Flexible Patents (Class 378/184)
  • Patent number: 10092255
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an intraoral sensor for intraoral X-ray photography, and provides an intraoral sensor bending along an intraoral structure during intraoral X-ray photography, wherein the degree of bending of a first region corresponding to a part facing the major axis differs from that of a second region corresponding to the remaining part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignees: Rayence Co., Ltd., VATECH EWOO Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-Kyn Heo, Jin-Pyo Chun
  • Patent number: 9986956
    Abstract: The present invention provides an X-ray image sensor comprising: a sensor panel which is bendable, generates an electrical signal by detecting an X-ray, and has a first elasticity; a printed circuit board which transmits the electrical signal to the outside, has a second elasticity that is smaller than the first elasticity, and has a flexible property; and an elastic adjustment member which is made of an elastic material having a third elasticity that is larger than the first elasticity, and which adjusts the elasticity of the sensor panel and the printed circuit board so as to be greater than or equal to the third elasticity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignees: Rayence Co., Ltd., VATECH EWOO Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung-Kyn Heo
  • Patent number: 8545098
    Abstract: An X-ray cover for enveloping an X-ray cassette. The cover comprises a first sheet, a second sheet and band. The first sheet and second sheet are sized and shaped to accept the X-ray cassette and the band is sized and shaped to isolate the X-ray cassette during a radiographic procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Sherry Behle
  • Patent number: 8507058
    Abstract: A sensor buffer cover is provided that is easily held at a fixed position without pain or discomfort to a patient to enable high-definition imaging. It is a sensor buffer cover wherein a cover body constituted as a flexible bag body into which a sensor unit is inserted comprises an inner bag-like sheet made of resin and formed in a rectangular shape to have an opening at one end in the longitudinal direction and an outer sheath member at the base of the inner bag-like sheet constituted as a flexible bag body formed in approximately the same shape as the sensor unit, which covers the periphery of the sensor unit inserted therein and is open at one end in the longitudinal direction, the outer peripheral edge of the base of the inner bag-like sheet and the outer peripheral edge of the outer sheath member covering the base of the inner bag-like sheet being fusion-bonded on three sides to leave an opening and obtain a double bag-like structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Merio Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Osamu Motoyama
  • Patent number: 8356811
    Abstract: A storage film feed feeds a storage film from a flexible sleeve open on one side at a rear side in a storage film detection device. The storage film feed has a feed opening with a penetration gap for the storage film and a slide located in the feed opening for fixing the sleeve. The slide is disposed perpendicular to a flat side of the sleeve. The storage film feed further has a stopping member for the slide, the flat side of the sleeve rests against the stopping member when the slide is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Thoms
  • Patent number: 8342749
    Abstract: In order to prevent a storage film from being damaged when taking an X-ray image, when reading the latent X-ray image and when handling the storage film, the invention proposes providing spaced-apart guide parts on the rear face of the storage film, these guide parts not having an adverse effect on the ability of the film to bend. The guide parts interact with guide rails which are provide in a cassette which accommodates the storage film or on a film-clamping slide of a reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Duerr Dental GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Nitsche, Ulrich Prager, Michael Thoms
  • Patent number: 8157443
    Abstract: The disposable radiograph cassette cover is formed of two sheets of x-ray transparent pliable material having a low coefficient of friction to facilitate sliding the cover and contained cassette beneath a patient for the radiography procedure. The cover includes distinctively colored integral radiopaque anatomical markers disposed over a portion of the film or plate in the cassette to shield that portion of the underlying plate during the procedure. The plate is thus automatically marked during the procedure to show the side of the body where the cassette and cover were placed. The cassette is sealed within the cover by an adhesive flap, with the adhesive and/or release sheet also being color-coded to indicate the side to which the cover is to be used. The cassette is removed from the cover by tearing off the adhesively sealed end along provided perforations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Dayna N. Khan
  • Patent number: 7935932
    Abstract: An electronic cassette has a casing and a radiation detection device accommodated inside the casing, which detects radiation emitted from a radiation source and having passed through a subject, and converts the radiation into radiation image information. The electronic cassette further includes a winding member accommodated rotatably inside of the casing. The radiation detection device includes a flexible base. The radiation detection device is wound on the winding member, and a portion of the radiation detection device is capable of being pulled outside of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Eiichi Kito, Naoyuki Nishino, Yasunori Ohta, Hiroshi Tamaoki, Tatsuo Iiyama, Yuto Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7358502
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a system, which can comprise an imaging plate. The imaging plate can be exposable by an x-ray source. The imaging plate can be configured to be used in digital radiographic imaging. The imaging plate can comprise a phosphor-based image storage device configured to convert an image stored therein into light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventors: David Appleby, Iain Fraser, Scott Watson
  • Publication number: 20040247084
