Abstract: A radiation device is for the radiation of human skin, preferably the face of a user, in particular at least with radiation in the red light range, with a source of radiation and a filtering device for filtering the radiation emitted by the source of radiation. The filtering device is configured in such a way that the radiation device emits radiation in a wavelength range from 280 to 400 nm and beyond that radiation in a wavelength range of 600 to 700 nm, and that the radiation device emits at least zonally radiation in a wavelength range of a visible color shade of the visible light spectrum and filters further radiation of the visible light spectrum.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes a detector, a heater, and a controller. The detector detects an image formed on a sheet. The heater applies a predetermined heat amount onto the sheet to carry out erasing processing on the sheet. The controller controls, based on a detection result of the detector, the number of times the erasing processing is to be carried out on the sheet and a heat amount to be applied onto the sheet in the erasing processing.

Abstract: An image acquisition unit acquires first and second radiation images from first and second radiation detectors. A first frequency analysis unit generates a first high-frequency component which is a high-frequency component of the first radiation image, and a second frequency analysis unit generates a second high-frequency component and a second low-frequency component which are a high-frequency component and a low-frequency component of the second radiation image. An addition processing unit performs weighting and addition with respect to the first and second high-frequency components to generate an addition high-frequency component, and a synthesis unit synthesizes the addition high-frequency component and the second low-frequency component to generate a processed image.

Abstract: A device configured to read an exposed imaging plate, comprises a light-source that generates read-out light. A deflection unit directs the read-out light in a scanning movement over the imaging plate. The deflection unit comprises a micromirror that deflects impinging read-out light towards the imaging plate. The micromirror swivels about a first swivel axis and about a different second swivel axis. The micromirror oscillates with a first frequency about the first swivel axis and simultaneously with a different second frequency about the second swivel axis. A detector unit detects fluorescent light which is emitted from the imaging plate at locations where the read-out light impinges.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), a housing, an inner cover, and an outer cover. The PCB mounts a first socket and a second socket thereon. The housing includes a first slot disposed to correspond to the first socket and a second slot disposed to correspond to the second socket. The housing receives the PCB. The inner cover opens/closes the first slot. The outer cover opens/closes the second slot. The first socket and the second socket are open toward the first slot and the second slot, respectively. When the outer cover is open, the inner cover is exposed and is in an openable state.

Abstract: Various embodiments may relate to a lighting device, including at least one primary light source for generating primary light, a phosphor volume spaced apart from the at least one primary light source and serving for at least partly converting the primary light into secondary light having a different wavelength, at least one light sensor for detecting light generated by the at least one primary light source, and an evaluation unit for determining a case of damage of the phosphor volume on the basis of sensor data of at least one light sensor. The lighting device includes at least one additional light source for irradiating the phosphor volume, and is designed to operate the at least one additional light source, the at least one light sensor and the evaluation unit with the primary light source switched off.

Abstract: A combined device for reading out and erasing imaging plates comprises an eraser disposed down-stream of a readout unit at a short distance thereof, said eraser being separated from the readout unit by a light barrier.

Abstract: A display screen includes a substrate and a fluorescent material. The substrate includes a plurality of pixel regions arranged in an array, wherein each pixel region includes a fluorescent region and a transparent region, and the area of the transparent region is larger than the area of the fluorescent region. The fluorescent material is arranged in the fluorescent region and excited by an excitation light to emit a visible light to form an image. The above-mentioned display screen allows a viewer to see the images formed by the fluorescent region and the environmental image at the other side of display screen. A display system including the above-mentioned display screen is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for erasing bright burn includes: applying, to a scintillator, visible light having an intensity peak at a wavelength in the range of 405 nm to 500 nm, wherein the scintillator includes cesium iodide and is provided in a radiographic imaging device having a photoelectric transducer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a digital X-ray image capturing device for easy mobility, including: a cassette having a built-in image plate; an image plate transfer device for taking the image plate out of the cassette and transferring the same to a scanning point; an image scanning device for scanning an X-ray latent image of the image plate by irradiating laser beams to the scanning point; an internal body including the image plate transfer device and the image scanning device; and an external housing surrounding the internal body. The image plate transfer device includes: a scan drum having a fastening means on a surface thereof, the fastening means being combined with an end of the image plate; at least one roller installed near the scan drum to closely wind the image plate on the surface of the scan drum; and an electric power means for applying torque to the scan drum. The slide mounting type or up-mounting type of cassette can be attached to the image plate transfer device.

