Apparatus and method for inspecting a sealed container

US7508909B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC · US

Inventors

• J. Frank Harmon · Pocatello, US
• James L. Jones · Idaho Falls, US
• Alan W. Hunt · Pocatello, US
• Randy Jay Spaulding · Pocatello, US
• Michael L. Smith · Kennesaw, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 24, 2006
• Grant date: Mar 24, 2009
• Expiry date: Feb 16, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01T1/167
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An apparatus for inspecting a sealed container is disclosed and which includes a pulsed electron accelerator which is positioned in spaced relation relative to a first side of the sealed container, and which produces a pulsed beam of photons which passes through the sealed container and any contents enclosed within the sealed container; a detector positioned in spaced relation relative to a second, opposite side of the sealed container, and which receives the pulsed beam of photons which passes through the contents of the sealed container, and which produces an output signal; and a computer for developing a visible image from the output signal of the detector which depicts the contents of the sealed container.