Abstract: A dental x-ray block to eliminate sheets of lead foil from dental x-ray film packets and to inhibit unnecessary x-ray exposure as well as backscattered reflections that can obscure x-ray images and methods of manufacturing and using the same. The dental x-ray block comprises a mouthpiece and a packet holder, which is coupled with the mouthpiece and configured to receive and engage a dental x-ray film packet. Being configured to significantly attenuate and/or absorb x-rays, an attenuation member is coupled with the dental x-ray block and is substantially in axially alignment with the dental x-ray film packet. Therefore, after the dental x-ray film packet has been exposed to a primary x-ray beam, the primary x-ray beam is significantly attenuated by the attenuation member to inhibit unnecessary x-ray exposure and secondary exposures due to backscattered reflections from obscuring x-ray images.

Abstract: An intraoral x-ray film packet is taught which includes an integrally formed comfort enhancing perimetric bracket. The packet comprises a pair of opposing outer sheets and a continuous enclosing seal bonding the two outer sheets together to form an envelope with a perimetric projection with a film chip residing in the envelope. The perimetric projection is folded over and affixed to the packet to form an integral perimetric bracket with a rounded or creased perimetric edge.

Abstract: A holder for a dental X-ray image receptor is provided which enables adjustment of the position of the receptor after placement of the holder and receptor in the mouth. A flexible, deformable or elastic loop holds the sensor in place but enables manipulation of the sensor position. The elastic loop is connected to a handle member. A slot also is provided in the handle for accommodating wire leads connected to the receptor or sensor.

Abstract: An improved holder, such as a bitewing loop, bitewing tab, or bite block, for intraoral x-ray film as is typically used in the dental field. The holder incorporates a flavoring substance on one or more of the exterior surfaces of the holder which are likely to come into contact with the patient's mouth. If desired, more than one flavor may be used on the same holder to provide variety. Alternatively, the film packet may also be flavored, in the same, or different, flavor as the holder.

Abstract: A reusable bite block/film packet holder is taught which includes comfort enhancing features for holding intraoral radiographic film packets therein and for proper positioning in a patient's mouth. The bite block/film packet holder includes a bite-block and a support bracket extending at an angle of about 90° from the bite-block. There is a slot in the bite-block immediately adjacent the support bracket for engaging an edge of an intraoral film packet inserted therein. A perimetric border at the peripheral edge of the support bracket has a generally rounded cross-sectional configuration and extends beyond the dimensions of the intraoral film packet inserted in the slot. Thus, the sharp, die-cut edges of the film packet are prevented from uncomfortably engaging the soft/sensitive tissues of a patient's mouth. Rather the rounded, soft-feeling perimetric border of the bite block/film packet holder is the contacting element.

Abstract: A dental roentgenogram film cover and method for improving the comfort of the roentgenogram are disclosed. One skilled in the art will appreciate the advantages of the roentgenographic film cover. Specifically, there is a soft porous foam envelope which eliminates patient discomfort. Uniquely, the foam envelope is coated with a flavoring material which improves patient comfort and the foam envelope can be used for multiple x-ray procedures on the same patient, thereby decreasing the cost of the procedure. The method of this invention involves placing the x-ray film into the cover. Positioning the film and cover within the mouth of a dental patient. Exposing the x-ray film to an external x-ray source. Removing the film and cover from within the mouth of a dental patient, Removing the cover from the film and reusing the cover on other x-ray film procedures as needed for the same patient.

Abstract: A container for an imaging plate includes a sealable envelope, in which the plate is inserted, and one or more flaps, fixed to the envelope, which are closed by an operator so as to seal the plate inside the envelope. The flaps are then pulled open by the operator in order to release the plate from the envelope substantially without physical contact by the operator with the plate. Typically, the flaps are folded over the envelope and fixed one to another, creating a fold that seals the envelope shut.

