Abstract: A radiographic apparatus includes an image acquisition controller for controlling operation of more than one electronic cassette. For signal communication between the image acquisition controller and the electronic cassettes, each electronic cassette may be connected to a communication cable. These communication cables are connected to a switching hub that intermediates communication between the electronic cassettes and the image acquisition controller. The radiographic apparatus includes multiple power supplies corresponding in number to the electronic cassettes. Each electronic cassette may be connected to one power supply through a power cable separately from the communication cable.

Abstract: At least one of conditions including that power is applied to a radiation detector, that a predetermined time period has elapsed from the application of power, and that the radiation detector is connected is detected. When at least one of the conditions is detected, determination is made as to whether or not calibration information of the currently used radiation detector is appropriate. If a negative determination is made, control is exerted to enable calibration.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray cassette (42, 50, 78, 82) for a phosphor storage plate (20), having two openings (14, 44) for inserting the phosphor storage plate (20) into the X-ray cassette (42, 50, 78, 82) and for withdrawing the phosphor storage plate (20) arranged in the X-ray cassette (42, 50, 78, 82) from the cassette. Two flaps (18, 48, 54, 80, 84) are also provided for closing the two openings (14, 44). The invention also relates to a system (10) comprising said type of X-ray cassette (42, 50, 78, 82) and a reading out device (34) for reading out the phosphor storage plate (20) arranged in the X-ray cassette (42, 50, 78, 82). The reading-out device (34) comprises a feeding element (32) for feeding the X-ray cassette (42, 50, 78, 82) into the device. Said feeding element (32) is designed in such a manner that if the X-ray cassette (42, 50, 78, 82) is fed into the feeding element with one of its openings (14), the other opening (44) of the X-ray cassette (42, 50, 78, 82) is accessible to an operator.

Abstract: A cassette tray includes a front clamp, a rear clamp, and opposing side clamps. A front clamp supporting unit supports the front clamp such that the front clamp may be moved in a direction vertical to a surface of the X-ray film cassette. A rear clamp supporting unit supports the rear clamp such that the rear clamp may be moved in a direction parallel to the surface of the X-ray film cassette. A side clamp supporting unit supports the side clamps such that the side clamps may be moved in a direction in which the side clamps are apart from each other and in a direction in which the side clamps are close to each other, wherein the side clamps are driven by a driving unit according to the advance and retreat of the rear clamp.

Abstract: An X-ray equipment includes a movable carriage, an X-ray tube for irradiating an X-ray on a subject, and a cassette storage box for storing a cassette with a radiographic storage medium such as a film. In the X-ray equipment, when the cassette storage box is pulled and tilted, a gateway for the cassette is opened. When the cassette storage box is pushed back, the gateway is closed. The X-ray equipment further includes a storage box locking device for locking the cassette storage box in a state where the gateway is closed and for unlocking the cassette storage box when the locked state is released, and a locking release holding device for holding the storage box locking device in a released state.

Abstract: An X-ray equipment includes a movable carriage, an X-ray tube, and a cassette storage box for storing a cassette with a radiographic storage medium. In the X-ray equipment, when the cassette storage box is pulled and tilted, a gateway for the cassette is opened. When the cassette storage box is pushed back, the gateway is closed. The X-ray equipment further includes a storage box locking device for locking the cassette storage box in a state where the gateway is closed and for unlocking the cassette storage box when the locked state is released, and a locking release holding device for holding the storage box locking device in a released state. An auto-lock switching device is also attached to the storage box locking device for switching the storage box locking device from the released state to the locked state when the cassette storage box is closed.

Abstract: The imaging apparatus used in mammography generally having a cassette tunnel (17) or a similar space for the placement of an image data receiving device (14?) in the imaging area of the apparatus. In such a space or in its immediate vicinity, device (19) for moving the cassette in the space can be provided, thus making the imaging process in many ways faster and easier to carry out. Such device for moving the cassette can also be utilized in various ways to achieve a more versatile and more accurate use of the imaging apparatus.

Abstract: A pad assembly adapted to receive an envelope enclosing an x-ray cassette, thus allowing x-rays to be taken while a patient is lying or sitting on the pad assembly. The pad assembly allows a conventional hospital stretcher to be converted for use as a specialized x-ray stretcher.

