Radiograph identification method and device

Radiograph identification and filing apparatus for photographically imprinting information onto radiographic film and filing the radiographic film, comprising:

• an adhesive-backed label, said label being made of a photo-transparent material having a photo-transparent adhesive backing, said label being divided into a plurality of information fields comprising at least a machine-readable field and an imprint field, said imprint field being substantially the same size as, and positioned on said label to align with, the light window of a darkroom radiograph imprinter, said information fields including information material which is photo-opaque, said information material in said machine-readable field comprising at least an image of a machine-readable marking representing an identification number for the radiographic film;
• a release liner to which said label is releasably adhered, said liner transmitting white light;
• and
• jacket means for storing the radiographic film, said jacket means comprising rectangular front and back panels joined at one edge thereof, said panels having interior surfaces defining a pocket for receiving the radiographic film and exterior surfaces for receiving said label.

Radiograph identification and filing apparatus for photographically imprinting information onto radiographic film using a radiograph ID camera and filing the radiographic film, comprising:

• an adhesive label, said label being made of a photo-opaque material and having an adhesive backing, said label being divided into a plurality of information fields comprising at least an imprint field for photographing by a radiograph ID camera and a machine-readable field, at least a portion of said imprint field having a black background, said black background having at least one blank formed therein for the entry of variable information, said machine-readable field having information material therein comprising at least an image of a machine-readable marking representing an identification number for the radiographic film;
• a release liner to which said label is releasably adhered, said liner transmitting white light;
• and
• jacket means for storing the radiographic film, said jacket means comprising rectangular front and back panels joined at one edge thereof, said panels having interior surfaces defining a pocket for receiving the radiographic film and exterior surfaces for receiving said label.

A method for photographically imprinting information onto radiographic film and labeling a storage jacket for the radiographic film, comprising the steps of:

• providing a darkroom radiograph imprinter having a light window and a light source which when turned on, shines through the light window;
• providing a label made of a photo-transparent material, the label being divided into at least a machine-readable information field and an imprint information field, the imprint field having substantially the same dimensions as the light window of the imprinter, the information fields including photo-opaque print information material, the information material in the machine-readable and imprint fields comprising at least an image of a machine-readable marking representing an identification number for the radiographic film, and the imprint field further space for the entry of variable information including patient name;
• providing jacket means for storing the radiographic film, the jacket means comprising rectangular front and back panels joined at one edge thereof, the panels having interior surfaces defining a pocket for receiving the radiographic film and exterior surfaces for receiving the label;
• exposing the radiographic film to X-rays while shielding an information portion of the radiographic film from the X-rays, the information portion having substantially the same dimensions as the imprint field of the label;
• placing the radiographic film and the label on the imprinter, the label being interposed between the light window of the imprinter and the information portion of the radiographic film, the light window, the label, and the information portion of the radiographic film being registered in vertical alignment;
• transferring the information material from the imprint field of the label onto the radiographic film by exposing the information portion of the radiographic film using the imprinter;
• removing the label from the imprinter;
• and
• adhering the label to at least one of the exterior surfaces of the jacket means.

A method for photographically imprinting information onto radiographic film and labeling a storage jacket for the radiographic film, comprising the steps of:

• providing a radiograph ID camera having a lens;
• providing a cassette for holding the radiographic film, the cassette having a shield for shielding an imprint area on the radiographic film;
• providing a photo-opaque label divided into at least a machine-readable information field and an imprint information field, the imprint field having substantially the same dimensions as the shield of the cassette, the information fields including print information material, the information material in the machine-readable and imprint fields comprising at least an image of a machine-readable marking representing an identification number for the radiographic film;
• providing jacket means for storing the radiographic film, the jacket means comprising rectangular front and back panels joined at one edge thereof, the panels having interior surfaces defining a pocket for receiving the radiographic film and exterior surfaces for receiving the label;
• placing the radiographic film in the cassette and exposing the radiographic film to X-rays;
• placing the cassette with the radiographic film therein in the ID camera;
• placing the label in front of the lens of the camera and photographing the label using the camera, to transfer the print information material on the label onto the radiographic film;
• removing the label from the imprinter;
• and
• adhering the label to the at least one of the exterior surfaces of the jacket means.