Abstract: A method reads out X-ray information stored in a storage phosphor layer where an X-ray picture is obtained and made up from a number of pixels. The method includes the steps of: irradiating the storage phosphor layer with a stimulation light beam which is moved along a line over the storage phosphor layer to stimulate the storage phosphor layer into emitting emission light; collecting emission light emitted from the storage phosphor layer, and converting the emission light collected into a corresponding detector signal S; deducing a number of detector signal values D from the detector signal S, where the number of deduced detector signal values D is greater then a predetermined number of pixels of the X-ray picture along the line; and deducing a picture signal value B for each pixel of the X-ray picture along the line from at least two of the detector signal values D.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image carrier for the storage of X-ray information, including an electronic memory for the storage of data, as well as a corresponding system for the processing of such an image carrier. In order to reduce the storage space requirement in the electronic memory of the image carrier, especially with at the same time a high level of availability of all necessary data, it is envisaged that the data stored in the electronic memory of the image carrier contain at least one reference code that refers to data stored in a central memory.

Abstract: A driving apparatus (1) for an optical scanning device (5) has a threaded spindle (16) onto which a spindle nut (23) is threaded. The driving apparatus (1) further includes a coupler (24) for coupling the spindle nut (23) to the scanning device (5). The coupler (24) effects a Cardan coupling in the manner of a Cardan joint. In a technically simple way particularly good synchronisation can be guaranteed during scanning.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for reading out X-ray information of an X-ray image stored in a storage phosphor layer (4) is pivotable and includes acquiring unit (24) for acquiring an orientation of the apparatus (1). In this way, in a technically simple way, good image quality of an X-ray image read out can be guaranteed. Furthermore, the invention relates to a radiography module with this type of apparatus (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a radiography system with a recording device and to a corresponding method for recording X-rays in storage phosphor layers. In order to improve a picture quality of an X-ray, a recording control is provided for controlling the recording device such that in a first phosphor layer having a first thickness, an X-ray with a first energy limit of the X-ray radiation is recorded, and in a second phosphor layer, having a second thickness which is greater than the first thickness, an X-ray with a second energy limit of the X-ray radiation is recorded, the second energy limit of the X-ray radiation being greater than the first energy limit of the X-ray radiation.

Abstract: In a method for reading out information stored in a phosphor layer whereby the phosphor layer is stimulated into emitting emission light by stimulation light produced from a light source, the emission light emitted from one or several areas of the phosphor layer is collected by a detector moved relative to the phosphor layer, and then converted into corresponding emission light signals. In order to improve the signal/noise ratio, the light source is momentarily switched off at least once during the movement of the detector relative to the phosphor layer. When the light source is switched off, a background, which is caused by the ambient light and/or dark currents in the detector, is collected by the detector and converted into a corresponding background signal. The background signal is then used for correcting the emission light signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging device for imaging a long object. The imaging device includes at least one vertical lens device which concentrates light from the long object in a vertical direction, and a plurality of lens elements which are arranged in the form of a matrix in at least one lens line behind the vertical lens device, the lens elements respectively concentrating light from the long object in a horizontal direction. In order to achieve optimum light intensity in a cost-effective manner, each lens element comprises at least one horizontal collecting layer which is transparent to the light from the long object and comprises a refractive index having a gradient in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A storage phosphor plate includes: a storage phosphor layer for the storage of X-ray information; and a substrate layer onto which the storage phosphor layer is applied. The substrate layer includes a fibre composite which is made from a synthetic material reinforced with fibres in the form of a woven fabric.

Abstract: A system for reading out X-ray information stored in a phosphor layer, includes: a read-out unit having components for irradiating the phosphor layer with stimulation radiation which can stimulate the phosphor layer to emit emission radiation dependent upon the X-ray information contained in the phosphor layer, and for collecting the emission radiation stimulated in the phosphor layer; and a carrier onto which the read-out unit is mounted. At least one of the components of the read-out unit is mounted onto the carrier over at least one first bearing which has a translatory degree of freedom in a first direction. The first bearing enables movement of the at least one component in relation to the carrier in the first direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for capturing information contained in a phosphor layer, comprising an irradiation device (4) for irradiating the phosphor layer (1) with stimulation light (3) which is adapted to stimulate emission light (7) in the phosphor layer (1), the irradiation device (4) including with the normal (L) on the phosphor (1) layer a first angle of inclination (?S), and comprising a detection device (10) for capturing emission light (7) stimulated in the phosphor layer (1), the detection device (10) including with the normal (L) on the phosphor layer (1) a second angle of inclination (?D).

Abstract: An apparatus (4) for reading out X-ray information stored in a storage phosphor layer (2) includes a support (10) onto which a storage phosphor plate (1) is laid. The storage phosphor plate (1) comprises the storage phosphor layer (2) and a support layer (3) onto which the storage phosphor layer (2) is applied. Furthermore, a controller (12) is provided for processing X-ray information read out from the storage phosphor layer (2). According to the invention, a distance sensor (14, 15) serves to determine a distance of the distance sensor (14, 15) from the storage phosphor plate (1) lying on the support (10), and the controller (12) is designed such that it processes the X-ray information read out from the storage phosphor layer (2) dependently upon the distance determined by means of the distance sensor (14, 15). An unlevelness determined by means of the distance sensor (14, 15) is taken into account by the controller (12) when processing the X-ray information read out.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for reading out X-ray information of an X-ray image stored in a storage phosphor layer (4) includes an irradiation device (13) for irradiating the storage phosphor layer (4) with stimulation radiation (14) and a detection device (16) for collecting emission radiation (15) which the storage phosphor layer (4) emits as a result of the irradiation by means of the stimulation radiation (14). The irradiation device (13) and the detection device (16) are fixedly or rigidly associated with one another. Furthermore, an actuation device (8) is provided for producing a relative movement between the storage phosphor layer (4) on the one hand and the irradiation device (13) and the detection device (16) on the other hand. According to the invention, the apparatus (1) includes acquiring unit (19, 19?, 20, 20?, 21, 21?) for acquiring a speed of the relative movement. In this way, in a technically simple way, good image quality of an X-ray image read out can be guaranteed.

