Abstract: A uniform system for marking X-Ray films with pertinent data. Further, it establishes a technique for manufacturing X-Ray markers which vary only slightly, so that by piggy-backing or stacking, virtually any thickness of marker can be obtained. In addition a method for making a transparent, adherent, and reusable marker is described. The markers are made of brass by a photo-chemical-etching technique and are coated with nickel in order to achieve permanency and contrast against a black plastic background for easy identification and storage.

Abstract: The present invention provides an X ray film cassette with a permanent marking means for identifying the side of the radiographic film that faced the X ray tube during exposure. Such identification does not require any action by the X ray technologist, eliminating the element of human error. The marking means is comprised of chirally asymmetric X ray opaque and/or light-opaque letters or markings permanently mounted in the film cassette to intersect overlapping portions of an X ray path projected during exposure.

Abstract: An x-ray identification module includes a strip having recesses formed in opposite surfaces thereof. An opaque x-ray marker is received within one of the recesses, and a lateral strip portion is defined adjacent each recess. At least two suction cups are mounted to the lateral portion adjacent each recess, in non-overlying relationship to the marker-so as to avoid adding thickness to the strip in the area of the marker. The module is particularly useful for mammography.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for identifying dental x-ray films that allows a health practitioner or staff member to permanently emboss indentifying indicia directly on to a patient's x-ray films. The device is portable and lightweight. Constructed from a plastic or PVC material, it is impervious to x-ray film fixer or developer, as well as the emulsion used on x-ray film. The device is unique in that it neither etches nor destroys the emulsion on the x-ray film.

Abstract: A mechanism/device (29) in association with a radiographic cassette (20) in which X-ray film (28) or the like is exposed. Upon exposure, an LED (39) continually blinks, indicating exposure to the user, thereby obviating double exposure of the film. A test and reset circuit (80) informs the user at any time of the operational status of device (29). Device (29) comprises a sensor (30), a photodiode (47), a conduit formed by a bundle (31) of optical fibers which conveys light energy from sensor (30) to photodiode (47) that converts it into an electrical current controlled by an electronic circuit (35) which includes LED (39). Circuit (35) includes a detecting and amplifying circuit (51), an oscillating circuit (68), a latching circuit (65) for maintaining blinking of LED (39), and the test-and-reset circuit (80).

Abstract: An X ray film cassette has a marking mechanism whereby unique identification of the film cassette is provided by film exposed therewithin. Plural light-opaque markers mounted in the film cassette provide means for marking the X ray film therein during exposure with an image correlated with a marking on the cassette exterior, thereby indicating the particular cassette within which the X ray film was exposed.

Abstract: A radiation image read-out apparatus comprises an automatic developing machine for carrying out a developing process on silver halide film, on which a radiation image has been recorded as a latent image, while the silver halide film is being passed through the automatic developing machine. A film digitizer is connected to the automatic developing machine such that it may directly receive the silver halide film having been fed out of the automatic developing machine. The film digitizer photoelectrically reads out the radiation image, which has been converted into a visible image during the developing process, from the silver halide film and thereby generates an image signal representing the radiation image. The radiation image read-out apparatus is free of the problems in that considerable time and labor are required to set the film manually in the film digitizer, and the film becomes stained with finger marks, dust, or the like.

Abstract: A radiograph identification and filing apparatus and method for photographically imprinting information onto radiographic film and filing the radiographic film. The apparatus comprises an adhesive-backed label and a jacket for storing the film. When used with a darkroom radiograph imprinter, the label, the adhesive backing for the label, and the release liner are all photo-transparent. When used with a radiograph ID camera, the label is photo-opaque. The label is divided into a plurality of information fields which include print information material. In a label for use with an imprinter, the print information is photo-opaque. The jacket includes a pocket for receiving the film and exterior surfaces for receiving the label. For an imprinter, the method includes providing a label having an imprint field having substantially the same dimensions as the light window of the imprinter.