Abstract: A reusable comfort enhancing frame for holding an intraoral x-ray film packet is taught which includes four integrally formed side members with a single contiguous perimetric contact surface having a generally rounded cross-sectional configuration and rounded comers. There is a pocket formed in the four integrally formed side members adapted to have the intraoral x-ray film packet inserted and retained therein, and removed therefrom. In one embodiment, there is a slot in one of the four integrally formed side members through which the intraoral x-ray film packet can be inserted to reside in the pocket. In a second embodiment, the pocket is a snap-in pocket comprising at least one lip element projecting from an interior peripheral wall of the four integrally formed side members and at least two snap-fit elements also projecting the interior peripheral wall of the four integrally formed side members.

Abstract: An intraoral x-ray film packet is taught which includes a perimetric comfort enhancing feature. The intraoral x-ray film packet includes an envelope formed by a first outer sheet having a first generally semicylindrical perimetric element formed therein; a second outer sheet including a second generally semicylindrical perimetric element formed therein, the first and second generally semicylindrical perimetric elements forming a perimetric cushion; and a pair of continuous perimetric seals affixing the first and second outer sheets together, one perimetric seal residing on each side of the perimetric cushion. The packet also includes a film chip residing between the first and second outer sheets. The second outer sheet includes a pair of overlapping sections which are sealed together to form a tab portion to facilitate removal of the envelope after exposure.

Abstract: An improved dental x-ray aiming device for longitudinal radiographic analysis is provided. The device includes a bite block, a guiding rod, an aiming ring, and a supplemental ring. The bite block includes a film holder that is not perpendicular to a top surface of the bite block. The guiding rod is also attached to the bite block in a non-parallel relationship to accommodate the non-perpendicular arrangement of the film holder. As a result, a proper relationship is maintained between the aiming ring (and hence a dental radiography device) and the film holder. The aiming ring is attached to the guiding rod through a sliding member. The sliding member secures the aiming ring at a predetermined distance from the guiding rod, while allowing the aiming ring to move on an axis parallel with the guiding rod. The bite block includes a slot for receiving and holding a reference device for later density reference measurements.

Abstract: This invention pertains to novel methods of radiography and novel screen-film cassettes with wide exposure latitude and/or high film contrast for use in radiography. The materials and methods of the subject invention can be used in mammography. In a specific example, this invention concerns the design of novel screen-film cassettes which can use at least one phosphor screen and multiple x-ray films in a single cassette. When used in mammography, this novel design enables additional breast images to be obtained on the faster, or slower, speed film from the same x-ray exposure used to produce a normal breast image on the normal speed film. These additional breast images provide high contrast information on the dense regions of the breast and in the edge areas of the compressed breast. These dense regions currently cause many missed diagnoses in breast cancer screening.

Abstract: A ring shaped to fit over the nose of a dental X-Ray machine cone locates the cone relative to selected teeth of the patent. The ring is mounted on an arm having a clip which fits over a hub to oscillate to different positions. The hub is a part of the handle for a locator for an X-Ray film packet or an X-Ray electronic sensor.

Abstract: The Comfort Guard is made of a soft material that covers the stiff, slender and sharp edges of an intraoral x-ray film, during dental x-ray exposures. After the intraoral x-ray film is inserted or affixed into the Comfort Guard, the guard is positioned in the patient's mouth in between the teeth and tongue. Therefore, the film's edges will not be in direct contact with the patient's mouth or oral tissue. The patient can compress the handle with their anterior teeth, allowing the patient to become involved in securing the film in their mouth.

Abstract: A phosphor, an optical fiber plate containing lead particles, a CCD, and an X-ray shielding member consisting of copper tungsten are sequentially stacked on a substrate from an X-ray incident surface side and sealed in a container made of a light-shielding synthetic resin. The substrate has projecting portions projecting toward the direction of X-ray incident along three sides of the X-ray incident surface. Each of these projecting portions has an overhang portion projecting toward the optical fiber plate. The overhang portions are close to or in contact with corresponding side surfaces of the optical fiber plate so that the optical fiber plate is fixed at a predetermined position. The container has, in the inner surface, convex portions corresponding to the projecting portions, so the substrate is fixed in the container.