    Abstract: These and other objects of the present invention are attained by a cleansing member comprised of a flexible substrate having collection layers formed on one or both sides thereof having an adhesive capability of capturing dust, particulate material and the like, along the transport assembly of an image scanning assemblies. In one embodiment, the cleansing member is dimensioned to conform to intraoral image sized plates. In one embodiment the collection layer is tacky and is provided with a protective layer facily removed prior to use. To facilitate handling of the cleansing member, each collection layer is preferably of a length slightly less than the length of the cleansing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Edgar Alzner
  • Publication number: 20030202636
    Abstract: A device for reading flexible storage foils. The devices includes a foil support, a reading light source which provides a reading light beam which has a wave length suitable to excite metastable storage centers of the storage foil. Drive mechanisms are employed to provide relative movement between the reading light beam and the storage foil. A light detector is responsive to fluorescence light of the storage foil generated by the reading light beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Thoms
  • Patent number: 6599014
    Abstract: A device for reading flexible storage foils. The devices includes a foil support, a reading light source which provides a reading light beam which has a wave length suitable to excite metastable storage centers of the storage foil. Drive mechanisms are employed to provide relative movement between the reading light beam and the storage foil. A light detector is responsive to fluorescence light of the storage foil generated by the reading light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Durr Dental GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Thoms
  • Patent number: 6588592
    Abstract: A package for enclosing a plurality of sheets. The package comprises a pouch adapted to receive the plurality of sheets, a leader, and a closure member. The pouch comprises a leading end and a trailing end opposite the leading end. The trailing end is open to receive the plurality of sheets. The trailing end is folded back at least once to form a closure flap to light-tightly close the pouch. The leader is disposed at the leading end of the pouch and is folded back onto the pouch. The closure member includes a first end affixed to the leader, a second end affixed to the closure flap, and a rupturable portion disposed adjacent the first end. When the rupturable portion is ruptured, the first end separates from the closure member and adheres to leader while the remaining portion of the closure member adheres to the closure flap by the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Thomas F. Falls, Walter A. Brink, Connie L. Magnuson, Friedrich Ueffinger
  • Publication number: 20020148988
    Abstract: A device for reading flexible storage foils. The devices includes a foil support, a reading light source which provides a reading light beam which has a wave length suitable to excite metastable storage centers of the storage foil. Drive mechanisms are employed to provide relative movement between the reading light beam and the storage foil. A light detector is responsive to fluorescence light of the storage foil generated by the reading light beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Thoms
  • Patent number: 5924571
    Abstract: A reclosable film package consisting of a filmpack (17) and a rectangular tuck-end carton (10) enclosing the filmpack and having a top opening (13) closable by means of a top flap (14) having a flap extension (15) which can be tucked into the body of the carton, the flap extension (15) having a tapered form, and the front wall (27) of the carton having near its top end provisions allowing controlled removal of a tapered top portion of the wall to provide a tapered opening (12) allowing the flap extension to become engaged underneath the front wall (27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert
    Inventor: Herman Cornelissen
  • Patent number: 5881323
    Abstract: An instant photo film pack contains has a light-tight bag, which contains a stack of ten photo film units of a self-processing type in a light-tight manner. The light-tight bag has a bag component constituted by one belt-shaped sheet, and a tab projecting from the bag component. The bag component is formed by attaching one portion to another in a peelable manner. When the tab is pulled in one direction, attachment of the bag component is peeled, to strip the bag from the photo film units in a form of the belt-shaped sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Mizuno, Minoru Ono, Kiichiro Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 5712486
    Abstract: An opaque, generally flat flexible cassette is provided which receives and holds a storage phosphor screen while the screen is radiographed. The cassette has sufficient flexibility to be wrapped around an object to be radiographed. The cassette has a light-tight sealing device at or near its open end. The sealing device allows the cassette to be placed in either an open position for receiving or discharging the storage phosphor screen, or a closed position for holding the imaging storage medium therein during radiographing and transport. The cassette is designed so that the storage phosphor screen is discharged from the cassette without being physically handled by a person or being exposed to ambient light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Liberty Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter K. Soltani, Michael D. Neary, Ronald Jay Geil, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5633113
    Abstract: An image media assembly comprising: a donor element, a receptor element, and means for maintaining at least the elements in a predetermined position wherein one element overlies the element, said means including a vacuum present between the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventor: Ernest W. Ellis
  • Patent number: 5583343
    Abstract: A nuclear medicine camera 10 and method of use photographically record radioactive decay particles emitted from a source, for example a small, previously undetectable breast cancer, inside a patient. The camera 10 includes a flexible frame 20 containing a window 22, a photographic film 24, and a scintillation screen 26, with or without a gamma-ray collimator 34. The frame 20 flexes for following the contour of the examination site on the patient, with the window 22 being disposed in substantially abutting contact with the skin of the patient for reducing the distance between the film 24 and the radiation source inside the patient. The frame 20 is removably affixed to the patient at the examination site for allowing the patient mobility to wear the frame 20 for a predetermined exposure time period. The exposure time may be several days for obtaining early qualitative detection of small malignant neoplasms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Associated Universities, Inc.
