Abstract: The invention relates to an image plate (1) for intra-oral dental X-ray photography, the plate being placed in a shield (3) enveloping it for the duration of photography. According to the invention the shield has been made pervious to X-rays but impervious to visible light, and it comprises a closed shielding bag of plastic membrane. The shield may be made up of an inner shielding bag (3) impervious to light and a surrounding closed outer shielding bag which may be of transparent plastic membrane. After photography, the possible outer bag is first removed, the patient's saliva being removed along with it. Thereafter the image plate (1) and the surrounding shielding bag (3), one end (6) of which has been opened or, if an outer bag is used, is possibly already open, are introduced into the read-out apparatus, in which a pulling device grips the end of the plate in the bag, whereafter the bag can be pulled out while the plate remains in the read-out apparatus for the reading out of the image.

Abstract: An enclosure useful in enclosing a dental X-ray film pack upon taking an X-ray picture of a tooth is formed of an enclosing portion and a holding portion extending from the enclosing portion. To permit enclosure of a dental X-ray film pack provided with a bite block, the enclosing portion is formed of two separate sheets. After inserting the bite block into a basal part of the holding portion, the pack is covered between the two sheets and the two sheets are then fusion-bonded to seal the pack within the enclosing portion. The holding portion has a length sufficient to extend out of an oral cavity when the enclosing portion is inserted in the oral cavity. After taking the X-ray picture of the tooth, the dentist holds the enclosure at the holding portion, takes the enclosing portion out of the cavity, and then tears off the enclosure from a side of the holding portion, so that the dental X-ray film pack falls out of the enclosure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dental X-ray film packet 12 holder having a substantially flat, substantially rigid body member 14. The body member 14 has an anterior end 18 including a first film packet-holding slot 16 extending into the body member 14, and a posterior end 22 including a second film packet-holding slot 20 extending into the body member 14. Between the anterior and posterior ends 18 and 22 is a lateral side edge 28 from which extends guideposts 24 and 26 used to correctly position the cone 62 of an X-ray camera with respect to the film packet 12.

Abstract: The accuracy of pre-treatment radiographic images is improved by standardizing a technique for placing a bite block in a patient's mouth, by minimizing distortion in the resulting radiograph, and by providing a means for measuring the remaining distortion in the radiographic image. The placement of the bite block is registered on study models prior to the taking of the radiograph such that the dental practitioner can predetermine the best possible position for the bite block per individual patient outside the patient's mouth. The best possible position allows the dental practitioner to optimize the position of the bite block to obtain a radiograph having minimal vertical distortion and mesio-distal distortion. As some distortion is inevitable, the invention also allows for a means to measure the resulting distortion based on spatial markers set at a predetermined distance apart which are superimposed onto the radiographic image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method used in the panoramic X-ray photography of a patient's set of teeth and a device for carrying out constant enlargement also in those spots (21) of the dental arch where the X-ray beam (12) is not perpendicular to the tangent (23) of the dental arch (20). Constant enlargement is achieved by selecting, on the film (13), a speed profile which follows the formula: v.sub.f =((A+B/A).times.v1.times.1/ cos (b), where v.sub.f is the speed of the film, v.sub.1 is a component of the propagation speed of the intersection of the X-ray beam and the spot to be photographed which is perpendicular to the X-ray beam, A is the distance between the focus of the X-ray source and the spot to be photographed, B is the distance between the spot to be photographed and the film, and b is the angle between the tangent (23) of the spot in question of the dental arch and the normal (22) of the X-ray beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a panoramic X-ray photography apparatus having a rotatably mounted supporting arm (1) which has at one end an X-ray source (2) and at the opposite end an image receptor (3), in which case the object is placed between the X-ray source (2) and the image receptor (3) and the imaging is carried out by rotating the supporting arm. The idea of the invention is that a simple panoramic X-ray photography apparatus can also be used for tomography, since the object to be imaged, i.e. the denture, contains mainly vertical surfaces and a horizontal oscillating movement suffices for blurring them. An additional idea is that by moving the bearing shaft (4) of the supporting arm along a circle arc portion during blurring, the fulcrum can be shifted to outside the bearing shaft, thus eliminating certain limitations imposed by the mechanics of a conventional X-ray photography apparatus with respect to the area to be imaged and the location of the supporting arm.

