Abstract: A radiological imaging device that includes a source that emits radiation that passes through at least part of a patient, the radiation defining a central axis of propagation; and a receiving device that receives the radiation and is arranged on the opposite side of the patient with respect to the source. The receiving device includes a first detector to detect radiation when performing at least one of tomography and fluoroscopy, a second detector to detect radiation when performing at least one of radiography and tomography; and a movement apparatus arranged to displace the first and second detectors with respect to the source. The movement apparatus provides a first active configuration in which the radiation hits the first detector and a second active configuration in which the radiation hits the second detector.

Abstract: Structures operable to detect radiation are described. The structure may two screens with a phosphor layer, respective. The structure may further include a photosensor array disposed between the first screen and the second screen such that the photosensor array directly contacts the first screen or is directly attached to the first screen using an optical adhesive and directly contacts the second screen or is directly attached to the second screen using an optical adhesive.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods of predicting fracture risk, which improve fracture risk prediction by developing a bone radiomics score model based on machine learning. As an embodiment of the present invention, the method of predicting the fracture risk is configured to perform the steps of designing a development set, processing bone images for a plurality of subjects included in the development set, extracting texture features from the bone images, selecting optimal texture features required to predict the fracture risk from the extracted texture features, performing machine learning for the optimal texture features using a training set of the development set, and designing a bone radiomics score model to predict the fracture risk.

Abstract: A machine-based learning method estimates a probability of bone fractures in a 3D image, more specifically vertebral fractures. The method and system utilizing such method utilize a data-driven computational model to learn 3D image features for classifying vertebra fractures. A three-dimensional medical image analysis system for predicting a presence of a vertebral fracture in a subject includes a 3D image processor for receiving and processing 3D image data of a 3D image of the subject, producing two or more sets of 3D voxels. Each of the sets of 3D voxels corresponds to an entirety of the 3D image and each of the sets of 3D voxels consists of equal 3D voxels of different dimensions. The system also includes a voxel classifier for assigning the 3D voxels one or more class probabilities each of the 3D voxels contains a fracture using a computational model, and a fracture probability estimator for estimating a probability of the presence of a vertebral fracture in the subject.

Abstract: The radiographic system including a plurality of radiation detection apparatuses, which detect radial rays, a combining processor which generates a long-size image by combining a plurality of radiation images obtained from the radiation detection apparatuses, and an image correction unit, which corrects a defective region in which the plurality of radiation detection apparatuses overlap with each other in the long-size image.

Abstract: During orthopedic surgeries, body parts are moved in different ways to cause different anatomic features (e.g. muscles or the trochanters) to tighten or loosen, or become more or less prominent during the intended surgical incisions, which can result in easier surgical procedures. Body parts can be moved using a variety of different structures. The exemplary structures described herein can allow for: (1) a person's leg and foot to be rotated about the axis of the leg (i.e., femur/tibia axis); (2) a person's leg can be pivoted generally about the hip/femoral head/acetabulum to vary the angle between the axis of the leg and a median sagittal plane; (3) a person's leg can be moved in a direction parallel to the leg axis; and/or a person's leg can be pivoted in a generally vertical plane, about the femoral head/acetabulum while the axis of the leg and the median sagittal plane remaining substantially parallel.

Abstract: A pediatric patient support system is provided. The system includes a support extension configured to be removably coupled to a cradle of a table, wherein the support extension includes radial supports extending in a radial direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the cradle. The system includes a pair of rods, wherein each rod is coupled to a respective radial support and extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The system includes a patient support disposed between and coupled to the rods, the patient support being configured to support a pediatric patient, wherein the patient support is configured to move axially relative to the longitudinal axis along the rods to move the pediatric patient in and out of a central bore of a medical imaging system.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for personalized assessment of a subject's bone health includes extracting a plurality of features of interest from non-invasive subject data, medical images of the subject, and subject-specific bone turnover marker values. A surrogate model and the plurality of features of interest are used to predict one or more subject-specific measures of interest related to bone health. Then, a visualization of the one or more subject-specific measures of interest related to bone health is generated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for left radial access, right room operation peripheral interventions are provided that include left radial bases to stabilize a left arm of a cardiac patient across a midsagittal plane, transradiant right radial bases to position a right arm of the patient, and radiodense radiation reduction barriers located between the patient and a doctor.