Abstract: An adjustable X-ray cassette holder is provided. A lead blocker device is also provided for selective use with the X-ray cassette holder. A frame is adapted for supporting first and second cassette edges of the X-ray cassette. A pair of frame adjusters are slidably connected to the frame. A movable frame is adapted for supporting third and fourth cassette edges of the X-ray cassette. A pair of tension springs are interconnected between the movable frame and respective first and second frame adjusters. A lead blocker frame has lead blocker frame sides in adjacency the frame and movable frame. An X-ray shielding plate is mounted to the lead blocker frame and disposed in an adjacent to parallel planar relationship with an upper surface of the X-ray cassette.

Abstract: A device for positioning a patient adjacent an X-ray cassette has a plate on which a part of a human body may be located and a socket adjacent the plate. The socket has least one slot or cavity in it. This slot or cavity will receive X-ray cassettes of different thicknesses. Forces for holding the cassettes upright are provided to reduce the width of the slot by biasing two cams to engage against the lower portion of the cassettes.

Abstract: An x-ray target device for holding and positioning an x-ray film cassette in a radiological examination apparatus has a first assembly for the introduction or removal of a cassette into or out of a transfer region and a second assembly for holding for positioning the cassette sideways. A single drive is provided for operating both assemblies, with the driving connection between the single drive and the second assembly being disengaged when the second assembly is in the transfer region, but the driving connection is engaged otherwise. The second assembly carries a pair of gripping elements which are movable toward each other to grip the cassette therebetween. The second assembly is movable between the transfer region and an exposure region in the device. Another single drive is provided for moving the gripper elements and for moving the second assembly between the transfer and exposure regions.

Abstract: A collision preventive hood is provided for use with an x-ray film holder having removable film cassettes. Adequate collision protection is achieved by providing a collision preventive hood with side sections that can be folded back or slid inside when the film cassettes are removed.

Abstract: Apparatus for receiving and reading a cassette of light-sensitive material, wherein the cassette is a) of varying width and b) free of a pallet used to fit a standard maximum width slot. To prevent light-leaks created when a cassette of a width less than the maximum is used, shutters equal to one less than the number of cassette widths to be used, are hinged to one of the upper and lower jaws used to clamp the cassette in the light-tight chamber of the reading apparatus.

Abstract: An X-ray photographic holder adapted to use a cassette includes a carriage having the cassette placed thereon, which is reciprocally movable between a cassette loading position and a radiographic position. On the carriage a pair of grippers are provided movable in the direction perpendicular to the carriage movement. An endless belt is driven by a motor, guided by pulleys provided on the carriage and engaged with the grippers. The carriage is stopped from moving by a stopper means so long as in the cassette loading position. In this state the cassette can be gripped by the grippers so to be set in a fixed position. After this positioning, the stopper means is released to move the carriage so that the center of the cassette can be brought to a radiographic position.

Abstract: An imager apparatus for exposing a film with recorded images includes an exposure site, a primary film path along which unexposed films are fed to the exposure site, a secondary film path along which exposed films are taken away from the exposure site, and a film driver at the exposure site. The film driver drives films between the primary and the secondary film paths. The film driver includes at least a pair of cooperating driving wheels on opposite faces along only one side edge of the film to eliminate transmission rods.

Abstract: In a film loading device, a plurality of supply magazines of different sizes are arranged horizontally one above the other. The removal sides of the supply magazines are staggered such that the largest supply magazine is arranged at the top of the device and each following, smaller supply magazine is staggered backwardly below. An endless conveyor belt with projections is arranged opposite to the removal sides of the supply magazines, said belt being in an inclined position corresponding to the inclination of the staggered arrangement of the magazines. The conveyor belt extends from the upper most supply magazine down to a cassette unloading and reloading station disposed below the supply magazines. At the side of the conveyor belt which faces away from the supply magazines, a drive and control device of the film-loading device is positioned.

Abstract: The high-speed imaging stage of the present invention contains a holding holding such as a prismatic rotating body or an endless belt that can rotate or move at high speed and that is loaded with a plurality of recording materials such as stimulable phosphor sheets and X-ray film. The holding device transfers the recording materials successively by continuously performing intermittent fast moving operations in such a way that a recording material can rest temporarily in the imaging position beneath an imaging window while holding the recording materials in position, whereby the radiation image of a subject can be recorded on the recording materials. Therefore, this high-speed imaging stage has a simple construction and is capable of performing high-speed and continuous imaging on the recording materials without causing damage to them even if they are not placed within protective cases.

