US5028509A — Method for converting radiographic image, radiati…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 250 words

A method of converting a radiographic image which comprises the steps of: (a) storing radiation energy-corresponding to a radiographic image in a stimulable phosphor of a panel comprising a stimulable phosphor-containing layer, (b) scanning said layer with a stimulating ray to release said stored energy as a fluorescence, and (c) detecting said fluorescence to form an image, wherein said stimulable phosphor is represented by the following formula: (M.sub.1-χ.M.sup.I χ)X.aM.sup.II X'.sub.2.bM.sup.III X".sub.3 :dB wherein M represents either Cs or Rb; M I represents at least one of alkaline metals selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs; M II represents at least one divalent metal selected from the group consisting of Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cd, Cu and Ni; M III represents at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Al, Ga and In; B is an activator which is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Eu, Tb, Ce, Tm, Dy, Pr, Ho, Nd, Yb, Er, Gd, Lu, Sm, Y, Tl, Na, Ag, Cu, Mg, Pb, Bi, Mn and In; X, X' and X" each are the same or different and represent a halogen atom selected from F, Cl, Br and I; provided that all of the X' atoms are the same halogen atoms; and χ, a, b and d are numerals in the range of 0≦χ≦1, 0≦a≦1, 0≦b≦0.5 and 0<d≦0.2, respectively.

Claim 2

Independent Claim 250 words

A method of converting a radiographic image which comprises the steps of: (a) storing radiation energy-corresponding to a radiographic image in a stimulable phosphor of a panel comprising a stimulable phosphor-containing layer, (b) scanning said layer with a stimulating ray to release said stored energy as a fluorescence, and (c) detecting said fluorescence to form an image, wherein said stimulable phosphor is represented by the following formula: (M.sub.1-χ.M.sup.I χ)X.aM.sup.II X'.sub.2.bM.sup.III X".sub.3 :dB wherein M represents either Cs or Rb; M I represents at least one of alkaline metals selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs; M II represents at least one divalent metal selected from the group consisting of Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cd, Cu and Ni; M III represents at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Al, Ga and In; B is an activator which is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Eu, Tb, Ce, Tm, Dy, Pr, Ho, Nd, Yb, Er, Gd, Lu, Sm, Y, Tl, Na, Ag, Cu, Mg, Pb, Bi, Mn and In; X, X' and X" each are the same or different and represent a halogen atom selected from F, Cl, Br and I; provided that all of the X' atoms are the same halogen atoms; and χ, a, b and d are numerals in the range of 0≦χ≦1, 0≦a≦1, 0≦b≦0.5 and 0<d≦0.2, respectively.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 15 words

The method of converting a radiographic image of claim 1, wherein said χ is 1.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method of converting a radiographic image of claim 2, wherein said b is in the range of 0≦b≦1×10 -2 .

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method of converting a radiographic image of claim 3, wherein said M III is selected from Y, La, Sm, Gd, Lu, Al, Ga and In.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 20 words

The method of converting a radiographic image of claim 4, wherein said X" is selected from F, Cl and Br.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method of converting a radiographic image of claim 2, wherein said M II is selected from Be, Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 20 words

The method of converting a radiographic image of claim 2, wherein said M I includes at least Rb or Cs.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method of converting a radiographic image of claim 7, wherein said B is selected from Tl, Na, Ag and Cu.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method of converting a radiographic image of claim 3, wherein said d is in the range of 1×10 -6 ≦d≦0.1.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 24 words

The method of converting a radiographic image of claim 1, wherein said χ is in the range of 0≦χ<0.9 and said B comprises Tl.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method of converting a radiographic image of claim 1, wherein said stimulating ray is a semiconductor laser.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 205 words

