X-ray table

Claim 2

In a film handling system for a medical X-ray examination mechanism including an X-ray tube and a patient engaging surface connected to a body, the combination of: a. the body defining an unexposed film magazine, an exposed film receiving means, an exposure station, and film transport means for conveying film from said unexposed film magazine to said exposure station for exposure and thereafter to said exposed film receiving means; b. said unexposed film magazine comprising a plurality of drawer members having film receiving volumes and closure members supported by respective drawer members for movement between an opened position and a closed position and wherein said respective drawer member is closed in a light tight fashion; c. actuator means including actuator members associated with respective closure members to move said closure members between said open and closed positions; d. said body defining at least an access opening and drawer supporting means enabling movement of said drawer members into and out of said body through said access opening; e. an access door supported by said body for movement between a closed position wherein said access opening is closed against entrance of light into said body and an open position wherein drawer members of said magazine are removable; f. door locking means preventing movement of said access door to said position when said closure members are away from said closed positions whereby film in said magazine cannot be inadvertently exposed by opening said access door when the closure members are in their open positions; and, g. said body including structure shielding unexposed film in said magazine from radiation when said tube is energized.

Claim 3

The film handling system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said actuators are fluid operated and further including a control valve for communicating operating fluid pressure to said actuators, and sensing means for detecting the fluid pressure level in said actuators and preventing unlocking of said door by said door locking means until the fluid pressure applied to said actuators is at a level indicative of said closure members being in the closed positions.

Claim 4

film locating structure to position such transported film sheet such that said second marginal film sheet end portion is disposed on and extends transversely of said unexposed film transport path at the conclusion of such transporting and the remainder of such transported film sheet is in said exposure station;

Claim 5

film locating structure to position such transported film sheet such that said second marginal film sheet end portion is disposed on and extends transversely of said unexposed film transport path at the conclusion of such transporting and the remainder of such transported film sheet is in said exposure station;

Claim 6

film extractor means for grasping said second marginal end portion of such film sheet and withdrawing such film sheet from said exposure station subsequent to exposure thereof; and,

Claim 7

film extractor means for grasping said second marginal end portion of such film sheet and withdrawing such film sheet from said exposure station subsequent to exposure thereof; and,

Claim 10

exposed film conveyor means for transporting an exposed film sheet to said exposed film receiving means along an exposed film transport path which includes transport along at least part of said unexposed film transport path in a direction opposite to said one direction.

Claim 11

exposed film conveyor means for transporting an exposed film sheet to said exposed film receiving means along an exposed film transport path which includes transport along at least part of said unexposed film transport path in a direction opposite to said one direction.

Claim 12

A method as claimed in claim 3 further including relatively moving said X-ray source and said clamping members to adjust the position of the path of an x-ray beam emanating from said source and the film sheet to desired relative locations prior to exposing said film.

Claim 13

The method claimed in claim 3 further comprising directing said exposed film sheet to film processor means via said exposed film sheet handling means.

Claim 14

The method claimed in claim 3 wherein said storage means for unexposed film comprises a magazine containing cut sheets of unexposed film and transporting film comprises extracting sheets of film one at a time from said magazine and conveying a sheet to said exposure station.

Claim 15

In an X-ray mechanism a film handling system comprising: a. at least one unexposed film storage magazine; b. a film exposure station comprising first and second film engaging members at least one of which defines an image intensification element movable into intimate contact with a film sheet in said station; c. a film conveyor system comprising at least a film pickup unit associated with said unexposed film storage magazine and conveyor means for moving a film sheet from the pickup unit into said exposure station in one direction along a path of film travel; d. said conveyor system comprising film engaging conveyor members adjacent said station for stopping a sheet of film with a marginal film sheet end portion projecting from said station and extending transverse to said path of film travel; e. said film engaging members of said exposure station overlying the remaining film sheet end portion and sides and intimately contacting said film sheet substantially across its entire surface except for said marginal film sheet end portion; f. said conveyor members engaging the marginal film sheet end portion and operating to withdraw the sheet of film from said exposure station along at least a portion of said path of film travel opposite to said one direction to a storage location.