Abstract: It is a feature that in the present invention, provided is a method of cleaning a radiation image conversion panel possessing a substrate and provided thereon, a phosphor layer, and further possessing a protective layer provided on the phosphor layer, wherein a surface of the protective layer is cleaned by moving a cleaning member, while applying a pressure of 1 mN/cm2-1 N/cm2 to the surface of the protective layer with the cleaning member. Also provided can be a method of cleaning a radiation image conversion panel to provide an image information reading method by which image information exhibiting reduced image defect and image unevenness without damaging the radiation image conversion panel can be read out.

Abstract: A process, and to a corresponding apparatus for reading out and erasing X-ray information stored in storage phosphor layers, comprising the following: irradiating the storage phosphor layer (1) with stimulation light (3) by means of which the storage phosphor layer (1) is stimulated to emit emission light, collecting the emission light emitted at different locations (x, y) of the storage phosphor layer (1) with a detector (7), detector signal values (D(x, y)) being obtained for different locations (x, y) of the storage phosphor layer (1), and irradiating the storage phosphor layer (1) with erasing light (21), the quantity of erasing light (21) being determined by means of the detector signal values (D(x, y)).

Abstract: A process, and to a corresponding apparatus for reading out and erasing X-ray information stored in storage phosphor layers, comprising the following: irradiating the storage phosphor layer (1) with stimulation light (3) by means of which the storage phosphor layer (1) is stimulated to emit emission light, collecting the emission light emitted at different locations (x, y) of the storage phosphor layer (1) with a detector (7), detector signal values (D(x, y)) being obtained for different locations (x, y) of the storage phosphor layer (1), and irradiating the storage phosphor layer (1) with erasing light (21), the quantity of erasing light (21) being determined by means of the detector signal values (D(x, y)).

Abstract: A carrier for transporting a section of flexible phosphor imaging medium through a scanner has a flexible support having a front surface and a back surface, at least one releasable retaining element coupled to the flexible support for holding a first surface of the section of flexible phosphor imaging medium against the front surface of the flexible support, and a flexible frame extending at least partially along the perimeter of the flexible support and having a thickness above the front surface of the flexible support that is substantially the same as the thickness of the section of flexible phosphor imaging medium that is held against the front surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modular scanning apparatus that can be advantageously used in both computed radiology devices and fixed scanning direct radiology devices. The scanning assembly advantageously utilizes a light collecting and measuring assembly having highly reflective surfaces in conjunction with a novel optical assembly within a light box type enclosure to enable a modular scanning and reading assembly that is compact, robust and also scaleable. The present invention further discloses novel computed radiography and direct radiography devices that utilize the modular scanning assembly to provide radiology devices that are highly robust and efficient and yet also simple to build, maintain, service and repair.

Abstract: At a radiation incident side of light generating means comprising light guiding means 300 including a light source such as an LED 301, a light guiding plate 303, a reflecting plate 304, a diffusing plate 305, and the like, radiation shielding members 401 to 403 for shielding the radiation are provided. As the radiation shielding members, those absorbing or reflecting 70% of the incident radiation are preferably used. Further, the radiation shielding member is disposed between a radiation detecting panel 500 and a light generating source such as the LED 301 and the like or disposed between the radiation detecting panel and a drive circuit which drives the light source such as the LED 301, and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for erasing a storage phosphor layer (2) includes a drive (5) for producing a relative movement between the storage phosphor layer (2) and the radiation source (8), the storage phosphor layer (2) lying or being moved in a holding plane (7), and a reflector (11) for reflecting radiation. The reflector (11) is arranged and designed to reflect erasing radiation reflected by the storage phosphor layer (2) in the direction of the storage phosphor layer (2). A width (14) of the reflector (11) in the direction (6) of the relative movement is at least ten times as great as a smallest distance (15) between the reflector (11) and the holding plane (7).