Abstract: A chirally asymmetric marking on a sheet of radiographic film, positively identifies the side of the film sheet facing the front of an x-ray cassette during radiographic exposure. The marking is permanent and is accomplished automatically in an inexpensive, convenient and highly reliable manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides an X ray film cassette with a permanent marking means for identifying the side of the radiographic film that faced the X ray tube during exposure. Such identification is achieved irrespective of whether the film is exposed through the cover or base of the cassette and does not require any separate action by the X ray technologist, eliminating the element of human error. In a preferred embodiment, the working means is comprised of chirally asymmetric X ray opaque and/or light-opaque letters or markings permanently mounted in the film cassette. A user friendly apparatus is described, for installing the light-opaque markers on the intensifying screens of the X ray film cassette.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and displaying radiographs, particularly intra-oral radiographs, is presented. Radiographs are captured, digitized, and displayed along with an icon of a portion of the anatomy from which the radiograph was taken. The anatomical sites represented by the icon are arranged according to their normal anatomical relationship. The icon is used by the system user to select a portion of the anatomy corresponding to the displayed radiograph, and the radiograph is stored along with indicia of the selected anatomical site. Then, when the stored radiograph is desired to be viewed, the icon is again displayed, and the appropriate anatomical site is selected, which causes the corresponding radiograph to be retrieved from storage and displayed.

Abstract: An improved intra oral dental x-ray packet structured to both prevent x-ray radiation from passing completely through the packet into the patient's mouth and to prevent x-ray exposure of a small transverse strip at one end of the unexposed x-ray film within the packet. The unexposed portion of the x-ray film is sized so as not to significantly reduce the useful area for tooth exposure, yet providing an area for imprinting as by light exposure patient identification indicia thereonto after x-ray radiation exposure, but prior to developing the exposed x-ray film.

Abstract: The improved apparatus for writing information on X-ray films comprising:means for exposing said X-ray films to write said information,means for identifying a type of said X-ray films, andmeans for adjusting an amount of exposure of said means for exposing in accordance with said means for identifying.

Abstract: A sheet of x-ray film in a film cassette is identified with patient data by first providing such data to a data carrier, such as an LCD unit, mounted on the cassette and facing away from the cassette. Then the film that is removed from the cassette in a light-tight environment and exposed to the patient data in the data carrier.

Abstract: A dental x-ray patient identification marking device for use in conjunction with an identification camera to permanently imprint preselected patient identification indicia onto each small dental x-ray before developing. A thin aperture plate, which may be removable, is positioned atop the working surface of the identification camera having a light-emitting area there within. The aperture plate includes an elongated hole near one end of structure for properly aligning the dental x-ray so that the hole is in alignment and registry with a particular portion of the x-ray. A thin indicia card having the preselected patient identification indicia written or typed thereon in a specified region of the card, is positionable between the aperture plate and the light-emitting area in alignment with the hole which produces an exposure of the preselected patient identification indicia at one end of the x-ray in response to light passing through the card.

Abstract: A radiographic film cassette exposes a sheet of film to X-rays projected along an X-ray path by an X-ray tube. The cassette has an inner surface defining a recess for receiving the film sheet. A base having an inner surface is adapted to close upon the cover for securing the film sheet. A key is permanently mounted to the cover and disposed within the recess to provide the recess with chiral asymmetry. The sheet of film has a cutout adapted to engage the key. A marker is permanently fixed along at least one edge of the film. The key is so mounted that its disposition within the recess permits engagement with the cutout in only one orientation of the film sheet therein. The marker has chiral asymmetry and cooperates with the key and the cutout to identify the side of the film sheet facing the X-ray tube during exposure.

Abstract: An X-ray label includes a substrate that is transparent to X-ray radiation and X-ray absorbing pigment deposited on the substrate in images that provide identification data under visible light and that create corresponding images in an X-ray film emulsion layer when the film is exposed to X-ray radiation. Preferably, the X-ray absorbing pigment is deposited on the substrate using a thermal print process to quickly and consistently transfer X-ray absorbing pigment characters from the ribbon to the X-ray transparent substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for imprinting information, particularly identifying an intensifying screen and cassette used to produce a radiograph, permanently on the radiograph.

Abstract: The present invention provides an X ray film cassette with a permanent marking means for identifying the side of the radiographic film that faced the X ray tube during exposure. Such identification is achieved irrespective of whether the film is exposed through the cover or base of the cassette and does not require any separate action by the X ray technologist, eliminating the element of human error. In a preferred embodiment, the working means is comprised of chirally asymmetric X ray opaque and/or light-opaque letters or markings permanently mounted in the film cassette. A user friendly apparatus is described, for installing the light-opaque markers on the intensifying screens of the X ray film cassette.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining film processor performance. Films for use in radiographic imaging, adapted to evaluate performance of a film processor which develops an image of a structure of interest on the films are provided. The films have exposable areas for radiographically imaging the structure of interest, and test means integrally located on the exposable areas for determining the performance of the processor which develops the radiographic image on the film.

