Abstract: An apparatus and method electro-optically senses the presence of a sheet of material by positioning a member and a light emitter relative to the sheet so that the presence of the sheet causes movement of the member and light emitter. The light emitter can include an optical fiber which produces a light spot so that movement of the light emitted can be sensed by an electro-optic sensor based on the position of the light spot on a photosensitive zone within the electro-optic sensor. A sheet-feeding mechanism can be properly positioned to insure proper placement of the sheet.

Abstract: A radiographic image reader acquires electronic signals corresponding to a latent image of an object produced by radiation exposure of a photoreceptive medium within a cassette. The radiographic image reader comprises a light-tight enclosure with at least one access port for inserting and removing the cassette. A scanner subsystem is mounted within the light-tight enclosure for scanning the photoreceptive medium within the cassette to initiate the acquisition of the electronic signals representative of the latent image. A cassette registration and interface subsystem within the light-tight enclosure comprises an electronic interface structure for electronically connecting the photoreceptive medium within the cassette to an electronic component external of the cassette to obtain the electronic signals corresponding to the latent image.

Abstract: A reclosable light-tight container for storing a plurality of sheets of light-sensitive material includes a lower wall, an upper wall, and a plurality of side walls. A door is formed as part of the upper wall, and a door hinge permits the container to be opened and closed. A reclosable light-tight closure is created by an unbroken wall formed on the inner surface of the lower wall and extending around and enclosing the portion of the inner surface corresponding to the door location when the door is closed. A raised platform on the inner surface of the upper wall door has a top surface which abuts the inner surface of the lower wall outside of the unbroken wall when the door is closed. The raised platform blocks light from entering the container by covering the parting line between the unbroken wall on the lower wall and the upper wall. A tab on the unbroken wall blocks light at the door hinge.