    Inventors: F. Avraham Dilmanian, Samuel Packer, Daniel N. Slatkin
  • Patent number: 5377835
    Abstract: A reclosable film package (10) with a pack (15) of film sheet wrapped in a light-tight bag with an egress flap (16) folded back on the stack and having a light-tight seal (17) near its free end, and a rectangular carton (11) for enclosing the pack made from a one-piece erectable blank and having a top end opening (12) closeable by means of a hinged top end panel (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert N. V.
    Inventors: Herman L. Cornelissen, Dirk Peeters
  • Patent number: 5257697
    Abstract: A package for enclosing a plurality of sheets of a photosensitive material. The package comprises a pouch for enclosing the sheets and a leader secured at one end of the pouch for removing the pouch from the sheets placed therein. The pouch includes a first laminate structure and a second laminate structure located in generally parallel planes. The first and second laminate structures each having an inner layer made of a first material and an outer layer made of a second material. The first and second laminate structures each having a leading edge and the first and second laminate structures being positioned such that the inner layers of the first and second structures face each other and the leading edge of the one of the laminate structures extends past the other leading edge so as to form an attachment section. The sheets being positionable between the first and second laminate structures. The leader is secured to the attachment section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Thomas J. Kausch
  • Patent number: 5199569
    Abstract: A package for a stack of X-ray film sheets has a pouch and a leader secured to the pouch. Heat seals secure side edge portions of the leader to edges of outer faces of sheets forming the pouch. Rows of perforations and slits in the leader adjacent the heat seals enables tearing of the leader from the pouch edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Matthew Di Pietro, Thomas J. Kausch, Vincent B. Dethier
  • Patent number: 5139148
    Abstract: A daylight loading film sheet package has a stack of film sheets enclosed within a wrapper having front and rear panels covering the front and rear faces of the film stack and projecting side extensions on at least three sides of the panels which are folded into contacting relation and adhered together in close proximity to the corresponding sides of the stack to cover such stack sides. One of the wrapper panels has a sheet-dispensing opening therein with one edge adjacent one stack side which is generally coextensive in length with that stack side, such opening extending from the edge into the panel to permit an outermost film sheet to be accessed and withdrawn from the stack therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert N.V.
    Inventors: Dirk Peeters, Herman L. Cornelissen, Jozef L. Van Engeland, Geert J. Clauwaert, Luc E. Onghena, Manfred Schmidt, Ernst Widemann, Johann Zanner, Eric P. De Clercq, Wilfried E. Muylle
  • Patent number: 5091928
    Abstract: An improved intensifying lead screen for use with photographic, industrial X-ray films. This screen comprises a lead foil or lead oxide adhesively applied to a polyester support and optionally contains an overcoat or protective layer thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Theodore D. Robinette
  • Patent number: 5018183
    Abstract: An x-ray film magazine has a housing and a cover which in combination form an interior volume having an approximately C-shaped cross section, which receives a number of sheets of x-ray film in a stack made to conform to the C-shaped cross section. A foil is provided in the interior of the magazine having one end rigidly connected to a base of the housing, and an opposite end being resiliently connected to the cover of the magazine. The foil at least partially supports a bottom-most or lowest sheet of the stack of x-ray film sheets, and due to the resilient mounting of the foil, always presents the uppermost sheet in the stack of film sheets to be presented in a position which permits the uppermost sheet to be reliably conveyed out of the magazine to an exposure position in an exposure component adjacent the film magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Erik Bjoerk, Ola Wiklund
  • Patent number: 4949371
    Abstract: An x-ray film cassette is provided which is formed in two mating pieces that snap together to form a sealed cassette. The pieces are formed of a soft, flexible material such as rubber or plastic and can be sterilized. An inside surface of the two pieces is coated with an exposure reduction material and an x-ray negative film is carried in the sealed cassette. The cassette can be opened and closed without the use of tools, and, due to its flexible nature can be used to obtain x-ray pictures of internal body organs during surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Inventors: Patrick J. Young, Sherry C. Faulkner
  • Patent number: 4922511
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: George C. Gay
  • Patent number: 4852143
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Inventors: Paul A. Scheier, Louise E. Scheier
  • Patent number: 4813063