Abstract: A dental X-ray patient identification marking device for use in conjunction with an identification camera to permanently imprint preselected patient identification indicia onto each small dental X-ray before developing. A thin aperture plate, which may be removable, is positioned atop the working surface of the identification camera having a light-emitting area there within. The aperture plate includes an elongated hole near one end of structure for properly aligning the dental X-ray so that the hole is in alignment and registry with a particular portion of the X-ray. A thin indicia card having the preselected patient identification indicia written or typed thereon in a specified region of the card, is positionable between the aperture plate and the light-emitting area in alignment with the hole which produces an exposure of the preselected patient identification indicia at one end of the X-ray in response to light passing through the card.

Abstract: An x-ray film cassette is disclosed which includes a window for allowing imaging of patient identification data onto a film in the cassette by light. The window includes a slidable member made from a single piece of plastics material folded onto itself to form two leaves. The two leaves are secured to one another except in a region adjacent the free end of one of the leaves. One of the leaves is stiff and the other is resiliently flexible. The stiff leaf faces outwardly of the cassette and has an aperture in a region overlying the unsecured region to the flexible leaf to allow a probe to deflect the unsecured region of the flexible leaf. The free end of the flexible leaf has catch means which cooperate with other catch means to prevent movement of the slidable member away from the closed position when the free end region of the second leaf is in the non-deflected condition.

Abstract: A cassette for an x-ray film coated with a stimulable phosphor layer is formed so that a cassette memory which carries storable, recordable, readable and erasable data is rigidly attached to the cassette at the positioned spaced a predetermined distance from a given cassette corner. This position is the same for all cassettes of the same type and different formats.

Abstract: A fail-safe X-ray film marking system that includes a reusable fastening combination adapted for use in temporarily fastening a marking element to a container that is configured for holding X-ray film. The marking element is at least partially opaque to X-rays, and it is adapted to be positioned on the cassette in such a way that an image of an identifying character of the marking element will be imprinted on the X-ray film (inside the container) after it is exposed to radiation. The fastening combination is formed from X-ray permeable material that will not degrade the quality of an image produced on the subsequently exposed X-ray film; a suitable material for the combination is nylon.The fastening combination preferably includes a relatively large sheet having a pile-like surface comprising a multitude of small, short loops of the kind that can be engaged by a multitude of resilient hooks of the Velcro type.

Abstract: A distribution of an image signal read from a stimulable phosphor sheet and bearing a transmitted radiation image of a human body is determined along a horizontal direction across the image. Signal values of the distribution along the direction are accumulated, and the rate of change of the accumulated values is determined to find the imaged posture of the image. Alternatively, the separation or the average value of the distribution is determined, or the pattern of the distribution is compared with a plurality of reference signal distribution patterns. The derivative of second order of a function approximated by the distribution pattern may be checked for its sign, or the distribution pattern may be checked to determine whether it is of a one-valley form or a two-valley form.

Abstract: The specification describes an information-bearing sheet suitable for use with an X-ray film. The sheet is formed of a mark-bearing portion, which is to be applied to the X-ray film and exposed to X-ray upon taking an X-ray picture of an object, and a data-filling portion bearing, in a form printed thereon, the same mark as the mark-bearing portion, containing at least one blank space adapted to fill identification data of the object and provided in combination with the mark-bearing portion. The mark may be printed with a lead-containing ink on the mark-bearing portion. When the X-ray film is exposed to X-ray with the mark-bearing portion applied thereon, the mark is automatically imprinted on the X-ray film. When taking the X-ray picture, the data-filling portion is filled with appropriate data on the object and is applied to a bag for storing or filing the X-ray picture. In this manner, the X-ray picture can be easily matched with its corresponding object without failure.

Abstract: A radiation image read-out and reproducing apparatus comprises a section for feeding a stimulable phosphor sheet carrying a radiation image stored thereon, a section for feeding a recording sheet, a section for photoelectrically reading ID information, and a light beam scanning section. The light beam scanning section comprises a read-out main scanning system for scanning a light beam in a main scanning direction on the stimulable phosphor sheet, a reproducing main scanning system for scanning a light beam in a main scanning direction on the recording sheet, and a sub-scanning system for moving the stimulable phosphor sheet and the recording sheet in a sub-scanning direction, thereby to read out a radiation image from a stimulable phosphor sheet and to reproduce a radiation image and ID information on a recording sheet by modulating the light beam in the reproducing main scanning system in accordance with a radiation image read out and information detected by the ID information reading section.