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining a radiographic image has a cassette with an erasable photostimulable storage medium, housed in the cassette, that can store a radiographic image when irradiated with electromagnetic radiation at an exposure wavelength and that can be erased for subsequent use when irradiated with electromagnetic radiation at an erasure wavelength. A memory that is associated with the cassette stores a signal that is indicative of elapsed time since the most recent erasure of the photostimulable medium.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining a radiographic image has a cassette with an erasable photostimulable storage medium, housed in the cassette, that can store a radiographic image when irradiated with electromagnetic radiation at an exposure wavelength and that can be erased for subsequent use when irradiated with electromagnetic radiation at an erasure wavelength. A memory that is associated with the cassette stores a signal that is indicative of elapsed time since the most recent erasure of the photostimulable medium.

Abstract: A phototimer detects the dose of an X-ray radiation that has passed through a stimulable phosphor panel, and a stored quantity calculator calculates the quantity of radiation energy stored in the stimulable phosphor panel. An irradiation time ratio setting unit reads an irradiation time ratio from an irradiation time ratio storage unit according to the calculated quantity of radiation energy, and sets the read irradiation time ratio in an erasing unit. Based on the irradiation time ratio, the erasing unit applies erasing light including a radiation in a short wavelength range to the stimulable phosphor panel and thereafter applies erasing light comprising only a radiation in a long wavelength range to the stimulable phosphor panel, thereby erasing a residual radiation image from the stimulable phosphor panel.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for erasing a storage phosphor layer (2) with a holding plane (7) in which the storage phosphor layer (2) lies or can be moved, a radiation source (8, 9, 10) for irradiating the storage phosphor layer (2) with erasing radiation which is suitable for erasing the storage phosphor layer (2), and a reflector (11; 29, 30) for reflecting erasing radiation in the direction of the holding plane (7). In order to increase the erasing efficiency, provision is made such that the reflector (11; 29, 30) is arranged and/or designed such that it reflects erasing radiation, which is reflected by the storage phosphor layer (2), in the direction of the storage phosphor layer (2), and the radiation source (8, 9, 10) is disposed on a base (33; 48, 49), the base (33; 48, 49) being disposed closer to the holding plane (7) than at least part of the reflector (11; 29, 30).

Abstract: A stored quantity calculator calculates the quantity of radiation energy stored in each of divided areas of a stimulable phosphor panel. Erasing energy set to a level depending on the calculated quantity of radiation energy stored in each of the areas is applied from an erasing unit to the stimulable phosphor panel. Therefore, a residual radiation image remaining in the stimulable phosphor panel is efficiently erased with a required minimum level of erasing energy.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for erasing a storage phosphor layer (2) includes a radiation source (8) for producing and emitting erasing radiation, a drive (5) for producing a relative movement between the storage phosphor layer (2) and the radiation source (8), the storage phosphor layer (2) lying or being moved in a holding plane (7), and a reflector (11) for reflecting radiation. The reflector (11) is arranged and designed to reflect erasing radiation reflected by the storage phosphor layer (2) in the direction of the storage phosphor layer (2). A further reflecting surface (31) is provided for reflecting erasing radiation which is positioned opposite the reflector (11), as considered in a direction at right angles to the direction (6) of the relative movement.

Abstract: The step of erasing radiation energy remaining in a radiation image storage panel having an energy-storing phosphor layer composed of a phosphor in the form of columnar crystals and having been subjected to the step for reading a radiation image recorded in the storage panel according to a radiation image recording and reproducing method can be performed using an erasing light in an amount which is determined from an amount of the radiation having been applied to the storage panel.

Abstract: These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by an apparatus and process for evaluating an image-wise exposed storage film positioned about a cylindrically-shaped member and linearly passed a cylindrically-shaped slot for interrogation by a light beam wherein a processing assembly is co-axially disposed within a processing chamber formed by the cylindrically-shaped member and wherein the processing assembly includes a plate member disposed for rotation in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the processing chamber and having a pentaprism and a fluorescence light sensor positioned proximate a contact point of the interrogating light beam with the storage film and further including converting electronics for the thus generated fluorescence light wherein after interrogation, the storage film is immediately restored in the same apparatus for subsequent reuse.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for erasing a storage phosphor layer (2) includes a drive (5) for producing a relative movement between the storage phosphor layer (2) and the radiation source (8), the storage phosphor layer (2) lying or being moved in a holding plane (7), and a reflector (11) for reflecting radiation. The reflector (11) is arranged and designed to reflect erasing radiation reflected by the storage phosphor layer (2) in the direction of the storage phosphor layer (2). A width (14) of the reflector (11) in the direction (6) of the relative movement is at least ten times as great as a smallest distance (15) between the reflector (11) and the holding plane (7).

