imaging system of claim 40, further comprising at least one sensor for sensing movement of said body with respect to said system and for generating a motion signal in response thereto.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
21 words
The X-ray imaging system of claim 59, wherein said processor assembly utilizes said motion signal for controlling said X-ray imaging system.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
19 words
The X-ray imaging system of claim 40, further comprising a mechanical assembly for moving said body through said passageway.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
19 words
The X-ray imaging system of claim 61, wherein said mechanical assembly for moving said body comprises a moving walkway.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
28 words
The X-ray imaging system of claim 40, wherein said at least one X-ray source comprises an X-ray tube operating at a potential of 70 KV at 10 ma.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
40 words
The X-ray imaging system of claim 40, wherein said pencil beam has a cross-sectional area corresponding to a pixel a point where said pencil beam intersects said body, said pixel having an area on the order of 15 square millimeters.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
23 words
The X-ray imaging system of claim 40, wherein said processor assembly comprises a monitor screen for displaying an image representative of said body.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
18 words
The X-ray imaging system of claim 40, wherein said detector array further comprises at least one transmission detector.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
221 words
An apparatus for detecting an object carried by or on a body, said apparatus comprising: a flooring having a length, said body moving across said flooring in a direction of movement; at least one X-ray source positioned above said flooring and at a height sufficient to allow said body to pass below said at least one X-ray source, said at least one X-ray source emitting an X-ray pencil beam scanned in a horizontal plane to produce a horizontal beam plane, said horizontal beam plane directed toward said body; a tracking assembly for rotating said horizontal beam plane through a tracking angle and in a direction corresponding to said direction of movement, wherein a starting portion of said tracking angle directs said horizontal beam plane to a front area of said body, and an ending portion of said tracking angle directs said horizontal beam plane to a back area of said body; a detector array disposed in said flooring and positioned along said length, said detector array comprising at least one scatter detector for detecting an intensity of X-rays scattered from said body and for generating a detector signal representative of the intensity of the scattered X-rays; and a processor assembly for controlling said apparatus, said processor comprising an interface for presenting a representation of said detector signal to an apparatus operator.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
221 words
An apparatus for detecting an object carried by or on a body, said apparatus comprising: a flooring having a length, said body moving across said flooring in a direction of movement; at least one X-ray source positioned above said flooring and at a height sufficient to allow said body to pass below said at least one X-ray source, said at least one X-ray source emitting an X-ray pencil beam scanned in a horizontal plane to produce a horizontal beam plane, said horizontal beam plane directed toward said body; a tracking assembly for rotating said horizontal beam plane through a tracking angle and in a direction corresponding to said direction of movement, wherein a starting portion of said tracking angle directs said horizontal beam plane to a front area of said body, and an ending portion of said tracking angle directs said horizontal beam plane to a back area of said body; a detector array disposed in said flooring and positioned along said length, said detector array comprising at least one scatter detector for detecting an intensity of X-rays scattered from said body and for generating a detector signal representative of the intensity of the scattered X-rays; and a processor assembly for controlling said apparatus, said processor comprising an interface for presenting a representation of said detector signal to an apparatus operator.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus as in claim 67, wherein said detector array further comprises at least one transmission detector disposed adjacent said at least one scatter detector.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus as in claim 68, wherein said at least one scatter detector comprises a plurality of scatter detectors, and said at least one transmission detector comprising a plurality of transmission detectors, wherein said plurality of transmission detectors is dispersed among said plurality of scatter detectors.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus as in claim 67, further comprising at least one sensor for sensing movement of said body along said length of said flooring and for generating a motion signal in response thereto.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus as in claim 70, wherein said processor assembly utilizes said motion signal for controlling said at least one X-ray source and said tracking assembly.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus as in claim 67, wherein said flooring further comprises a mechanical assembly for moving said body in said direction of movement.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus as in claim 72, wherein said mechanical assembly for moving said body comprises a moving walkway.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
244 words