Claim 16

In an X-ray mechanism a film handling system comprising: a. at least one unexposed film storage magazine; b. a film exposure station comprising first and second film engaging members at least one of which defines an image intensification element movable into intimate contact with a film sheet in said station; c. a film conveyor system comprising at least a film pickup unit associated with said unexposed film storage magazine and conveyor means for moving a film sheet from the pickup unit into said exposure station in one direction along a path of film travel; d. said conveyor system comprising film engaging conveyor members adjacent said station for stopping a sheet of film with a marginal film sheet end portion projecting from said station and extending transverse to said path of film travel; e. said film engaging members of said exposure station overlying the remaining film sheet end portion and sides and intimately contacting said film sheet substantially across its entire surface except for said marginal film sheet end portion; f. said conveyor members engaging the marginal film sheet end portion and operating to withdraw the sheet of film from said exposure station along at least a portion of said path of film travel opposite to said one direction to a storage location.

Claim 17

An X-ray mechanism as claimed in claim 7 further comprising film identification means for placing identifying indicia on said marginal film sheet end portion.

Claim 18

An X-ray mechanism as claimed in claim 7 wherein said mechanism includes an X-ray source for producing a beam of X-rays and further comprising means for relatively adjusting the position of the X-ray beam and said exposure station longitudinally whereby the X-ray beam is aligned with a selected film positioned in the exposure station.

Claim 19

In an X-ray mechanism, the combination of: a. structure establishing an examining position for a patient; b. an X-ray tube support; c. an X-ray tube mounted on the support and to one side of said position; d. a film receiving and positioning assembly on the other side of said position and defining an exposure station positioned when in use in alignment with the tube whereby when a beam of X-rays is emitted by the tube it will impinge on a sheet of film carried by the assembly at the station; e. a plurality of film supply magazines of different sizes, at least one of said supply magazines being constructed to carry filM of a selected film size different from a film size in another magazine; f. a collection means to receive sheets of exposed film; g. film transport means positioned to transport sheets of film along a film transport path, said transport means being adapted to remove a sheet of film of a selected size from one of the supply magazines, transport the film to the assembly and thereafter transport said selected sheet of film to the collection means; and, h. alignment means for effecting relative movement of the tube and the station to bring the tube and station into an alignment position appropriate for the size of film selected when a sheet of film different in size than a preceeding film is transported to said station.

Claim 20

In an X-ray mechanism, the combination of: a. structure establishing an examining position for a patient; b. an X-ray tube support; c. an X-ray tube mounted on the support and to one side of said position; d. a film receiving and positioning assembly on the other side of said position and defining an exposure station positioned when in use in alignment with the tube whereby when a beam of X-rays is emitted by the tube it will impinge on a sheet of film carried by the assembly at the station; e. a plurality of film supply magazines of different sizes, at least one of said supply magazines being constructed to carry filM of a selected film size different from a film size in another magazine; f. a collection means to receive sheets of exposed film; g. film transport means positioned to transport sheets of film along a film transport path, said transport means being adapted to remove a sheet of film of a selected size from one of the supply magazines, transport the film to the assembly and thereafter transport said selected sheet of film to the collection means; and, h. alignment means for effecting relative movement of the tube and the station to bring the tube and station into an alignment position appropriate for the size of film selected when a sheet of film different in size than a preceeding film is transported to said station.

Claim 21

In an X-ray mechanism, the combination of: a. structure establishing an examining position for a patient; b. an x-ray tube support; c. an X-ray tube mounted on the support and to one side of said position; d. a film positioning and receiving mechanism on the other side of said position defining an exposure station, said mechanism comprising at least one film clamping member for engaging a sheet of film substantially across a face thereof including a first end portion and lateral sides of the sheet with a second marginal end portion of the sheet of film extending from said mechanism; e. unexposed film storage means for storing unexposed sheets of film; f. an exposed film receiving means; and, g. film transport means comprising:

Claim 22

In an X-ray mechanism, the combination of: a. structure establishing an examining position for a patient; b. an x-ray tube support; c. an X-ray tube mounted on the support and to one side of said position; d. a film positioning and receiving mechanism on the other side of said position defining an exposure station, said mechanism comprising at least one film clamping member for engaging a sheet of film substantially across a face thereof including a first end portion and lateral sides of the sheet with a second marginal end portion of the sheet of film extending from said mechanism; e. unexposed film storage means for storing unexposed sheets of film; f. an exposed film receiving means; and, g. film transport means comprising:

Claim 23

In an X-ray mechanism; a. an element defining a patient engaging surface; b. an X-ray tube spaced from the surface; c. structure defining a light tight enclosure positioned with the surface between the structure and the tube; d. a plurality of unexposed film storage magazines in said enclosure each defining a storage volume to store a quantity of like-sized unexposed film sheets, the sheets in one magazine being of differing lengths and widths than sheets in another magazine; e. each of said magazines comprising a closure member movable between a first position providing an access opening in said magazine and a second position wherein said access opening is closed in a light tight fashion; f. actuator means for operating said closure member between said positions; g. magazine support means in said enclosure supporting each magazine for individual removal from said enclosure; h. an exposure station comprising film positioning members for positioning sheets of film one at a time for exposure; i. exposed film sheet receiving structure for receiving exposed sheets of film from said exposure station; and, j. film transport means between said storage magazines said exposure station and said exposed film receiving structure, said transport means comprising film extracting means for removing a single sheet of film from any selected one of said unexposed film storage magazines and a film conveyor for transporting a selected Sheet of film from said film extracting means to said exposure station and thereafter to said exposed film receiving structure.

Claim 24

In an X-ray mechanism; a. an element defining a patient engaging surface; b. an X-ray tube spaced from the surface; c. structure defining a light tight enclosure positioned with the surface between the structure and the tube; d. a plurality of unexposed film storage magazines in said enclosure each defining a storage volume to store a quantity of like-sized unexposed film sheets, the sheets in one magazine being of differing lengths and widths than sheets in another magazine; e. each of said magazines comprising a closure member movable between a first position providing an access opening in said magazine and a second position wherein said access opening is closed in a light tight fashion; f. actuator means for operating said closure member between said positions; g. magazine support means in said enclosure supporting each magazine for individual removal from said enclosure; h. an exposure station comprising film positioning members for positioning sheets of film one at a time for exposure; i. exposed film sheet receiving structure for receiving exposed sheets of film from said exposure station; and, j. film transport means between said storage magazines said exposure station and said exposed film receiving structure, said transport means comprising film extracting means for removing a single sheet of film from any selected one of said unexposed film storage magazines and a film conveyor for transporting a selected Sheet of film from said film extracting means to said exposure station and thereafter to said exposed film receiving structure.

Claim 25

The mechanism claimed in claim 12 further comprising film conveyor control means for automatically terminating operation of said film conveyor in response to detection of a film sheet positioned in said exposure station.

Claim 26

The mechanism claimed in claim 13 wherein said film conveyor control means comprises a film sensing member for detecting the passage of a transverse edge of a film sheet being conveyed into said exposure station; operation of said film conveyor being terminated with a trailing edge portion of a film sheet at a predetermined position relative to said station.

Claim 27

The mechanism claimed in claim 14 wherein said film conveyor comprises film sheet engaging members operable to engage a trailing edge of a film sheet projecting from said exposure station and withdraw the sheet from said exposure station for transport to said exposed film receiving structure.

Claim 28

The mechanism claimed in claim 12 wherein said exposed film receiving structure comprises a film processor unit.

Claim 29

The mechanism claimed in claim 12 wherein said exposed film receiving structure comprises an exposed film storage magazine removably supported in said enclosure.

Claim 30

The mechanism claimed in claim 12 wherein said exposure station comprises first and second film positioning members each defining a film sheet engaging surface portion, said surface portions disposed on opposite respective sides of a film sheet at said exposure station, at least one of said positioning members constructed in part from a material which fluoresces when impinged upon by X-radiation, and film clamping means for evacuating gases from between the surfaces to establish a fluid differential pressure force for urging said sheet engaging surface portions together to clamp a film sheet therebetween.

Claim 31

The mechanism claimed in claim 12 wherein said mechanism further comprises a patient supporting table surface extending along one side of said enclosure, said film conveyor defining a path of film travel extending generally parallel to said table surface, said path of film travel having one terminus at said exposure station, said path of film travel extending between said table surface and said unexposed film magazines and at least part of said exposed film receiving structure.