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for erasing a storage phosphor layer (2) includes a radiation source (8) for producing and emitting erasing radiation, a drive (5) for producing a relative movement between the storage phosphor layer (2) and the radiation source (8), the storage phosphor layer (2) lying or being moved in a holding plane (7), and a reflector (11) for reflecting radiation. The reflector (11) is arranged and designed to reflect erasing radiation reflected by the storage phosphor layer (2) in the direction of the storage phosphor layer (2). A further reflecting surface (31) is provided for reflecting erasing radiation which is positioned opposite the reflector (11), as considered in a direction at right angles to the direction (6) of the relative movement.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for erasing a storage phosphor layer (2) with a holding plane (7) in which the storage phosphor layer (2) lies or can be moved, a radiation source (8, 9, 10) for irradiating the storage phosphor layer (2) with erasing radiation which is suitable for erasing the storage phosphor layer (2), and a reflector (11; 29, 30) for reflecting erasing radiation in the direction of the holding plane (7). In order to increase the erasing efficiency, provision is made such that the reflector (11; 29, 30) is arranged and/or designed such that it reflects erasing radiation, which is reflected by the storage phosphor layer (2), in the direction of the storage phosphor layer (2), and the radiation source (8, 9, 10) is disposed on a base (33; 48, 49), the base (33; 48, 49) being disposed closer to the holding plane (7) than at least part of the reflector (11; 29, 30).

Abstract: Embodiments of an x-ray converter are disclosed in which a conventional PSP and computed digital radiology equipment may be used with the converter to convert an analog x-ray image into a digital image.

Abstract: A stored quantity calculator calculates the quantity of radiation energy stored in each of divided areas of a stimulable phosphor panel. Erasing energy set to a level depending on the calculated quantity of radiation energy stored in each of the areas is applied from an erasing unit to the stimulable phosphor panel. Therefore, a residual radiation image remaining in the stimulable phosphor panel is efficiently erased with a required minimum level of erasing energy.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a casing accommodating therein a heating mechanism for heating the interior of the casing. The heating mechanism has a heating body mounted on a guide plate along which a stimulable phosphor sheet is fed. When supplied with electric current, the heating body is heated to heat the guide plate to a predetermined temperature. An air blower is disposed in confronting relation to the heating body and is energized to circulate heated air inside the casing. A temperature detector detects the atmospheric temperature inside the casing, and when the detected atmospheric temperature becomes higher than a reference temperature preset in a controller, the controller stops supplying electric current to the heating body.

Abstract: An erasure assembly for imaging plates comprised of a cover member and a base member, the cover member in the form of an inverted rectangular tray having a plurality of light sources and reflective sources mounted therein behind a diffuser glass member, the base member, complimentary with the cover member having a support area for the placement of imaging plates on their non-reactive surface, their photo-stimulable surface facing upwardly, the cover member closed upon the base member and there being a control means to activate the light sources for a time sufficient to erase the retained images on the photo-stimulable surface of the image plates.

Abstract: One surface of a stimulable phosphor sheet supported at a position for image recording is exposed to radiation, and a radiation image is stored on the stimulable phosphor sheet. Image readout is performed from the side of the other surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet supported at the position for image recording. Energy remaining on the stimulable phosphor sheet is then released by irradiating erasing light to an entire area of the stimulable phosphor sheet with a sheet-shaped erasing light source, which has uniform transmissivity to radiation and is located close to the one surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet supported at the position for image recording.