Abstract: A portable and preferably hand-held X-ray generator for use in intraoral and other X-ray applications, and a new process of dental image acquisition which utilizes a novel receptor holder physically linked to the lightweight, portable generator, and a unique, articulating arm and cradle which allows one generator to be used in multiple operatories. The system's generator has a reduced X-ray output and much smaller focal spot area than conventional dental X-ray generators. This reduced X-ray output reduces the overall patient X-ray burden. The smaller focal spot also allows for improved resolution in the final image.

Abstract: An X-ray detecting element detects an image produced by X-ray irradiation. An apparatus case capable of being inserted into a mouth has an X-ray irradiation face having different dimensions in two directions perpendicular to each other, and houses the X-ray detecting element. A cable is connected to the apparatus case to transmit a signal from the X-ray detecting element to the outside of the apparatus case. The cable is drawn out from the apparatus case in a direction which is parallel with the X-ray irradiation face and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the X-ray irradiation face. According to this configuration, the cable does not obstruct the imaging operation in a course of imaging teeth in a mouth, particularly a molar portion. Therefore, an imaging operation can be easily conducted without giving the subject an unpleasant feeling.

Abstract: A system for spectroscopic imaging of bodily tissue in which a scintillation screen and a charged coupled device (CCD) are used to accurately image selected tissue. An x-ray source generates x-rays which pass through a region of a subject's body, forming an x-ray image which reaches the scintillation screen. The scintillation screen reradiates a spatial intensity pattern corresponding to the image, the pattern being detected by a CCD sensor. The image is digitized by the sensor and processed by a controller before being stored as an electronic image. Each image is directed onto an associated respective CCD or amorphous silicon detector to generate individual electronic representations of the separate images.

Abstract: This invention pertains to novel methods of radiography and novel screen-film cassettes with wide exposure latitude and/or high film contrast for use in radiography. The materials and methods of the subject invention can be used in mammography. In a specific example, this invention concerns the design of novel screen-film cassettes which can use at least one phosphor screen and multiple x-ray films in a single cassette. When used in mammography, this novel design enables additional breast images to be obtained on the faster, or slower, speed film from the same x-ray exposure used to produce a normal breast image on the normal speed film. These additional breast images provide high contrast information on the dense regions of the breast and in the edge areas of the compressed breast. These dense regions currently cause many missed diagnoses in breast cancer screening.

Abstract: An adjustable X-ray cassette holder is provided. A lead blocker device is also provided for selective use with the X-ray cassette holder. A frame is adapted for supporting first and second cassette edges of the X-ray cassette. A pair of frame adjusters are slidably connected to the frame. A movable frame is adapted for supporting third and fourth cassette edges of the X-ray cassette. A pair of tension springs are interconnected between the movable frame and respective first and second frame adjusters. A lead blocker frame has lead blocker frame sides in adjacency the frame and movable frame. An X-ray shielding plate is mounted to the lead blocker frame and disposed in an adjacent to parallel planar relationship with an upper surface of the X-ray cassette.

Abstract: According to this invention an assortment is offered of at least five silver halide industrial X-ray photographic materials, to be processed in the processing cycle of an automatic processing machine following the steps of developing, rinsing, fixing, rinsing and drying, wherein each of said film materials comprises at least one gelatino silver halide emulsion layer and at least one non-sensitive protective antistress coating on at least one side of a support, characterised in that for each of said materials belonging to the assortment the total amount of silver halide, expressed as the equivalent amount of silver nitrate, per square meter and per side is lying in the range from 7.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image plate (1) for intraoral dental radiography which can be closed within a cover through which X-rays can pass, where the plate is retained during the X-raying and from where the plate can be removed after the X-raying in order to read the picture. According to the invention the edges of the image plate (1) are equipped with a protective frame (2) projecting from the plane of the plate surface at least on the image side of the plate. The frame may be formed as a continuous cover frame (2) surrounding the edges of the frame, consisting of two opposite frame-like portions (7) pressed together and optionally identical. The purpose of the frame (2) is to protect the image plate (1) against scratches or similar damages as the plate is being handled and read.