Abstract: A device for attachment to an X-ray film cassette to indicate whether or not the film has been exposed to X-radiation comprises a phosphor screen (12) which fluoresces on exposure to X-radiation. A photocell (14) detects the light emitted by the screen and generates a control signal which is used to alter the display status of a liquid crystal display (24) from a first condition which indicates that the film in the cassette has not been exposed to X-radiation to a second condition where it indicates that exposure has taken place. A latch circuit (20) is used to retain the altered display even after exposure to X-radiation ceases. The device therefore gives a clear indication of whether or not the film in the cassette has been exposed to X-radiation. The circuit is powered from a nickel cadmium cell (26), the power supply circuit of which incorporates a micro switch (28).

Abstract: Disclosed is a film feeding mechanism for use during medical x-ray techniques, particularly angiography. Sheets of film are fed sequentially at high speed into and out of a film exposure device, by a feed mechanism including continuously driven feed wheels and movable pinch rollers, in a manner so as to reduce damage to the films, including the build-up and discharge of static charge on the films. In the film exposure device, a free-floating lower clamping assembly, having a natural substantially flat configuration, clamps each film against an upper clamping assembly from the center of the film progressively outward towards its leading and trailing ends, to eliminate wrinkling of the film. A firing command is transmitted to an X-ray generator before each unexposed sheet of film reaches the exposure position and each cycle of operation is accomplished by energizing a single revolution clutch connectable to a continuously running, constant speed motor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for marking a film with information, e.g. patient data and other possible information in X-ray photography, such as panoramic tomography. The X-ray beam creating the X-ray photograph, and the X-ray film move in a certain manner in relation to one another. A certain area of the film is reserved for markings which are latently made thereon, to become visible when the X-ray film is developed. Markings are made simultaneously with the film exposure to the X-ray beam for the X-ray photography. The markings are sequentially made by using relative movement of the radiation with which the marking is made upon the film and the film itself, such relative movement being synchronized with the relative movement of the X-ray beam to which the film is exposed for the actual X-ray photography, and the film itself, the relative movement preferably representing a parallel deflection or displacement along a marking row.

Abstract: A substrate transparent to x-rays mounts a resilient layer transparent to x-rays, and an overlying thin blocker layer of fracturable lead or tin foil which is opaque to x-rays. When impressed or typewritten the blocker layer is selectively stenciled or fractured to permit selective passage of x-rays therethrough. The substrate or a perforated portion thereof mounting the stencil, is emplaced upon an x-ray cassette during x-ray exposure to capture the stencilized data in the permanent film image. Visual inspection of stencilized data may be aided by a white paint layer disposed upon the blocker layer. Affixation to the film or cassette may be aided by a pressure sensitive adhesive layer in an area adjacent the other superimposed layers.

Abstract: An x-ray film sheet cassette, comprises a bottom part, and a cover part which are turnable relative to one another and lockable with one another, an element forming a guiding surface in the bottom part for guiding a film sheet during its insertion into the cassette between the bottom part and the cover part, a suction cup arranged in the bottom part for attracting a film sheet and having an upper edge, and a spring element arranged in the bottom part and formed so that when the cover part is open, the spring element lifts the guiding surface above a level of the upper edge of the suction cup, and when the cover is closed it presses the guiding surface and the spring element downwardly so that the suction cup is brought into contact with a film sheet.

Abstract: A data processing system for a radiation image reproducing apparatus includes an input device for entering an identification code assigned to a radiation image storage panel and data related with an exposure at an exposing device when the storage panel is exposed to an imagewise radiation. The input device is associated with the exposing device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus involving the use of an X-ray video fluoroscope for nondestructive analysis of rock samples, including core obtained during the drilling of wellbores through subterranean strata, to determine the presence, location, and orientation of any internal features, or to monitor the flow of fluids through the rock sample. Rock samples can be both moved through and rotated in the analysis zone of the X-ray video fluoroscope and the visible light image obtained from the X-ray video fluoroscope can then be viewed, recorded photographically or on video tape, or digitized to facilitate computer implemented storage, retrieval, and digital processing of the X-ray video fluoroscope image.