Abstract: After a housing of a cassette is opened by a suction cup, then a stimulable phosphor sheet is removed from the cassette by a shiftable roller and then fed in an auxiliary scanning direction by a feed mechanism. While being fed in the auxiliary scanning direction, the stimulable phosphor sheet is irradiated with a laser beam emitted from a stimulating optical system. Light emitted from the stimulable phosphor sheet upon exposure to the laser beam is guided through a light guide to a photoelectric transducer. After the recorded radiation image information is read from the stimulable phosphor sheet, the stimulable phosphor sheet is stored back into the cassette, and erasing light from erasing light sources is applied to the stimulable phosphor sheet in the cassette to erase remaining radiation image information from the stimulable phosphor sheet.

Abstract: A radiation image forming unit has a stimulable phosphor sheet and a case. The stimulable phosphor sheet includes a phosphor layer and a frame covering the four sides of the phosphor layer. The frame has a recess, and a lead sheet for blocking backward scattered rays is replaceably mounted in the recess by a double-sided tape. The radiation image forming unit may be used without the lead sheet. The lead sheet may be replaced with another lead sheet having a different thickness.

Abstract: A radiation image reading apparatus includes an image reading section for reading a radiation image on a stimulable phosphor sheet by scanning the stimulable phosphor sheet with exciting light in a main scanning direction, and a conveying section having a windable member to hold the stimulable phosphor sheet, a supporting member to support the windable member, and a driving section to move the windable member so as to convey the stimulable phosphor sheet to the image reading section in a sub scanning direction. The apparatus further includes a vibration damping mechanism being in contact with the windable member to damp vibration of the windable member, and a vibration refraining mechanism being in contact with the vibration damping mechanism to refrain vibration of the vibration damping mechanism itself.

Abstract: A residual image signal, which represents a residual image remaining on a stimulable phosphor sheet having been subjected to an erasing operation, is acquired. A radiation image of an object is then recorded on the stimulable phosphor sheet, from which the residual image signal has been detected. A radiation image signal, which represents the radiation image of the object, is then acquired, the thus acquired radiation image signal containing a residual image signal, which represents the residual image. The residual image signal is subtracted from the radiation image signal, and a radiation image signal, which represents the radiation image of the object and which is free from the residual image signal, is acquired.

Abstract: A quantity of imparted erasing energy, which is to be imparted to a stimulable phosphor sheet in order to erase residual radiation energy remaining on the stimulable phosphor sheet, is adjusted by use of an image recording sensitivity in a next radiation image recording operation, which is to be performed on the stimulable phosphor sheet, and an energy level of the residual radiation energy remaining on the stimulable phosphor sheet. The quantity of the imparted erasing energy is adjusted such that, as the image recording sensitivity in the next radiation image recording operation, which is to be performed on the stimulable phosphor sheet, becomes high, and as the energy level of the residual radiation energy remaining on the stimulable phosphor sheet becomes high, the quantity of the imparted erasing energy is set to be large.

Abstract: A device and a method for reading out information stored in a storage layer (15), and an X-ray cassette are proposed which make use for the purpose of erasing information stored in the storage layer (15) of an erasing means (11, 12, 14) which generates an erasure radiation (17). This erasure radiation (17) can have both a first and a second intensity, the first intensity being larger than the second intensity.

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: An image reading apparatus includes a casing having a side panel which has a cassette loading slot defined therein for loading a cassette therein. A stimulable phosphor sheet stored in the cassette loaded in the cassette loading slot is removed from the cassette and fed vertically downwardly along a first vertical feed path. Radiation image information recorded in the stimulable phosphor sheet is read by a reader. Thereafter, the stimulable phosphor sheet is stored back into the cassette, which is then delivered toward a cassette unloading slot by a sliding displacement mechanism. The stimulable phosphor sheet is removed again from the cassette, and fed along a second vertical feed path for an eraser to erase remaining radiation image information from the stimulable phosphor sheet.