Abstract: A film positioning system for dental X-ray procedures including a plurality of film carriers each including a film holder on one end and an attachment rod extending therefrom; and an X-ray tube aiming device including a plurality of distinct attachment rod holders for separately positioning each film carrier in the proper orientation with respect to the X-ray tube.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for cranial X-ray tomography and radiography which includes a housing having a horizontal support projecting forwardly therefrom. A pivot arm is pivotally supported by the horizontal support by means of a pivot bearing. The pivot arm provides support for a narrow beam tomographic X-ray source and film holder and is provided with a guide bearing which has guided relation with a horizontal guide shaft within the housing to provide for horizontal pivotal oscillation of the support arm during tomographic procedures. The pivot arm is controllably moved by means of a reversible electric motor which imparts driving movement to the guide bearing by means of a flexible drive element. The electric motor is controllably energized and deenergized by means of electrical circuitry incorporating limit switches which limit pivotal movement of the pivot arm.

Abstract: A dental X-ray aiming device adapted to place an X-ray film packet having sharp edges at a proper position in the oral cavity of a patient. The device includes a packet holder that serves to shield the sharp edges of the packet to avoid direct contact with tissue within the oral cavity and the resultant discomfort, pain or trauma. The holder is formed by a rectangular frame of resilient plastic material within which the packet is socketed, and a bite block joined to the front of the frame which, when clenched between the teeth of the patient, then places the held film packet behind a tooth region to be examined. The device also includes a distance-calibrated guide rod which is detachably coupled to the bite block, and a sighting ring adapted to receive the nose cone of an X-ray unit, the ring being slidable along the rod to a desired position thereon, whereby an X-ray beam is projected from the nose cone in accurate relationship to the film packet.

Abstract: A dental film packet, comprises a film pack in a sealed envelope for intra-oral use for dental X-ray purposes. The envelope consists of a pair of thin pockets 21 and 22 of injection moulded plastics material, mating by means of tongues and cut-outs which may be held together and sealed by a band of adhesive tape. The envelope 20 has edges 29, 30 and corners 31 which are smoothly rounded so that the envelope 20 is devoid of any sharp edges. It will therefore generally cause the patient considerably less discomfort than the conventional form of packet. (FIG.

Abstract: A device for developing and fixing a dental radiography plate includes a casing of flexible, impermeable material which is sealed around its entire perimeter and has first and second compartments interconnected by a flat duct. The first compartment contains a radiographic plate and the second compartment contains a sachet of a liquid for processing the plate. The sachet is adapted to release the liquid when its pressure exceeds a predetermined value as a result of the compression of the sachet.

Abstract: A radiographic film retaining device for holding a film packet while producing a radiographic image of selected teeth of a patient's mouth is disclosed. The retaining device includes a substantially thin bite portion configured for placement between upper and lower teeth of the patient's mouth and a retaining structure positioned distally of the bite portion. The retaining structure has a film packet gripping structure for holding the film packet lingually adjacent the selected teeth when the bite portion is gripped between the upper and lower teeth. The retaining structure comprises a narrow extension of the bite portion. The film packet gripping structure includes a slit formed and extending through the retaining structure from the distal end thereof toward the bite portion.

Abstract: A radiographic film packet is adapted to be placed in a patient's mouth for exposing a sheet of dental film to x-rays generated by an x-ray tube. The packet comprises: a light-proof envelope having a first side and second side defining a pocket for receiving the film sheet; a sheet of lead disposed within the pocket adjacent the second side; a sheet of film disposed within the pocket between the lead sheet and the first side; an indicator affixed to the first side of the envelope, the indicator expressly designated the edge of the film packet appointed to be uppermost in the mouth during radiographic exposure; and a marker comprising a perforation in the periphery of the film sheet.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention comprising a rotary means having an X-ray source disposed opposite to an X-ray image detection section for detecting the image of the X-ray which penetrated an object to be photographed, with the object positioned therebetween, and rotating the X-ray source and the X-ray image detection section as an integrated unit around the object, an image storage means which sequentially stores image information obtained by the X-ray image detection section as frame images, and an image processing means which sequentially derives image information from the image storage means at predetermined time intervals, adds the information of each image while shifting the information of each image by a predetermined distance in the image movement direction along a series of image information to digitally form the panoramic image of a given tomographic image layer depending on the interval for deriving the information of each image and the shift amount.