A radiation energy storage panel having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer characterized in that said stimulable phosphor is represented by the following formula: (M.sub.1-χ xM.sup.I.sub.χ)X.aM.sup.II X'.sub.2.bM.sup.III X".sub.3 :dB wherein M represents either Cs or Rb; M I represents at least one of alkaline metals selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs; M II represents at least one divalent metal selected from the group consisting of Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cd, Cu and Ni; M III represents at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Cd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Al, Ga and In; B i.s an activator which is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Eu, Tb, Ce, Tm, Dy, Pr, Ho, Nd, Yb, Er, Gd, Lu, Sm, Y, Tl, Na, Ag, Cu, Mg, Pb, Bi, Mn and In; X, X' and X" each are the same or different and represent a halogen atom selected from F, Cl, Br and I; provided that all of the X' atoms are the same halogen atoms; and χ, a, b and d are numerals in the range of 0≦χ≦1, 0≦a≦1, 0≦b≦0.5 and 0<d≦0.2, respectively.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 205 words

A radiation energy storage panel having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer characterized in that said stimulable phosphor is represented by the following formula: (M.sub.1-χ xM.sup.I.sub.χ)X.aM.sup.II X'.sub.2.bM.sup.III X".sub.3 :dB wherein M represents either Cs or Rb; M I represents at least one of alkaline metals selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs; M II represents at least one divalent metal selected from the group consisting of Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cd, Cu and Ni; M III represents at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Cd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Al, Ga and In; B i.s an activator which is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Eu, Tb, Ce, Tm, Dy, Pr, Ho, Nd, Yb, Er, Gd, Lu, Sm, Y, Tl, Na, Ag, Cu, Mg, Pb, Bi, Mn and In; X, X' and X" each are the same or different and represent a halogen atom selected from F, Cl, Br and I; provided that all of the X' atoms are the same halogen atoms; and χ, a, b and d are numerals in the range of 0≦χ≦1, 0≦a≦1, 0≦b≦0.5 and 0<d≦0.2, respectively.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 18 words

The radiation energy storage panel having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer of claim 12, wherein said X is 1.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 24 words

The radiation energy storage panel having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer of claim 13, wherein said b is in the range of 0≦b≦1×10 -2 .

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 29 words

The radiation energy storage panel having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer of claim 14, wherein said M III is selected from Y, La, Sm, Gd, Lu, Al, Ga and In.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 23 words

The radiation energy storage panel having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer of claim 15, wherein said X" is selected from F, Cl and Br.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 26 words

The radiation energy storage panel having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer of claim 13, wherein said M II is selected from Be, Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 23 words

The radiation energy storage panel having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer of claim 13, wherein said M I includes at least Rb or Cs.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 24 words

The radiation energy storage panel having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer of claim 18, wherein said B is selected from Tl, Na, Ag and Cu.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 24 words

The radiation energy storage panel having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer of claim 14, wherein said d is in the range of 1×10 -6 ≦d≦0.1.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 27 words

The radiation energy storage panel having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer of claim 12, wherein said χ is in the range of 0≦χ<0.9 and said B comprises Tl.

Claim 24

Independent Claim 247 words

A method of converting a radiographic image which comprises the steps of: (a) storing radiation energy-corresponding to a radiographic image in a stimulable phosphor of a panel comprising a stimulable phosphor-containing layer, (b) scanning said layer with a stimulating ray to release said stored energy as a fluorescence, and (c) detecting said fluorescence to form an image, wherein said stimulable phosphor is represented by the following formula; (M.sub.1-χ.M.sup.I.sub.χ)X.aM.sup.II X'.sub.2.bM.sup.III X".sub.3 :dB wherein M represents either Cs or Rb; M I represents at least one of alkaline metals selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs; M II represents at least one divalent metal selected from the group consisting of Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cd, Cu and Ni; M III represents at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Cd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Al, Ga and In; B is an activator which is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Eu, Tb, Ce, Tm, Dy, Pr, Ho, Nd, Yb, Er, Gd, Lu, Sm, Y, Tl, Na, Ag, Cu, Mg, Pb, Bi, Mn and In; X, X' and X" each are the same or different and represent a halogen atom selected from F, Cl, Br and I; provided that all of the X'atoms are different halogen atoms; and x, a, b and d are numerals in the range of 0≦x≦1, 0≦a≦0.4, 0≦b≦0.5 and 0<d≦0.2, respectively.

