Abstract: An automated method of unpacking a container containing semiconductor wafers from a sealed bag is provided. The method includes inflating the bag with a gas using an automated gas dispenser. After inflating the bag, the bag is cut using an automated cutting device to expose the container, and the cut bag is removed from around the container.

Abstract: To provide a radiographic imaging apparatus having an airtight internal space and capable of reducing a difference in air pressure between the inside and the outside thereof, a radiographic imaging apparatus includes a radiation detector configured to detect radiation transmitted through an object to be examined and convert the radiation into an electrical signal, and sealing members configured to seal an opening in a housing of the apparatus, wherein the sealing members have the function of reducing a difference in air pressure between the inside and the outside of the housing.

Abstract: Methods of orthopedic fixation and imagery analysis are provided. Images of first and second bone segments attached to a fixation apparatus are captured. Fixator elements identified in the images can be used to obtain imaging scene parameters. Bone elements identified in the images can be used with the imaging scene parameters to reconstruct a three dimensional representation of positions and/or orientations of the first and second bone segments with respect to the fixation apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a surgical cassette with compliant clamping zones to provide more uniform loading. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a surgical cassette includes a clamping portion that is configured to deform to conform to non-uniform load profile applied to the cassette. The clamping portion can include ribs that are sized and made of a suitable material such that the ribs will deflect predictably in the elastic region and flow plastically when the material yield point is exceeded. The use of ribs creates discrete small load areas that will deflect and distort predictably and non-catastrophically at high loads. This allows for the absorption of accumulated tolerances between the clamping mechanism and cassette (e.g., the non-parallelism between the clamping mechanism and cassette) while still providing a distributed load on the cassette.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a packaging box and a related manufacturing method. The packaging box contains a top cover and a bottom cover. The top cover is an assembly of a first member and a second member embedded in a first indentation of the first member. The first member directly supports the packaged objects and has a better buffering capability than that of the second member. The bottom cover is an assembly of a third member and a fourth member embedded in a second indentation of the third member. The third member directly supports the packaged objects and has a better buffering capability than that of the fourth member. As such, the present invention can effectively reduce the material cost as well as product cost for the packaging box.

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.

Abstract: A radiography cassette capable of receiving at least one X-ray or Gamma radiation detector includes a front frame with a front wall through which a radiation to be detected can passand a rear frame with a rear wall, where the front and rear frames define an inner section of the cassette. A discontinuous foam layer is provided between the location for receiving the detector and the rear wall, where the discontinuous foam layer is formed by a plurality of studs oriented perpendicularly to the front and rear walls and distributed in the inner section of the cassette, so as to be able to be laterally deformed on the crushing thereof under pressure. A temporary fixation means is provided for maintaining the cassette in a closed configuration or for opening the same.

Abstract: An x-ray film holder is provided to attach to a dental simulation model and to support an x-ray film. The x-ray film holder includes a base with a releasable contact fastener for attaching the dental simulation model thereto. The x-ray film holder also includes a support member to releasably hold an x-ray film. The support member can be configured as an adjustable support member for accommodating x-ray films of various film thicknesses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray tube with a structure, by which the charging of an insulating member, disposed inside a container, is effectively prevented to enable stable operation to be secured. This X-ray tube has an electron source that emits electrons, a target that generates X-rays in response to the incidence of the electrons, first and second electrons, each having a side face portion that extends along the direction of incidence of the electrons and forming a predetermined electric field between the electron source and the target, and an insulating support member, for supporting the first and second electrodes, being disposed along the side face portions of the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A storage phosphor panel for storing image information and an X-ray cassette with such a storage phosphor panel are proposed. The storage phosphor panel contains a carrier layer and a storage phosphor layer, which is applied on the carrier layer. The storage phosphor panel furthermore has a contour which is configured as an autonomous part relative to the carrier layer and is connected to the carrier layer.

Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus includes a radiation system for providing a beam of radiation and a support structure for supporting a patterning device. The patterning device serves to pattern the beam according to a desired pattern. The lithographic projection apparatus includes a substrate table for holding a substrate and a projection system for projecting the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate. At least one holding structure includes at least one compliant member holding a pimple plate for holding a removable item for the apparatus.