    Abstract: An improved photographic cassette is disclosed having a pressure plate adjacent a rear cover wall thereof provided with laterally extending tabs on opposite side edges thereof. The cassette further has a floating plate adjacent a front cover wall which is unsecured to the front cover wall at least at all portions thereof except the center portion. The floating plate has ears laterally extending from the side edges thereof in register with and spaced from the tabs. The cassette has push-bar mechanisms adapted when the push-bar mechanisms are moved to an extended position to enter the space between the ears and tabs and to engage the tabs and move the pressure plate toward the rear cover wall, and to override the ears for latching the floating plate to the front cover wall whereby the pressure and floating plates are spaced apart for allowing a sheet to freely move into or exit the cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Even P. Carmichael, John J. Niedospial, Roger G. Covington, Bruce R. Muller
  • Patent number: 4791657
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Inventors: Alan Kirsch, Shirley Feinstein
  • Patent number: 4763346
    Abstract: An improved photographic cassette in which the plate and screen adjacent the front cover on the tube side of the cassette is unsecured to the front cover; that is, free floating, thereby achieving more uniform sheet-to-plate contact throughout the entire area of the sheet. The cassette also has a pressure plate and means forming a part of the pressure relieving means for engaging and holding the floating plate against the front cover upon actuation of the cassette pressure relieving means. The floating plate engaging and holding means facilitates separation of the pressure and floating plates and unblocking of the cassette entry slot by the floating plate to allow a sheet to freely enter the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John J. Niedospial, Bruce R. Muller
  • Patent number: 4756014
    Abstract: An x-ray diagnostic installation for producing panoramic tomograms of the jaw of a patient utilizes a flexible film cassette instead of a rigid film cassette. The film cassette is driven by an electromotive drive arranged in a housing of a film cassette holder behind a secondary diaphragm as seen in the direction of the radiation from a source of radiation. The drive is formed from by at least one drive element, and at least one cooperating element arranged thereto at a distance therefrom with means biasing at least one of the elements towards the other to produce a frictional engagement of the film cassette and move it past the secondary diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Dobert
  • Patent number: 4506788
    Abstract: A radiographic film cassette having a plurality of magnet components integral with the cassette holder for adhering the cassette to ferrous material in X-raying for defects in welds or fissures in shipyards, pipe lines, or the like. What is provided is a substantially flexible cassette envelope comprising first and second layers of radiographic intensifying screens with a sheet of radiographic film positioned therebetween. The cassette would be a cassette envelope constructed of waterproof fabric or other suitable material providing a light-free environment, and having the ability to flex around the curvature of the surface of a pipe or the like to be x-rayed. There is further provided a plurality of magnet components, preferably situated in each corner of the cassette envelope and flexibly attached thereto for overall adherence of the envelope to the surface of the pipe or the like to be x-rayed during the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1985
    Inventor: Donald Dallas
  • Patent number: 4499381
    Abstract: A laminate for conversion of X-rays into radiation that darkens X-ray films has a flexible plate which is disposed between a fluorescent layer and a ferromagnetic layer. The latter enables the plate and the fluorescent layer to bear against an X-ray film in a cassette or at an exposure station for X-ray films by being attracted to a plate-like permanent magnet. The ferromagnetic layer is permanently bonded to the respective side of the flexible plate or is simply confined between the plate and an outer layer which is permeable to X-rays and whose marginal portions extend beyond the ferromagnetic layer and are bonded to the respective marginal portions of the plate. Alternatively, the ferromagnetic layer can be inserted into a sealable envelope or bag which is bonded to the respective side of the plate, namely, to that side of the plate which away from the fluorescent layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1985
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Walter Bauer
  • Patent number: 4399363
    Abstract: A laminate for conversion of X-rays into radiation that darkens X-ray films has a flexible plate which is disposed between a fluorescent layer and a ferromagnetic layer. The latter enables the plate and the fluorescent layer to bear against an X-ray film in a cassette or at an exposure station for X-ray films by being attracted to a plate-like permanent magnet. The ferromagnetic layer is permanently bonded to the respective side of the flexible plate or is simply confined between the plate and an outer layer which is permeable to X-rays and whose marginal portions extend beyond the ferromagnetic layer and are bonded to the respective marginal portions of the plate. Alternatively, the ferromagnetic layer can be inserted into a sealable envelope or bag which is bonded to the respective side of the plate, namely, to that side of the plate which faces away from the fluorescent layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1983
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Walter Bauer