Abstract: A scanning apparatus for scanning a sheet as the sheet is transported in a substantially vertical transport direction. The scanning apparatus includes a scan housing; first, second, and third couplings; and a transport apparatus. The scan housing supports an optical scanning apparatus. The second and third couplings allow at least two degrees of rotation of the scan housing with respect to a horizontal axis and constrain movement of the scan housing in a substantially vertical transport direction. The transport apparatus is coupled to the scan housing for guiding the sheet past the scan housing in the substantially vertical transport direction.

Abstract: A radiation image reading apparatus, including a cassette receiving section, a scanning section, an erase section, and a transport section. The cassette receiving section is adapted to receive a cassette housing a stimulable storage phosphor sheet. The transport section is adapted to transport the sheet along a substantially linear transport path to and from a travel end point in forward and reverse directions, respectively, through the scanning section and the erase section. The scanning section is coupled to the transport section and comprises: an excitation source for directing excitation energy of a first wavelength toward the sheet; a detector for receiving light excited from the sheet by the excitation energy; and a gimbaled mounting mechanism configured to register the scanning section to the surface of the sheet.

Abstract: A radiation imaging cassette. The cassette includes a housing, a latch member, and guide edges. The housing is adapted to house a stimulable phosphor sheet. The housing includes a light-protected region and an opening for extraction and/or insertion of the stimulable phosphor sheet. The latch member releasably engages the stimulable phosphor sheet to secure at least a portion of the stimulable phosphor sheet within the light-protected region. The edge guides are disposed within the housing and operate to guide movement of the stimulable phosphor sheet through the opening.

Abstract: A storage phosphor reader. The reader comprises a first roller pair, a cylindrical scan platen, a guide member, and a holding member. The first roller pair transport a storage phosphor medium along a path in a first direction. The cylindrical scan platen supports the medium as it is scanned by a scanner. The guide member is disposed intermediate the first roller pair and the scan platen for guiding the medium to the scan platen. The holding member is disposed downstream of the scan platen for contacting the medium after it is scanned.

Abstract: An optical imaging system and method for the alignment of a light collector with a laser scanline. The optical imaging system includes: an optical assembly for producing a laser beam scanline directed at a scanning platen, the scanning platen including an opening disposed at each of its ends; first and second photodetectors disposed behind the scanning platen, one at each of the openings; a visual indicator coupled to each of the first and second photodetectors to visually indicate detection of the scanline at the openings of the scanning platen; and a light collector assembly for collecting light emitted, reflected or transmitted by a scanned information media, the light collector assembly being pivotable about a centerpoint of the scanning platen and including an adjustment member for pivotably moving the light collector assembly about the centerpoint to align the light collector assembly with the scanline.

Abstract: A storage phosphor reader. The reader comprises a receiving station adapted to receive a cassette containing a removable storage phosphor. The reader further comprises a path along which the storage phosphor is transportable in a first and second direction when removed from and returned to the cassette. The receiving station is disposed at one end of the path and an access area is disposed at the other end of the path. The access area can be exposed to light as the storage phosphor is transported along the path.

Abstract: A cassette handling apparatus of a storage phosphor reader, which is used for reading a latent image stored in a storage phosphor contained in a cassette. The cassette handling apparatus includes: a cassette platen and front plate for receiving a cassette having a storage phosphor; a cassette centering guide mechanism for centering a received cassette on the cassette platen; a cassette feed mechanism for moving a received cassette into contact with the front plate; and a storage phosphor feed mechanism for feeding a storage phosphor out of a received cassette into the storage phosphor reader for processing.

Abstract: An optical imaging system comprising: an optical assembly for producing a laser beam scanline at an imaging region; first and second photodetectors located at the imaging region at the first and second ends of a produced laser beam scanline; and a visual indicator system coupled to the first and second photodetectors to visually indicate detection of the first and second ends of the laser beam scanline.

