TRANSPORTABLE BAGGAGE SCREENING MODULE

Abstract

A baggage screening module including a baggage screening device; and a transportable container for housing the baggage screening device. The baggage screening device is operable within the container to screen baggage, and the baggage screening module is moveable as a unit to a place of use.

Claims

1. A baggage screening module, including: a baggage screening device; and a transportable container housing the baggage screening device; wherein the baggage screening device is operable within the container to screen baggage, and the baggage screening module is transportable to a place of use.

2. A baggage screening module according to claim 1, wherein the baggage screening device is fixed to the transportable container during transport and use.

3. A baggage screening module according to claim 1, wherein the container includes: a first opening for receiving baggage; and a first door for selectively closing the first opening.

4. A baggage screening module according to claim 1, including a first conveyor for feeding incoming baggage to the screening device, wherein the first conveyor is fixed to the transportable container during transport and use.

5. A baggage screening module according to claim 1, wherein the container includes: a second opening for dispatching screened baggage; and a second door for selectively closing the second opening.

6. A baggage screening module according to claim 1, including a communications link for remotely communicating baggage screening data.

7. A transportable baggage screening module, comprising: a transportable container; and a baggage screening device fixed to a floor of the transportable container via anti-vibration mounts.

8. The transportable baggage screening module of claim 7, wherein the baggage screening device includes a Computer Tomography (CT) X-ray imaging device.

9. The transportable baggage screening module of claim 8, wherein the CT X-ray imaging device has a stationary gantry.

10. The transportable baggage screening module of claim 7, comprising an in-feed conveyor fixed to the floor of the transportable container for feeding baggage into the baggage screening device and comprising an out-feed conveyor fixed to the floor of the transportable container for feeding baggage out from the baggage screening device.

11. The transportable baggage screening module of claim 10, comprising a fire alarm system and a computer controller, wherein the computer controller is configured to automatically control the in-feed conveyor and the out-feed conveyor to purge baggage in the transportable baggage screening module in response to an alarm signal from the fire alarm system.

12. The transportable baggage screening module of claim 7, comprising a computer controller and a communications link operable to send baggage screening imaging data output from the baggage screening device for display at a remote computer workstation.

13. A baggage screening system, comprising: a transportable baggage screening module; and at least one of an in-feed extension module and an out-feed extension module, wherein the transportable baggage screening module comprises: a transportable baggage screening container; and a baggage screening device fixed to a floor of the transportable baggage screening container; wherein the at least one of the in-feed extension module and the out-feed extension module comprises: a transportable extension module container; and a conveyor fixed to a floor of the transportable extension module container.

14. The baggage screening system of claim 13, wherein the at least one of the in-feed extension module and the out-feed extension module comprises a weighing scale for weighing baggage on the conveyor.

15. The baggage screening module system of claim 13, wherein the transportable baggage screening container has a rectangular prism shape having a length, a width and a height and the transportable extension module container has a rectangular prism shape of substantially the same width and height and different length.

16. The baggage screening module of claim 13, wherein the transportable baggage screening module and the at least one of the in-feed extension module and the out-feed extension module are separately transportable and are arranged to be placed in abutment with one another and include openings in abutting faces to allow passage of baggage therethrough.

17. The baggage screening module of claim 13, wherein a front or rear face of the at least one of the in-feed extension module and the out-feed extension module has a strip door.

18. The baggage screening module of claim 13, wherein the transportable baggage screening module comprises one or more outdoor Air Conditioning (AC) units that are located within an outermost envelope of a frame of the transportable baggage screening container.

19. The baggage screening module of claim 13, wherein at least one of the transportable baggage screening module and the at least one of the in-feed extension module and the out-feed extension module comprise a frame of vertical and horizontal beams.

20. The baggage screening module of claim 19, wherein lightweight wall panels are mounted to the frame to form at least one of: one or more sidewalls, one or more end walls and a roof.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0056] FIG. 1 is a front view of a baggage screening module according to the invention;

[0057] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the baggage screening module of FIG. 1;

[0058] FIG. 3 is a view of a first (baggage receiving) end of the baggage screening module of FIG. 1;

[0059] FIG. 4 is a view of a second (baggage dispatching) end of the baggage screening module of FIG. 1;

[0060] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional plan view of the baggage screening module of FIG. 1;

[0061] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the baggage screening module of FIG. 1;

[0062] FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-section view of a baggage screening module including extension modules, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0063] FIG. 8 is an end view of a baggage screening module, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0064] FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of a baggage screening module, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0065] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate anti-vibration mounts of a baggage screening module, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0066] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a wall panel of a baggage screening module, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0067] FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of a baggage screening module including extension module, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] FIGS. 1 to 6 show views of a baggage screening module 1 according to the invention. The baggage screening module 1 includes a transportable container 3 and a baggage screening device 5.

[0069] The baggage screening device 5 is used for security purposes to image the contents of each item of baggage that passes through the screening device 5, for example to detect and/or identify at least one of explosive materials, weapons and illicit materials such as illegal narcotics. The screening device 5 can be of any suitable type. Typically, the screening device 5 comprises an X-ray imaging device, which includes a (Visual Display Unit) VDU for displaying images of the baggage contents. For example, the screening device 5 can comprise a Morpho CTX 9800, which uses a Clarity Data. Acquisition System (CDAS), to generate HD3D images of baggage contents A device of this type can process around 5,000 bags per day.

[0070] As can be seen in FIGS. 1 to 6, the container 3 has a substantially elongate cuboid shape. The container 3 includes a base 3a, a first end wall 3b, a second end wall 3c, a first side wall 3d, a second side wall 3e and a top 3f.

[0071] The container 3 provides a weatherproof housing for the baggage screening device 5, and other equipment located therein.

[0072] The container 3 includes a baggage receiving port 9, which comprises an opening 11 in the first end wall 3b of the container and a roller shutter door 15 for selectively opening and closing the opening 11. The roller shutter door 15 can be manually operated or can comprise a driven roller shutter door. The module 1 includes an input conveyor 7 arranged to transport items of baggage towards the screening device 5. The input conveyor 7 is located between the receiving port 9 and the baggage screening device 5, and is arranged to transport incoming baggage from the receiving port 9 to the screening device 5.

[0073] The container 3 includes a baggage dispatch port 19, which comprises an opening 21 in the second end wall 3c of the container and a roller shutter door 25 for selectively opening and closing the opening 21. The roller shutter door 25 can be manually operated or can comprise a driven roller shutter door. The module 1 includes an output conveyor 17 for transporting screened baggage away from screening device 5. The output conveyor 17 is located between the screening device 5 and the dispatch port 19, and is arranged to transport screened baggage from the screening device 5 to the dispatch port 19.

[0074] Each of the conveyors 7,17 has a substantially rectilinear arrangement, and includes side walls 7a,17a to channel items of baggage and to prevent them from falling from the conveyor. As can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the conveyors 7,17 and screening device 5 are arranged along a substantially straight line, in a longitudinal direction of the container, from the baggage receiving port 9 to the baggage dispatch port 19. The screening device 5 is located between the input and output conveyors 7,17. The screening device 5 is located in a central portion of the container 5. The arrangement provides a very efficient mobile baggage screening system.

[0075] It is to be noted that the baggage screening system is set up in an operational condition within the container 3. That is, the conveyors 7,17 and screening device 5 are set up in their normal operating positions and orientations, even when the module 1 is in storage or is being transported. Therefore, the module can be transported from a storage position, to its temporary place of use, in a condition that is substantially ready for operation, it just being necessary to connect the module to an appropriate power source at the place of use.

[0076] The container base, walls and top 3a-3f are made from metal, typically steel. The construction of the container 3 has to be sufficiently strong to support the weight of the equipment mounted therein, which can be serval tonnes. The container 3 includes lifting formations, preferably in the form of eyebolts 13, which are anchored to corner posts 23. The lifting formations provide anchor points for a crane to engage, and by which the whole module 1 can be lifted by the crane.

[0077] Each of the conveyors 7,17 and screening device 5 is releasably fixed to the base 3a in their normal operating orientations and positions, for example by bolts. This ensures that the equipment does not move during transportation, and is ready for use on delivery.

[0078] The module 1 includes a levelling system 53 for levelling the container 3 when it is delivered to its place of use. The levelling system 53 includes adjustable screw jack feet located on the base of the Container at each external corner.

[0079] The container base, walls and top 3a-3f each have an internal lining, with includes thermally insulating material, such as glass fibre or mineral wool. This is to help maintain the temperature within the container 3 within an acceptable range, which is typically −12 C to +35 C. It will be appreciated that the module 1 may be used in both hot and cold countries and therefore different types and amounts of insulation may be required to suit different operating environments. The module 1 also includes equipment for actively controlling environmental parameters within the container 1, such as air conditioning units 27, and dehumidifiers 29. The air conditioning units 27 are arranged to actively control air temperature within the container and include a thermoset, heating device and chiller. Preferably the dehumidifiers are integrated into the air condition units 27. By controlling the environmental conditions within the container 3, this can help to maintain and protect the equipment stored within the container.

[0080] A frost protection system may optionally be included in the module 1.

[0081] The container 3 includes windows 31a, 31b, and access doors 33a,33b,33c for staff operating the baggage screening system. The container also includes roller shutter doors 35,37 in the respective side walls 3d,3e, which provide access for maintenance purposes. The doors 35,37 are sufficiently large, for example to allow the baggage screening device 5 and conveyors to be removed and replaced. The roller shutter doors 35,37 can be manually operated or can comprise a driven roller shutter door.

[0082] The module includes a control panel 39, which includes controls for the conveyors 7,17 and the baggage screening device 5. The baggage screening system can operate as a stand-alone system. Alternatively, the control panel 39, can include a data communications link (not shown) for connecting the control panel to the main baggage handling system. This enables the module 1 to share data with, and receive control signals from, the main baggage handling system. The communications link enables the module 1 to communicate with local computers and/or servers.

[0083] Emergency stop controls can be located on the control panel 39. Additionally, or alternatively, emergency stop controls can be located at other locations within the container 3.

[0084] An operator station 41 is provided. This includes a desk 43 and a terminal 45 connected to the screening device 5, to enable the operator to view images generated by the screening device 5, and to enable the operator to control routine operations.

[0085] An electrical distribution board 47 is provided to supply power to each electrical system within the container. The electrical distribution board 47 is connected to a connector 49 arranged for connecting with a mains supply. The mains supply provides a 3 phase supply and/or a single phase supply. The distribution board 47 distributes 415V; 230V and 12V supplies. The module also includes a connector 51 for connector the distribution board 47 with an electrical generator, which can be used if a mains supply is unavailable.

[0086] When not in use, the baggage screening module 1 is stored in a storage area, which may be a space within a building, such as a hanger, or alternatively an outside space. The storage area may be located at the transport hub, or may be located at a different site.

[0087] A decision to deploy the baggage screening module 1 is usually taken in response to a problem occurring with the main baggage handling system, for example a system failure, insufficient capacity within the main system, or a planned outage of the main baggage handling system, for example to conduct routine maintenance, install a new module, upgrade and test system software, etc.

[0088] To deploy the baggage screening module 1, the module 1 is transported from the storage area to the place of use. This may involve, for example a crane lifting the module 1 onto a lorry, and the lorry driving the module 1 to the place of use. The lorry itself may of course include a lifting arm, for example a HAM lorry, which is capable of lifting the module 1 onto the lorry. If the module 1 is too large for a conventional lorry, then a wheeled crane can be used to transport the module 1 to the place of use.

[0089] The crane lifts the module 1 via the lifting eyes 13. The crane may include a cradle having lifting chains and hooks. The hooks engage the lifting eyes 13.

