Abstract: An intraoral x-ray film packet is taught which has an outer envelope wherein one of the two opposing outer sheets is more rigid than the other such that it has a tensile modulus of at least about 700 Kg/cm2. This is preferably accomplished by making both sheets from a thermoplastic material such as PVC and reducing the amount of plasticizer in the more rigid of the two sheets to less than 30%. A continuous perimetric seal is formed affixing the two outer sheets together and forming a perimetric laminated edge which is substantially coplanar with the more rigid of the two sheets. A film chip resides between the two outer sheets. A comfort-enhancing perimetric edge bead is injection molded directly onto the perimetric laminated edge.

Abstract: An intraoral x-ray film packet is taught which includes a molded thermoplastic frame (preferably injection molded) to which an x-ray dental packet is sealed. The sealing method can be any one of a number of processes including, but not limited to RF sealing, induction heat sealing, or ultrasonic sealing, as well as using any one of various adhesives to affix the x-ray dental packet to the frame. The injection molded thermoplastic frame provides a cushion to buffer and a soft rounded edge to mask the sharp edges that occur on plastic encased x-ray dental packets. Sealing of the injection molded thermoplastic frame to the x-ray dental packet during manufacture results in a packet which includes a comfort enhancing perimeter frame permanently integrated therewith. In such manner, the dental film packet is manufactured with an integrally formed perimetric cushion. The dental film packet is preferably formed with an outer envelope wherein one of the opposing outer sheets is more rigid than the other.

Abstract: An intraoral x-ray film packet is taught which has an outer envelope wherein one of the two opposing outer sheets is more rigid than the other and serves as a stiffening sheet such that it has a tensile modulus of at least about 700 Kg/cm2. This is preferably accomplished by making both sheets from a thermoplastic material such as PVC and reducing the amount of plasticizer in the more rigid of the two sheets to less than 30%. A continuous perimetric seal is formed affixing the two outer sheets together and forming a perimetric laminated edge which is substantially coplanar with the more rigid of the two sheets. A film chip resides between the two outer sheets. The coplanar perimetric laminated edge and the added rigidity aid in improving accurate sizing of each individual packet and prevention of deflection of the marginal area of individual packets in subsequent operations.

Abstract: An intraoral x-ray film packet is taught which includes an integrally formed comfort enhancing perimetric bracket. The packet comprises a pair of opposing outer sheets and a continuous enclosing seal bonding the two outer sheets together to form an envelope with a perimetric projection with a film chip residing in the envelope. The perimetric projection is folded over and affixed to the packet to form an integral perimetric bracket with a rounded or creased perimetric edge.

Abstract: A reusable bite block/film packet holder is taught which includes comfort enhancing features for holding intraoral radiographic film packets therein and for proper positioning in a patient's mouth. The bite block/film packet holder includes a bite-block and a support bracket extending at an angle of about 90° from the bite-block. There is a slot in the bite-block immediately adjacent the support bracket for engaging an edge of an intraoral film packet inserted therein. A perimetric border at the peripheral edge of the support bracket has a generally rounded cross-sectional configuration and extends beyond the dimensions of the intraoral film packet inserted in the slot. Thus, the sharp, die-cut edges of the film packet are prevented from uncomfortably engaging the soft/sensitive tissues of a patient's mouth. Rather the rounded, soft-feeling perimetric border of the bite block/film packet holder is the contacting element.

Abstract: A reusable comfort enhancing frame for holding an intraoral x-ray film packet is taught which includes four integrally formed side members with a single contiguous perimetric contact surface having a generally rounded cross-sectional configuration and rounded comers. There is a pocket formed in the four integrally formed side members adapted to have the intraoral x-ray film packet inserted and retained therein, and removed therefrom. In one embodiment, there is a slot in one of the four integrally formed side members through which the intraoral x-ray film packet can be inserted to reside in the pocket. In a second embodiment, the pocket is a snap-in pocket comprising at least one lip element projecting from an interior peripheral wall of the four integrally formed side members and at least two snap-fit elements also projecting the interior peripheral wall of the four integrally formed side members.

