Apparatus and method for reading out storage phosphor plates

An apparatus for reading out x-ray information stored in a storage phosphor plate, the apparatus comprising:

• an input device including a slot through which a cassette is inserted into the input device, the cassette configured to accommodate a storage phosphor plate therein;
• and
• a read-out device that irradiates the storage phosphor plate with stimulation light and that detects emission light stimulated in the storage phosphor plate;
• wherein
• the input device is structured to receive cassettes having different cassette widths and includes:
• a plurality of first elements that align and/or fix the cassettes having different cassette widths in the input device;
• and/or
• a plurality of second elements that close the slot of the input device in order to prevent ambient light from passing through the slot when the cassettes having different cassette widths are inserted into the input device.

A method for reading out x-ray information stored in a storage phosphor plate, the method comprising the steps of:

• inserting a cassette into an input device through a slot of the input device, the cassette accommodating a storage phosphor plate therein;
• reading the storage phosphor plate by irradiating the storage phosphor plate with stimulation light and detecting emission light stimulated in the storage phosphor plate;
• aligning and/or fixing cassettes having different cassette widths in the input device using one or more first elements;
• and/or
• closing the slot of the input device using one or more second elements in order to prevent ambient light from passing through the slot when the cassettes having the different cassette widths are inserted into the input device.