Abstract: A radiographing system includes a plurality of radiographic imaging units configured to acquire a plurality of radiographic images, a communication unit to which the plurality of radiographic imaging units is connected, an acquisition unit configured to acquire path information indicating a communication path between each of the plurality of radiographic imaging units connected to the communication unit, and the communication unit, and an output unit configured to output an image acquired from the plurality of radiographic images based on the path information.

Abstract: A device for supporting the upper body parts of a person next to the medical examining table where the rest of the body is resting and positioning the head and neck of the person above and below the top of the medical examining table for the taking of medical pictures.

Abstract: In a radiation imaging system, which obtains a radiation image of an object based on a plurality of image signals, includes a radiation imaging apparatus, which includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional matrix, configured to convert an irradiated radiation transmitted through an object into an image signal serving as a partial image of the object. In the radiation imaging system, a holding unit for holding the radiation imaging apparatus holds the radiation imaging apparatus to be movable in a direction intersecting a direction in which positions to obtain a plurality of partial images are arranged.

Abstract: A positioning device is described for supporting an infant with myelomeningocele during surgery, transport and pre- and post-operative procedures. The device allows the patient to be expeditiously re-positioned from prone to supine and lateral positions and vice versa before, during and after surgery. The device allows access to the myelomeningocele while the patient is secured in the device.

Abstract: A subject support accessory (126, 200) includes a securing mechanism (300) configured to secure to a tabletop of the subject support anywhere along a long axis of the tabletop by lowering the securing mechanism onto the tabletop. A method of securing a subject support accessory (126, 200) to a subject support (116) of an imaging system (100) includes receiving, via slots (316, 318) in pivoting arms (304, 310) of the accessory, the tabletop, wherein the accessory is vertically lowered onto the subject support and the slots physically engage the tabletop, and releasably locking the arms, in response to receiving a force, so that the arms no longer pivot, thereby securing the subject support accessory to the subject support.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems methods including a design of a microscope slide scanner for digital pathology applications which provides high quality images and automated batch-mode operation at low cost. The instrument architecture is advantageously based on a convergence of high performance, yet low cost, computing technologies, interfaces and software standards to enable high quality digital microscopy at very low cost. Also provided is a method based in part on a stitching method that allows for dividing an image into a number of overlapping tiles and reconstituting the image with a magnification without substantial loss of accuracy. A scanner is employed in capturing snapshot images. The method allows for overlapping images captured in consecutive snapshots.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging an animal includes a first mounting surface, a bed sized to support the animal and releasably secured to or integral with the first mounting surface. The apparatus also includes a plurality of straps, each having a first end in a fixed position relative to the bed and a second end for tightening around a limb of the animal. A method for in-vivo imaging of an animal includes providing an animal that has limbs, providing a first mounting surface, and providing a bed removably secured to or integral with the mounting surface and sized to support the animal as well as being coupled to a plurality of straps. The method also includes placing the animal on the bed between the plurality of straps and tightening at least two of the plurality of straps around at least two of the limbs such that the animal is substantially secured in place relative to the bed.

Abstract: In a radiographic image detection apparatus that can perform long-size radiography on a region of a patient that is larger than the detection range of a radiographic image detector, radiography is performed so that a collimator image is included in a radiographic image in such a manner that the collimator image is present in the vicinity of a side edge of the radiographic image. Further, the inclination of each radiographic image caused by inclination of the radiographic image detector at the time of radiography is corrected based on the collimator image. Further, a synthesis image is produced by combining the plurality of radiographic images the inclination of which has been corrected.