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: A radiographic film packet is adapted to be placed in a patient's mouth for exposing a sheet of dental film to x-rays generated by an x-ray tube. The packet includes a light-proof and moisture resistant envelope having a first side and a second side defining a pocket for receiving the film sheet.Disposed within the pocket are a sheet of lead and a sheet of film, the lead sheet being located adjacent the second side and the film sheet being located between the lead sheet and the first side. An indicator affixed to the first side expressly designates the edge of the film packet appointed to be uppermost in the mouth during radiographic exposure. A film marker is affixed to said film sheet along a periphery and proximate a corner thereof. The film marker has a constant orientation relative to the indicator, and identifies the orientation of the film sheet during exposure.

Abstract: An improved shape of a small rectangular dental x-ray, including a jacket for containing each unexposed dental x-ray and a mount for viewably retaining a complete set of expoded such dental x-rays. The improved dental x-ray shape includes three conventional, rounded corners and a notched or diagonally cut fourth corner which provides viewable indicia of orientation. The jacket includes orienting lines extending along two adjacent margins from the corner corresponding to the notched corner of the unexposed dental x-ray contained therein. The mount, formed of thin, pliable transparent sheet plastic material, includes a plurality of transparent pouches or pockets arranged thereon, each of which is similarly notched, shaped and structured to viewably receive and retain one such exposed improved dental x-ray. These pockets are divided into left, right and center regions corresponding to the regions of patients' teeth.

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: Apparatus for taking dental x-rays used in performing subtraction radiography, includes an appliance for holding a dental x-ray film at a fixed position with respect to the teeth of a person, the appliance including a dental mold for holding the appliance in a fixed position on the teeth of the person, and a connecting member for holding the x-ray film in a fixed position relative to the teeth of the person and being mounted to the mold such that the x-ray film is positioned in the mouth at a set position; a magnetic source mounted at a fixed position in a room for producing a time-varying low frequency magnetic field; a magnetic sensor for sensing the magnetic field and for producing an output signal in response thereto, the magnetic sensor being mounted to the connecting member so as to be fixed in position relative to the x-ray film; an x-ray source for exposing the x-ray film; a robot manipulator having at least five degrees of freedom for moving the x-ray source in relation to the x-ray film, and having

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning an image receptor, such as X-ray film, within a patient's mouth in predetermined relation to an energy beam, such as an X-ray beam, generated externally of the patient's mouth, includes rigid structure supporting an image receptor and connecting it to the source of the energy beam, and a bite block removably attached to the rigid structure in a position such that the portion of the patient's maxilla and mandible gripping the bite block is removed from the portion being studied with the energy beam. The attachment system further provides for attachment of the bite block at any of a plurality of discrete sites relative to the image receptor. Bite registration material is preferably provided on the bite block surfaces to allow precise repositioning of the bite block in a series of successive exposures. The apparatus allows a plurality of target areas to be studied using one bite block position within the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A convenience-enhancing improvement upon a known dental film packet (FP) having sensitized film and protective opaque sheets (10 and 12, 14) enclosed by an openable light-tight envelope (16), one of whose opaque sheets (12c) covers substantially all of the film sheet (10) when both (12c and 10) are partially withdrawn after its envelope (16) has been opened, rendering the film sheet (10) inconvenient to grasp and remove alone. In a first embodiment, the improvement comprises shortening said one opaque sheet (12c') so that it (12c') remains sufficiently protective without covering a graspable end portion (10L') of the film sheet (10').

Abstract: A cushion for dental film cartridges and a method for forming the same are disclosed. The cushion comprises first and second layers of foam or a like material bonded together about their common periphery and having a central opening passing therethrough. The foam cushion is installed about the periphery of a film cartridge such as those commonly used in dentistry to facilitate x-raying of the teeth. The foam cushion surrounds and covers the typically hard and sharp edges of the film cartridges to prevent discomfort and pain due to abrasion of the gums and soft mouth tissue.

Abstract: The set of X-ray film holders for taking X-ray exposures of an entire tooth consists of a holder for the side teeth and a holder for the front teeth, each of the holders comprising a resilient clip for the X-ray film, a formed bite portion and a cranked indicator rod extending perpendicularly to the film plane for adjusting the central X-ray beam orthogonally to the film plane. The film clip is attached to the bite portion in such a manner that it is pivotable by 360.degree. and may be locked in the plane which is formed by the indicator rod with its cranked portion. Except for special X-ray tubes, it is useful to have a centering aid for the central X-ray beam. To this end, an index having pointer means is movably disposed on the indicator rod, guiding means being provided on the indicator rod and on the tube of the index in order to bring the pointer means into the correct position according to whether the X-ray film is in its upward or downward position.