Abstract: An intraoral x-ray film packet is taught which includes a perimetric comfort enhancing feature. The intraoral x-ray film packet includes an envelope formed by a first outer sheet having a first generally semicylindrical perimetric element formed therein; a second outer sheet including a second generally semicylindrical perimetric element formed therein, the first and second generally semicylindrical perimetric elements forming a perimetric cushion; and a pair of continuous perimetric seals affixing the first and second outer sheets together, one perimetric seal residing on each side of the perimetric cushion. The packet also includes a film chip residing between the first and second outer sheets. The second outer sheet includes a pair of overlapping sections which are sealed together to form a tab portion to facilitate removal of the envelope after exposure.

Abstract: A frangible closure has a closure sheet having a central weakness formed substantially though a medial portion. The central weakness has a thickness and a central portion of greater thickness than the thickness of the central weakness so as to resist shearing of the central weakness. A lateral skirt surrounding the closure has at least a partial radial weakness therebetween for cooperating with the central weakness and enabling the central weakness to fracture.

Abstract: A container for photochemical materials has a frangible closure. The frangible closure has a central weakness and a central portion having a thickness and a central portion of greater thickness than the thickness of the central weakness. A radial weakness connects with the central weakness enabling the central weakness to collapse in response to an applied predetermined force.

Abstract: A fluid transfer system suitable for emptying a container or flask closed by a liquid-tight removable frangible closure obtained from a material that can be recycled. Photoprocessing materials are transferred from a first container having the frangible container into an adjoining second container. The frangible closure has a single closure sheet fixed to a lateral skirt for mounting the frangible closure on the spout of the flask, for example with a screw. The flask is emptied by tipping the flask onto a perforation device that perforates a central weakness in the closure sheet which connects with a radial weakness at the seam of the closure sheet and lateral skirt, allowing for lower puncture forces.

Abstract: A receptacle for particulate matter to be supplied to an apparatus. The receptacle includes a container, adapted to store particulate matter. The container has an opening defined therein. A substantially rigid, relatively nondeformable flange has a portion permanently connected to the container within the defined opening so as to facilitate placement and removal of the receptacle with the apparatus.

Abstract: A receptacle for particulate matter to be supplied to a reproduction apparatus. The receptacle includes a container, adapted to store particulate matter, has an opening defined therein. A flange is located about the defined opening so as to facilitate placement and removal of the receptacle with the reproduction apparatus. A breathable seal member is provided having a body portion and a readily accessible end portion. The body portion is bonded to the flange for covering the defined opening. The bond is particularly formed in a pattern of repeating minimum and maximum distances from the defined opening to reduce the forces required to break the bond and remove the breathable seal from the flange.

Abstract: A receptacle for particulate matter to be supplied to a reproduction apparatus. The receptacle includes a container adapted to store particulate matter. The container has an opening defined therein, and a flange located about the defined opening so as to facilitate placement and removal of the receptacle with the reproduction apparatus. A slide cover is supported by the flange for selective movement to a first position covering the defined opening and a second position uncovering the defined opening. The slide cover is releasably secured to the container in an out of the way location when the slide cover is in the second position.

Abstract: A toner container has an opening through which toner is dispensed. It is covered by a web seal which is removable by an operator to dispense the toner. A cleaning edge is positioned to engage the seal as it is removed and clean toner off the seal to prevent its soiling the hands or clothing of an operator removing it.

Abstract: There is described a container used to extract antigens for an immunoassay, having a wall means defining open and closed opposite ends. The container is provided with dividing members located in the closed end of the container which divides the volume of the closed end into at least two separate regions. A portion of the container's wall means adjacent to the closed end is shaped and sized to cooperate with a depositing device to ensure that separate reagents are separately deposited on opposite sides of the dividing members.