Abstract: An X-ray film cassette holder which is small, lightweight, simple and economical to construct and use, having a base carrying an expandable frame incorporating two upwardly expandable risers releasably lockable in a plurality of expanded positions, said risers separated by a releasably lockable variable distance; and two film cassette clamps, each of which is pivotably carried by one of said upwardly expandable risers, and releasably lockable in fixed relation thereto, as well as provision for releasably lockable rotatable mounting of a cassette tray sized within a range determined by the variable distance between said risers on said frame, collectively adapted to hold cassettes steadily in a range of vertical positions above a surface whereon it is placed, at any inclination, and being rotatable on said surface, providing desirable adjustability for positioning an X-ray film cassette adjacent a portion of a patient's anatomy for convenient imaging thereof.

Abstract: A device for positioning a patient adjacent an X-ray cassette has a plate on which a part of a human body may be located and a socket adjacent the plate. The socket has at least two slots. The two slots have different widths for receiving cassettes of different sizes. However, only one size of cassette is used at a time. The plate may be slipped between a part of the human body and a backboard to which such body is strapped. This positions a part of the body adjacent a cassette in one of said slots. The plate may also have a slanted surface to facilitate positioning a part of the body on the plate.

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: A radiographic film package for non-destructive testing purposes has been developed, comprising a radiographic film sheet which is composed of a film support coated at both sides with one or more silver halide emulsion layer(s) and one or more non-light-sensitive protective antistress coating(s) thereover, and a wrapper around said film sheet which is light-opaque and air-tight, and which comprises a heat-sealable thermoplastic layer at the inner side of the wrapper, a transparent polymer layer at the outer side of the wrapper and a layer of aluminum located between said transparent polymer layer and said heat-sealable thermoplastic layer, and wherein at least one antistatic layer coating is provided between the said thermoplastic layer of said wrapper and the emulsion layers of said film sheet.

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 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: An X-ray apparatus includes a moving carriage having two levers hinged and designed to move equally and in opposite directions by a gear system. The movements of the levers are guided by at least one groove formed in a supporting plate, with a peg fixed to the lever co-operating with the groove. The groove includes at least two spaced-apart rectilinear portions, each corresponding to a different size of cartridge, thereby enabling the cartridge to be moved on the supporting plate.

Abstract: A film cassette designed to receive photosensitive film in a light protective envelope and maintain lighttight integrity while removing the protective envelope includes means for bringing a light emitting enhancer screen into intimate contact with the photosensitive film during exposure to x-ray photography. The back of the photosensitive film may be brought into intimate contact with a film or sheet of specimen-containing radioactive or radiation generating material.

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 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: An X-ray cassette for foils provided with a stimulatable phosphorous layer comprises two cassette parts turnable relative to one another between open and closed positions, one of the cassette parts being permeable for X-rays, elements for turnably connecting the cassette parts with one another, and elements for holding a foil on the X-ray permeable cassette part, the holding elements including an X-ray permeable elastic pad arranged on the X-ray permeable cassette part and having a surface facing toward a phosphorous layer of a foil inserted into the cassette, and a thin elastic foil applied on the surface of the pad and having a smooth, wear-resistant outer surface.

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: In a device for holding down the lower cassette portion (19a) of an X-ray film cassette which is located in a cassette unloading and reloading apparatus, a hold-down lever (20, 21) is mounted to each of two parallely guided bars (10, 12) movable towards and away from each other respectively, said hold-down lever being pivotable into, and out of the transport path of the X-ray film cassette to accurately position said cassette. Each hold-down lever (20, 21) comprises a control arm (20a, 21a) resting against each of the two side walls (19d, 19e) of the upper cassette portion (19c). Since the control arms (20a, 21a) are upwardly inclined such that they form control surfaces facing the side walls (19d, 19e) of the upper cassette portion (19c), the hold-down levers (20, 21) are held in engagement with the lower cassette portion (19a) when the upper cassette portion (19c) is in its open position and are disengaged from the lower cassette portion (19a) when the upper cassette portion (19c) is in its closed position.

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 light shield for an x-ray film sheet cassette is provided with increased flexibility in its end portions to prevent bowing of the shield when it is subjected to abnormal forces in its center portion. This is accomplished by notching the front lip of the light shield in the end portions of the shield.