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 device of x-ray intensifying and anti-diffusion screens, for intra-oral dental radiographic plates of the kind employing a hermetic chassis cassette with a front and a back protective plate and having at least one intensifying plate emulsified with "rare earths", preferably gadolinium or lanthanum salts, related to one of the faces of the radio-graphic film to which it is faced. There is also an anti-diffusion plate made of metallic threads of predetermined thickness arranged in horizontal and vertical rows. This anti-diffusion plate is interposed between the object to by x-rayed and the intensifying screen and radiographic film, presenting between the anti-diffusion reticulated plate and the front intensifying screen, a separating plate of compressible material, and between the back protective plate and the back intensifying plate and/or the radiographic film, a plate of non-radiographic material, preferably lead.

Abstract: A panoramic method for the radiography of the dental arch and jaws, in which method by means of movable radiographing and/or imaged elements, several subsequent exposure sweep sequences are performed so that the moving elements are transferred to a new position betwen the subsequent exposure sequences. In order to achieve a perfectly jointed X-ray picture, the movement of the moving elements is started before the switch-on instant of the X-ray beam in the latter exposure sequence and the starting positions of said elements is selected so as to obtain desired positions and velocities for the elements at the switch-on instant of the X-ray beam. The coincidence of the X-ray beam orientation at the start of the latter exposure sequence with the X-ray beam orientation at the end of the preceding sequence is characterizing to an embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to an x-ray film holder for intra-oral photographing, comprising a holder head (2) with three slots (10, 11, 12) intended to hold films in different positions and to be inserted in the mouth-cavity of the patient with a film in any of the said slots, and a handle (1) comprising at least a substantially flat bite portion, so that the occlusion plane will be lying on each side of said flat portion. The three slots in the holder head consist of a first slot (10) for a lying film (FIG. 2A) for so called bite-wing exposure, where crowns as well as the border portion of the bone in one of both the jaws are visible on the developed picture, a second slot (11) for an upraised film (FIG. 2B) for so called upraised bite-wing exposure, where crowns as well as the border portion of the bone in both the jaws are visible on the developed picture, and a third slot (12) for so called apical pictures (FIG.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing panoramic x-ray image projections of the dental arch on X-ray film. The apparatus includes a fixed body (1). The opposite ends of a movable supporting arm (11) are fitted with an X-ray source (12) and a film holder (13) that may be positioned on opposite sides of the dental arch. A first drive (20-23) produces a rotating motion of supporting arm (11) with respect to the arch. A second drive (2, 4) sets the center of rotating motion in linear movement in dependence on the angular position of supporting arm (11). The apparatus further includes a selector (3, 6, 10) for selecting the direction of linear motion (translatory motion) as desired.

Abstract: A dental x-ray film holder has a film packet for holding x-ray film and is sized to fit adjacent one or more teeth in a patient's mouth. A bite tab is attached to and extends from the film packet for gripping between the teeth to hold the film packet in place adjacent the teeth. An aligning system is provided on the bite tab for aiming an x-ray tube directly at the film packet adjacent the teeth and includes an opening in the bite tab for properly positioning the film packet adjacent a tooth. At least two aiming lines extend across one side of the bite tab and film packet and a center of film indication is on the bite tab. A method of aligning an x-ray tube for x-raying a patient's teeth includes making the x-ray film holder having the film packet holding the x-ray film with a bite tab having aiming lines and a center of film line thereon, the aligning the x-ray tube with the lines on the bite tab, and x-raying a patient's teeth with the x-ray tube aligned on the bite tab.

Abstract: A mark-bearing support for a dental X-ray film pack is disclosed. The support has an X-ray pervious bite portion to be clenched between upper and lower teeth and a support portion for temporarily holding the dental X-ray film pack thereon. The support portion is provided with a mark formed of an X-ray impervious material such as a lead-containing ink.

Abstract: A dental X-ray irradiation indicating device which permits accurate indication of a location to be X-rayed and also permits photographing of an image substantially with the exact size. The device comprises a supporting member, an arm means extending from the supporting member, and an indicating member mounted on the arm means by way of a mounting member, whereby the indicating member is positioned in an opposing relationship to an intra-oral X-ray film package which is held in a predetermined angular position in an oral cavity of a patient. When an intra-oral X-ray photograph is to be taken, an X-ray is irradiated with reference to the indicating member of the device.

Abstract: A holder for radiographic film fits between the jaws; the patient secures the holder steady by biting down thereon. The holder is U-shaped to provide space for root canal files which otherwise prevent the patient from biting down on conventional film holders. The holder accommodates placement of the film in horizontal or vertical direction and also for such placement while filming either jaw. Separate U-shaped holders may be used for anterior and posterior positions and separate posterior holders for the left and right jaws. By inverting the right lower posterior holder, it may be used on the upper left.

