Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering therapeutic radiation (112) to a radiotherapy target (119) in a patient (114) includes a diagnostic X-ray source (124, 125) connected to a treatment couch (116), facing a first side of the patient. An imaging device (118) is connected to the treatment couch facing a second side of the patient. The diagnostic X-ray source and the imaging device move in lockstep with movement of the treatment couch. The patient is in a fixed position relative to the treatment couch.

Abstract: A low noise digital radiography image capture system employs a two-dimensional array of pixel sites in the image capture panel with each site having an analog-to-digital converter to digitize analog charge values produced by imaging radiation directly into corresponding digital data at the site prior to read-out to subsequent digital data processing electronics thereby avoiding noise and crosstalk problems associated with high frequency read-out of analog information. Fill factor problems caused by inclusion of integrated circuitry on the pixel site are minimized by inclusion of the A/D counter on the opposite side of the substrate support for the pixel site.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of removing carrier from an article are provided. The apparatus includes a heater positioned to direct heat toward an article travel path. The heat has an emission spectrum with a peak emission wavelength and the carrier having an absorption spectrum with a peak absorption wavelength. The peak emission wavelength of the heat substantially corresponds to the peak absorption wavelength of the carrier.

Abstract: A method of converting a recording element is provided. The method includes providing an imaged recording element having a convertible layer, the convertible layer comprising polymeric particles and a polymeric binder, the polymeric particles having a glass transition temperature Tg1, and the polymeric binder having a glass transition temperature Tg2; heating the convertible layer to a temperature Tp, Tp being greater than Tg1 and Tg2; and converting the heated convertible layer of the recording element by advancing the recording element through a pair of rollers, the first roller of the pair of rollers being maintained at a first temperature T1 and the second roller of the pair of rollers being maintained at a second temperature T2, T1 and T2 being less than Tp, the convertible layer of the recording element becoming a converted layer after advancing through the pair of rollers, wherein the converted layer has an exit temperature Tf, Tf being less than Tp.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of removing carrier from an article are provided. The apparatus includes a heater positioned to direct heat toward an article travel path. The heat has an emission spectrum with a peak emission wavelength and the carrier having an absorption spectrum with a peak absorption wavelength. The peak emission wavelength of the heat substantially corresponds to the peak absorption wavelength of the carrier.

Abstract: A recording element printing and treating system and method are provided. The system includes a printhead for dispensing a liquid comprising a carrier onto a recording element. A carrier removal station positioned downstream from the printhead removes a predetermined percentage of carrier present in the recording element. A converting station positioned downstream from the carrier removal station increases a durability characteristic of the recording element. In one embodiment, printing, carrier removal, and converting are accomplished in a single unit. In an alternative embodiment, printing is accomplished in a stand alone unit while carrier removal and converting are accomplished in a second stand alone unit. In this alternative embodiment, transfer of the recording element can be accomplished automatically using a mechanical device or manually by a system user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of treating a recording element are provided. The apparatus includes a carrier removal station adapted to remove a predetermined percentage of carrier present in the recording element. A converting station is positioned downstream from the carrier removal station and is adapted to increase a durability characteristic of the recording element. A controller is electrically connected to at least one of the carrier removal station and the converting station so that an operating parameter of at least one of the carrier removal station and the converting station is individually adjustable.