Abstract: A spot compression and magnification device for use with mammographic units to aid in the spot compression of a female patient's breast to obtain a high degree of focal breast compression and a high quality x-ray image of a suspicious mass within the breast. The device has a base including an open bottom and an upstanding pedestal opening into the base, the pedestal having a flat top surface so that an air gap is provided between the top surface of the pedestal and the surface of the imaging platform or cassette cover of a conventional mammographic unit. The pedestal has a sustantially truncated conical form while the base has a substantially truncated pyramid configuration.

Abstract: An X-ray radiographing system is provided with a table having a spot-film device which moves synchronously with an X-ray generator along a longitudinal axis (a patient's body axis) of the table. The spot-film device comprises a fluoroscopic area and a radiographic area arranged along a transverse axis at a front portion of the table. A film holder holding an X-ray sheet film (unexposed or exposed) shuttles along a transverse rail between the fluoroscopic area and a radiographic area. A feed magazine and a take-up magazine are provided under the fluoroscopic area. Unexposed X-ray sheet film is removed by suction cups from an opening in the feed magazine, and fed to the film holder. Exposed X-ray film is returned to the take-up magazine. Both the magazines can be loaded and unloaded from the front portion of the device.

Abstract: A trayless film cassette transport apparatus is disclosed which includes an improved cassette gripping system which allows an x-ray film cassette to be loaded through a window; then gripped and withdrawn inwardly to a properly centered exposure position; then ejected to project partially from the window by a distance switch is automatically determined in accordance with the size of the cassette. This ensures that small cassettes project far enough from the window to be readily grasped by an operator while avoiding ejecting large cassettes so far that they are precariously balanced in the window. The novel gripper holds the cassette securely under a self-locking condition, such that the gripping force on the cassette increases in response to and at a greater rate than an improperly imposed cassette withdrawing force.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading and unloading x-ray film cassettes of various sizes, using an air jet to release a sheet of film from a pivotally open upper cassette part, the air jet nozzle being carried by a lever arrangement such that the nozzle is moved upwardly with the upper cassette part as the latter moves to its open position.

Abstract: In an X-ray equipment, a photographing program including a plurality of photographic formats is stored in advance. Program photographing is performed in accordance with the photographic formats read out in a predetermined order. When an interrupt signal is input during program photographing, a read operation of the photographic formats is temporarily interrupted, and photographing is performed in accordance with a newly input photographic format. In addition, when a skip signal is input during program photographing, the read out photographic format is cancelled, and program photographing is performed in accordance with the next photographic format.

Abstract: An x-ray film magazine has a housing and a cover which in combination form an interior volume having an approximately C-shaped cross section, which receives a number of sheets of x-ray film in a stack made to conform to the C-shaped cross section. A foil is provided in the interior of the magazine having one end rigidly connected to a base of the housing, and an opposite end being resiliently connected to the cover of the magazine. The foil at least partially supports a bottom-most or lowest sheet of the stack of x-ray film sheets, and due to the resilient mounting of the foil, always presents the uppermost sheet in the stack of film sheets to be presented in a position which permits the uppermost sheet to be reliably conveyed out of the magazine to an exposure position in an exposure component adjacent the film magazine.

Abstract: In a device for holding down the lower cassette portion (19a) of an X-ray film cassette which is located in a cassette unloading and reloading apparatus, a hold-down lever (20, 21) is mounted to each of two parallely guided bars (10, 12) movable towards and away from each other respectively, said hold-down lever being pivotable into, and out of the transport path of the X-ray film cassette to accurately position said cassette. Each hold-down lever (20, 21) comprises a control arm (20a, 21a) resting against each of the two side walls (19d, 19e) of the upper cassette portion (19c). Since the control arms (20a, 21a) are upwardly inclined such that they form control surfaces facing the side walls (19d, 19e) of the upper cassette portion (19c), the hold-down levers (20, 21) are held in engagement with the lower cassette portion (19a) when the upper cassette portion (19c) is in its open position and are disengaged from the lower cassette portion (19a) when the upper cassette portion (19c) is in its closed position.

Abstract: An exposure unit for a film changer includes a fastening arrangement for upper and lower platens which are movable relative to one another so that film is introduceable therebetween when in one position and so that the film is pressed between the platens when the platens are in another position. The fastening arrangements of at least the upper platen are resiliently formed to insure parallelism between the lower platen and the upper platen during exposure of the film when the platens press against the film.

