Abstract: A processor for photothermographic media comprising: a rotatably mounted heated drum; and a plurality of rollers spaced around the periphery of the drum to hold down photothermographic media to the drum over a segment of the circumference thereof, the rollers including an outer layer of low density, low thermal mass, and low thermal conductivity elastomer foam coating which have very little heat contribution to the media to achieve uniform media processing.

Abstract: In an apparatus for storing and automatically delivering cassette and/or pallets containing cassettes to a reader. The apparatus includes a plurality of cassette retaining sites. A door assembly is provided adjacent the portal for allowing access to the plurality of cassette retaining sites. The door assembly has at least one door slideably mounted to the apparatus for movement between a closed position and an open position. A door safety system is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and automatically delivering mechanism cassettes and/or pallets containing cassettes to a reader. A storage and delivery is provided which defining a plurality of cassette retaining sites. A body encases the storage and delivery mechanism and has a portal adjoining the cassette loading sites for allowing casettes to be placed on or removed from the storage and delivery mechanism. Indicia is provided on panels adjacent the portal for identifying the cassette retaining sites and a guide bar is placed in front of the cassette read site. The panels are mounted to the apparatus by elastomeric mounts so as to minimize or prevent transmission of shock vibrations.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for conveying a cassette or similar like article from a support surface into an adjacent apparatus. The mechanism comprising: a first pinch roller having a central axis about which the first pinch roller rotates; a second pinch roller having a central axis about which the second pinch roller rotates; a mechanism for moving the first and second pinch rollers toward each other so as to engage a cassette therebetween with a predetermined amount of biasing force; and a motor for rotating the first and second pinch rollers manner about their respective axis so as to move the cassette from and/or on to the support surface.

Abstract: In an apparatus for storing and automatically delivering cassettes and/or pallets containing cassettes to a reader. The apparatus includes a plurality of cassette retaining sites. A door assembly is provided adjacent the portal for allowing access to the plurality of cassette retaining sites. The door assembly has at least one panel slideably mounted to the apparatus for movement between a closed position and an open position. Sensors are provided for determining if a foreign object is in the closure path of the at least one panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for clamping a cassette containing a photosensitive element. The apparatus includes a frame and a stop bar movably mounted to the frame for movement between an operative position and a non operative position. The stop bar has a registration surface for registering the forward end of cassette. A first jaw member is secured to the frame and has a second registration surface for engagement with a first side of the cassette. A second movable jaw member is provided movable between a clamping position and a non clamping position. The second jaw member having a clamping surface for engaging a second side of the cassette opposite the first side of the cassette so as to clamp the cassette between the first and second jaw members when the second jaw member is in the clamping position. A mechanism is provided for moving the second jaw member between the clamping and non clamping positions.

Abstract: A pallet for holding at least two different size cassettes, each cassette having a pair of side walls, a front wall and back wall. The pallet comprises a support surface for supporting a cassette, a first internal side wall for registering one of the side walls of the cassette placed on the support surface, and a second internal side wall for registering the back wall of a cassette. The first, and second internal side walls of the pallet define a first recess for holding in position a cassette of a first size. A retractable member is provided on the pallet for defining a second recess of a second size within the first recess for holding a cassette of a second smaller size.