Claim 25

Independent Claim 247 words

A method of converting a radiographic image which comprises the steps of: (a) storing radiation energy-corresponding to a radiographic image in a stimulable phosphor of a panel comprising a stimulable phosphor-containing layer, (b) scanning said layer with a stimulating ray to release said stored energy as a fluorescence, and (c) detecting said fluorescence to form an image, wherein said stimulable phosphor is represented by the following formula; (M.sub.1-χ.M.sup.I.sub.χ)X.aM.sup.II X'.sub.2.bM.sup.III X".sub.3 :dB wherein M represents either Cs or Rb; M I represents at least one of alkaline metals selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs; M II represents at least one divalent metal selected from the group consisting of Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cd, Cu and Ni; M III represents at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Cd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Al, Ga and In; B is an activator which is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Eu, Tb, Ce, Tm, Dy, Pr, Ho, Nd, Yb, Er, Gd, Lu, Sm, Y, Tl, Na, Ag, Cu, Mg, Pb, Bi, Mn and In; X, X' and X" each are the same or different and represent a halogen atom selected from F, Cl, Br and I; provided that all of the X'atoms are different halogen atoms; and x, a, b and d are numerals in the range of 0≦x≦1, 0≦a≦0.4, 0≦b≦0.5 and 0<d≦0.2, respectively.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 17 words

THe method of converting a radiographic image of claim 22, wherein 0≦b≦10 -2 and 10 -6 ≦d≦0.1.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method of converting a radiographic image of claim 22, wherein said d is in the range of 10 -6 ≦d≦0.1.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method of converting a radiographic image of claim 22, wherein B is selected from the group consisting of Tl, Na, Ag, Cu and In.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method of converting a radiographic image of claim 24, wherein B is selected from the group consisting of Tl, Na, Ag, Cu and In.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method of converting a radiographic image of claim 22, wherein said stimulating ray is a semiconductor laser.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 201 words

A radiation energy storage panels having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer wherein said stimulable phosphor is represented by the following formula: (M.sub.1-χ.M.sup.I.sub.χ)X.aM.sup.II X'.sub.2.bM.sup.III X".sub.3 :dB wherein M represents either Cs or Rb; M I represents at least one of alkaline metals selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs; M II represents at least one divalent metal selected from the group consisting of Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cd, Cu and Ni; M III represents at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Cd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Al, Ga and In; B is an activator which is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Eu, Tb, Ce, Tm, Dy, Pr, Ho, Nd, Yb, Er, Gd, Lu, Sm, Y, Tl, Na, Ag, Cu, Mg, Pb, Bi, Mn and In; X, X' and X" each are the same or different and represent a halogen atom selected from F, Cl, Br and I; provided that all of the X' atoms are different halogen atoms; and x, a, b and d are numerals in the range of 0≦x≦1, 0≦a≦0.4, 0≦b≦0.5 and 0<d≦0.2, respectively.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 201 words

A radiation energy storage panels having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer wherein said stimulable phosphor is represented by the following formula: (M.sub.1-χ.M.sup.I.sub.χ)X.aM.sup.II X'.sub.2.bM.sup.III X".sub.3 :dB wherein M represents either Cs or Rb; M I represents at least one of alkaline metals selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs; M II represents at least one divalent metal selected from the group consisting of Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cd, Cu and Ni; M III represents at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Cd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Al, Ga and In; B is an activator which is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Eu, Tb, Ce, Tm, Dy, Pr, Ho, Nd, Yb, Er, Gd, Lu, Sm, Y, Tl, Na, Ag, Cu, Mg, Pb, Bi, Mn and In; X, X' and X" each are the same or different and represent a halogen atom selected from F, Cl, Br and I; provided that all of the X' atoms are different halogen atoms; and x, a, b and d are numerals in the range of 0≦x≦1, 0≦a≦0.4, 0≦b≦0.5 and 0<d≦0.2, respectively.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 21 words

The radiation energy strage panel having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer of claim 28, wherein 0≦b ≦10 -2 and 10 -6 ≦d≦0.1.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 24 words

The radiation energy strage panel having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer of claim 28, wherein said d is in the range of 10 -6 ≦d≦0.1.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 28 words

The radiation energy strage panel having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer of claim 28, wherein B is selected from the group consisting of Tl, Na, Ag, Cu and In.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 28 words

The radiation energy strage panel having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer of claim 30, wherein B is selected from the group consisting of Tl, Na, Ag, Cu and In.