Abstract: An imaging device comprising a transparent, media support platen having a first surface portion and a second surface portion; a media clamp mounted in displaceable, overlying relationship with the first surface portion of the platen; and a lid mounted in displaceable overlying relationship with the second surface portion of the platen.

Abstract: A radiation cassette has a housing for accommodating a radiation image recording medium, a lid openably and closably mounted on a portion of the housing, a light-shielding plate disposed in a remaining portion of the housing, the lid being swingably mounted on the light-shielding plate, and a support mechanism for pressing the radiation image recording medium against and supporting the radiation image recording medium on an inner surface of the housing when a radiation is applied to the radiation image recording medium, and releasing the radiation image recording medium from being pressed when the radiation image recording medium is loaded into and unloaded out of the housing.

Abstract: An image input apparatus includes an illumination unit to produce a quantity of light to illuminate a transmitting original and a support unit operable to allow the quantity of light to be scanned and to support and move the transmitting original. Additionally, the image input apparatus includes a reading unit to read light which is received by or passed through the transmitting original.

Abstract: In an X-ray apparatus, an X-ray film is placed in an closed space formed by front and rear sensitizer screen supports and a closing member fixed to one of the sensitizer screen supports so that a part of the X-ray film projects outside the closed space. The closed space is evacuated so that the sensitizer screens are brought into close contact with opposite sides of the X-ray film under vacuum. The front and rear sensitizer screen supports are movable between the X-raying position and a retracted position shifted from the X-raying position and are movable relative to each other in the retracted position between a closing position where the supports form the closed space together with the closing member and an open position where the supports form therebetween a wedge-shaped space flaring upward to permit insertion and removal of the X-ray film into and from the space.

Abstract: A patient identification x-ray cassette comprising: a cover having a window in the cover with predetermined transmission characteristics; a prompt emission stimulable phosphor coated substrate positioned essentially below the window having a phosphor that is selected to absorb at a first bandwidth and emit at a second bandwidth and the substrate is selected to transmit at least the first bandwidth; an image receiving element sensitive to electromagnetic radiation of the second bandwidth positioned at least below the window; and placing the phosphor coated substrate against the image receiving element. The phosphor is of the type that absorbs energy in the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum and emits energy in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The substrate upon which the coating is placed is relatively transparent to infrared wavelengths. The cassette allows for patient identification data to be written onto the x-ray film contained inside the cassette via an infrared source.

Abstract: A x-ray fill cassette for use with radiographic film. The cassette has a tube side unit and a cover unit. The units together define a film space for the film. The units are relatively pivotable between an open state and a closed state. The tube side unit is substantially convex in at least one of length and width dimensions when the traits are in the open state. The tube side unit is substantially flat in both length and width dimensions when the film is in the film space and the units are in the closed state. The tube side unit includes a compressible pad that adjoins the fill space. The cover unit includes a cover panel, a pressure panel, and an intensifying screen. The cover panel and the pressure panel are rigidly mounted in spaced parallel relation. The intensifying screen is adhered directly to the pressure panel adjoining the film space.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the presence or absence of a sheet within a cassette. The apparatus includes a plate and a mask stationarily mounted on a first side of the plate. An indicating element is movably mounted in overlapping orientation to the mask for one-dimensional movement between a first position wherein the indicating element and the mask define a first pattern indicative of the absence of the sheet, and a second position wherein the indicating element and the mask define a second pattern indicative of the presence of the sheet. A spring biases the indicating element in the first position, and a movable member moves the indicating element to define the second pattern when the sheet is positioned within the cassette. Alternatively, the indicating element is stationarily mounted and the mask is movably mounted for one-dimensional movement.

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. The device also has means for locating an x-ray machine cone in proper position relative to the film packet.

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: An autoradiography cassette maintains a sample in close contact with a film and prevents extraneous light from exposing the film. The cassette includes a substantially flat base plate and two flexible magnetic sheets. A first flexible magnetic sheet is attached to the base plate by rivets. The rivets allow the first magnetic sheet to move relative to the base plate in a plane defined by the base plate. A second flexible magnetic sheet is positioned above the first magnetic sheet to magnetically couple with the first magnetic sheet. The rivets allow relative lateral movement between the base plate and the magnetic sheets to account for differences in the coefficients of thermal expansion for the base plate and the magnetically coupled flexible magnetic sheets.