Abstract: X-ray portal imaging detectors have multiple layers, such as multiple layers of phosphor screens and/or detectors. Some x-rays that pass through one layer are detected or converted into light energies in a different layer. For example, one phosphor screen is provided in front and another behind that panel detector circuitry. Light generated in each of the phosphor screens is detected by the same detector circuitry. As another example, multiple layers of phosphor screens and associated detector circuits are provided. Some x-rays passing through one layer may be detected in a different layer. High energy x-rays associated with Megavoltage sources as well as lower or higher energy x-rays may be detected.

Abstract: A system for reducing movement of an object is described. The system includes a first detector configured to detect a first beam and a second detector configured to detect a second beam The first and second detectors are located within a radiography room.

Abstract: A user-friendly, inexpensive radiation image radiographing apparatus capable of easily switching between absorption contrast image radiography and phase contrast image radiography. The radiation image radiographing apparatus has: a radiation source; a subject platform for supporting a subject so as to face the subject to the radiation source; and a plurality of supporting platforms for supporting a radiation image information detecting member at a side opposite to the radiation source with respect to the subject platform, the radiation image information detecting member for detecting radiation image information based on radiation transmitted through the subject, wherein distances between the plurality of supporting platforms and the radiation source are different from each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding multiple x-ray cassettes for imaging a target including multiple layers of x-ray cassettes wherein the x-ray cassettes in successive layers are positioned in partial overlapping relationship such that when the target and x-ray cassettes are exposed to x-rays, a continuous image of the target is obtained.

Abstract: An intra-oral film packet holder. The packet holder comprises an arm and a holder portion disposed at one end of the arm. The holder portion comprises a first and second receiving area adapted to receive a intra-oral film packet. Each receiving area is defined by a pair of spaced opposing grooves. The first and second receiving areas are disposed adjacent each other, substantially parallel, and of differing lengths such that the first and second receiving areas are adapted to receive intra-oral film packets of different sizes.

Abstract: A storage phosphor cassette for use in recording radiographic images of elongated objects. The cassette includes: first and second storage phosphor plates having first and second length dimensions, a shell having first and second opposite open ends; a first assembly for detachably mounting said first storage phosphor plate in said shell from said first open end; and a second assembly for detachably mounting said second storage phosphor plate in said shell from said second open end, wherein said first and second storage phosphor plates are mounted in said shell such that they form a substantially continuous storage phosphor composite for recording an elongated radiographic image.

Abstract: A method of taking an extended X-ray photograph by using an imaging plate or a computed radiography cassette devised to contain a longer digital X-ray image such that a longer complete image of a subject may be rendered such that no diagnostic information is lost in examinations of scoliosis or the long bones of the body. When the cassette is exposed to X-rays through an object, an X-ray transmission image of the object is recorded on a stimulable phosphor sheet and, at the same time, the X-ray film is exposed to light instantaneously emitted from the stimulable phosphor sheet upon exposure to X-rays to record an extended photographic latent image of the X-ray transmission image of the object on the X-ray film or a photostimulable phosphor sheet alone.

Abstract: A method for automatic arrangement determination of partial radiation images for reconstructing a stitched full image. At least two radiation sub-images of an elongated object are acquired and converted to digital images. A hypothesis list is constructed and overlap regions for consecutive sub-images pair in each hypothesis are detected. A plurality of different measurements are conducted on consecutive sub-image pair of each hypothesis. The correlation function is calculated to find the function maximum and the horizontal displacement between the sub-image pair. The magnitude of the horizontal displacement is checked and an overall figure-of-merit is established. The hypothesis of maximum figure-of-merit for best candidate is selected. The sub-images are processed based on selected hypothesis for stitching to produce an output image.