Abstract: In a diagnostic process in which two images are made on an image recording medium of the same structure at the beginning and the end of a time interval during which the structure changes, a method is provided for permitting a computing device to improve the alignment of the images as reproduced in the form of pixels on a monitor screen. A particular spatial pattern of marker elements is provided, when each of the images is made, in a particular juxtaposition to the structure being imaged, so that the shadows of the elements arise on the respective images. The computing device can then rotate, translate and alter the scale of one image with respect to the other until the shadows of the elements on one image coincide as closely as possible with those on the other image.

Abstract: A comfort-enhancing improvement upon a known dental film packet having sensitized film and protection opaque sheets enclosed by a light-tight envelope that includes an opposed pair of generally parallel walls covering the sheets, those walls being joined together along facing marginal areas thereof surrounding the sheets so as to define a main body portion and a perimetric edge portion of the envelope. The improvement comprises a deflectable lateral extension of the perimetric edge portion, the extension projecting outwardly therefrom by an amount rendering the edge portion and its extension sufficiently flexible to be readily deflected and folded back around part of the main body portion toward one of said walls, thereby forming a curved resilient cushion where so folded, when the packet is intraorally positioned for a radiographic exposure.

Abstract: A bite wing x-ray film holder includes at least one packet of liquid food product that is adapted to release that food product into the patient's mouth during the x-ray procedure.

Abstract: A comfort-enhancing improvement upon a known dental film packet having sensitized film and protective opaque sheets enclosed by a light-tight envelope that includes an opposed pair of generally parallel walls covering the sheets, those walls being joined together along facing marginal areas thereof surrounding the sheets so as to define a main body portion and a perimetric edge portion of the envelope. The improvement comprises a pliant bead of substantially non-porous, non-toxic, polymeric elastomeric material, preferably a silicone resin, that is molded in situ around at least part of the perimetric edge portion to encapsulate that part of the edge portion with such material and thereby provide the encapsulated part with a softer, smoother, and more rounded peripheral surface.

Abstract: An image receptor holder and bite block device for positioning x-ray film in the mouth for radiography. The device permits the horizontal and vertical movement of the image receptor, which may be film or non-film, with respect to the x-ray source. The bite block is comprised of an upper and lower member which can rotate planarly with respect to each other. Multiple apertures along a vertical face of the bite block permits the vertical positioning of the bite block with respect to the x-ray source. The image receptor holder may also be rotatably connected to the bite block to permit vertical and horizontal movement of the image receptor holder with respect to the bite block. Articulation of the x-ray image receptor is made by pivoting various members of the device. Therefore, the device may be adjusted to accommodate the contours of a particular patient's mouth. The area of radiation can be minimized because the relative movement of the image receptor to the x-ray source is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A cushioned oral X-ray plate packet as well as a cushion for use with an X-ray plate packet are provided. The cushion is made of compressed cellulose sponge material which expands in thickness when moistened. A cushion wrap is also disclosed for controlling the wetting and/or expansion of the cushion.

Abstract: A method and device for use in combination with a dental x-ray film for reducing the pain, discomfort or tissue trauma associated with the emplacement of such a film into the oral cavity of a patient, the device comprising a tubular member formed of a soft, resilient nontoxic material, the member having an axially extending slot which extends radially into the member, the slot adapted to receive an edge of a dental x-ray film therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is an x-ray film packet positioner device by means of which certain x-ray film views can be obtained and which is especially adaptable to all disciplines of dental practice but not limited to same. This invention consists of two units, namely a positioner body device and an x-ray film packet holding rod device. The positioner body of the invention is stabilized and held in position by a bite platform device and contains slots for positioning and holding x-ray film packets for obtaining certain x-ray film views as well as containing a hole in which a positioner x-ray film packet holding rod device can be placed. The positioner body contains holes into which are inserted retaining devices and by means of which an x-ray film packet holding rod device is stabilized and fixed in position, and by which the body of the invention is tightened against a bite platform. The x-ray film packet holding rod device contains slots for holding x-ray film packets in certain positions.

Abstract: A dental X-ray film pack includes a dental X-ray film, an inner packaging member covering both sides of the dental X-ray film and an outer packaging member having a peeling piece at a part thereof and enclosing the dental X-ray film and inner packaging member. The dental X-ray film pack is provided with a means for uniting together a section of the inner packaging member, said section covering one side of the dental X-ray film on the side of the peeling piece, and the peeling piece.