Abstract: One surface of a stimulable phosphor sheet supported at a position for image recording is exposed to radiation, and a radiation image is stored on the stimulable phosphor sheet. Image readout is performed from the side of the other surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet supported at the position for image recording. Energy remaining on the stimulable phosphor sheet is then released by irradiating erasing light to an entire area of the stimulable phosphor sheet with a sheet-shaped erasing light source, which has uniform transmissivity to radiation and is located close to the one surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet supported at the position for image recording.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing stored energy from a storage phosphor screen in which a radiation image was recorded and then read by collecting stimulated emission from the phosphor sheet. The phosphor sheet is transported along a path in a first direction at a first speed into an erase area having at least one erasing light source. A portion of the phosphor sheet disposed within the erase area is exposed to the light source to affect erasure of the radiation image on the exposed portion of the phosphor sheet. Transport of the phosphor sheet is stopped when the trailing edge of the phosphor sheet enters the erase area and the phosphor sheet dwells within the erase area for a predetermined time period. The phosphor sheet is then transported along the path in a second direction at a second speed, and then transported along the path in the second direction at a third speed when the leading edge exits the erase area.

Abstract: An erasure assembly for imaging plates comprised of a cover member and a base member, the cover member in the form of an inverted rectangular tray having a plurality of light sources and reflective sources mounted therein behind a diffuser glass member, the base member, complimentary with the cover member having a support area for the placement of imaging plates on their non-reactive surface, their photo-stimulable surface facing upwardly, the cover member closed upon the base member and there being a control means to activate the light sources for a time sufficient to erase the retained images on the photo-stimulable surface of the image plates.

Abstract: A method for erasing noise and a residual image in a storage phosphor, comprising: reading out an exposed storage phosphor which is transported in a first direction by scanning the storage phosphor in a line scan direction perpendicular to the first direction, with a reciprocating stimulating beam of light which causes the storage phosphor to emit light in a first frequency range, the beam of light being suppressed during retrace; erasing the storage phosphor after the reading out with light of a second frequency range and additionally with light of the first frequency range during retrace when the stimulating light beam is supressed.

Abstract: A radiation image information recording/reading apparatus for detecting phosphorescent light from a side opposite of radiation irradiation on a stimulable phosphor sheet is downsized. The radiation image information recording/reading apparatus comprises an image recording unit for recording radiation image information on the sheet by irradiating the radiation representing image information on the sheet, an excitation light main scan means for main scan of the sheet by excitation light, photoelectric detection means for detecting the phosphorescent light emitted from the sheet, vertical scan means, and erasing means for releasing residual energy from the sheet prior to recording another image on the sheet after reading the information from the sheet. In the apparatus, the excitation light main scan means comprises a linear light source emitting the excitation light in the form of fan beams, and the photoelectric detection means comprises a line sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing stored energy from a storage phosphor screen in which a radiation image was recorded and then read by collecting stimulated emission from the phosphor sheet. The method is accomplished by directing onto the storage phosphor sheet an erasing light having substantially no light of a wavelength of shorter than 410 nm. The apparatus of an erasing light is provided by coating a light source with a yellow dye.

Abstract: A cassette is provided having an emitter for emitting an erasing light to release residual radiation energy from a stimulable phosphor sheet stored therein does not need to be conveyed to a power supply unit, and in which an emission time of the emitter can be controlled appropriately. The cassette storing the sheet for recording a radiation image therein and comprising a stimulable phosphor layer formed on a substrate thereof has the emitter for irradiating the erasing light on the sheet and a power supply for causing the emitter to emit the erasing light, and a control circuit for controlling the emission time.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a radiation image storage panel comprises a self-supporting or supported layer of storage phosphor particles dispersed in a binding medium and, adjacent thereto, a protective coating characterized in that, besides a binder, the said protective coating comprises a white pigment having a refractive index of more than 1.6, which is present in the said binder, preferably further comprising a urethane acrylate, and wherein said protective coating has a surface roughness (Rz) between 2 and 10 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A combined imaging plate scanning and erasing system, comprising: (a) a housing; (b) an imaging plate cassette infeed assembly positioned within the housing, the maging plate cassette infeed assembly comprising: (i) a mechanism to pull an imaging plate cassette into the housing; (ii) a mechanism to open the imaging plate cassette; and (iii) a mechanism to remove an imaging plate from the cassette; (c) a scanner positioned within the housing; (d) a curved path erasing assembly positioned between the imaging plate infeed assembly and the scanner; and (e) an imaging plate transportation assembly to move the imaging plate back and forth in a path extending from the imaging plate cassette, past the erasing assembly and through a scan area adjacent to the scanner.