Abstract: A method for forming a large imaging panel by assembling a plurality of smaller submodules, the method comprising providing an adhesive filler between two abutting edges of a first and a second submodule, and forming a degassing channel in the adhesive filler extending along the length of the abutting edges. The method may further comprise adhering the submodules onto a top surface of a base plate, beveling the abutting edges of the submodules, and forming the degassing channel in the space between the beveled edges and the base plate.

Abstract: An image capture panel including a substrate with a plurality of radiation detection sensors, a plurality of conductors connected one to each radiation detection sensor, a plurality of amplifiers connected to the sensors all on the substrate, and a field electrode having an peripheral edge mounted above the radiation detection sensors and the conductors. A shielding electrode may surround the field electrode peripheral edge or may completely cover the field electrode with a dielectric layer in-between. A shielding electrode may instead surround or completely cover each amplifier. The shielding electrode may be biased to ground via a resistor, and may be constructed of a conductive paint, such as silver paint.

Abstract: An X-ray image capture radiation detector for use in digital radiography is disclosed. The radiation detector has, in order, a dielectric substrate, a TFT transistor and a capacitor on the surface of the dielectric substrate, an insulating layer, a photoconductive layer over the insulating layer, a top dielectric layer, and a top conducting layer. The insulating layer prevents any direct charge transfer between the photoconductive layer and the capacitor.

Abstract: A large imaging panel useful for direct radiography is prepared from two or four discrete modules, or tiles, containing arrays of solid state pixels. In preparing the large panels, a protective layer is applied over the array of solid state pixels on each module to protect the modules during subsequent processing steps. One or two edges of each protected module is trimmed and polished to form a polished edge which is within a specified distance from the solid state pixels of the array. The polished edges typically are surface treated (e.g., by etching) to enhance wetting and adherence of applied adhesive material. Protected modules are then assembled on a flat surface to form a two-dimensional mosaic of the modules in a way that each polished edge of each module is placed adjacent to the polished edge of a neighboring module to form a gap and a precise separation between the pixels of neighboring modules which is the same as the separation between adjacent pixels of one of the modules.

Abstract: A digital array for capturing a radiogram. The array includes a generally flat base on which there is mounted with a plurality of shock absorbing mounts a rigid support plate. A radiation electronic detection panel is mounted on the rigid plate in a way that the panel "floats" over the base. Electronic circuitry associated with the radiation detection panel is connected thereto with flexible connectors. A cover, which is transparent to X-ray radiation and opaque to visible radiation, is attached to the base to form a light tight enclosure for the panel. The top cover inner surface opposite the front surface of the radiation detection panel, is spaced from the detection panel front surface, and the detection panel is also spaced from the side walls.

Abstract: An image capture panel includes a substrate layer of dielectric material having a top surface and a bottom surface. A plurality of sensors is arrayed in a matrix of rows and columns adjacent the top surface of the substrate layer. Each of the sensors has a switching device and a sensing element. A portion of the sensing element are really covers the switching device so as to be substantially coextensive therewith. Prefereably, the sensing element also extends over at least a part of the horizontal spacing and/or the vertical spacing which separates, respectively, each row of sensors and each column of sensors.

Abstract: A large area X-ray image capture element is fabricated by juxtaposing a plurality of discrete array modules in an assembly over the top surface of a base plate, such that each module is disposed adjacent at least one other module to form a two-dimensional mosaic of modules. Each of the discrete modules includes a plurality of thin-form transistors arrayed adjacent the top surface of a dielectric substrate wherein at least one precision-ground edge forms a precise abutment with a precision-ground edge of another substrate. A continuous radiation detecting layer is disposed over the plurality of juxtaposed modules, and produces a latent radiographic image in the form of electrical charges. Such a method minimizes or totally voids the non-radiation-detecting areas created at the borders between the array modules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray image capturing element comprising a panel having a layered structure, including a conductive layer comprising a plurality of discrete microplates having dimensions coextensive with an image pixel and a plurality of access electrodes and electronic components built on the panel, which allow access to the microplates for capturing and reading out a latent radiographic image captured in the panel in the form of stored electrical charges.

Abstract: An X-ray image capturing element comprising a panel having a layered structure, including a conductive layer comprising a plurality of discrete microplates having dimensions co-extensive with an image pixel and a plurality of access electrodes and electronic components built on the panel, which allow access to the microplates for capturing and reading out a latent radiographic image captured in the panel in the form of stored electrical charges.

Abstract: A selenium alloy electrophotographic imaging member having an optically transparent NESA coated substrate. An x-ray image is formed from the side of the photoreceptor opposite the transparent substrate and then is scanned from the back side through the transparent substrate with a fine beam of light, the position of which is precisely monitored. The ensuing discharge from the light beam is detected by a non-contacting x-ray transparent electrode located on the outer side of the photoreceptor, away from the substrate, which reads the discharge signal through capacitive coupling, pixel by pixel, according to the position of the light beam, to form a high resolution raster pattern digital readout of the image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for capturing digital radiographic images. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and associated apparatus for reading varying electrical charges representing a latent radiographic image stored in a unique microcapacitor matrix structure to obtain an electrical signal representing a radiogram. The microcapacitor matrix structure or element comprises a first, electrically conductive, backing layer, a second photoconductive layer, a third dielectric layer and a plurality of conductive microplates having dimensions coextensive with a minimum resolvable picture element.