Abstract: An x-ray film cassette having a base and a cover adapted to close upon the base. The cover is provided with an identification window. A pressure plate is secured within the cassette. The cover, pressure plate and base form a light-tight space for receiving a sheet of x-ray film. The pressure plate is also provided with an identification window which is in substantial alignment with the identification window of the cover. A light-tight slideable window shutter is provided for covering of the identification window of the cover and/or the pressure plate. The slideable window shutter, when in a first position, provides a light-tight seal against the windows and when in a second position allows information to be provided to an x-ray film contained within the cassette. An indicator assembly is secured to the pressure plate and is at least partially visible through the cover for indicating when film is present within the cassette and for indicating when the window shutter has been opened.

Abstract: A cassette houses therein a sheet-shaped radiation image recording medium such that the sheet-shaped radiation image recording medium is capable of being taken out therefrom. A nonwoven fabric is adhered to an inner surface of a flat plate-like portion of the cassette, which portion stands facing an image recording layer of the sheet-shaped radiation image recording medium. The image recording layer is thus prevented from being scratched by dust occurring from a cushioning material or entering the cassette from the exterior. Operations for feeding the sheet-shaped image recording medium into and out of the cassette are not obstructed due to fluctuations in the coefficient of friction of a cushioning material or due to a high coefficient of friction of the cushioning material.

Abstract: A film cassette comprising a base and a cover adapted to close upon and cooperate with the base. A pressure plate is disposed between the cover and the base. The cover, base and pressure plate form a light-tight space for receiving a sheet of film. At least one biasing member is provided for biasing the pressure plate against the base when the cover is closed on the base. The pressure plate and base each having a configuration such that when the cassette is closed, a predetermined pressure distribution is applied to a sheet of film placed in the cassette. There is also provided a method of making a cassette which includes steps for defining a specific shape for the fabricated cassette such that the cassette will provide improved performance during use.

Abstract: A cassette for a photographic element of the kind used in computed radiography comprises a first cassette portion and a second cassette portion that are telescoped together during assembly to form the cassette. The first portion has a rectangular panel and edge walls extending around three side edges of the panel. The second cassette portion comprises a rectangular panel on which the photographic element is permanently secured. An edge wall is attached to one side edge only of the rectangular panel of the second cassette portion and it extends between the edge walls of the first cassette portion when the two portions are assembled together. A locking mechanism carried by the cassette portions holds them together in assembled relation but is easily released by an actuator for removing the second cassette portion and the photographic element so they can be delivered together to a computed radiography reader.

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: In a cassette loading and unloading apparatus, a device is provided for centering X-ray film cassettes of various sizes, which can be transported on rollers (19), by means of two parallel bars (16, 17) movable towards and away from each other, respectively. The bars (16, 17) have U-shaped recesses (16a, 17a) for passage of rollers (19). Of the lugs of bars (16, 17) formed by the recesses and projecting through the rollers, one lug (16b, 17b) of each bar (16, 17) is slidably guided on a guide rail (14) extending below rollers (19). Moreover, a second lug (16f, 17f) of each bar (16, 17) is in engagement with a driving mechanism (30, 34, 38, 45). The rollers (19), the guide rail (14) and the bars (16, 17) are arranged on the upper side of support plate (10), and the driving mechanism (30, 34, 38, 45) is provided on the lower side of that plate. They jointly form a prefinished assembly unit. FIGS. 1 and 2 are to be published.

Abstract: A simple, low cost x-ray scanner providing enhanced resolution is formed by providing a straight-line optical path from an illuminating source, through the x-ray image to be scanned and thence to an imaging lens which forms an image on a CCD array. The x-ray film is fed by means of gravity to a pair of rollers, immediately above which are formed first and second apertures on either side of the roller. The film is eliminated through the apertures which provide a field stop for the optical system. A shutter immediately adjacent one of the apertures is coupled to a width-adjustment mechanism actuated by a feed guide for the film to thereby adjust the width of the aperture to the width of the film. The output of the CCD is modified to expand the output at low levels and compress it at high levels via a logarithmic mapping to adapt the high resolution CCD output to a lower resolution video display processor.

