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: A cassette that is detected as being in an abnormally loaded state by a cassette loader is fed through a first processor, a second processor, a third processor, and a fourth processor to a fifth processor, and then discharged into a cassette storage unit. Similarly, a cassette which is detected as failing to eject a stimulable phosphor panel by the second processor is also discharged into the cassette storage unit. A cassette in a normal state ejects a stimulable phosphor panel in the second processor, and the ejected stimulable phosphor panel is processed in a main unit. The processed stimulable phosphor panel is stored back into the cassette, which is then unloaded into a cassette unloader.

Abstract: The type information of stimulable phosphor sheets is read from cassettes which store the stimulable phosphor sheets in cassette storage apparatus, and storage position information of the stimulable phosphor sheets is acquired. When subject information is set by ID terminals, a cassette having the type information that matches the subject information is selected from the cassette storage apparatus, and supplied to radiation image capturing apparatus. With respect to a stimulable phosphor sheet on which radiation image information has been recorded, the subject information is set in relation to identification information of the stimulable phosphor sheet.

Abstract: A high speed counterbalanced translation device for use with radiographic media (21) with a scanning stage (10) adapted for movement in a first and second direction (11, 13) along a first axis (14); a balancing stage (12) disposed opposite the scanning stage for movement in a third and fourth direction (15, 16) along a second axis (17); a scanning module (18) mounted on the scanning stage; a counterbalance module (19) attached to the balance stage with a weight and size that complements the scanning module; and a continuous drive cable (20) with a first pin (22) for sequentially moving the scanning stage from a first to a second position (25, 27); a second pin (30) for moving the balancing stage simultaneously with the scanning stage initially in a third to the fourth position (29, 31); wherein the first pin moves the balancing stage from the fourth to the third position while second pin moves the scanning stage from the second to the first position.

Abstract: A double-sided stimulable phosphor sheet, which emits light from both sides thereof when exciting light is applied to a recording surface thereof, is fed in an auxiliary scanning direction indicated by the arrow A by first and second roller pairs. First and second guide members are disposed on the side of the reverse surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet, for guiding the stimulable phosphor sheet, and a glass guide is disposed on the side of the reverse surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet in a position where a laser beam is applied to the stimulable phosphor sheet. The first and second guide members and the glass guide are integrally mounted on a guide mount. Radiation image information recorded on the stimulable phosphor sheet can efficiently be read highly accurately without damage being caused to the stimulable phosphor sheet.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for supporting and shaping a photo-stimulable phosphor plate (PSP) during scanning in a CR reader, the apparatus including elements for shaping at least part of a PSP to an arc which is a part cylinder, and which provides a substantially unitary radial distance from a beam deflecting device to a target point of scanning.

Abstract: A radiographic image reading apparatus for reading radiographic image information from a storage phosphor sheet, includes: a conveyance mechanism for conveying the storage phosphor sheet, a cassette holding the storage phosphor sheet, or a part of the cassette holding the storage phosphor sheet; and a conveyance mechanism inclining mechanism for inclining the conveyance mechanism; wherein when the storage phosphor sheet, the cassette holding the storage phosphor sheet, or the part of the cassette holding the storage phosphor sheet, is jammed while the storage phosphor sheet, the cassette holding the storage phosphor sheet, or the part of the cassette holding the storage phosphor sheet is conveyed by the conveyance mechanism, the conveyance mechanism inclining mechanism inclines the conveyance mechanism so as to be able to remove the storage phosphor sheet, the cassette holding the storage phosphor sheet, or the part of the cassette holding the storage phosphor sheet from the radiographic image reading apparat

Abstract: Methods and apparatus that facilitate exposure and/or automatic transfer of an image recording medium from an apparatus adapted to handle the image recording medium, such as a cassette, to an image acquisition system, such as an image reader. In one exemplary implementation, a side-access cassette for handling an image recording medium is provided that facilitates the automatic transfer of the image recording medium from the cassette into an automatic loader and from the automatic loader into the cassette. The cassette may further include a radiation conversion window to attenuate radiation during high energy X-ray imaging such that the cassette and automatic loader may be employed in a variety of X-ray imaging processes and techniques. In one aspect, such a conversion window allows recording media such as phosphor plates to be exposed using source radiation incident to the cassette having energy levels on the order of MeV, which is significantly higher than that typically used to expose phosphor plates.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus (10) for scanning radiographic media (22) comprises a housing (11) with a scanning stage (12) mounted within the housing. A scanning head is mounted on the scanning stage and the scanning stage is adapted for translational movement along an axis (16). An opening (18) in the housing receives a cassette (20) and radiographic media has a latent image (24) disposed in the cassette. The radiographic media has a ferromagnetic end (26) and the cassette consists of a closed box shape having an upper door (28) and a lower door (30). A first magnet (32) is secured to the upper door and a second magnet (34) is secured to the lower door. The polarity of the first magnet is in the same orientation as the polarity of the second magnet. A magnetic latch (36) is mounted within the scanning apparatus to hold the radiographic media at the ferromagnetic end, and the magnetic latch is mounted so that the polarity of the magnetic latch repels the polarity of the first and second magnets.