Abstract: A radiation image and read-out apparatus comprises a conveying means for circulating stimulable phosphor sheets along a predetermined circulation path, an image recording section for recording radiation images of objects on the sheets, an image read-out section for reading out the radiation images from the sheets, an erasing section for releasing radiation energy remaining on the sheets, a sheet position detection means for outputting sheet position data, an object data input section for receiving data related to the objects, and a signal output control circuit for receiving the object data and the sheet position data, storing the object data in association with the sheet positioned at the image recording section at the time the object data is received, reading out the object data stored in the memory means in association with the sheets at the time the radiation images are read out in the image read-out section, and outputting data signals corresponding to the object data for the respective sheets together w

Abstract: An X-ray film marking device is quickly attachable to and detachable from an X-ray film cassette using a block of magnet material which is X-ray opaque but if formed with two X-ray transparent cavity portions. One cavity portion is L-shaped to cause a black L recording on a white background. A second cavity portion is R-shaped to cause a black R recording on a white background. A door of X-ray opaque material is adjustably positioned over either cavity portion and has magnetizable material cooperating with the magnet material to safely lock the door in its adjusted positions. The cavity portions are filled with different color X-ray transparent material for contrast. The magnet material includes a third cavity portion which is dish shaped for confining a ball that is free to move to a position therein depending upon the orientation of the X-ray cassette upon which the marker is mounted.

Abstract: A data recording system records data on a part of a radiation image storage panel using a stimulative phosphor by exposing that part to an X-ray beam generated by an X-ray beam generator. An input device is provided for entering into the system information associated with an image to be stored in the mentioned part of the radiation image storage panel. A control unit controls the X-ray beam generator in response to the entered information so that the intensity of the X-ray beam is varied and the X-ray beam is caused to scan the mentioned part of the radiation image storage panel. The information is thus recorded in the part of the panel and will be read out therefrom in the same way as a radiation image of an object stored in the remaining part of the panel.

Abstract: To avoid problems in communication between the examining physician, the X-ray technician and the diagnosing radiologist, the present invention utilizes adhesive tape having radiopaque material incorporated into it. This tape is for use by the examining physician, to mark the exact location of concern. It will be visualized by the X-ray technician who shoots the film, and will then appear on the processed film to focus the attention of the radiologist to the area deserving closest attention.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, an X-ray image intensifier television chain includes an X-ray image intensifier, a television camera, and a monitor, and a control unit has an adjustment panel for selecting radiography and fluoroscopy parameters. The control unit is connected with a signal generator whose output is connected to a mixing stage, arranged between the television camera and the monitor, so that a signal which is dependent upon the selected parameters is generated by the signal generator and is superimposed on the video signal delivered by the television camera for the purpose of fading-in a representation of the selected parameters in the television picture of the monitor.

Abstract: A film support defines an x-ray permeable path and indicia such as the letters L and R are carried by an indicia support and the indicia support is movably mounted to the film support and overlies the x-ray path. The indicia are opaque to x-rays and the indicia support is arranged to alternately locate one indicia in the x-ray path and the other indicia out of the x-ray path so that when film is placed in the film support and is exposed to x-rays and later is developed, the film will have the image of one of the indicia imposed thereon.

Abstract: By moving a wedge (18) within the radiographic field during exposure of an area of interest, steps of the wedge are presented one by one at the same film location over sequential exposures. Wedge steps are thus superimposed over an identical position within the radiographic field, and a correlation may then be made between wedge step thickness and film optical density over successive exposures for calibrating the radiographs. A preferred form of the stepped wedge is circular (FIG. 2). An alternate form is a circular ramp (FIG. 3).

Abstract: X-ray apparatus and method for producing discrete images of a human organ in fluctuating motion, e.g., the heart and related vessels. Each image is derived at a selected time related to the cardiac cycle. The images are independently presented on respective discrete areas within a common image plane. A source of X-rays irradiates the organ. A physiological synchronizer produces timing signals within the cardiac cycle for controlling the periods of transmission of the X-ray beam through the organ during, for example, end diastole and end systole. An antiscattering, masking frame has alternate parallel slits and bars at equal intervals exposing substantially half the area of presentation of an X-ray sensitive film in alternate, equally spaced area strips during, e.g., diastole.