Abstract: A cassette comprised of a box member adapted to house a sheet-shaped image medium therein, an access member, and a transport member. The box member is provided with an opening through which the medium can be fed into and out of the box member along a first direction. The access member is attached to the box member and movable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the first direction between a first position wherein the access member is disposed in the opening and a second position wherein the access member is not disposed in the opening. The transport member is disposed within the box member and translatable within the box member in the first direction to move the medium into and out of the box member through the opening when the access member is in the second position.

Abstract: A storage phosphor reader. The reader comprises a first roller pair, a cylindrical scan platen, a guide member, and a holding member. The first roller pair transport a storage phosphor medium along a path in a first direction. The cylindrical scan platen supports the medium as it is scanned by a scanner. The guide member is disposed intermediate the first roller pair and the scan platen for guiding the medium to the scan platen. The holding member is disposed downstream of the scan platen for contacting the medium after it is scanned.

Abstract: A storage phosphor reader. The reader comprises a receiving station adapted to receive a cassette containing a removable storage phosphor. The reader further comprises a path along which the storage phosphor is transportable in a first and second direction when removed from and returned to the cassette. The receiving station is disposed at one end of the path and an access area is disposed at the other end of the path. The access area can be exposed to light as the storage phosphor is transported along the path.

Abstract: In a storage phosphor reader for reading a latent image stored in a storage phosphor contained in a cassette, a cassette handling apparatus. The cassette handling apparatus comprises: a cassette platen and front plate for receiving a cassette having a storage phosphor; a cassette centering guide mechanism for centering a received cassette on the cassette platen; a cassette feed mechanism for moving a received cassette into contact with the front plate; and a storage phosphor feed mechanism for feeding a storage phosphor out of a received cassette into the storage phosphor reader for processing.

Abstract: An optical imaging system comprising: an optical assembly for producing a laser beam scanline at an imaging region; first and second photodetectors located at the imaging region at the first and second ends of a produced laser beam scanline; and a visual indicator system coupled to the first and second photodetectors to visually indicate detection of the first and second ends of the laser beam scanline.

Abstract: An optical scanner assembly exposes an image on photosensitive media positioned on the internal surface of a drum platen. The assembly includes: a laser assembly for producing a laser beam representative of the image to be exposed on photosensitive media; a semi-circular flexible lens curved to the shape of the photosensitive media positioned on the internal surface of the drum platen, the lens having a plano-convex cylinder lens having a convex side facing the media; a laser beam scanner positioned between the laser assembly and the lens to scan the laser beam through the lens across the media in an image-wide pattern; and a baffle located between the scanner and the lens for extinguishing laser beam reflections from the convex side of the lens.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus for use with a processor for media sheets. The processor has a top discharge and a service opening adjoining the discharge. The sorting apparatus has a body mounted on the processing apparatus. The body pivots about an axis of rotation, between closed and open positions. In the closed position, the body blocks access to the service opening. In the open position, the body is displaced from the service opening. The body has an upper surface substantially radial to the axis of rotation. A partition member is mounted on the body. The partition member has a unitary array of parallel partitions extending outward from the body. The partitions define bins for the media sheets. The partition member is movable independent of the body, between an operative position, in which the partitions define a zone of obstruction extending outward from the upper surface of the body; and a displaced position, in which the partitions are at least substantially removed from the zone.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus for use with a processor for media sheets. The processor has a top discharge and a service opening adjoining the discharge. The sorting apparatus has a body mounted on the processing apparatus. The body pivots about an axis of rotation, between closed and open positions. In the closed position, the body blocks access to the service opening. In the open position, the body is displaced from the service opening. The body has an upper surface substantially radial to the axis of rotation. A partition member is mounted on the body. The partition member has a unitary array of parallel partitions extending outward from the body. The partitions define bins for the media sheets. The partition member is movable independent of the body, between an operative position, in which the partitions define a zone of obstruction extending outward from the upper surface of the body; and a displaced position, in which the partitions are at least substantially removed from the zone.