An X-ray imaging system for detecting concealed objects on a body, said body having a body front, a body back, and body sides, said system comprising: a portal structure comprising a first side module, a second side module, and a ceiling module, said first side module and said second side module parallel and separated by a portal width, said ceiling module positioned above said first side module and said second side module to form a portal having an entrance and an exit; a detector array for producing a detector signal from scattered X-rays, said detector array having a first side detector array concealed within said first side module and a second side detector array concealed within said second side module; an X-ray source for emitting a pencil beam of X-rays scanned across a scanning plane, said X-ray source concealed within said ceiling module, said scanning plane directed toward said exit and at a downward angle; a tracking assembly for rotating said scanning plane through a tracking angle and in a direction progressing from said entrance to said exit to substantially track said body as it moves with respect to said system from said entrance to said exit; and a display means for presenting characteristics of said detector signal; wherein said body moves through said scanning plane as said body moves from said entrance to said exit, said pencil beam of X-rays of said scanning plane striking said body front and producing said scattered X-rays.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
244 words
An X-ray imaging system for detecting concealed objects on a body, said body having a body front, a body back, and body sides, said system comprising: a portal structure comprising a first side module, a second side module, and a ceiling module, said first side module and said second side module parallel and separated by a portal width, said ceiling module positioned above said first side module and said second side module to form a portal having an entrance and an exit; a detector array for producing a detector signal from scattered X-rays, said detector array having a first side detector array concealed within said first side module and a second side detector array concealed within said second side module; an X-ray source for emitting a pencil beam of X-rays scanned across a scanning plane, said X-ray source concealed within said ceiling module, said scanning plane directed toward said exit and at a downward angle; a tracking assembly for rotating said scanning plane through a tracking angle and in a direction progressing from said entrance to said exit to substantially track said body as it moves with respect to said system from said entrance to said exit; and a display means for presenting characteristics of said detector signal; wherein said body moves through said scanning plane as said body moves from said entrance to said exit, said pencil beam of X-rays of said scanning plane striking said body front and producing said scattered X-rays.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
17 words
The X-ray imaging system as in claim 74, wherein said downward angle is a 45 degree angle.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
64 words
The X-ray imaging system as in claim 74, further comprising a second X-ray source for emitting a second pencil beam of X-rays scanned across a second scanning plane, said second X-ray source located in said ceiling and directed toward said entrance at a second downward angle, wherein said scanning plane strikes said body back as said body moves from said entrance to said exit.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
18 words
The X-ray imaging system as in claim 76, wherein said second downward angle is a 45 degree angle.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
28 words
The X-ray imaging system as in claim 76, wherein said X-ray source and said second X-ray source alternately emit said first scanning plane and said second scanning plane.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
57 words
The X-ray imaging system as in claim 74, further comprising a first transmission detector located in said first side module, and a second transmission detector located in said second side module, said first and second transmission detectors for detecting transmitted X-rays, and for producing a transmission detector signal for detecting said concealed objects on said body sides.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
21 words
The X-ray imaging system as in claim 79, wherein said first and second transmission detectors are positioned at said downward angle.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
35 words
The X-ray imaging system as in claim 76, further comprising a plurality of transmission detectors for detecting transmitted X-rays, and for producing a transmission detector signal for detecting said concealed objects on said body sides.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
48 words
The X-ray imaging system as in claim 81, wherein a first and second transmission detector of said plurality of transmission detectors is located in said first side module and said second side module respectively, and wherein said first and second transmission detectors are positioned at said downward angle.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
49 words
The X-ray imaging system as in claim 82, wherein a third and fourth transmission detector of said plurality of transmission detectors is located in said first side module and said second side module respectively, and wherein said third and fourth transmission detectors are positioned at said second downward angle.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US28544A
Cited
US3780291A
Cited
US3790799A
Cited
US4031545A
Cited
US4242583A
Cited
US4228353A
Cited
US4260898A
Cited
US4242588A
Cited
US4472822A
Cited
US4366382B2
Cited
US4366382B1
Cited
US4366382A
Cited
US4342914A
Cited
US4414682A
Cited
US4366576A
Cited
US4503332A
Cited
US4549307A
Cited
US4598415A
Cited
US4807637A
Cited
US4768214A
Cited
US4845769A
Cited
US4799247A
Cited
US5313511C1
Cited
US5313511A
Cited
US5463224A
Cited
US5044002A
Cited
US4809312A
Cited
US4890310A
Cited
US4893015A
Cited
US4819256A
Cited
US4839913A
Cited
US4899283A
Cited
US4974247A
Cited
US4825454A
Cited
US4864142A
Cited
US5007072A
Cited
US5127030A
Cited
US5179581A
Cited
US5022062A
Cited
US5181234B1
Cited
US5181234A
Cited
WO1992002892A1
Cited
US5115459A
Cited
US5420905A
Cited
US5247561A
Cited
US5224144A
Cited
US5182764A
Cited
US5367552A
Cited
US5483569A
Cited
US5253283A
Cited
US5602893A
Cited
US5600700A
Cited
US5642394A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-07-25 | 2004-01-24 | 2004-07-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-07-25 | 2008-01-24 | 2008-07-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-07-25 | 2012-01-24 | 2012-07-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |