US3887816A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical system for x-ray scanning equipment
Assignee: ELSCINT IMAGING Inc
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Filing: 1973-04-26
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Granted: 1975-06-03
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Expires: 1993-04-26
Abstract
Abstract An optical system is disclosed for X-ray film scanning equipment that functions to reduce the contrast between the scanning of light and dark areas of the film. The optical system comprises a fluorescent lamp having an elongated aperture or window for illuminating a thin line onto the film, which is spaced from the window face of the lamp. A movable mirror is positioned on the opposite side of the film to cause the scan to sweep from one end of the illuminated line on the film to the other. The scanned images are reflected on an objective lens which, in turn, focuses the images onto an aperture plate with the light passing through the aperture being received by a photosensitive device. A cylindrical lens is spaced from the light source in order to diverge the spectral light passing therethrough and to increase the luminance of the illuminated line. In this manner, the light signals received by the photosensitive device from the clear areas will be reduced, while the signals received from the dark areas will remain the same.
Inventors
- 👤 Austin G Cooley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 11:22
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B42/00; G03B42/02; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/17; G01N21/59; G01N21/5907; G01N21/5911
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
153 words
In combination: an x-ray film station having a plane for receiving a frame of xray film; an exciter lamp positioned on one side of said x-ray film station for illuminating a thin line of illumination across the x-ray film; an aperture plate positioned on the opposite side of said film station; an objective lens positioned between said film station and aperture plate for focusing the scanned image from said film station onto said aperture plate; photosensitive means positioned behind said aperture plate for receiving the light signals passing through said aperture plate and generating electrical signals In response thereto; lens means positioned between said exciter lamp and said film station for diverging the spectral light passing therethrough and increasing the luminance of the illuminated line passing therethrough, said lens means including a cylindrical lens longitudinally positioned adjacent said film station; and means for attenuating portions of the illuminated line exiting said exciter lamp.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
153 words
In combination: an x-ray film station having a plane for receiving a frame of xray film; an exciter lamp positioned on one side of said x-ray film station for illuminating a thin line of illumination across the x-ray film; an aperture plate positioned on the opposite side of said film station; an objective lens positioned between said film station and aperture plate for focusing the scanned image from said film station onto said aperture plate; photosensitive means positioned behind said aperture plate for receiving the light signals passing through said aperture plate and generating electrical signals In response thereto; lens means positioned between said exciter lamp and said film station for diverging the spectral light passing therethrough and increasing the luminance of the illuminated line passing therethrough, said lens means including a cylindrical lens longitudinally positioned adjacent said film station; and means for attenuating portions of the illuminated line exiting said exciter lamp.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
153 words
In combination: an x-ray film station having a plane for receiving a frame of x-ray film; an exciter lamp positioned on one side of said x-ray film station for illuminating a thin line of illumination across the x-ray film; an aperture plate positioned on the opposite side of said film station; an objective lens positioned between said film station and aperture plate for focusing the scanned image from said film station onto said aperture plate; photosensitive means positioned behind said aperture plate for receiving the light signals passing through said aperture plate and generating electrical signals In response thereto; lens means positioned between said exciter lamp and said film station for diverging the spectral light passing therethrough and increasing the luminance of the illuminated line passing therethrough, said lens means including a cylindrical lens longitudinally positioned adjacent said film station; and means for attenuating portions of the illuminated line exiting said exciter lamp.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
153 words
In combination: an x-ray film station having a plane for receiving a frame of x-ray film; an exciter lamp positioned on one side of said x-ray film station for illuminating a thin line of illumination across the x-ray film; an aperture plate positioned on the opposite side of said film station; an objective lens positioned between said film station and aperture plate for focusing the scanned image from said film station onto said aperture plate; photosensitive means positioned behind said aperture plate for receiving the light signals passing through said aperture plate and generating electrical signals In response thereto; lens means positioned between said exciter lamp and said film station for diverging the spectral light passing therethrough and increasing the luminance of the illuminated line passing therethrough, said lens means including a cylindrical lens longitudinally positioned adjacent said film station; and means for attenuating portions of the illuminated line exiting said exciter lamp.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said cylindrical lens is of a strength to focus the illuminated line onto the plane of said film station.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The combination of claim 2 wherein said cylindrical lens is spaced from said film station.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The combination of claim 3 wherein said cylindrical lens is of a strength to focus the image of the illuminated line onto the surface of the plane of said film station.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
130 words
In combination: an x-ray film station having a plane for receiving a frame of x-ray film; an exciter lamp positioned on one side of said x-ray film station for illuminating a thin line of illumination across the x-ray film; an aperture plate positioned on the opposite side of said film station; an objective lens positioned between said film station and aperture plate for focusing the scanned image from said film station onto said aperture plate; photosensitive means positioned behind said aperture plate for receiving the light signals passing through said aperture plate and generating electrical signals in response thereto; lens means positioned between said exciter lamp and said film station for diverging the spectral light passing therethrough; and means for attenuating portions of the illuminated line exiting said exciter lamp.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
130 words
In combination: an x-ray film station having a plane for receiving a frame of x-ray film; an exciter lamp positioned on one side of said x-ray film station for illuminating a thin line of illumination across the x-ray film; an aperture plate positioned on the opposite side of said film station; an objective lens positioned between said film station and aperture plate for focusing the scanned image from said film station onto said aperture plate; photosensitive means positioned behind said aperture plate for receiving the light signals passing through said aperture plate and generating electrical signals in response thereto; lens means positioned between said exciter lamp and said film station for diverging the spectral light passing therethrough; and means for attenuating portions of the illuminated line exiting said exciter lamp.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The combination of claim 5 wherein said attenuating means includes a plurality of movable masks positioned adjacent said exciter lamp adjacent the light path of said illuminated line.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-06-02 | 1978-12-02 | 1979-06-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-06-02 | 1982-12-02 | 1983-06-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-06-02 | 1986-12-02 | 1987-06-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |