Importance

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Abstract

The present invention provides improved methods and systems of the X-ray scanning of personal items. The present invention subjects personal items to a securable container that is controlled and amenable to X-ray screening. A portable container transparent to X-ray radiation is used for scanning personal items such as wallets, cameras, and keys which are normally not a part of a passenger's baggage. Personal items are placed in the container, which is then locked. The locked container is allowed to go through the X-ray device that generates images of the enclosed items. After being scanned the container is unlocked and the items can be removed. Preferably, the container lock has a cam, which is engaged with the groove when it is in the closed state. The key of the lock cannot be withdrawn when the lock is in the open state, thereby preventing passengers from accidentally leaving with the key in hand. The key can be removed from the lock only when it is in the closed state. It is further preferred for each lock to have a uniquely shaped key to lower the risk that a single key can be used to unlock multiple containers. For production purposes, the keys can be formed into a variety of geometric shapes, each of said shapes uniquely defining a lock structure.

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First Claim