Claim 37

Independent Claim 80 words

A method of converting a radiographic image which comprises the steps of: (a) storing radiation energy-corresponding to a radiographic image in a stimulable phosphor of a panel comprising a stimulable phosphor-containing layer, (b) scanning said layer with a stimulating ray to release said stored energy as a fluorescence, and (c) detecting said fluorescence to form an image, wherein said stimulable phosphor is an alkali halide phosphor essentially free of Eu as an activator, wherein said alkali halide phosphor contains oxygen.

Claim 38

Independent Claim 80 words

A method of converting a radiographic image which comprises the steps of: (a) storing radiation energy-corresponding to a radiographic image in a stimulable phosphor of a panel comprising a stimulable phosphor-containing layer, (b) scanning said layer with a stimulating ray to release said stored energy as a fluorescence, and (c) detecting said fluorescence to form an image, wherein said stimulable phosphor is an alkali halide phosphor essentially free of Eu as an activator, wherein said alkali halide phosphor contains oxygen.

Claim 39

Independent Claim 113 words

A method of converting a radiographic image which comprises the steps of: (a) storing radiation energy-corresponding to a radiographic image in a stimulable phosphor of a panel comprising a stimulable phosphor-containing layer, (b) scanning said layer with a stimulating ray to release said stored energy as a fluorescence, and (c) detecting said fluorescence to form an image, wherein said stimulable phosphor is an alkali halide phosphor contains oxygen containing an activator which is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Tb, Ce, Tm, Dy, Pr, Ho, Nd, Yb, Er, Gd, Lu, Sm, Y, Tl, Na, Ag, Cu, Mg, Pb, Bi, Mn and In, wherein said alkali halide phosphor contains oxygen.

Claim 40

Independent Claim 113 words

A method of converting a radiographic image which comprises the steps of: (a) storing radiation energy-corresponding to a radiographic image in a stimulable phosphor of a panel comprising a stimulable phosphor-containing layer, (b) scanning said layer with a stimulating ray to release said stored energy as a fluorescence, and (c) detecting said fluorescence to form an image, wherein said stimulable phosphor is an alkali halide phosphor contains oxygen containing an activator which is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Tb, Ce, Tm, Dy, Pr, Ho, Nd, Yb, Er, Gd, Lu, Sm, Y, Tl, Na, Ag, Cu, Mg, Pb, Bi, Mn and In, wherein said alkali halide phosphor contains oxygen.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of converting a radiographic image of claim 34, wherein said oxygen is contained as an oxygen compound.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 34 words

The method of converting a radiographic image of claim 34, wherein the content of said oxygen per one mole of an alkali halide contained in said alkali halide phosphor is 0.5 mole or less.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 37 words

The method of converting a radiographic image of claim 34, wherein the content of said oxygen per one mole of an alkali halide contained in the alkali halide phosphor is from 10 -6 mole to 0.2 mole.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 28 words

The method of converting a radiographic image of claim 34, wherein an alkali halide phosphor contained in the alkali halide contains at least one of Rb and Cs.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 35 words

The method of converting a radiographic image of claim 34, wherein said alkali halide phosphor contains at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Tl, Na, Ag, Cu and In as the activator.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method of converting a radiographic image of claim 34, wherein said stimulating ray is a semiconductor laser.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 197 words

The method of converting a radiographic image of claim 33, wherein said alkali halide phosphor is represented by the formula: M.sup.I X.aM.sup.II X'.sub.2.bM.sup.III X".sub.3 .cA:dB wherein M I is at least one alkali metal selected from Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs; M II is at least one divalent metal selected from Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cd, Cu and Ni; M III is at least one trivalent metal selected from Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Al, Ga and In; X, X' and X" each represent at least one halogen selected from F, Cl, Br and I; A is a compound having a composition containing oxygen; B is an activator which is one metal compound of the metal selected from Tb, Ce, Tm, Dy, Pr, Ho, Nd, Yb, Er, Gd, Lu, Sm, Y, Tl, Na, Ag, Cu, In and Mg or said metal; a is a numerical value in the range of 0≦a<0.5; b is a numerical value in the range of 0≦b<0.5; c is a numerical value in the range of 0≦c≦0.5; and d is a numerical value in the range of 0<d≦0.2.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 56 words