Abstract: A sheet-film cassette (1) comprises a lower portion (2) and a lid (3) hinged to said lower portion by means of a hinge (4). Hinge (4) consists of a flexible material and has a ledge-shaped profile with a thinner portion of the material forming a pivot zone (4e). Holding elements (4a, 4b and 4f, 4h respectively) which extend on either side of said pivot zone (4i) across the total length of the hinge are arranged for mounting the lower portion (2, 2f) and the lid (3, 3c) respectively. In order that a uniform pressure be exerted on the film, additional support means (4d, 4f) are molded to hinge (4), said support means being brought into positive engagement when cassette (1) is closed and stabilizing the total area of the hinge. For this purpose a ledge (4f) associated with the lower portion (2) is molded to hinge (4), which ledge extends across the whole length of the hinge into the interior of the cassette.

Abstract: An x-ray film positioning device wherein the film holder and x-ray beam alignment rod can rotate together while the biteblock remains stationary. Such rotation is accomplished by means of an axle placed through the body of the biteblock, or through tubes attached to the biteblock, and attaching the film holder to one end of an extension bar and attaching the other end of the extension bar to one end of the axle, and further attaching the beam alignment rod to the other end of the axle. By the configuration of this assembly, a predetermined relationship of the film to the x-ray beam e.g. parallel, can be maintained with all angles of rotation. Simultaneously, the biteblock remains stationary in a flat, occlusally parallel position, held securely between the upper and lower teeth. This rotational concept is particularly helpful, but not limited to, film holder biteblock arrangements which are laterally off-set one to the other when viewed from the x-ray source.

Abstract: An X-ray cassette for retaining an X-ray sheet film or the like. The frame (13) of the X-ray cassette comprises corner members (20) corresponding to corner portions of a front plate and straight members (30), connected to the corner members and corresponding to side portions of the front plate. The corner members (20) each have a nearly L-shaped body (21), fitting projections (22) protruding from both ends of the body (21) and fitting pins (23) formed integrally. The straight members (30) have each fitting recesses (31, 32) to receive the fitting projections (22) and fitting pins (23) of the corner member (20), with front-plate receiving grooves (24, 33) formed continuous in the inner walls of the corner members (20) and straight members (30) for receiving edge portions of the front plate (12). Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the X-ray cassette and improve the strength thereof.

Abstract: A light lock is formed by a channel with spaced walls, with the channel being open at one side. A light absorbing material is positioned in the channel and has bristles projecting toward the opening. A flange projects through the opening toward the material but is spaced from the bristles. The channel can be formed on one portion of a magazine, cassette or the like, for light tight materials such as photographic film, and the flange can be formed on another portion of such a magazine or cassette.

Abstract: A novel process for the packaging of double-side coated X-ray films is described. This process employs the use of plastic or plastic or polymer coated cardboard as top and bottom stiffening members in a stack of sheets of the X-ray film. The top and bottom sheets of film packaged in this manner will harden in the same way as the remainder of the sheets whereas film packaged with conventional, plain cardboard stiffening members will not.

Abstract: A flat film cassette comprises a lower part, an upper part provided with an illumination window, and an element for turnably connecting the lower part and the upper part with one another. The lower part has a bottom with a peripheral edge for receiving a film, and having a plurality of edge portions including at least two parallel edge portions. A slider is lowerably supported in each of the edge portions of the edge in a springy manner and extends beyond the edge portion so that during closing of the upper part the slider is moved back into the edge portion.

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: 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 cassette for removably housing a stimulable phosphor sheet for storing a radiation image therein comprises a flat box-like front plate and a cover member openably coupled with the front plate. A foamed material is secured to the inner surface of the front plate, thereby preventing the stimulable phosphor sheet from being scratched when the sheet is taken out of or inserted into the cassette. The foamed material has at least one notch for exposing a part of the inner surface of the front plate, so that the stimulable phosphor sheet housed in the cassette does not come in contact with the foamed material at the portion of the notch and can be readily separated from the foamed material when the stimulable phosphor sheet is taken out of the cassette.

Abstract: An exposure unit for a film changer includes a fastening arrangement for upper and lower platens which are movable relative to one another so that film is introduceable therebetween when in one position and so that the film is pressed between the platens when the platens are in another position. The fastening arrangements of at least the upper platen are resiliently formed to insure parallelism between the lower platen and the upper platen during exposure of the film when the platens press against the film.

