Abstract: A film digital radiological imaging apparatus to capture the image formed on a dental x-ray film during its developing process and convert it into a video and digital image, while allowing the completed development of the x-ray film, comprising a reaction tank having a window of tinted-clear material to allow a video camera to capture the image forming on a film during its development. A computer programmed to accept the image and to allow the image to be digitized for storage, modification, and transmission to a video monitor for display, or to a printer for printing is also provided. A method for capturing the image forming on dental x-ray film during the opaque stage of the development process and converting it into a video and digital image comprising developing the film to form an opaque image, capturing the image with a video camera, and transferring the image to a computer for digitizing, to a monitor for viewing, zooming, or further enhancing, and to a printer for printing is further provided.

Abstract: An automated dental x-ray system comprising a housing having a pair of reservoirs capable of storing relatively large quantities of developer and fixative agents therein. The developer and fixative reservoirs communicate via respective valves to a reaction chamber which includes one or more water fillers connected to an incoming water source. The reaction chamber includes a cover plate selectively movable between raised and lowered positions. A dryer cabinet is provided above the reaction chamber with an electric heat fan mounted thereto. Additionally, an x-ray cassette is provided which is mountable to the under surface of the cover plate and adapted to receive conventional x-ray film in the order and orientation of exposure. A large film rack for holding panographic and medical x-ray film during processing and a wall attachment to hold the large film rack and cassette while x-rays are being exposed is disclosed.