Abstract: A device can read out X-ray information stored in a phosphor layer with an irradiation device for irradiating the phosphor layer with stimulation light which can stimulate the phosphor layer into emitting emission light, and a detector for collecting emission light coming from the phosphor layer and for converting the emission light collected into an analogue detector signal S. In order to increase reliability and resolution when digitising the detector signal, at least two analogue to digital converters are provided which can be operated in different conversion ranges and so can convert the analogue detector signal S into different digital part signal values. Moreover, an analysis device is provided for establishing a digital detector signal value D from the digital part signal values.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cassette, in particular an X-ray cassette, for receiving a storage fluorescent screen. The cassette has on one of its narrow sides an opening through which the storage fluorescent screen is to be inserted into or removed from the cassette. The opening is closable by a flap which is displaceable between a closed position in which it closes the opening and a release position in which it releases the opening for insertion or removal of the storage fluorescent screen. For this purpose the flap is mounted swivellably to the transition between the narrow side of the cassette provided with the opening and the base of the cassette or the cassette lid.

Abstract: A cassette (1) for a storage phosphor plate (2) comprises a cassette housing (4) with an opening (7) and a support (3) disposed movably within the cassette housing (4), wherein the storage phosphor plate (2) lies on the support (3). In order to simplify the structure of the cassette (1) and of the corresponding removal mechanism, provision is made such that the support (3) can be moved, together with the storage phosphor plate (2) lying on top of it, through the opening (7) of the cassette housing (4), at least partially from the inside of the cassette housing (4), and the storage phosphor plate (2) lying on the support (3) can be taken from the support (3) when the support (3) is located, with the storage phosphor plate (2) lying on top of it, at least partially outside of the cassette housing (4).

Abstract: An apparatus and a corresponding method for reading out a storage phosphor plate (2) with an insertion device for inserting a cassette (1) in which a movably disposed support (3) is located, on top of which the storage phosphor plate (2) lies, a read-out device (20) for reading out the storage phosphor plate (2) and a conveyance device (11, 12) which takes the storage phosphor plate (2) from the support (3) and conveys it in a first direction (R) to the read-out device (20). In order to achieve the most precise and reliable alignment possible of the storage phosphor plate (2) relative to the read-out device (20) in a simple way, a positioning device (13) is provided for shifting the support (3), on which the storage phosphor plate (2) lies, in a second direction (A) which is different from the first direction (R) so that the support (3) and the storage phosphor plate (2) are aligned relative to the read-out device (20).

Abstract: The invention concerns an electrical circuit for limiting the switching-on current through a load during a switching-on process, comprising an electrical component which is connected in series to the load. To ensure current limitation which is independent of the load and of the value of the supply voltage, and simultaneously to avoid switching current peaks and minimize dissipated heat, the current-limiting component is in the form of an active component which has an internal resistance, and which is controlled by a timing element in such a way that the internal resistance of the component is reduced during a switching-on process.

Abstract: A device and method for reading out information stored in a storage layer using a receiving device for receiving emission radiation that has been emitted from the storage layer. In this connection the storage layer is supported on a support surface that is defined by an x-y plane and a relative movement is generated between the receiving device and the storage layer in the x direction. The receiving device or the storage layer is guided during the generation of the relative movement by a guide system, on a guide surface that is independent of the storage layer. When guiding the receiving device, the level of the guide surface in a z direction coincides with the level of the support surface in the z direction.

Abstract: In order to improve the picture quality of X-rays, a read-out control is provided for controlling a read-out device such that a first storage phosphor layer, which has a first thickness d1, is read out by the read-out device controlled in a first read-out mode, and a second storage phosphor layer, which has a second thickness d2 which is greater than the first thickness d1, is read out by the read-out device controlled in a second read-out mode, the second read-out mode being different from the first read-out mode. The scan parameters of the read-out device set in the first read-out mode are different from the scan parameters set in the second read-out mode in at least one scan parameter. The scan parameters are, for example, the size of the pixels, a pulse duration and/or intensity and/or width of a focus range of stimulation light, integration time and/or feed time of the detector.

Abstract: An X-ray reading device, for reading out X-ray information stored in a phosphor plate, includes an insertion device into which a cassette in which the phosphor plate is located, can be inserted, and an oblong insertion opening through which the phosphor plate located within the inserted cassette can be conveyed into an inside cavity of the X-ray reading device. In order to guarantee a reliable light seal with a simple closure mechanism which can accommodate different position tolerances and cassette formats, at least one closure mechanism is provided which can be moved in a longitudinal direction of the insertion opening to close at least one second section of the insertion opening.