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: An x-ray film has a flexible sheet having a front face and a rear face, a layer of an x-ray stimulable phosphor on the front face, and a layer of mangetically attractable material, for example a steel foil, on the rear face. This film is used with a film handling apparatus, normally a reader, having structure forming a flap support surface of a size at least equal to that of the film and at least one permanent magnet is imbedded in the structure and extends over the surface. Thus the rear face of the film can be adhered magnetically to the surface. An array of stripping elements is distributed over the surface and each element is displaceable through the surface between a recessed position below the surface and an advanced position projecting past the surface. An actuator can displace the elements from their withdrawn to their advanced position and thereby lift from the surface a film clinging magnetically to the surface.

Abstract: A cassette for holding a luminescent storage screen, in which an x-ray image is latently stored, has a housing with a cover consisting of a flexible, ferromagnetic material, to which the storage screen is attached. At least regions of the housing also consist of a ferromagnetic material, with the cover and the housing regions being magnetized. The cover with the screen attached thereto is thus held in place in the cassette in a light-tight fashion.

Abstract: A cassette for holding sheet film during exposure to x-radiation includes first and second hingedly connected panels. Both panels are curved substantially cylindrically when in the open condition, with the axes of the cylinders parallel to the hinge line and with the convexities facing one another. One of the panels is formed of carbon fiber reinforced plastics material and additionally, in some regions, deviates from the cylindrical by being curved towards the other panel, when in the open condition. Thus, while the cylindrical curvature is convex towards the other panel the regions of curvature out of the cylindrical exhibit some concavity towards the other panel. Such a panel improves the contact of the intensifying screens with the film and also the integrity of the light seal at the periphery of the cassette.

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.

Abstract: A cassette for x-ray film has a cover and a bottom. A magnetic sheet is secured to the cover and a fluorescent screen is, in turn, secured to the magnetic sheet. A ferromagnetic foil is mounted on the bottom of the cassette and carries a second fluorescent screen. When a sheet of film is inserted in the cassette and the cassette is closed, the film is flanked by the fluorescent screens, which, in turn, are flanked by the magnetic sheet and the ferromagnetic foil. The magnetic sheet and ferromagentic foil are attracted to one another and thereby urge the fluorescent screens into engagement with the film. The ferromagnetic foil is mounted on the bottom of the cassette via connecting elements which permit the ferromagnetic foil to undergo relatively large amounts of movement relative to the bottom of the cassette. In this manner, the ferromagnetic foil can conform to deformation of the cassette.

Abstract: A cover latch mechanism is disclosed for a photographic cassette, such as an x-ray film sheet cassette. Such cassettes typically have side walls, end walls and opposing front and rear cover walls in which one of the cover walls is rigidly secured to the end walls and side walls. The other cover wall is slidably moved along grooves in the side walls from a normally closed position to an open position for allowing easy access to the inside of the cassette for cleaning and maintenance. A latch mechanism is disclosed for releasably latching the other cover wall in its normally closed position.

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.

Abstract: A film sheet presence indicating mechanism is disclosed for use in a photographic cassette, such as an x-ray cassette having one end wall with a slot therein through which a film sheet is moveable therethrough between screens along an inlet path to a loaded position adjacent an opposite end wall. The x-ray cassette has front and rear cover walls joined to the end walls in which the rear cover wall has an inner side facing an inner surface of the front cover. The film sheet presence indicating mechanism comprises a housing secured to the inner side of the rear cover adjacent the opposite end wall to define a cavity. The mechanism further comprises a film sheet presence indicator member that is mounted within the housing cavity for slidable movement between a normal first position indicating the absence of a film sheet in the x-ray cassette, and a second position indicating that a film sheet is loaded in the cassette.

Abstract: An X-ray sheet film cassette is assembled of a bottom wall, side walls and a cover hinged to an upper part of one side wall. The lower part of the one side wall adjoining the bottom wall is reduced in thickness to form an abutment for the sheet film. The inner surface of the cover is provided with a resilient pressing pad which during the closing of the cover urges the sheet film against the abutment and in the closed condition of the cassette presses the film against the bottom. In this manner, when taking X-ray pictures of a part of patient's body which forms an angle relative to another body part, the unexposed section of the first mentioned body part which is adjacent the other body part, is minimized and well defined in position relative to the other body part.