Claim 32

An X-ray mechanism comprising: a. an X-ray source means including an X-ray tube and tube supporting means; b. an X-ray film handling mechanism spaced from said X-ray tube and comprising an exposure station; c. subject positioning means adapted to position a subject to be X-rayed between said exposure station and said X-ray tube; d. said film handling mechanism further comprising: i. a plurality of unexposed film storage members each defining a storage volume for a quantity of like-sized sheets of film, sheets in one storage member having different lengths and widths from sheets in another storage member; ii. an exposed film sheet receiving structure; and, iii. film transport means for removing unexposed film sheets one at a time from a selected unexposed film storage member, conveying a selected film sheet to said exposure station and thereafter conveying the selected film sheet to said exposed film sheet receiving structure; e. said exposure station comprising a film sheet engaging member having a sheet receiving position to enable a film sheet to move into said exposure station, and a sheet engaging position wherein a film sheet in the exposure station in engaged by said engaging member in position for exposure, said film sheet engaging member defining a film sheet engaging surface portion which is of greater length and width than the smallest film sheets stored in the unexposed film storage members; f. film transport control means for sensing a trailing edge of a film sheet conveyed to said exposure station and terminatinG operation of said film transport means when a trailing edge of a film sheet is a predetermined position relative to said film sheet engaging member; and, g. alignment means for relatively moving said X-ray tube and said exposure station in accordance with the size of the film sheet at said exposure station to align said X-ray tube with the selected film sheet.

Claim 33

An X-ray mechanism comprising: a. an X-ray source means including an X-ray tube and tube supporting means; b. an X-ray film handling mechanism spaced from said X-ray tube and comprising an exposure station; c. subject positioning means adapted to position a subject to be X-rayed between said exposure station and said X-ray tube; d. said film handling mechanism further comprising: i. a plurality of unexposed film storage members each defining a storage volume for a quantity of like-sized sheets of film, sheets in one storage member having different lengths and widths from sheets in another storage member; ii. an exposed film sheet receiving structure; and, iii. film transport means for removing unexposed film sheets one at a time from a selected unexposed film storage member, conveying a selected film sheet to said exposure station and thereafter conveying the selected film sheet to said exposed film sheet receiving structure; e. said exposure station comprising a film sheet engaging member having a sheet receiving position to enable a film sheet to move into said exposure station, and a sheet engaging position wherein a film sheet in the exposure station in engaged by said engaging member in position for exposure, said film sheet engaging member defining a film sheet engaging surface portion which is of greater length and width than the smallest film sheets stored in the unexposed film storage members; f. film transport control means for sensing a trailing edge of a film sheet conveyed to said exposure station and terminatinG operation of said film transport means when a trailing edge of a film sheet is a predetermined position relative to said film sheet engaging member; and, g. alignment means for relatively moving said X-ray tube and said exposure station in accordance with the size of the film sheet at said exposure station to align said X-ray tube with the selected film sheet.

Claim 34

The mechanism claimed in claim 20 wherein said film transport means comprises a plurality of film extraction mechanisms each associated with a respective unexposed film storage member for extracting a sheet of film from said unexposed film storage member, film sheet selection means for individually operating the film extraction mechanisms to enable extraction and transport of a desired size film sheet from one of said unexposed film storage members to said exposure station, said alignment means operable to align said X-ray tube with a selected film sheet in response to operation of said film sheet selection means.

Claim 35

The mechanism claimed in claim 20 wherein said exposure station comprises a second film sheet engaging member having a second film sheet engaging surface portion; said film sheet engaging surface portions disposed on opposite sides of a film sheet at said exposure station; and clamping means for evacuating the region between said engaging surface portions for creating a differential pressure force for urging said engaging surface portions into clamping engagement with a film sheet therebetween.

Claim 36

The mechanism claimed in claim 20 further comprising film identification means for projecting an identifying image onto a sheet of film adjacent said edge of the film sheet.

Claim 37

The mechanism claimed in claim 23 wherein said film identification means comprises an identification supporting element, a flasher unit for momentarily illuminating indicia supported by said supporting element, structure directing an image of the indicia onto the film sheet and film sheet sensing means for operating said flasher unit in response to movement of a sheet of film to a predetermined location.

Claim 40

A method as claimed in claim 25 further including relatively moving said X-ray source and said clamping members to position the film sheet at a desired location with respect to the path of an X-ray beam emanating from said source prior to exposing said film.

Claim 41

The method claimed in claim 25 further comprising directing said exposed film sheet to film processor means via said exposed film sheet handling means.

Claim 42

The method claimed in claim 25 wherein said storage means for unexposed film comprises a magazine containing cut sheets of unexpoSed film and transporting film comprises extracting sheets of film one at a time from said magazine and conveying a sheet to said exposure station.