Abstract: A method of making a grid for x-ray radiography including the steps of forming grid patterns of x-ray opaque material on a plurality of sheets of x-ray transparent material, aligning the sheets in a stack, and bonding the sheets together to form a lightweight stacked grid.

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 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: 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: 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: In order to be able to produce congruent panoramic strip exposures of a jaw of a patient with a dental x-ray diagnostic installation, the patient's head must be positioned by means of a forehead support, which is adjustable only in a horizontal plane, and by means of a seating part which is rigidly arranged on a carrier in the device. The seating part contains an arrangement for forming a seating surface for engaging the upper jaw of the patient so that the seating surface engages a sub-nasal point of the jaw for those patients who have no teeth or only part of their teeth and a second seating type surface for those patients having a full set of teeth.

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: A film carrier light-proof case, whose envelope comprises a first portion enclosing a radiographic film, a second portion enclosing at least one small bag which contains chemical products in a liquid state for the development and fixing treatments of the film and means for intentionally tearing the bag, and a connection portion between these two portions of the envelope, and in which each bag comprises a first extension which starts laterally from an end of the bag, is bent along the bag and projects through the end of the second portion of the bag, and also comprises a second extension which starts centrally from the same end of the bag and extends along a part of the length of the second portion of the envelope in a direction parallel to the first extension, and the tearing means consists of an elongate member made of a stiff material, bent on itself to enclose between its own two branches the second extensions of the bags, and projecting beyond the length of the second portion of the envelope to form two t

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.

Abstract: A handtool for holding a dental xeroradiographic cassette, the handtool comprising a first elongated member having a first handle portion at one end thereof and a first beak at the opposite end thereof; a second elongated member having a second handle at one end thereof and a second beak at the opposite end thereof; and said first elongated member and said second elongated member being pivotally coupled, said beaks being pivoted toward or away from each other by selectively squeezing together or spreading apart said two handles; said first beak including a first surface facing said second beak; and said second beak including (a) a first member having a second surface facing said first beak and (b) a protrusion extending toward said first beak, said first member and said protrusion defining an elbow-shaped cross-section along a longitudinal segment of at least a length L; wherein said first beak and said segment of at least a length of said second beak together define a slit C-shaped transverse cross-section w

Abstract: A bite block integral with an X-ray film support and extending generally at right angles to the X-ray film support to one side thereof, is formed of upper and lower flat plate portions, one which is integral with the film support, with the other being spaced from said one flat plate portion, normally parallel thereto and connected thereto by means permitting pivoting of the upper plate portion relative to the second about an axis perpendicular to the plane of bite, when positioned in the mouth of the patient between upper and lower tooth rows. An integral bridge may form the pivot axis for the upper and lower plate portions, a rotatable sleeve may effect such pivot connection with the sleeve being shiftable laterally between the upper and lower plate portions. Rectangular block wings may be detachably mounted to respective sides of the bite block plate portions via flanges which are inserted within the gap between the plates to respective sides of the pivot axis between the plates for the bite block.

Abstract: An X-ray package for X-raying an object such as a portion of a human body includes a film which has been pre-exposed to dimensional indicia so that, after the package has been exposed to X-radiation relative to the object and the film has been developed, the image on the film includes both the object and the dimensional indicia. The package is made by unwinding a roll of pre-exposed film while simultaneously unwinding rolls of cover materials to form a composite strip of film and cover materials and forming X-ray packages successively from the end of the composite strip. The film is pre-exposed by unwinding a roll of unexposed film while simultaneously unwinding a control strip and the control strip causes the film to advance in steps of precisely equal lengths. Between each advance of the strips, a portion of the strip of film is exposed to dimensional indicia.

Abstract: A flexible film cassette for holding a dental x-ray film on the outside of a patient's mouth for exposure from a radiation source from an x-ray diagnostic installation or device in which an applicator is capable of being inserted intraorally in the patient's mouth characterized by a first support extending between an applicator and the cassette and a second support spaced an interval from the axis of the first support for forming a coupling between the film and the housing of the x-ray device to prevent rotation of the cassette relative to the applicator.