The method of converting a radiographic image of claim 41, wherein said c is a numerical value which is determined so that the content of at least one of the oxygen atoms and oxygen ions contained in A may be 0.5 mole or less per 1 mole of an alkali halide in the alkali halide phosphor.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 78 words

The method of converting a radiographic image of claim 41, wherein said A represents at least one metal oxide selected from the group consisting of BeO, MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, ZnO, Al 2 O 3 ,Y 2 O 3 , La 2 O 3 , In 2 O 3 , SiO 2 , TiO 2 , ZnO 2 , GeO 2 , SnO 2 , Nb 2 O 5 , Ta 2 O 5 and ThO 2 .

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 96 words

The method of converting a radiographic image of claim 41, wherein a is a numerical value in the range of 0≦a<0.4; b is a numerical value in the range of 0≦b <10 -2 ; c is a numerical value which is determined so that the content of at least one of the oxygen atoms and oxygen ions contained in A may be in the range of from 10 -6 to 0.2 per 1 mole of an alkali halide in the alkali halide phosphor; and d is a numerical value in the range of 10 -6 ≦d≦0.1.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method of converting a radiographic image of claim 41, wherein said stimulating ray is a semiconductor laser.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 37 words

The method of converting a radiographic image of claim 34, wherein said alkali halide phosphor containing oxygen is prepared by carrying out calcination by use of a compound containing oxygen as a part of phosphor starting material.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 31 words

The method of converting a radiographic image of claim 46, wherein said compound containing oxygen is at least one selected from the group consisting of hydroxides, carbonates, sulfates, nitrates and oxides.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 46 words

The method of converting a radiographic image of claim 47, wherein said compound containing oxygen is at least one selected from the group consisting of KOH, Na 2 CO 3 , Rb 2 SO 4 , CsNO 3 , Rb 2 O and RbNO 3 .

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 59 words

A radiation image storage panel having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer, wherein said stimulable phosphor is an alkali halide phosphor containing oxygen and an activator which is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Tb, Ce, Tm, Dy, Pr, Ho, Nd, Yb, Er, Gd, Lu, Sm, Y, Tl, Na, Ag, Cu, Mg, Pb, Bi, Mn and In.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 59 words

A radiation image storage panel having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer, wherein said stimulable phosphor is an alkali halide phosphor containing oxygen and an activator which is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Tb, Ce, Tm, Dy, Pr, Ho, Nd, Yb, Er, Gd, Lu, Sm, Y, Tl, Na, Ag, Cu, Mg, Pb, Bi, Mn and In.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 22 words

The radiation image storage panel having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer of claim 49, wherein said oxygen is contained as an oxygen compound.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 37 words

The radiation image storage panel having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer of claim 49, wherein the content of said oxygen per one mole of an alkali halide contained in said alkali halide phosphor is 0.5 mole or less.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 40 words

The radiation image storage panel having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer of claim 49, wherein the content of said oxygen per one mole of an alkali halide contained in the alkali halide phosphor is from 10 -6 mole to 0.2 mole.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 31 words

The radiation image storage panel having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer of claim 49, wherein an alkali halide phosphor contained in the alkali halide contains at least one of Rb and Cs.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 41 words

The radiation image storage panel having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer of claim 49, wherein said alkali halide phosphor contains at least one selected from the group consisting of the respective compounds of Tl, Na, Ag, Cu and In as the activator.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 199 words

The radiation image storage panel having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer of claim 49, wherein said alkali halide phosphor is represented by the formula: M.sup.I X.aM.sup.II X'.sub.2.bM.sup.III X".sub.3.cA:dB wherein M I is at least one alkali metal selected from Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs; M II is at least one divalent metal selected from Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cd, Cu and Ni; M III is at least one trivalent metal selected from Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Al, Ga and In; X, X' and X" each represent at least one halogen selected from F, Cl, Br and I; A is a compound having a composition containing oxygen; B is an activator which is one metal compound of the metal selected from Tb, Ce, Tm, Dy, Pr, Ho, Nd, Yb, Er, Gd, Lu, Sm, Y, Tl, Na, Ag, Cu, In and Mg or said metal; a is a numerical value in the range of 0≦a<0.5; b is a numerical value in the range of 0≦b<0.5; c is a numerical value in the range of 0≦c<0.5; and d is a numerical value in the range of 0<d≦0.2.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 58 words