Abstract: A cushioning bite plate adapter for use with a dental x-ray film holder comprises an elastically compressible member which has an attachment surface for engaging a surface of a bite plate of the film holder. An adhesive layer is disposed on the attachment surface of the elastically compressible member. A protective peel-off sheet is disposed over the adhesive layer. To use, the protective peel-off sheet is removed and the adhesive layer on the attachment surface is pressed into contact with the bite plate surface. The adhesive layer maintains the elastically compressible member in contact with the bite plate surface. Following use, the adapter is separated from the bite plate surface and thrown away.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of photographing a desired object with a panoramic X-ray apparatus fitted with automatic exposure, comprising an X-ray generator (4, 5), an X-ray tube (5) and a film (7) with its holder. In the method, the detection of a cone of rays (9) penetrated through an object is effected before the actual filming is started and, after the detection, the filming is effected by using a cone of rays (6), directed so as to bypass a detector (1).

Abstract: Padding for a radiographic film packet may be formed of a foamed ethylene vinyl acetate and supplied as a portion of the film packet or as a pad for attachment to an existing film packet. The pad extends along an edge surface on the film packet to relieve discomfort and to facilitate positioning of the pad and film packet within the patient's mouth for accurate exposure to X-rays. The side of the packet opposite the pad is allowed to remain unpadded for the following reasons; to avoid increasing the overall packet dimensions, to facilitate relatively free access to the film contents of the packet, and to enable the film packet to fit into film holders that are currently used for film placement. The padded film packet is especially useful in periapical films where it is especially desirable to expose root areas and adjacent tissues.

Abstract: A dental radiographic film packet includes soft corners for greater patient comfort. Corner areas contain additional air space to permit additional flexing of the film chip in these areas. Furthermore, other internal structures, such as cardboard elements, have been removed to increase flexibility in these areas. The outer surface of the film packet is seamless at the corners to eliminate any sharp edges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gauge for use with x-ray machines to calibrate correct technic values (exposure, kilovoltage, processing conditions, etc.) for x-ray film to yield anatomically correct film densities over the visible density range. The gauge accomplishes this by including only four sections. In particular, a first portion for achieving correct film densities at the low end of the visible density range and a second portion for achieving correct film densities at the high end of the visible density range. The gauge also includes at least one region for achieving a slight variation in film density in each of the first and second above-named portions. The gauge may be encased by being cast in plastic of a particular thickness and absorption of x-rays. With this gauge, the radiographer examines film densities at the upper and lower limits of the visible density range to distinguish overexposure, upper limits of correct exposure, correct exposure, lower limit of correct exposure and underexposure.

Abstract: An improved cephalostat comprising an upper housing portion and rotatable lower housing portion wherein a patient's head may be positioned below the lower housing portion and lateral, anterior, posterior, or frontal oblique, x-ray pictures may be selectively taken. Said lower housing portion includes a gear and gear rack assembly for the relative positioning of associated earposts and a top knob adjustment for the earposts extends outward from the top of the upper housing portion. The upper housing portion further accommodates adjustable support rod means for an x-ray cassette holder that is held laterally to one side of the upper housing portion. The lower housing portion is capable of accommodating support slide rods which carry a nasion positioner.

Abstract: Exterior guides for use in combination with bite tab film holders and a snap-a-ray type film holder for accurately aligning a beam of an X-ray cone with a film during the process of taking intraoral periapical dental X-rays. In a first embodiment, the exterior guide comprises an h-shaped structure positioned in a horizontal plane with maxillary and mandibular angulation markings on the structure's guide arms. In a second embodiment, the exterior guide comprises a U-shaped structure positioned in a vertical plane having mandibular and maxillary angulation markings on the structure's guide arms.

Abstract: A device for recording images of a patient's jaw includes a holder carrying a radiation window disposed externally of the patient's mouth and mounting a carrier disposed within a patient's mouth. A biting element is connected to the carrier and projects toward the window and the carrier provides a surface facing the window and against which a radiation sensitive plate is located. Location and positioning of the plate against the surface is effected by a cap which fits over the carrier. The cap has rounded corners and is formed of flexible material to protect the patient's mouth from injury. The carrier is formed of a first part which attaches to the holder and a second part which is adjustable thereon parallel to the window and the biting element is adjustable laterally on the first part to allow further adjustment of the plate within the patient's mouth.