Abstract: A storage phosphor panel for storing image information and an X-ray cassette with such a storage phosphor panel are proposed. The storage phosphor panel contains a carrier layer and a storage phosphor layer, which is applied on the carrier layer. The storage phosphor panel furthermore has a contour which is configured as an autonomous part relative to the carrier layer and is connected to the carrier layer.

Abstract: A device and method for reading out information stored in a storage layer using a receiving device. The storage layer is supported on a support surface that is defined by an x-y plane and a relative movement is generated between the receiving device and the storage layer in the x direction. The receiving device or the storage layer is guided during the generation of the relative movement by a guide system on a guide surface. Using first and second partial guides, an interspacing is adjusted in a z direction that lies perpendicular to the x-y plane, on either side—viewed in the z direction—of the support surface. The guide surface is independent of the storage layer and the first and second partial guides are connected to one another and are pretensioned against one another, and act in a pincer-like manner on the support surface.

Abstract: A radiographic image reading apparatus for reading radiographic image information from a photostimulable phosphor sheet after a cassette including the photostimulable phosphor sheet is loaded into the radiographic image reading apparatus, comprising: an insertion opening into which the cassette is inserted; at least two cassette detection sensors to detect the cassette inserted into the insertion opening; and an insertion roller to convey the cassette; wherein actuation of the insertion roller is controlled according to detection signals of the cassette detection sensors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radiation image conversion panel comprising a substrate having thereon a stimulable phosphor layer and a protective layer. The stimulable phosphor layer is provided on the substrate by a vapor-phase deposition method. Further, a construction including the substrate and the protective layer has a flexibility.

Abstract: Information carried on a stimulable phosphor sheet can accurately be read therefrom without dust particles being present on the surfaces of the stimulable phosphor sheet. A dust of a first cleaning unit has a first opening for introducing the stimulable phosphor sheet into the duct and a second opening for discharging the stimulable phosphor sheet out of the duct. The duct has an upper housing member which accommodates therein a first brush roller and a third brush roller that extend parallel to each other and a lower housing member which accommodates therein a second brush roller and a fourth brush roller that extend parallel to each other. The upper housing member also houses therein a first dust removing plate having tip ends held against bristles of the first brush roller and the third brush roller, and the lower housing member also houses therein a second dust removing plate having tip ends held against bristles of the second brush roller and the fourth brush roller.

Abstract: Stimulating light is projected by a stimulating light projector onto the stimulable phosphor sheet to expose a linear portion of the stimulable phosphor sheet extending in a main scanning direction to the stimulating light and stimulated emission emitted from the stimulable phosphor sheet upon exposure to the stimulating light is detected by a line sensor extending in the main scanning direction with an imaging optical system intervening between the stimulable phosphor sheet and the line sensor or with the line sensor held in the vicinity of the stimulable phosphor sheet. The stimulable phosphor sheet is fixed in a read-out position, and the radiation image is read out while the stimulating light projector and the line sensor are being moved relatively to the fixed stimulable phosphor sheet in a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction.

Abstract: A reading unit has a scanner unit including a stimulating system, a CCD line sensor, and a position restricting mechanism, which are integrally mounted on a scanner head. The position restricting mechanism has first rubber rollers disposed for rolling contact with a surface of a stimulable phosphor sheet, and a second rubber roller disposed for rolling contact with an opposite surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet. The first rubber rollers and the second rubber roller serve to position a reading line on the stimulable phosphor sheet.

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: These and other objects of the present invention are attained by a cleansing member comprised of a flexible substrate having collection layers formed on one or both sides thereof having an adhesive capability of capturing dust, particulate material and the like, along the transport assembly of an image scanning assemblies. In one embodiment, the cleansing member is dimensioned to conform to intraoral image sized plates. In one embodiment the collection layer is tacky and is provided with a protective layer facily removed prior to use. To facilitate handling of the cleansing member, each collection layer is preferably of a length slightly less than the length of the cleansing member.