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

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

Abstract: Apparatus for radiographically imaging elongated objects comprising: a vertical main frame; a base mounted on said main frame; a first support on said base for supporting a first cassette containing a first storage phosphor imaging plate; a door hingedly mounted on said base for movement between open and closed positions; said door having a light-tight enclosure for supporting a second cassette containing a second storage phosphor imaging plate removably mounted within a cassette shell; and a first mechanism for removing said cassette shell from said second storage phosphor imaging plate which remains supported within said light-tight enclosure; such that, when said door is in said closed position, said second storage phosphor imaging plate overlaps said first storage phosphor imaging plate, whereby an elongated object can be radigraphically imaged onto said overlapping first and second storage phosphor imaging plates.

Abstract: A method for automatic arrangement determination of partial radiation images for reconstructing a stitched full image comprising: acquiring at least two radiation sub-images of an elongated object by means of corresponding overlapped radiation recording media; converting the recorded sub-images to digital images and storing them; constructing a hypothesis list that includes all possible yet unique arrangements of sub-image order, orientation and overlap; detecting overlap regions for each consecutive sub-images pair in each hypothesis; conducting a plurality of different measurements on every consecutive sub-image pair of each hypothesis and deleting the hypothesis from the list if any measurement result is out of range; calculating the correlation function of the overlap regions for each consecutive sub-image pair in each hypothesis left in the hypothesis list and finding the function maximum and the horizontal displacement between the sub-image pair; checking the magnitude of the horizontal displacement bet

Abstract: A storage phosphor cassette for use in recording radiographic images of elongated objects. The cassette includes first and second storage phosphor plates having first and second length dimensions; a shell having first and second opposite open ends; a first assembly for detachably mounting the first storage phosphor plate in the shell from the first open end; and a second assembly for detachably mounting the second storage phosphor plate in the shell from the second open end, wherein the first and second storage phosphor plates are mounted in the shell such that they form a substantially continuous storage phosphor composite for recording an elongated radiographic image. An elongated ruler is located on the inside or outside of the cassette, the ruler being x-ray translucent and opaque to produce an image of the ruler in the first and second storage phosphor plates.

Abstract: A DEXA bone densitometer produces estimates of future fracture risk from a current fracture data derived from a lateral image of a patient's thoracic and lumbar spine taken in a single scan, typically with the patient on her or his side, and from numerical bone mineral density measurements.

Abstract: A method of taking an extended X-ray photograph by using an film cassette devised to contain a longer X-ray film such that a longer complete image of a subject may be rendered such that no diagnostic information is lost in examinations of scoliosis or the long bones of the body. When the cassette is exposed to X-rays through an object, an X-ray transmission image of the object is recorded on a stimulable phosphor sheet and, at the same time, the X-ray film is exposed to light instantaneously emitted from the stimulable phosphor sheet upon exposure to X-rays to record an extended photographic latent image of the X-ray transmission image of the object on the X-ray film.

Abstract: A dental bite block (20) and sensor holder (21) assembly (11) has a bite block (20) configured (31) to detachably affix to a sensor holder (21). Affixing surfaces (30, 31) are provided between the bite block (20) and the sensor holder (21) such that the sensor holder (21) is removably affixed to the bite block (20).

Abstract: An assembly for recording a radiation image of an elongate body comprises a plurality of cassettes each conveying a recording member and each having a length that is smaller than the length of the elongate body. Supporting devices are arranged for holding the plurality of cassettes in a staggered arrangement so that the length of the staggered arrangement is at least equal to the length of the elongate body. This assembly is exposed to the radiation image of an elongate body. By use of partial images which are read from each of the recording members, the entire image of the elongate body is reconstructed.