Abstract: A radiation diagnostic device wherein different kinds of picture image record media can be used and the performance is improved. The radiation diagnostic device which includes a photographing station in which radiograph information of an object for inspection is irradiated upon a picture image record medium to make radiation photographing of the object for inspection comprises a first storing station for storing therein first and second different picture image record media, a first transporting system for alternatively taking out one of first and second picture image record media from the first storing station and transporting the same to the photographing station, a second storing station for storing therein first and second picture image record media after photographing, and a second transporting system for transporting a first or second picture image record medium after photographing from the photographing station to the second storing station.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus includes a film cassette which is displaceable in a carriage in the loading direction, a device for fixing the cassette position perpendicularly to the loading direction, two pairs of guide rollers which are offset with respect to one another in the loading direction and which are mounted on the carriage and on the apparatus, respectively, and independently controlled motor drives which act on the film cassette by way of a traction means guided via the rollers, the traction means sections between the rollers on the carriage and the rollers on the apparatus extending parallel to one another.

Abstract: A programmable X-ray film changer for use, for example, in making angiograms, is provided with an improved pressure plate mechanism, feed and removal mechanism, photographic plate indexing mechanism, a clutched single cycle drive mechanism, a receiving photographic plate cassette and control methodology. The improvements in combination permit a substantial reduction of the number of parts in the film changer resulting in increased reliability, a decrease in the expense of manufacture, and decreased weight. Furthermore, the X-ray photographic film changer is arbitrarily orientable in space and independent of gravity feed mechanisms or the interference of gravity with respect to its operation. The improved pressure plate is normally substantially flat and is bowed to form a convex surface by a pressure plate bowing mechanism. Misfeeds of multiple numbers of photographic plates are thus tolerated by the natural resiliency of the pressure plate.

Abstract: A film feeder of a cassettes X-ray photographic apparatus comprises a plurality of suction cups capable of attracting unexposed film in a first and second magazines receiving unexposed film of different sizes, first guide path for guiding the cups between the first magazine and a feed mechanism which feeds unexposed film to a holder section, a second guide path for guiding the cups between the second magazine and feed mechanism, and a drive control mechanism for moving the cups attracting unexposed film from the first and second magazine to the holder along the first and second guide path selected optionally. The cups are moved in a vertical, slant and horizontal direction by the drive control mechanism.

Abstract: An x-ray diagnostics installation includes an x-ray source, an x-ray image intensifier with a following video chain, a sheet film changer, and a support table for an examination subject. The sheet film changer is mounted on a carriage moveable beneath the patient support table. The x-ray source and the x-ray image intensifier are displaceable together along the support table, and the sheet film changer is positionable by means of the undercarriage in the beam path in front of the x-ray image intensifier, and is couplable thereto so that it follows the movements of the x-ray image intensifier along the support table on its carriage. The installation can thus be optionally used for transillumination or exposure of an examination subject on the table.

Abstract: A spot-film device includes an inner carriage whose three members are movable with respect to an outer carriage to provide a cassette tray that will accommodate varying cassette sizes. After insertion of a cassette, the inner carriage automatically contracts to a clamping position and is then movable longitudinally of the table to provide selective placement of the cassette for x-ray exposure. Lateral movement for that purpose is brought about by movement of the outer carriage. A single motor is used to provide both longitudinal clamping and longitudinal transport of the cassette while another motor provides both lateral clamping and lateral transport thereof. The lateral drive mechanism also provides for automatic ejection of a cassette after exposure.

Abstract: Automatic filmer capable of centering the cassette with respect to an x-ray window and measuring the width and length thereof. Oppositely disposed channels are used to center the cassette about a first center line and measure the width thereof. A gripper assembly is used to draw the cassette into the housing and determine the length of the cassette. A carriage assembly moves the cassette within the housing so as to expose the cassette to x-rays within the x-ray window.

Abstract: A radiation photographing and reading apparatus according to the present invention is provided with transfer conveyors for automatically transferring reusable radiation image converting plates from a photographing housing as a movable member of a radiation photographing device to a fixed housing of a reading device. When each exposed radiation image converting plate is transferred by the transfer conveyors, the photographing housing and the fixed housing are connected by means of a shielding coupling, whereby a transfer passage between the two housings is shielded from light.

Abstract: A programmable X-ray film changer for use, for example, in making angiograms, is provided with an improved pressure plate mechanism, feed and removal mechanism, photographic plate indexing mechanism, a clutched single cycle drive mechanism, a receiving photographic plate cassette and control methodology. The improvements in combination permit a substantial reduction of the number of parts in the film changer resulting in increased reliability, a decrease in the expense of manufacture, and decreased weight. Furthermore, the X-ray photographic film changer is arbitrarily orientable in space and independent of gravity feed mechanisms or the interference of gravity with respect to its operation. The improved pressure plate is normally substantially flat and is bowed to form a convex surface by a pressure plate bowing mechanism. Misfeeds of multiple numbers of photographic plates are thus tolerated by the natural resiliency of the pressure plate.