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 radiation image reading apparatus for reading a radiation image information from a stimulable phosphor sheet attached to a back base of a cassette comprised of an inlet through which the cassette is inserted, a separator to separate the front cover and the back base of the cassette, a vertical scanner, an image reader to read radiation image information, an eraser to erase the remaining radiation image information, a re-assembling section to re-assemble the front cover and the back base again, an outlet, and a conveyer to move the cassette, wherein the conveyer moves the cassette with at least a rotational displacement.

Abstract: The type information of stimulable phosphor sheets is read from cassettes which store the stimulable phosphor sheets in cassette storage apparatus, and storage position information of the stimulable phosphor sheets is acquired. When subject information is set by ID terminals, a cassette having the type information that matches the subject information is selected from the cassette storage apparatus, and supplied to radiation image capturing apparatus. With respect to a stimulable phosphor sheet on which radiation image information has been recorded, the subject information is set in relation to identification information of the stimulable phosphor sheet.

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: A cassette that is detected as being in an abnormally loaded state by a cassette loader is fed through a first processor, a second processor, a third processor, and a fourth processor to a fifth processor, and then discharged into a cassette storage unit. Similarly, a cassette which is detected as failing to eject a stimulable phosphor panel by the second processor is also discharged into the cassette storage unit. A cassette in a normal state ejects a stimulable phosphor panel in the second processor, and the ejected stimulable phosphor panel is processed in a main unit. The processed stimulable phosphor panel is stored back into the cassette, which is then unloaded into a cassette unloader.

Abstract: Information carried on a stimulable phosphor sheet can accurately be read therefrom without dust particles being present on the surfaces of the stimulable phosphor sheet. A dust of a first cleaning unit has a first opening for introducing the stimulable phosphor sheet into the duct and a second opening for discharging the stimulable phosphor sheet out of the duct. The duct has an upper housing member which accommodates therein a first brush roller and a third brush roller that extend parallel to each other and a lower housing member which accommodates therein a second brush roller and a fourth brush roller that extend parallel to each other. The upper housing member also houses therein a first dust removing plate having tip ends held against bristles of the first brush roller and the third brush roller, and the lower housing member also houses therein a second dust removing plate having tip ends held against bristles of the second brush roller and the fourth brush roller.

Abstract: A method for reading a radiation image from a stimulable phosphor sheet composed of a substrate and a stimulable phosphor layer containing a latent radiation image by means of a radiation image-reading means having stimulating light-applying unit and a stimulated emission-collecting unit having a lens and a stimulated emission-receiving plane, which is performed by the steps of applying a stimulating light onto the phosphor layer under the condition that the phosphor sheet moves along its sheet plane in relation to the stimulated emission-collecting unit; collecting a stimulated emission emitting from the area onto which the stimulating light is applied on the emission-receiving plane through the lens; and photoelectrically converting the collected emission into electric signals in the stimulated emission-collecting unit, is improved by moving the stimulable phosphor sheet in relation to the emission-collecting unit under the condition that the stimulating light-applied area of the stimulable phosphor layer i

Abstract: A radiation image reading apparatus for reading a radiation image information from a stimulable phosphor sheet attached to a back base of a cassette comprised of an inlet through which the cassette is inserted, a separator to separate the front cover and the back base of the cassette, a vertical scanner, an image reader to read radiation image information, an eraser to erase the remaining radiation image information, a re-assembling section to re-assemble the front cover and the back base again, an outlet, and a conveyer to move the cassette, wherein the conveyer moves the cassette with at least a rotational displacement.

Abstract: A discharge mechanism has a lid closing roller for closing a lid of a cassette and automatically delivering the cassette to a predetermined position upon rotation thereof, a motor for rotating the lid closing roller, and an electromagnetic clutch for transmitting rotational power from the motor to the lid closing roller and disconnecting the lid closing roller from the rotary actuator.

Abstract: An imaging plate guide formed in different configurations corresponding to the various intraoral dental plate sizes, which in turn correspond to the dental intraoral film sizes commonly referred to as sizes 0 through 4, the imaging plate guides dedicated to intraoral imaging providing for guides for each plate size so that a desired array of feed width guides can be positioned on the scanner for scanning the intraoral plates and which scan extraoral imaging plates as well. The embodiment of the imaging plate guides provides not only for interchangeability with respect to the intraoral plate size, but also allows for the feeding of extraoral imaging plates without the need to remove the intraoral plate guides. The size 4 is not specifically described, but is analogous to the other sizes as would be obvious to one skilled in the art.