Claim 43

In an X-ray mechanism a film handling system comprising: a. at least one unexposed film storage magazine; b. a film exposure station comprising first and second film engaging members at least one of which defines an image intensification element movable into intimate contact with a film sheet in said station; c. a film conveyor system including at least a film pickup unit associated with said unexposed film storage magazine and conveyor transport means for moving a film sheet from the pickup unit into said exposure station in one direction along a path of film travel; d. said first and second film engaging members having ends adjacent the path; e. said conveyor system including film engaging conveyor means adjacent said station for stopping a sheet of film to position the film sheet with a marginal end portion extending transverse to said path of film travel and located in a predetermined position adjacent said member ends irrespective of the size of such sheet of film; f. said film engaging members of said exposure station overlying a positioned film sheet and intimately contacting said film sheet substantially across its entire surface; g. said film engaging conveyor means being engageable with the film sheet end portion after the film has been exposed and operable to withdraw the sheet of film from said exposure station along at least a portion of said path of film travel opposite to said one direction to a storage location.

Claim 44

In an X-ray mechanism a film handling system comprising: a. at least one unexposed film storage magazine; b. a film exposure station comprising first and second film engaging members at least one of which defines an image intensification element movable into intimate contact with a film sheet in said station; c. a film conveyor system including at least a film pickup unit associated with said unexposed film storage magazine and conveyor transport means for moving a film sheet from the pickup unit into said exposure station in one direction along a path of film travel; d. said first and second film engaging members having ends adjacent the path; e. said conveyor system including film engaging conveyor means adjacent said station for stopping a sheet of film to position the film sheet with a marginal end portion extending transverse to said path of film travel and located in a predetermined position adjacent said member ends irrespective of the size of such sheet of film; f. said film engaging members of said exposure station overlying a positioned film sheet and intimately contacting said film sheet substantially across its entire surface; g. said film engaging conveyor means being engageable with the film sheet end portion after the film has been exposed and operable to withdraw the sheet of film from said exposure station along at least a portion of said path of film travel opposite to said one direction to a storage location.

Claim 45

An X-ray mechanism as claimed in claim 29 further comprising film identification means for placing identifying indicia on said marginal film sheet end portion.

Claim 46

An X-ray mechanism as claimed in claim 29 wherein said mechanism is associated with an X-ray source for producing a beam of X-rays and further comprising means for relatively adjusting the position of the X-ray beam and said exposure station such that a positioned film sheet is centered with respect to the beam.

Claim 47

In an X-ray mechanism, the combination of: a. structure establishing an examining position for a patient; b. an X-ray tube support; c. an X-ray tube mounted on the support and to one side of said position; d. a film positioning and receiving mechanism on the other side of said position defining an exposure station, said mechanism comprising at least one film clamping member for engaging a sheet of film substantially across a face thereof with a marginal end portion of the sheet of film positioned in a predetermined position with respect to said mechanism, irrespective of the size of the sheet; e. unexposed film storage means for storing unexposed individual sheets of film each of a precut size appropriate for a radiographic study; f. an exposed film receiving means; and, g. film transport means comprising: i. unexposed film conveyor means for removing an unexposed film sheet from the storage means and transporting such film sheet in one direction along an unexposed film transport path into said exposure station; ii. film locating structure to position such transported film sheet such that said marginal film sheet end portion is disposed on and extends transversely of said unexposed film transport path at the conclusion of such transporting and such transported film sheet is in said exposure station; iii. film extractor means for grasping said marginal end portion of such film sheet and withdrawing such film sheet from said exposure station subsequent to exposure thereof; and, iv. exposed film conveyor means for transporting an exposed film sheet to said exposed film receiving means along an exposed film transport path which includes transport along at least part of said unexposed film transport path in a direction opposite to said one direction.

Claim 48

In an X-ray mechanism, the combination of: a. structure establishing an examining position for a patient; b. an X-ray tube support; c. an X-ray tube mounted on the support and to one side of said position; d. a film positioning and receiving mechanism on the other side of said position defining an exposure station, said mechanism comprising at least one film clamping member for engaging a sheet of film substantially across a face thereof with a marginal end portion of the sheet of film positioned in a predetermined position with respect to said mechanism, irrespective of the size of the sheet; e. unexposed film storage means for storing unexposed individual sheets of film each of a precut size appropriate for a radiographic study; f. an exposed film receiving means; and, g. film transport means comprising: i. unexposed film conveyor means for removing an unexposed film sheet from the storage means and transporting such film sheet in one direction along an unexposed film transport path into said exposure station; ii. film locating structure to position such transported film sheet such that said marginal film sheet end portion is disposed on and extends transversely of said unexposed film transport path at the conclusion of such transporting and such transported film sheet is in said exposure station; iii. film extractor means for grasping said marginal end portion of such film sheet and withdrawing such film sheet from said exposure station subsequent to exposure thereof; and, iv. exposed film conveyor means for transporting an exposed film sheet to said exposed film receiving means along an exposed film transport path which includes transport along at least part of said unexposed film transport path in a direction opposite to said one direction.