The radiation image storage panel having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer of claim 55, wherein said c is a numerical value which is determined so that the content of at least one of the oxygen atoms and oxygen ions contained in A is 0.5 mole or less per 1 mole of an alkali halide in the alkali halide phosphor.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 82 words

The radiation image storage panel having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer of claim 55, wherein said A represents at least one metal oxide selected from the group consisting of BeO, MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, ZnO, Al 2 O 3 , Y 2 O 3 , La 2 O 3 , In 2 O 3 , SiO 2 , TiO 2 , ZnO 2 , GeO 2 , SnO 2 , Nb 2 O 5 , Ta 2 O 5 and ThO 2 .

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 97 words

The radiation image storage panel having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer of claim 55, wherein a is a numerical value in the range of 0≦a<0.4; b is a numerical value in the range of 0≦b<10 -2 ; c is a numerical value which is determined so that the content of at least one of the oxygen atoms and oxygen ions contained in A is in the range of from 10 -6 to 0.2 per 1 mole of an alkali halide in the alkali halide phosphor; and d is a numerical value in the range of 10 -6 ≦d≦0.1.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 40 words

The radiation image storage panel having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer of claim 49, wherein said alkali halide phosphor containing oxygen is prepared by carrying out calcination by use of a compound containing oxygen as a part of phosphor starting material.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 34 words

The radiation image storage panel having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer of claim 59, wherein said compound containing oxygen is at least one selected from the group consisting of hydroxides, carbonates, sulfates, nitrates and oxides.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 49 words

The radiation image storage panel having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer of claim 60, wherein said compound containing oxygen is at least one selected from the group consisting of KOH, Na 2 CO 3 , Rb 2 SO 4 , CsNO 3 , Rb 2 O and RbNO 3 .

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 41 words

The method of converting a radiographic image of claim 22, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47 or 48, wherein said alkali halide phosphor is prepared by carrying out calcination under oxidative atmosphere.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 41 words

The radiation energy storage panel having stimulable phosphor-containing layer of claim 12, 23, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60 or 61, wherein said alkali halide phosphor is prepared by carrying out calcination under oxidative atmosphere.

Claim 71

Independent Claim 80 words

A method of converting a radiographic image which comprises the steps of: (a) storing radiation energy-corresponding to a radiographic image in a stimulable phosphor of a panel comprising a stimulable phosphor-containing layer, (b) scanning said layer with a stimulating ray to release said stored energy as a fluorescence, and (c) detecting said fluorescence to from an image, wherein said stimulable phosphor is an alkali halide phosphor, wherein said alkali halide phosphor is prepared by carrying out calcination under oxidative atmosphere.

Claim 72

Independent Claim 80 words

A method of converting a radiographic image which comprises the steps of: (a) storing radiation energy-corresponding to a radiographic image in a stimulable phosphor of a panel comprising a stimulable phosphor-containing layer, (b) scanning said layer with a stimulating ray to release said stored energy as a fluorescence, and (c) detecting said fluorescence to from an image, wherein said stimulable phosphor is an alkali halide phosphor, wherein said alkali halide phosphor is prepared by carrying out calcination under oxidative atmosphere.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 26 words

A radiation energy storage having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer, wherein said stimulable phosphor is an alkali halide phosphor prepared by carrying out calcination under oxidative atmosphere.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 26 words

A radiation energy storage having a stimulable phosphor-containing layer, wherein said stimulable phosphor is an alkali halide phosphor prepared by carrying out calcination under oxidative atmosphere.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1994-07-01	1994-12-31	1995-07-02	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1998-07-01	1998-12-31	1999-07-02	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2002-07-01	2002-12-31	2003-07-02	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Method for converting radiographic image, radiation energy storage panel having stimulable phosphor-containing layer and alkali halide phosphor

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