Abstract: A gate assembly comprising a pair of leaves positioned behind the opening of a housing. After an x-ray cassette is placed through the gate assembly, the leaves rotate to prevent entering of any additional x-ray cassettes or foreign objects.

Abstract: A radiographic system for obtaining a visible radiation image using a stimulable phosphor sheet, including an improved spot shot apparatus having a transport system for transporting the stimulable sheets from a supply magazine to a receiving magazine through a park and exposure station where exposure to radiation occurs. A plurality of the sheet are stacked in the supply magazine and are sequentially transported through the exposure station to the receiving magazine by the transport system. The transport system has independent transport portions for transporting a stimulable phosphor sheet from the supply magazine to the receiving magazine through the exposure station. One transporting channel is disposed between the supply magazine and the exposure station and retains the unexposed stimulable phosphor sheet until an advanced stimulable phosphor sheet is exposed to form and store radiographic image therein and is fed toward the receiving magazine.

Abstract: A radiographic system for obtaining a visible radiation image by use of a stimulable phosphor sheet, including a spot shot apparatus featuring a transport system for transporting the stimulable sheets from the supply magazine to the receiving magazine through a park and exposure station at which radiation is directed to the sheet. A plurality of the stimulable phosphor sheets are stacked in a supply magazine and are taken-up one by one from the stack in the supply magazine.

Abstract: A radiographic system for obtaining a visible radiation image by use of a stimulable phosphor sheet including a spot shot apparatus having a transport system for transporting the stimulable sheets from the supply magazine to the receiving magazine through a park and exposure station at which radiation is directed to the sheets. A plurality of the sheets are stacked in a supply magazine with the side of each sheet opposite the side having the phosphor layer facing upward. The sheets are sequentially transported to the exposure station for radiographic imaging, and then to a receiving magazine by a transport system. The receiving magazine includes a light-tight receiving magazine including one side having an access opening for receiving the exposed stimulable phosphor sheets. A removable shutter is insertable in the receiving magazine to block the access opening, and maintains the light-tight environment when the magazine is inserted in and removed from the housing structure defining a spot shot apparatus.

Abstract: A radiographic system for obtaining a visible radiation image by use of a stimulable phosphor sheet including a spot shot apparatus having a transport system for transporting the stimulable sheets from a supply magazine to a receiving magazine through a park and exposure station at which radiation is directed to the sheets. A plurality of the sheets are stacked in a supply magazine with the side of the sheets opposite the side having the phosphor layer facing upward. The sheets are sequentially transported to the exposure station for a radiographic imaging, and then to a receiving magazine by a transport system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray image recording device which comprises so-called latent image storage means which are capable of storing an image which, after stimulation can be sequentially read out in a read-out station, followed by erasure in an erasing station, so that the same image storage means can be used again. The image storage means is provided on the side surface of a preferably prismatic body which can be rotated to three different positions in which the image storage means can be exposed, read-out and erased, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray examination apparatus comprising a light-tight film processing section with one or more film storage magazines. A film sheet can be removed from the magazine in order to be transported to the exposure position. The apparatus also comprises a cassette loading and unloading station as well as a film guide device. A film sheet can be transported by the film guide device either into the beam path at the exposure position or into a cassette in the cassette loading and unloading station. Thus, cassette exposures can also be made without loading and unloading the cassette in a separate dark room or without a so-called daylight system being necessary.

Abstract: A compact apparatus for moving a set of X-ray films or film cassettes past a picture-taking station. The apparatus comprises a plurality of holders impervious to X-rays onto each of which are mounted two films in back-to-back relation. The holders are moved in a closed loop past a picture-taking station where they present one of their two films for a first picture. After exposure, the holders are moved through the loop a second time during which they are rotated through 180.degree. so as to present the other films they carry at the station for a second picture.

Abstract: The exemplary disclosure includes a patient support, an x-ray tube with a diaphragm installation comprising diaphragm plates for the limitation of the x-ray beam irradiating the patient, and a cassette changer for x-ray film cassettes. The cassette changer is a large cassette changer for the entire area to be detected. The diaphragm installation exhibits a fixed diaphragm which limits the maximum size of the x-ray beam, and mechanism for the individual, independent adjustment of movable diaphragm plates determining the dimension of the x-ray beam in the longitudinal direction of the patient support.