X-ray or gamma ray systems or devices – Photographic detector support – Dental
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-20
2001-11-13
Dunn, Drew (Department: 2882)
X-ray or gamma ray systems or devices
Photographic detector support
Dental
C378S168000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06315444
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to digital radiography devices and specifically to devices for dental radiography based on reusable X-ray media.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Historically intraoral dental radiography has been based on X-ray film. Since the film is used only once, there is no need for re-sterilization after use.
Recently, however, the dental field is moving toward digital radiography systems with reusable image receivers, such as Photostimulable Phosphor (PSP) plates. A PSP plate is inserted in the patient's mouth and exposed to X-rays, like a standard film. The exposed plate is removed from the mouth and “developed” by a laser scanner, whereupon the image on the plate is displayed and stored by a computer. The plate is then erased, by a flash of bright light, and is ready for reuse.
With the advent of reusable image receivers, complications have emerged concerning the sterilization and maintenance of the reusable media. PSP plates are degraded by both the chemicals and heat that can be used to sterilize them between uses. Therefore, the plate must be sealed inside a suitable envelope before it is placed in the mouth. A special procedure must be followed to remove the plate from the envelope for development, in order not to compromise the plate's sterility.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of some aspects of the present invention to provide apparatus and method to preserve the sterility of reusable intraoral X-ray imaging media during oral procedures.
In preferred embodiments of the present invention, a reusable imaging media plate, such as a PSP plate, is inserted into a foldable plastic envelope having flaps which fold and seal the plate within the envelope. The seal protects the PSP plate and prevents contact with saliva or other body fluids. Preferably, the envelope comprises a release flap which allows extraction of the sterile PSP plate without physical contact with the plate. The plate thus remains uncompromised, and the necessity of sterilization is eliminated.
There is therefore provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a container for an imaging plate including:
a sealable envelope, in which the plate is inserted; and
one or more flaps, fixed to the envelope, which are closed by an operator so as to seal the plate inside the envelope, and which are pulled open by the operator in order to release the plate from the envelope substantially without physical contact by the operator with the plate.
Preferably, the one or more flaps are folded over the envelope, creating a fold that seals the envelope shut, wherein the one or more flaps are folded and fixed one to another in order to seal the envelope.
Further preferably, at least one of the flaps has a perforation, which is torn so as to pull the flap open. Preferably, the envelope includes first and second sides, which are peeled apart to open the envelope, wherein at least one of the flaps includes first and second sides connected respectively to the first and second sides of the envelope, such that the operator grasps and pulls the first and second sides of the at least one of the flaps to peel apart the envelope.
Typically, the imaging plate includes a reusable X-ray sensitive medium, wherein the imaging plate inside the container is inserted into the mouth of a patient for producing X-ray images thereof.
In a preferred embodiment, the container includes substantially opaque cover, which receives the imaging plate and inside which cover the plate is inserted into the envelope. Preferably, the cover further receives an X-ray shield, parallel to the imaging plate, for intercepting spurious X-rays.
There is also provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for preserving sterility of an imaging plate, including:
inserting the plate into a sealable envelope;
closing one or more flaps on the envelope so as to seal the plate inside the envelope;
exposing the plate to form an image thereon; and
pulling the one or more flaps open in order to release the plate from the envelope, substantially without making physical contact with the plate.
Preferably, closing the one or more flaps includes folding the flaps over the envelope so as to create a fold that seals the envelope shut, wherein folding the flaps includes fixing the flaps one to another in order to seal the envelope. Most preferably, pulling the one or more flaps includes tearing at least one of the flaps along a perforation thereon.
Further preferably, pulling the one or more flaps includes peeling apart first and second sides of the envelope using the flaps, wherein pulling the one or more flaps includes releasing the plate onto a receiving surface without touching the plate.
Preferably, the imaging plate includes a reusable X-ray sensitive medium, wherein exposing the plate includes inserting the plate in the container into the mouth of a patient so as to produce X-ray images thereof.
The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof, taken together with the drawings in which:
REFERENCES:
patent: 1698795 (1929-01-01), Hillman
patent: 4913288 (1990-04-01), Tanaka
patent: 4922511 (1990-05-01), Gay
patent: 5466561 (1995-11-01), Rantanen
patent: 5864146 (1999-01-01), Karellas
Digident Ltd.
Dunn Drew
Ladas and Parry
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