Claim 49

The X-ray mechanism of claim 32 wherein said film posiTioning and receiving mechanism includes vacuum means to establish a pressure differential on the film clamping member whereby ambient air pressure forces the member and a positioned film sheet into intimate surface contact.

Claim 50

The mechanism of claim 10 wherein the alignment means functions automatically to relatively move the tube and the station in accordance with the film size selected.

Claim 51

The mechanism of claim 18 wherein the film clamping means includes a vacuum manifold along a margin of the exposure station, the manifold having apertures establishing fluid communication between the space between the surface portions and the manifold.

Claim 52

The mechanism of claim 35 wherein the manifold extends along a plurality of sides of the exposure station.

Claim 53

The mechanism of claim 36 wherein the manifold extends along three sides of the exposure station.

Claim 54

The mechanism of claim 35 wherein the manifold is in the shape of a square U around three sides of the exposure station.

Claim 55

In an X-ray table combination: a. a patient support surface; b. an X-ray tube positioned to one side of the surface; c. structure defining an exposure station to the other side of the surface, the structure including two film clamping members at least one of which is an intensifying screen, the members having substantially planar film engaging surfaces; d. a film supply magazine for containing a supply of unexposed X-ray film; e. an exposed film receiver for receiving exposed X-ray film after the film has been exposed at the exposure station; f. a film transporting conveyor system for transporting film from the magazine to the station and after exposure from the station to the receiver; g. the combination including film protecting mechanism preventing the exposure of film to ambient light when it is in the magazine, the station, the receiver, and being transported therebetween, the film protecting mechanism also shielding film from radiation emitted by the X-ray tube other than when the film is in the exposure station; h. member positioning mechanism interposed between the members for separating the members to receive or to discharge a sheet of film and for clamping film when in the exposure station; and, i. the positioning mechanism including vacuum means to establish a pressure differential on the members such that a positioned sheet of film is in a region of reduced pressure and the pressure of ambient gas applies forces urging the members toward one another such that the intensifying screen surface and the film are forced into intimate engagement with one another as a radiograph is made.

Claim 56

In an X-ray table combination: a. a patient support surface; b. an X-ray tube positioned to one side of the surface; c. structure defining an exposure station to the other side of the surface, the structure including two film clamping members at least one of which is an intensifying screen, the members having substantially planar film engaging surfaces; d. a film supply magazine for containing a supply of unexposed X-ray film; e. an exposed film receiver for receiving exposed X-ray film after the film has been exposed at the exposure station; f. a film transporting conveyor system for transporting film from the magazine to the station and after exposure from the station to the receiver; g. the combination including film protecting mechanism preventing the exposure of film to ambient light when it is in the magazine, the station, the receiver, and being transported therebetween, the film protecting mechanism also shielding film from radiation emitted by the X-ray tube other than when the film is in the exposure station; h. member positioning mechanism interposed between the members for separating the members to receive or to discharge a sheet of film and for clamping film when in the exposure station; and, i. the positioning mechanism including vacuum means to establish a pressure differential on the members such that a positioned sheet of film is in a region of reduced pressure and the pressure of ambient gas applies forces urging the members toward one another such that the intensifying screen surface and the film are forced into intimate engagement with one another as a radiograph is made.

Claim 57

The combination of claim 39 wherein the vacuum means includes a manifold adjacent the exposure station and in fluid communication with the space between the surfaces.

Claim 58

The combination of claim 40 wherein the manifold extends along a plurality of sides of the exposure station.

Claim 59

The combination of claim 41 wherein the manifold extends along three sides of the exposure station.

Claim 60

The combination of claim 40 wherein the manifold is in the shape of a square U around three sides of the exposure station.

Claim 61

The combination of claim 40 wherein the manifold has a plurality of spaced apertures to establish such fluid communication.