Abstract: A radiation image read-out apparatus includes a plurality of radiation image convertor panels superposed one on another in a direction in which radiation passing through an object propagates. A separator separates the superposed radiation image convertor panels exposed to the radiation passing through the object from one another by moving in a parallel displacement and/or rotating about an axis on a plane parallel to the surfaces of the radiation image convertor panels one or more of the superposed radiation image convertor panels relatively to the others. A single detecting head detects stimulated emission emitted from each of the radiation image convertor panels separated by the separator.

Abstract: An image data collecting device for analysis of material structure, including: a flexible belt which is formed in ring shape and conveyed in the long direction thereof; an accumulated fluorescent sheet which is formed in ring shape commensurate with the configuration of the flexible belt and mounted on the flexible belt and where a radiant image data from a material to be analyzed is recorded; a recording means to record the radiant image data into the accumulated fluorescent sheet by irradiating a given radiant ray onto the material; a reading means to read out the radiant image data by irradiating excitation light; and a deleting means to remove radiant energy remaining in the accumulated fluorescent sheet after reading operation by the reading means and before subsequent recording operation by the recording means.

Abstract: A device and method for reading out information stored in a storage layer using a receiving device. The storage layer is supported on a support surface that is defined by an x-y plane and a relative movement is generated between the receiving device and the storage layer in the x direction. The receiving device or the storage layer is guided during the generation of the relative movement by a guide system on a guide surface. Using first and second partial guides, an interspacing is adjusted in a z direction that lies perpendicular to the x-y plane, on either side—viewed in the z direction—of the support surface. The guide surface is independent of the storage layer and the first and second partial guides are connected to one another and are pretensioned against one another, and act in a pincer-like manner on the support surface.

Abstract: A radiographic image reading apparatus for reading radiographic image information from a storage phosphor sheet, includes: a conveyance mechanism for conveying the storage phosphor sheet, a cassette holding the storage phosphor sheet, or a part of the cassette holding the storage phosphor sheet; and a conveyance mechanism inclining mechanism for inclining the conveyance mechanism; wherein when the storage phosphor sheet, the cassette holding the storage phosphor sheet, or the part of the cassette holding the storage phosphor sheet, is jammed while the storage phosphor sheet, the cassette holding the storage phosphor sheet, or the part of the cassette holding the storage phosphor sheet is conveyed by the conveyance mechanism, the conveyance mechanism inclining mechanism inclines the conveyance mechanism so as to be able to remove the storage phosphor sheet, the cassette holding the storage phosphor sheet, or the part of the cassette holding the storage phosphor sheet from the radiographic image reading apparat

Abstract: Methods and apparatus that facilitate exposure and/or automatic transfer of an image recording medium from an apparatus adapted to handle the image recording medium, such as a cassette, to an image acquisition system, such as an image reader. In one exemplary implementation, a side-access cassette for handling an image recording medium is provided that facilitates the automatic transfer of the image recording medium from the cassette into an automatic loader and from the automatic loader into the cassette. The cassette may further include a radiation conversion window to attenuate radiation during high energy X-ray imaging such that the cassette and automatic loader may be employed in a variety of X-ray imaging processes and techniques. In one aspect, such a conversion window allows recording media such as phosphor plates to be exposed using source radiation incident to the cassette having energy levels on the order of MeV, which is significantly higher than that typically used to expose phosphor plates.

Abstract: A radiation image data reading apparatus that receives a cassette that houses a substantially inflexible stimulable phosphor sheet with high rigidity therein with an opening at an end portion thereof for inserting and removing said sheet having radiation image data recorded thereon and reads out radiation image data from said stimulable phosphor sheet which has been removed from said cassette conveys the stimulable phosphor sheet from said opening of a received cassette at a constant speed by sheet conveyance means. As the stimulable phosphor sheet is being removed from the cassette, an excitation light main scan means performs a main scan in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of said conveyance, at a position close to said opening. The phosphorescent light emitted from the area of the sheet irradiated by the excitation light is detected by photoelectric detection means.

Abstract: A device and method for reading out information stored in a storage layer using a receiving device for receiving emission radiation that has been emitted from the storage layer. In this connection the storage layer is supported on a support surface that is defined by an x-y plane and a relative movement is generated between the receiving device and the storage layer in the x direction. The receiving device or the storage layer is guided during the generation of the relative movement by a guide system, on a guide surface that is independent of the storage layer. When guiding the receiving device, the level of the guide surface in a z direction coincides with the level of the support surface in the z direction.

Abstract: A reading unit has an auxiliary scanning feed unit for feeding a stimulable phosphor sheet vertically in an auxiliary scanning direction, a scanning light applying unit for applying a laser beam to the stimulable phosphor sheet, a reading assembly for reading radiation image information carried by the stimulable phosphor sheet, a fixed guide unit for holding one surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet, and first and second movable guide units for holding the other surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet, the first and second movable guide units being movable toward and away from the stimulable phosphor sheet. Consequently, the radiation image information recorded on the stimulable phosphor sheet can be read highly accurately and efficiently with a simple arrangement.

Abstract: In a radiation image acquisition apparatus that obtains a radiation image recorded on a stimulable phosphor layer having a plurality of arranged cells, the quantity of stimulated emissions from the stimulable phosphor within each cell is obtained precisely for each cell as a digital image signal. A radiation image conversion panel comprising a phosphor layer formed of multiple cells filled with stimulable phosphor having recorded on the surface thereof a radiation image is scanned with a stimulating light beam by a scanning unit, and the stimulated emissions caused thereby are photoelectrically detected as an analog image signal by a photoelectrical amplifier. The signal component representing the partition walls is recognized, and the component of the analog image signal obtained between the recognized signal components representing the cell partition walls is digitized and a digital image signal is obtained.

Abstract: A corona treating apparatus has an electrically conductive electrode housing with a downwardly opening channel, within which are adjustably positioned a number of conductive electrode segments. Each segment has a stem which extends into the channel, and a foot which extends below the channel and which overlies an electrically conductive electrode roller, over which the material to be treated travels. Top springs extend into bores in the top of the electrode segments, and ball detents extend through the housing to urge against slots on one side of the segments. Each electrode segment stem has a first lip which engages with an upper ledge when the segment is in a retracted position, and a second lip which engages with a lower ledge on the opposite wall when the segment is in an active position. Pushing upwardly on one sideward flange of an electrode foot readily changes the position of each segment.

Abstract: An image scanning apparatus has an imaging bed for placing a subject thereon, the imaging bed having a recording unit for temporarily recording radiation image information of the subject on a stimulable phosphor sheet, a housing accommodating therein a reading unit for photoelectrically reading the radiation image information from the stimulable phosphor sheet, and an erasing assembly for erasing remaining radiation image information from the stimulable phosphor sheet, and a lifting/lowering mechanism for lifting and lowering the imaging bed with respect to the housing. The subject can easily be put onto the imaging bed, and the imaging bed can easily be operated.

Abstract: When an output voltage from an acceleration sensor is judged as being larger than a reference voltage of a reference voltage setting unit, a comparator outputs a pulse signal to a holding circuit. The holding circuit holds a high-level energization signal, and an LED is energized by the energization signal supplied from the holding circuit, informing the operator that an excessively large external force has been applied to the cassette.

Abstract: Stimulating rays produced by a line light source are linearly irradiated onto an area of a stimulable phosphor sheet, on which a radiation image has been stored, the stimulating rays causing the sheet to emit light in proportion to an amount of energy stored thereon during its exposure to radiation. Light emitted from the exposed linear area of the sheet is received with a line sensor comprising photoelectric conversion devices arrayed along each of a length direction of the linear area of the stimulable phosphor sheet and a direction normal to the length direction. The sheet is moved with respect to the line light source and the line sensor and in a direction different from the length direction of the linear area of the sheet. Operation processing is performed on outputs of the photoelectric conversion devices, which outputs have been obtained at respective positions of movement and correspond to an identical site on the sheet.

Abstract: A reading unit has a scanner unit including a stimulating system, a CCD line sensor, and a position restricting mechanism, which are integrally mounted on a scanner head. The position restricting mechanism has first rubber rollers disposed for rolling contact with a surface of a stimulable phosphor sheet, and a second rubber roller disposed for rolling contact with an opposite surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet. The first rubber rollers and the second rubber roller serve to position a reading line on the stimulable phosphor sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying a rectangular stimulable phosphor sheet with change of its conveyed course composed of a pair of longitudinal guide plates curved to form an arc, each guide plate being arranged in parallel to each other with a space approximately corresponding to the width of the phosphor sheet; a series of rollers which are so arranged along each of the guide plates to allow advancement of the phosphor sheet between a guide space formed by the guide plate and these rollers; and a pair of driving rollers which are arranged in the vicinity of one ends on imaginary plane extended from the pair of the curved guide plates.

Abstract: Stimulating light is projected onto a stimulable phosphor sheet while the image read-out mechanism is being moved in a sub-scanning direction relatively to the stimulable phosphor sheet and stimulated emission emitted from the stimulable phosphor sheet upon exposure to the stimulating light is detected by the photoelectric converter. The image read-out mechanism is moved back and forth in the sub-scanning direction. First and second image signals are obtained on the basis of the stimulated emission detected during the forward and backward movements of the image read-out mechanism, and an image signal representing the radiation image on the stimulable phosphor sheet is obtained on the basis of the first and second image signals.

Abstract: In a radiation image read-out apparatus, a stimulable phosphor sheet storing thereon a radiation image is exposed to stimulating light and stimulated emission emitted from the stimulable phosphor sheet upon stimulation by the stimulating light is detected and an image signal representing the radiation image stored on the stimulable phosphor sheet is obtained by photoelectrically converting the stimulated emission. A read-out system includes an array of a plurality of read-out heads, each including a stimulating light source which projects the stimulating light onto the stimulable phosphor sheet and a photodetector which detects the stimulated emission. A conveyor system conveys the stimulable phosphor sheet and the read-out system relative to each other in a direction intersecting the direction of the array of the read-out heads.

Abstract: A stimulable phosphor sheet, on which a radiation image has been stored, is exposed to stimulating rays, which cause the stimulable phosphor sheet to emit light in proportion to the amount of energy stored thereon during its exposure to radiation. The stimulating rays are irradiated to a surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet, which surface is opposite to a radiation irradiation side surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet. The light, which is emitted from the two surfaces of the stimulable phosphor sheet, is photoelectrically detected to read out the radiation image. Residual energy, which remains on the stimulable phosphor sheet after the radiation image has been read out therefrom, is released. An image read-out section, in which the step of reading out the radiation image is performed, and an erasing section, in which the step of releasing the residual energy is performed, are reciprocally moved together with each other with respect to the stimulable phosphor sheet.

Abstract: A computed radiography (CR) reader comprising: an image plate loading and unloading station for receiving in a vertical orientation a CR cassette including a light tight cassette shell and an image plate supported by an extrusion closing off said shell, said image plate storing a latent radiographic image, a scanning station located below said loading and unloading station at which said image plate is scanned, and an image plate transport assembly for removing said image plate from said cassette shell and for vertically transporting said image plate past said scanning station while said image plate is being removed from said cassette.

Abstract: A method for transferring a stimulable phosphor sheet by holding and driving the phosphor sheet by a set of rollers which are placed on both edge sides of the phosphor sheet, at least one of the rollers being rotated by a driving force provided by a driving means, is advantageously employed in a radiation image reading step composed of sequentially applying stimulating rays onto the phosphor sheet to excite the phosphor sheet whereby releasing radiation energy from the radiation image as light emission and collecting the light emission from both surface sides of the phosphor sheet.

Abstract: A computed radiography (CR) reader comprising: a cassette receiving station for receiving in a vertical orientation, a computed radiography cassette including a light tight cassette shell and an image plate supported by an extrusion closing of said shell, said image plate storing a latent radiographic image and being latched in said cassette shell; a first roller assembly located on one side of said cassette receiving station; a second roller assembly located on the other side of said cassette receiving station, cooperatively associated with said first roller assembly; means for mounting said second roller assembly for movement towards and away from said first roller assembly; an image plate unlatching and latching assembly; and a cam assembly operatively linked to said means for mounting said second roller assembly and to said unlatching and latching assembly, said cam assembly being operable in a first mode when a computed radiograhpy cassette is received in said cassette receiving station, to actuate

Abstract: A radiation image reading apparatus for reading a radiation image information from a stimulable phosphor sheet attached to a back base of a cassette comprised of an inlet through which the cassette is inserted, a separator to separate the front cover and the back base of the cassette, a vertical scanner, an image reader to read radiation image information, an eraser to erase the remaining radiation image information, a re-assembling section to re-assemble the front cover and the back base again, an outlet, and a conveyer to move the cassette, wherein the conveyer moves the cassette with at least a rotational displacement.