[0090] The baggage screening module 1 is typically deployed to a convenient place for use, such as an airport apron, or an existing baggage handling hall. Upon arrival, the module 1 is connected to an electrical supply to power the module's electrical systems. The electrical supply is preferably a mains supply, if available, and if not an electrical generator.

[0091] Optionally, the module 1 can be electronically connected to the main baggage handling system via a communications link, to share data and control signals therewith. Alternatively the module 1 can operate as a standalone screening system.

[0092] In use, items of baggage enter the container 3 at a first end of the container via the baggage receiving port 9 and are transported to the screening device 5 by the input conveyor 7. The screening device 5 screens the contents of the baggage and, assuming no hazardous materials are identified by the screening process, the items of baggage are transported from the screening device 5 to the dispatch port 19 at a second end of the container, by the output conveyor 17. The items of baggage exit the container 3 at the second end of the container.

[0093] When the module 1 is no longer required, it is transported back to the storage area.

[0094] The main advantages of the system are that it provides a means for screening baggage when the main baggage handling system is not able to do so. The invention provides at least some baggage handling capacity, which prevents large backlogs from occurring and minimises disruption to the airport and passengers. The module can be designed, built and tested in a factory. It can be delivered to a site ready for use. The container provides a weather proof, controlled environment for the equipment. The container ensures the safety and security of the equipment located therein, and provides easy access to the equipment for maintenance purposes. The gross weight is typically less than 10 tonnes and therefore the module 1 is easily transportable.

[0095] While the baggage screening module has been designed with transportation hubs, such as airports, in mind, it could be used at other transportation hubs where screening is required, for example when boarding ships, or at venues or events where security matters are of concern and where it is not uncommon for at least some of the attendees to bring along items of baggage.

[0096] Although the present embodiment has been described in connection with specific figures, it should be understood that the present disclosure should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Furthermore, it will be apparent to the skilled person that modifications can be made to the above embodiment that fall within the scope of the invention.

[0097] For example, instead of using the specified imaging device, other types of imaging device can be used, for example the Morpho CTX 9800, Morpho CTX 5800 and L3 MVT-HR (not exhaustive).

[0098] While the baggage screening device 5 comprises an imaging type screening device, it is possible that other types of screening device can be used, for example devices that detect vapours from explosive materials.

[0099] The container 3 can be sized and shape to accommodate the equipment to be housed. In some arrangements, the equipment may fit into a container having similar dimensions to an ISO shipping container. This enables the module 1 to be transported easily by existing lorries.

[0100] Other types of lifting formations can be included in the container to suit different types of crane.

[0101] Another embodiment of a baggage screening module is illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 7 to 12. The foregoing description is largely applicable to the present embodiment and the following description focuses on the differences of the present embodiment over that which has been described heretofore. It should be appreciated that features described herein with respect to each embodiment are fully combinable with one another to the extent consistent.

[0102] In FIG. 7, a cross-sectional view of the baggage screening module 100 is illustrated. The baggage screening module 100 is extended by an appended in-feed extension module 200 and an appended out-feed extension module 300. Only one of the extensions modules 200, 300 may be provided in some applications. The in-feed extension module 200 and the out-feed extension module 300 are each provided in the form of an enclosed container having a floor, side walls and a roof to protect users and objects inside the container. Like the previously described baggage screen module 1 of FIGS. 1 to 6, the in-feed extension module 200 and the out-feed extension module 300 are transportable by lorry/track (e.g. on a flat bed thereof) and movable by crane or other heavy duty machinery. The in-feed extension module 200, the baggage screening module 100 and the out-feed extension module 300 may include eye bolts or other structure to allow receipt of crane hooks for lifting, e.g. from and to a flatbed of a transport vehicle. The in-feed extension module 200 and the out-feed extension module 300 are separable from the baggage screening module 100 and are thus separately transportable. The in-feed extension module 200 and the out-feed extension module 300 can be abutted against either end of the baggage screening module 100. The in-feed extension module 200 and the out-feed extension module are, like the baggage screening module 100, generally rectangular prism shaped. The in-feed extension module 200 and the out-feed extension module 300 have a substantially same height dimension and dimension along a width of the baggage screening module 100 although a dimension along a length of the baggage screening device may be different (e.g. shorter). In this way, the baggage screening module 100 and the in-feed and out-feed extension modules 200, 300 have substantially matching dimensions apart from in a direction of extension.

