US5773839A — Cassette for use in an electronic radiographic im…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 128 words

A cassette adapted for use in an electronic radiographic imaging system having electronic components, comprising: a photoreceptive medium; a frame for supporting the photoreceptive medium and for protecting the photoreceptive medium from ambient actinic radiation; at least one power storage device housed and supported within the frame, the at least one power storage device being electrically connectable to the photoreceptive medium, wherein the at least one power storage device applies a voltage across the photoreceptive medium when connected to the photoreceptive medium enabling the photoreceptive medium to capture a radiographic image; and an electronic interface structure for electronically connecting the photoreceptive medium to the electronic components external of the cassette to enable the electronic components to acquire image information corresponding to the radiographic image from the photoreceptive medium.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 128 words

A cassette adapted for use in an electronic radiographic imaging system having electronic components, comprising: a photoreceptive medium; a frame for supporting the photoreceptive medium and for protecting the photoreceptive medium from ambient actinic radiation; at least one power storage device housed and supported within the frame, the at least one power storage device being electrically connectable to the photoreceptive medium, wherein the at least one power storage device applies a voltage across the photoreceptive medium when connected to the photoreceptive medium enabling the photoreceptive medium to capture a radiographic image; and an electronic interface structure for electronically connecting the photoreceptive medium to the electronic components external of the cassette to enable the electronic components to acquire image information corresponding to the radiographic image from the photoreceptive medium.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 47 words

The cassette of claim 1 further adapted for use in an electronic radiographic imaging system having a power source and a power storage recharger and further comprising an electrical interface structure configured to electrically connect the photoreceptive medium to the power source and the power storage recharger.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 22 words

The cassette of claim 1 in which the frame comprises a base having an opening and an openable cover covering the opening.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 33 words

The cassette of claim 1 further comprising means for actively reducing the voltage applied across the photoreceptive medium to a lower maintenance voltage and applying the lower maintenance voltage across the photoreceptive medium.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 21 words

The cassette of claim 1, further comprising means for capturing the radiographic image without the cassette being connected to other equipment.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 50 words

The cassette of claim 1, further comprising means for increasing the period of time for which the photoreceptive medium can store the radiographic image, wherein the increasing means comprises means for actively reducing the voltage to a lower maintenance voltage and applying the lower maintenance voltage across the photoreceptive medium.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 20 words

The cassette of claim 1, further comprising means for discharging the power storage device when the photoreceptive medium is uncovered.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 19 words

The cassette of claim 1, further comprising means for discharging the photoreceptive medium when the photoreceptive medium is uncovered.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 33 words

The cassette of claim 8, further comprising means for preventing the discharging of the photoreceptive medium when the photoreceptive medium is uncovered and when the photoreceptive medium is connected to the electronic components.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 107 words

A cassette adapted for use in an electronic radiographic imaging system having electronic components external of the cassette, comprising: a photoreceptive medium; a frame for supporting and protecting the photoreceptive medium from ambient actinic radiation; at least one power storage device housed and supported within the frame, the at least one power storage device being electrically connectable to the photoreceptive medium; an electronic interface structure for electronically connecting the photoreceptive medium to the electronic components external of the cassette; and means for actively reducing an initial exposure voltage applied to the photoreceptive medium to a lower maintenance voltage and applying the lower voltage across the photoreceptive medium.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 107 words

A cassette adapted for use in an electronic radiographic imaging system having electronic components external of the cassette, comprising: a photoreceptive medium; a frame for supporting and protecting the photoreceptive medium from ambient actinic radiation; at least one power storage device housed and supported within the frame, the at least one power storage device being electrically connectable to the photoreceptive medium; an electronic interface structure for electronically connecting the photoreceptive medium to the electronic components external of the cassette; and means for actively reducing an initial exposure voltage applied to the photoreceptive medium to a lower maintenance voltage and applying the lower voltage across the photoreceptive medium.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 19 words

The cassette of claim 10 in which the at least one power storage device comprises at least one capacitor.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 19 words

The cassette of claim 10 in which the at least one power storage device comprises a plurality of capacitors.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 21 words

The cassette of claim 12 in which the reducing means comprises a mechanism for discharging at least one of the capacitors.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 28 words

The cassette of claim 10 further comprising an electrical interface structure configured to electrically connect the cassette to an external power source within the electronic radiographic imaging system.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 25 words

The cassette of claim 14 in which the electrical interface structure has a groove connection for receiving a matching tongue from an external power source.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 42 words

The cassette of claim 10 in which the electronic interface structure comprises a data acquisition connector housed and supported within the frame, the data acquisition connector being connected by a flexible circuit and conductive adhesive which is attached to the photoreceptive medium.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 17 words

The cassette of claim 10 in which the electronic interface structure comprises a plurality of electronic connectors.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 83 words

The cassette of claim 10 in which the means for actively reducing the initial exposure voltage comprises a switch structure electrically connected between the at least one power storage device and the photoreceptive medium to control voltage applied to the photoreceptive medium so that when the switch structure is in a first configuration, the initial exposure voltage is applied to the photoreceptive medium, and when the switch structure is in a second configuration, the lower maintenance voltage is applied to the photoreceptive medium.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 15 words

The cassette of claim 18 in which the switch structure comprises a plurality of switches.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 45 words

The cassette of claim 19 in which the switch structure comprises a first switch, a second switch, and a switch interlock mechanism controlling a switch actuator mechanism; the switch interlock mechanism permitting the second switch to be actuated only after the first switch is actuated.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 28 words