Abstract: Non-invasive quantitative plain radiographic evaluation of bone in a bony locale of a body is performed by subjecting the bony locale to a broadband collimated x-ray beam having energy in the range of about 20 keV to 150 keV. Alongside the bony locale is a composite phantom. The composite phantom is comprised of at least two materials, superimposed on one another. An energy-selective multiple-film detector cassette containing at least two films is placed under the body and composite phantom to receive the transmitted x-ray beam. The films in the cassette are developed and digitally scanned to produce sets of composite phantom data and sets of bone data. The data sets are then numerically processed using interpolation whereby to generate the indicated estimate of bone status, namely, bone-mineral density. In an alternative embodiment, an independent measurement is made of the total tissue thickness, and the bone status is determined using interpolation based only on a single film.

Abstract: Non-invasive quantitative plain radiographic evaluation of bone in a bony locale of a body is performed by subjecting the bony locale to a broadband collimated x-ray beam having energy in the range of about 20 keV to 150 keV. Alongside the bony locale is a composite phantom. The composite phantom is comprised of at least two materials, superimposed on one another. An energy-selective multiple-film detector cassette containing at least two films is placed under the body and composite phantom to receive the transmitted x-ray beam. The films in the cassette are developed and digitally scanned to produce sets of composite phantom data and sets of bone data. The data sets are then numerically processed using interpolation whereby to generate the indicated estimate of bone status, namely, bone-mineral density. In an alternative embodiment, an independent measurement is made of the total tissue thickness, and the bone status is determined using interpolation based only on a single film.

Abstract: A system for cleaning, storing and maintaining x-ray cassettes. The system is used within the environment of an x-ray exposure room for shooting x-ray images of x-ray subjects, and an x-ray dark room for developing x-ray images. The system may include a portable transport, cleaning and storage unit for storing, cleaning and transporting x-ray cassettes. The unit includes a work surface, at least one x-ray cassette receptacle for storing x-ray cassettes, and a vacuum apparatus for vacuuming dust particles from the x-ray cassettes and the unit.

Abstract: A photographing device is provided with a pair of support members positioned in mutually opposed manner across a film, a sensitivity increasing screen mounted on at least one of the paired support members, a sealing member for hermetically sealing a space containing the film and the sensitivity increasing screen, a vacuum pump for reducing the pressure in the sealed space to maintain the film and the sensitivity increasing screen in mutual close contact, and a support member for maintaining the film in a predetermined position between the support member in the sealed space. Thus the sensitizing screen can be securely contacted with the film, and errors in operation are reduced even when the photographing operation is conducted with the film in vertical or inclined position.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for producing images representing radiation dose distributions in order to verify the radiation dose applied to a target area. The system uses a phantom assembly constructed of material that is the radiological equivalent of live tissue. The phantom assembly has slits where radiation sensitive film can be inserted and can include a channel for an insertable radiation generating device. The treatment dose is then applied to the phantom and the radiation sensitive film records the dose. A CCD camera microdensitometer is then used to read the exposed radiation sensitive film. The CCD camera microdensitometer includes a computer system which processes the image to remove artifacts and generates isodose contours for the radiation treatment applied. In addition, several pieces of radiation sensitive film in different planes can be exposed and processed in order to produce images representing the radiation dose distribution in three dimensions.

Abstract: An x-ray examination apparatus has an x-ray radiator mounted on a radiator carrier, with an x-ray film cassette loading and positioning device arranged relative to the radiator carrier so that an x-ray film cassette can be loaded into the device at a position remote from the x-ray radiator, and can be conveyed by the device, after loading, to an exposure position disposed beneath the x-ray radiator.

Abstract: An imager apparatus for exposing a film with recorded images includes an exposure site, a primary film path along which unexposed films are fed to the exposure site, a secondary film path along which exposed films are taken away from the exposure site, and a film driver at the exposure site. The film driver drives films between the primary and the secondary film paths. The film driver includes at least a pair of cooperating driving wheels on opposite faces along only one side edge of the film to eliminate transmission rods.

Abstract: An X-ray phototaking apparatus for effecting an X-ray phototaking operation on a sheet film, selected from plural kinds of sheet film in close contact, under a reduced pressure, with an intensifying member selected from of plural kinds of intensifying members, is provided with a device for detecting at least either the kind of the intensifying member and the kind of the sheet film, and a device for varying at least one of the contact time of the intensifying member and the sheet film, the X-ray irradiating conditions and the exposure control parameters, based on detection signals obtained from the detection.