[0103] In embodiments, the in-feed extension module 200 includes an in-feed conveyor 202 that is upwardly inclined so as to deliver objects for scanning (e.g. baggage) from a relatively low position into a relatively raised baggage screening port 109 (see FIG. 8) of the baggage screening module 100. The in-feed conveyor 200 may be associated with a weighing scale 204 to weigh any baggage on the in-feed conveyor 202. A computerized controller (not shown) may weigh baggage items individually or cumulatively over a certain number of items or period of time or in terms of a current load on the in-feed conveyor 107. An alarm or advisory may be issued by a computer controller when a weight limit is exceeded. The in-feed conveyor is inclined for convenience of baggage handlers but this feature is not essential and a horizontal in-feed conveyor 107 could be provided. The out-feed extension module 300 includes an out-feed conveyor 302 for receiving baggage from a baggage dispatch port (not shown) of the baggage screening module 100. The in-feed extension module 200 and the out-feed extension module 300 include baggage communication ports through a wall abutting the baggage screening module 100 for passing through the baggage. The baggage communication ports may be opened and closed with shutters as described elsewhere herein.

[0104] With reference to FIG. 12, a strip door or strip curtain 210 is provided at a front or entrance face of the in-feed extension module 200 to allow baggage handlers to easily pass through the door when loading the in-feed conveyor 200 and to keep adverse weather (e.g. rain) out. Similarly (but not shown), a rear or exit face of the out-feed extension module 300 is open and covered by a strip door.

[0105] The baggage screening module 100 itself includes further modifications as compared to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 6. It should be appreciated that such changes are stand alone and do not need to be included in conjunction with the in-feed and out-feed extension modules 200, 300 in some embodiments. Referring to FIG. 7, the baggage screening module 100 includes a baggage screening device 105, which may be described according to the description of the baggage screening device 5 provided with reference to FIG. 5. Further, the baggage screening device 105 may be designed to at least meet the requirements of European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) Standard 3 level. The baggage screening device 105 includes an X-Ray Computer Tomography (CT) machine 106 and automated solid and liquid detection algorithms run by a computer processor. The baggage screening device 105 may include a stationary gantry providing detailed 3-D X-ray images of the items being scanned at speeds in excess of 1800 bags per hour. The baggage screening device 105 outputs automated alarms or advisories of detected explosives or other suspect items or materials of interest so that the baggage item can be further expected by a human operator.

[0106] With reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B, anti-vibration mounts 170 mount the baggage screening device 105 to a floor of the baggage screening module 100 to protect the sensitive CT X-ray machine 106, which is particularly required because of the high precision specification of the CT X-ray machine 106. The vibration mounts 170 isolate the CT X-ray machine 106 from damage during transit and installation. The anti-vibration mounts 170 stay in position during baggage screening, which can be especially useful in earthquake prone sites. The anti-vibration mounts 170 form feet of the baggage screening device 105 and include resiliently deflectable materials or structures or elastomeric elements to absorb both vertical and radial (lateral) loads. In the plan view of FIG. 10B, a distribution of anti-vibration mounts 170 is provided across an input module 109, an output module 111 and the CT X-ray machine 106 of the baggage screening device 105. For example, an anti-vibration mount 170 may be in each corner region of the input module 109, the output module 111 and the CT X-ray machine 106.

[0107] In embodiments, the baggage screening device 105 is operable in at least two modes: stand-alone where bags are fed manually in one end, processed through the baggage screening device 105 and then taken off manually at the back end. The baggage screening device 105 may output a visualization on a display device of the X-ray screening output. A human visual inspection of the display device may be implemented to inspect each bag. Such systems must necessarily operate relatively slowly so that the human viewer can keep up. In another mode, the baggage screening device 105 is connected to a full baggage handling system and at least 1200 bags per hour can be processed whereby a human inspector reviews only automatically flagged baggage (such as baggage flagged by an automatic Explosive Detection System (EDS)).