Abstract: An element, a device and an associated method for capturing radiographic images. More particularly, the present invention uses a unique microcapacitor matrix structure to hold varying electrical charges representing a latent radiographic image. The microcapacitor matrix structure or element comprises a first, electrically conductive, backing layer, a second photoconductive layer, a third dielectric layer and a plurality of conductive microplates having dimensions coextensive with a minimum resolvable picture element. The method comprises (a) preventing actinic radiation from impinging on the element, (b) applying an electric potential difference between the plurality of microplates and the backing layer, (c) impinging imagewise modulated X-ray radiation for a first time period onto the element, and (d) after the first time period, stopping the applying step.

Abstract: A method for capturing and displaying radiographic images. More particularly, the present invention uses a unique microcapacitor matrix structure to hold varying electrical charges representing a latent radiographic image which are subsequently rendered visible through toning.

Abstract: A process modification for the development of x-ray electrophotographic images with selenium photoreceptors wherein the occurrence of a catastrophic spot producing artifact called fatigue is eliminated. The process change consists of the addition of a photoreceptor pre-charging step immediately after thermal relaxation and before insertion of the photoreceptor in the elevator where it may be subsequently discharged by a suitable light source within thirty seconds of the pre-charging step. The effectiveness of the pre-charging step is achieved through field assisted detrapping of interference defect site injected holes which would otherwise detrap in the image charging step, thereby producing the fatigue artifact.

Abstract: An apparatus that determines the density of the liquid developer in a xerographic system by depositing charged toner on a NESA glass segment, and optically measuring the density of the toner. A cleaning station is also provided. If the toner density is too low, more toner is added, and the test is repeated.

Abstract: An improved system for the automatic development of large xeroradiographic images. The system is arranged from left to right in the following order: the development station, the transfer station, the cleaning station, the input and output stations and the elevator. The transport system has two main levels, one to carry the exposed plate over the station to the left, the other to carry the plate through the stations to the right to develop an image. The top of the elevator serves as a relocation station and plates are stored in the bottom of the elevator. To save additional space, the development station moves to the left as the plate passes over it to the right.

Abstract: A cleaning station for removing the residual toner from a dental x-ray sized photoreceptor plate after the image has been developed. The station comprises two sets of donor and foam cleaning rolls. The cleaning rolls are for removing toner particles from the plate, and the donor rolls are for transporting the cleaning liquid from a liquid delivery system to a nip between each donor and cleaning roll to create a standing wave of liquid at the nip and to flush away the toner particles.

Abstract: The components of the apparatus include multiple distribution plates with lateral liquid distribution to produce smooth streamline flow, a slotted metalized plastic electrode, and a funnel-shaped understructure which drains excess toner liquid into a sump to recover developer and prevent evaporation. The apparatus provides a laminar liquid flow in the gap between the charge bearing surface and the development electrode to prevent disturbance of the already deposited toner; the flow rate is even along the length of the fountain thereby avoiding density gradients due to uneven flow rates; the developer fluid in the gap is maintained free of debris by draining all fluid into the sump when the pump is turned off; the developer electrode is shaped to minimize highly localized and non-uniform field strengths and a centrifugal type pump is utilized to prevent toner agglomeration.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging system for intraoral dental radiography. The imaging process is based on xeroradiographic principles, the surface of a small photoconductive plate being electrically charged. After insertion into a carrier, to form a light-tight cassette, the photoconductive plate is placed in a patient's mouth and x-ray exposed. The cassette, and the resultant electrostatic charge image therein, is inserted into the system processor, the photoconductive plate removed and transported to a developer station wherein the image is developed using liquid toner. The toner image is then dried and transferred from the photoconductive plate by using a transparent adhesive material and fixed to a white plastic substrate, forming an image carrier wherein the image can be viewed in reflectance or transmittance. After cleaning, the photoconductive plate is available for reuse. The system has a storage compartment for receiving cleaned photoconductive plates of various sizes for subsequent insertion into an empty cassette.

Abstract: A heating system for relaxing xeroradiographic plates is disclosed which includes a thermofoil type heating system. This system is brought into thermal contact with a xeroradiographic plate to be relaxed. The thermofoil heating system includes a current resistive layer which when electrically energized converts electrical energy into thermal energy and two sandwiching layers which contain the current resistive layer. The sandwiching layers comprise a high dielectric strength high temperature resistance sheet material. In one embodiment, the thermofoil type heating system is configured so as to be brought into contact with the xeroradiographic plate to be relaxed. In another embodiment, the thermofoil type heating system is configured so as to reside on the xeroradiographic plate.