Abstract: A cassette of the kind used for holding sheets of film to be exposed during x-ray of a patient is coded so that an x-ray technician or operator can easily distinguish cassettes containing exposed film from those cassettes containing unexposed film. This is accomplished by color coding two adjacent side edges of the cassette with color different from the other side edges of the cassette.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable sheet cassette and an image forming apparatus in which such a sheet cassette is preferably employed. The sheet cassette is comprised of a cassette box capable of accommodating a plurality of sheet materials and having a flange portion extending outwards from the cassette box, an adhesive layer formed on the flange portion, and a sheet cover bonded on the adhesive layer for covering an opening of the sheet cassette. A portion of the sheet cover can be repeatedly separated from or applied to the adhesive layer to open or close the opening. The image forming apparatus is provided with a take-up roller movable above the sheet cover for winding the sheet cover, a pair of roller supports for rotatably supporting the take-up roller, a driving mechanism for moving the roller supports and for rotating the take-up roller, and a control system for operating the driving mechanism so that the take-up roller can wind the sheet cover after the sheet cassette has been charged in the apparatus.

Abstract: An X-ray radiograph apparatus comprises means for detecting a number of remaining unphotographed recording media retained in a recording-medium feed magazine, and display means for displaying the number of remaining unphotographed recording media detected by the detecting means with scales which change logarithmically and multiple display elements arranged in association with the scales.

Abstract: A package for a stack of film sheets has a pouch that is sealed around the stack of sheets and a leader that is secured to the pouch and engageable with a spindle in a magazine so that rotation of the spindle can pull the pouch from around the stack of sheets. The pouch and leader are formed of different polyolefin materials with the pouch comprising a material having a low coefficient of friction to enable the pouch to be easily pulled around the stack of sheets while the leader comprises a material having a high coefficient of friction to facilitate engagement with the spindle and pulling the pouch uniformly.

Abstract: A sheet extracting mechanism is provided with a suction cup for attracting one of stacked sheets, a negative pressure source for supplying a suction force to the suction cup, a detector for detecting the pressure in the suction cup, a moving mechanism for moving the suction cup thereby extracting the sheet adhered to the suction cup by the section force, and a discriminator for comparing the suction force in the suction cup with a predetermined pressure, at a predetermined position located a predetermined distance from the bottom of the stack of sheets, thereby identifying the amount of the stacked sheets. The suction cup is temporarily stopped at the predetermined position corresponding to a predetermined number of remaining sheets, and the remaining number of sheets is identified equal to or less than the predetermined number when the suction cup no longer touches the sheet, thereby becoming unable to attract the sheet.

Abstract: A cassette loading and unloading device for loading and unloading a cassette which typically accommodates an exposed film carrying image information includes a pair of guides for holding a cassette therebetween, the guides being relatively displaceable depending on the size of the cassette to be held therebetween, a cassette holder for displacing the guides to a position in which to open a lid of the cassette, while the cassette is being held by the guides, and a displacing mechanism for returning the cassette holder to an original position and allowing the cassette to be removed from the guides. The guides include a fixed guide and a movable guide, which are relatively movable to define a space therebetween that matches the size of a selected cassette.

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: Vari ramp blankets holding X-ray file, 14? by 17? in dimensions, in pockets on top of the vari-ramp inlets on an F-15 aircraft have been used by us for the detection of foreign objects, i.e. washers, bolts, safety wire. These blankets ensure inspection consistency each and every time the aircraft is X-rayed when it is grounded after flight or is in phase. The blankets are placed on top of the F-15 vari-ramp, taped securely in place and film is placed individually in the pockets. The placement and the consistency of results that the blankets provide enhances the accuracy and duplicability of the overall X-ray process.