[0108] With reference to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, the baggage screening module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment includes an air conditioning system including one or more outdoor AC units 127 and one or more indoor AC units 128, which may be AC fan coil units, for regulating (cooling or heating) a temperature within the baggage screening module 100. The outdoor AC units 127 are integrated within a framework of the baggage screening module 100 rather than protruding therefrom to guard against damage, particularly during transportation. The baggage screening module 100 includes first and second end walls 103b, 103c connected by first and second side walls 103d, 103e and floor and roof walls. The walls are constructed in part by a frame 160 in a rectangular prism shape formed by horizontal and vertical beams 164, 165. In one embodiment, a recess 166 is defined in the baggage screening module 100 within which the outdoor AC units 127 reside. In one embodiment, the outdoor AC units 127 are arranged in a vertically stacked fashion. The recess 166 is disposed in a corner region within an outer envelope of the frame 160. The recess 166 may be defined between a vertical beam 164 that is located in a central region of the first end wall 103b and a corner post 162 (which is also a vertical beam) and a pair of set back vertical beams. The outdoor AC units 127 are supported by the frame 160. The outdoor AC units 127 may be located in a recess 166 in either the first or second end walls 103b, 103c, wherein the recess 166 is bounded by vertical (e.g. four vertical beams 164, each located at a corner of the recess 166) and horizontal beams 164, 165. The frame may be made of steel or other metal.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 9, 11 and 12, the baggage screening module 100 and optional in-feed and out-feed extension modules 200, 300 include light weight wall panels extending between the vertical and horizontal beams 164, 165 in order to reduce an overall weight of the modules. The wall panels 182 are set within the frame 160 by way of retaining plates and/or retaining angles 180, 184, 186 (internal and external), which are mounted against the vertical and/or horizontal beams 164, 165 to hold the wall panels substantially within a thickness of the vertical and/or horizontal beams 164, 165. The wall panels 182 rest on a top surface of a horizontal beam 164. The wall panels 182 may be external cladding boards including outer protective layers and insulative material such as mineral wool inside. The wall panels 182 may be sound and thermally insulating and fireproof. Between neighbouring vertical beams, more than one wall panel may be arranged and the edges of each wall panel may have inter-fitting shapes.

[0110] In another contrast to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 6, the second side wall 103e may be made to include the wall panels 182 and only the first side wall 103d (opposite the second side wall 103e) includes a roller shutter door. The roller shutter door 115 at the first end wall 164 covering the baggage receiving port 9 and the corresponding roller shutter door at the second end wall 103c covering the baggage discharge may be linked to a computer controller and a fire system so that when a fire alarm is invoked, the roller shutter doors 115 are automatically closed to create a secure environment for the baggage screening device 5 machine that is fireproof for a certain amount of time, e.g. 1 hour or more. In embodiments, conveyors 107, 117 in the baggage screening module 100 are controlled by the computer system to automatically purge any baggage in response to receipt of a fire alarm signal.

[0111] In a further embodiment, the computer controller incudes functionality (computer program executed by one or more computer processors) to stream or otherwise transmit over a network (e.g. wirelessly) the output data from the baggage screening device or a rendering thereof to a remote workstation that includes one or more display devices. In this way, the human operative does not need to be locally situated in the baggage screening module 100 to view the display of the baggage screening. In one embodiment, the remote workstation may receive output data from more than one baggage screening module 105 and display a video of the baggage screening output from a plurality of sources. This can allow a dedicated, centralized remote screening human work centre, which can increase efficiency and reduce personnel costs.

[0112] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claimed subject matter in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the described embodiment or embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope defined by the claims, which includes known equivalents and foreseeable equivalents at the time of filing this patent application.