The cassette of claim 20 further comprising actuator tabs which keeps the first switch actuated and the second switch actuated until reset by the electronic radiographic imaging system.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 30 words

The cassette of claim 10 in which the frame comprises a base and an openable cover, the cover comprising structure to permit opening and closing by the radiographic imaging system.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 31 words

The cassette of claim 22 in which the opening and closing structure comprises a receiving member mounted on the cover suitable for receiving an engaging member of the radiographic imaging system.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 21 words

The cassette of claim 22 in which the frame comprises a secure latching mechanism to prevent inadvertent opening of the cover.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 29 words

The cassette of claim 24 in which the secure latching mechanism comprises a beveled hook mounted within the base and aligned to engage a corresponding pin within the cover.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 16 words

The cassette of claim 22 further comprising a light seal between the cover and the frame.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 28 words

The cassette of claim 26 in which the light seal comprises a ridge on the cassette base arranged for interlocking relation with a ridge on the cassette cover.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 18 words

The cassette of claim 22 further comprising a foreign material exclusion seal between the cover and the frame.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 18 words

The cassette of claim 22 in which a space is maintained between the cover and the photoreceptive medium.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 14 words

The cassette of claim 22 in which a portion of the frame is radiolucent.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 16 words

The cassette of claim 22 in which a portion of the frame is a composite material.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 25 words

The cassette of claim 22 in which the cassette further comprises an electrical insulation structure which isolates the cover from the voltage within the cassette.

Claim 35

Independent Claim 61 words

An apparatus for capturing and storing a radiographic image, comprising: a photoreceptive medium; means for applying a first voltage across the photoreceptive medium when the photoreceptive medium captures the radiographic image; and means for actively reducing the first voltage to a second voltage and applying the second voltage across the photoreceptive medium after the photoreceptive medium has captured the radiographic image.

Claim 36

Independent Claim 61 words

An apparatus for capturing and storing a radiographic image, comprising: a photoreceptive medium; means for applying a first voltage across the photoreceptive medium when the photoreceptive medium captures the radiographic image; and means for actively reducing the first voltage to a second voltage and applying the second voltage across the photoreceptive medium after the photoreceptive medium has captured the radiographic image.

Claim 37

Independent Claim 71 words

A method for capturing an image in a photoreceptive medium and increasing the period of time for which the photoreceptive medium can store the image, comprising the steps of: applying a first voltage across the photoreceptive medium when the photoreceptive medium captures the image; and actively reducing the first voltage to a second voltage and applying the second voltage across the photoreceptive medium after the photoreceptive medium has captured the image.

Claim 38

Independent Claim 71 words

A method for capturing an image in a photoreceptive medium and increasing the period of time for which the photoreceptive medium can store the image, comprising the steps of: applying a first voltage across the photoreceptive medium when the photoreceptive medium captures the image; and actively reducing the first voltage to a second voltage and applying the second voltage across the photoreceptive medium after the photoreceptive medium has captured the image.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 24 words

The method of claim 34, wherein the first voltage is greater than 2000 volts and wherein the second voltage is greater than 1500 volts.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 14 words

The method of claim 34, wherein the first voltage is greater than 4000 volts.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 14 words

The method of claim 34, wherein the first voltage is greater than 8000 volts.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 79 words

A cassette adapted for use in an electronic radiographic imaging system having electronic components, comprising: an enclosure; a photoreceptive medium for capturing a radiographic image, wherein the photoreceptive medium is positionable within the enclosure; at least one power storage device electrically connectable to the photoreceptive medium; and an electronic interface structure for electronically connecting the photoreceptive medium to the electronic components to enable the electronic components to acquire image information corresponding to the radiographic image from the photoreceptive medium.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 79 words

A cassette adapted for use in an electronic radiographic imaging system having electronic components, comprising: an enclosure; a photoreceptive medium for capturing a radiographic image, wherein the photoreceptive medium is positionable within the enclosure; at least one power storage device electrically connectable to the photoreceptive medium; and an electronic interface structure for electronically connecting the photoreceptive medium to the electronic components to enable the electronic components to acquire image information corresponding to the radiographic image from the photoreceptive medium.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 92 words

A cassette adapted for use in an electronic radiographic imaging system having electronic components, comprising: an enclosure; a photoreceptive medium for capturing a radiographic image, wherein the photoreceptive medium is positionable within the enclosure; at least one power storage device electrically connectable to the photoreceptive medium, wherein the at least one power storage device applies a voltage across the photoreceptive medium when connected to the photoreceptive medium; and means for discharging at least one of the photoreceptive medium and the power storage device when the photoreceptive medium is at least partially unenclosed.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 92 words

A cassette adapted for use in an electronic radiographic imaging system having electronic components, comprising: an enclosure; a photoreceptive medium for capturing a radiographic image, wherein the photoreceptive medium is positionable within the enclosure; at least one power storage device electrically connectable to the photoreceptive medium, wherein the at least one power storage device applies a voltage across the photoreceptive medium when connected to the photoreceptive medium; and means for discharging at least one of the photoreceptive medium and the power storage device when the photoreceptive medium is at least partially unenclosed.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2001-06-29	2001-12-29	2002-06-30	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2005-06-29	2005-12-29	2006-06-30	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2009-06-29	2009-12-29	2010-06-30	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Cassette for use in an electronic radiographic imaging system

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