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 non-transparent microvoided biaxially stretched self-supporting non-laminated polymeric film, the film comprising linear polyester as a continuous phase and dispersed uniformly therein an amorphous high polymer with a higher glass transition temperature than the glass transition temperature of the continuous phase and/or a crystalline high polymer having a higher melting point than the glass transition temperature of said continuous phase, wherein said linear polyester consists essentially of aromatic dicarboxylate and aliphatic dimethylene monomer units; the polymeric film has an optical density measured in transmission with a visible filter; and at least 50% of the optical density is due to microvoids; the use of the non-transparent microvoided biaxially stretched film as a synthetic paper; an image recording element comprising the non-transparent microvoided biaxially stretched film; and a process for obtaining a transparent pattern therewith.

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: A metal chalcogenide composite nano-particle comprising a metal capable of forming p-type semiconducting chalcogenide nano-particles and a metal capable of forming n-type semiconducting chalcogenide nano-particles, wherein at least one of the metal chalcogenides has a band-gap between 1.0 and 2.9 eV and the concentration of the metal capable of forming p-type semiconducting chalcogenide nano-particles is at least 5 atomic percent of the metal and is less than 50 atomic percent of the metal; a dispersion thereof; a layer comprising the nano-particles; and a photovoltaic device comprising the layer.

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: An information carrier comprising a support and a receiving layer is disclosed, together with the method of preparation. The information carrier further comprises (optionally personalized) information applied, preferably by ink jet printing, on the receiver layer, and a new type of watermark, obtained by applying pattern-wise a curable varnish and curing it, and by curing an overall applied curable lacquer. One of the varnish and the lacquer have the ability upon penetration into the receiving layer of changing its transparency, thus creating a transparent watermark on an opaque background, or creating a opaque watermark on an transparent background. The finished information carrier is preferably cut in a set of multiple identification (ID) cards.

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: In a photostimulable storage phosphor screen or panel wherein said screen comprises storage phosphor particles dispersed in a binder and wherein said particles have a particle size distribution having a d99 which is not more than 15 ?m, said d99 expressing a grain size limit above which not more than 1% by weight of phosphor powder particles is present in said phosphor powder, its structure noise parameter DQE2rel exceeds a value of 0.70 and a ratio of d99 (expressed in ?m) and DQE2rel is not more than 25:1, wherein DQE2rel is the ratio of the DQE2 obtained at a dose of 22 mR to the DQE2 obtained at a dose of 3 mR, as expressed in formula (I) DQE2rel=DQE2(22 mR))/DQE2(3 mR)??(I) which is representative for an amount of screen-structure noise produced by said screen or panel in the complete spatial frequency range.

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: A binderless storage phosphor screen with needle shaped crystals, wherein the phosphor is an alkalihalide phosphor and the needles show high [100] unit cell orientation in the plane of the screen.

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: Methods for producing an information carrier comprising the steps of: (1) providing an information carrier precursor comprising a rigid sheet or support; a receiving layer configuration having an image-receiving side and a non-image-receiving side, the receiving layer configuration comprising at least one pigment and at least one binder, wherein at least one constituent layer of the receiving layer configuration is opaque; at least the outermost layer on the image-receiving side or a layer in diffusive contact with the outermost layer on the image-receiving side is opaque and porous; and the receiving layer configuration is capable of being rendered substantially transparent by penetration by a lacquer; and a layer or element, or pattern in the layer or element, capable of a machine-readable change upon absorbing UV, visible or IR radiation, the layer or element being either the surface of the rigid sheet or support or interposed between the rigid sheet or support and the non-image-receiving side of the recei

Abstract: Information carrier precursor comprising a rigid sheet or support; a receiving layer configuration comprising at least one layer; and at least one substance, optionally provided pattern-wise, capable of and available for interacting in situ with at least one species diffusing through the receiving layer configuration to produce a functional species, wherein at least one layer of the receiving layer configuration is opaque, porous, has the capability of being rendered substantially transparent by penetration by a lacquer provided at the outermost surface of the receiving layer configuration and comprises at least one pigment and at least one binder; a method for producing the above-mentioned information carrier precursor; a method for producing an information carrier; and information carriers produced therewith.

Abstract: Methods for producing an information carrier comprising the steps of: (1) providing an information carrier precursor comprising: a rigid sheet or support; a receiving layer configuration comprising at least one constituent layer; and a layer or element capable of a human-readable or machine-readable change upon absorbing UV, visible or IR radiation, wherein at least one layer of the receiving layer configuration is opaque, porous, has the capability of being rendered substantially transparent upon penetration by a lacquer provided at the outermost surface of the receiving layer configuration and comprises at least one pigment and at least one binder; (2) realizing a temporary transparentization pattern by applying a vaporizable liquid pattern-wise or integrally to the receiving layer configuration; (3) writing with a light source a first pattern in the layer or element capable of human readable or machine-readable change; and in any order evaporating the vaporizable liquid; applying a second pattern to the ou

Abstract: Receiving layer configuration having an image-receiving side and a non-image-receiving side, said receiving layer configuration comprising at least one pigment and at least one binder, wherein at least one constituent layer of said receiving layer configuration is opaque; at least the outermost layer on said image-receiving side or a layer in diffusive contact with said outermost layer on said image-receiving side is opaque and porous; said at least one opaque layer and/or at least one layer between the opaque layer nearest to said image-receiving side and said non-image-receiving side comprises luminescent fibres and/or luminescent beads; and said receiving layer configuration is capable of being rendered substantially transparent by penetration by a lacquer; an information carrier precursor comprising the above-mentioned receiving layer configuration and a rigid sheet or a support; a method for producing an information carrier comprising the steps of: providing the above-mentioned information carrier precur

Abstract: Information carrier precursor comprising a rigid sheet or support; a receiving layer configuration comprising at least one layer; and at least one substance, optionally provided pattern-wise, capable of and available for interacting in situ with at least one species diffusing through the receiving layer configuration to produce a functional species, wherein at least one layer of the receiving layer configuration comprises at least one pigment, at least one binder, opaque porous parts capable of being rendered substantially transparent by penetration by a lacquer provided at the outermost surface of the receiving layer configuration and non-porous transparent parts; a method for producing the above-mentioned information carrier precursor; a method for producing an information carrier; and information carriers produced therewith.