# US 5,330,309 A · Reader having cassette locating and unlatching mechanism > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 5,330,309 A - Document ID: US5330309A - Status: Granted - Kind: A - Application number: 07/982,175 - Filed: 1992-11-25 - Granted: 1994-07-19 - Earliest claimed: 1992-11-25 - Assignees: Eastman Kodak Company - Inventors: Roger S. Brahm; James D. Lattimore - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5330309A ## CPC - G03B 42/045: {apparatus for loading or unloading the holders} - G03B 42/02: using X-rays - Y10S 250/909: Methods and apparatus ancillary to stimulable phosphor systems - G03B: APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR (optical parts of such apparatus G02B; photosensitive materials or processes for photographic purposes G03C; apparatus for processing exposed photographic materials G03D) - Y10S: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS ## Abstract A method and apparatus for unlatching a stationary cassette having a latching mechanism for allowing removal of a photographic element disposed within the cassette. The cassette having a removable end cap, the end cap having a alignment opening and at least one access opening for allowing access to the latching mechanism. The apparatus having a stage, a mechanism for moving the stage in a first direction with respect to the cassette, an extractor bar assembly moveably mounted to the stage for movement in a second direction with respect to the cassette, the extractor bar assembly having unlatching member for unlatching the latching mechanism of the cassette and for removing the removable photographic element disposed in the cassette, a mechanism for moving the extractor bar assembly in the second direction, and a locating member for locating the extractor bar assembly in a first relative position with respect to the latching mechanism of the cassette. ## Claims ### Claim 1 In an apparatus for unlatching a stationary cassette having a latching mechanism for allowing removal of a photosensitive element disposed within the cassette, said cassette having an end cap, the end cap having reference means for locating a first relative position with respect to the latching mechanism of the cassette and at least one access opening for allowing access to the latching mechanism and removal of the photosensitive element, said apparatus comprising: a stage; means for moving said stage in a first direction with respect to the cassette; an extractor bar assembly movably mounted to said stage for movement in a second direction with respect to the cassette, said extractor bar assembly having unlatching means for unlatching the latching mechanism of the cassette and for removing the removable photosensitive element disposed in the cassette; means for moving said extractor bar assembly in said second direction; and means for locating said extractor bar assembly in a first relative position with respect to the latching mechanism of the cassette. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) In an apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said reference means for locating a first relative position with respect to the latching mechanism comprises an alignment opening. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) In an apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said means for locating said extractor bar in a first position with respect to the latching mechanism of the cassette comprises a retractable pin designed to engage the alignment opening provided in the end cap of the cassette. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) In an apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising means for sensing when said extractor bar assembly is in said first relative position. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) In an apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said means for sensing when said extractor bar assembly is in said first relative position comprises a magnetic collar placed on said pin such that a signal is produced when said pin engages said alignment opening. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) In an apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said extractor bar assembly comprises: a slide plate; and a extractor bar slideably secured to said slide plate such that when said pin engages said reference opening said slide plate will be stationary with respect to said cassette while said extractor bar can still move with respect to said cassette. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) In an apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said extractor bar includes a hook member having at least one hook for insertion through said at least one access opening for engaging said latching mechanism of said cassette and unlatching said cassette. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) In an apparatus according to claim 7 wherein means are provided for allowing said hook member to adjust to the position of the access opening so that said at least one hook can enter said access opening. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) In an apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said means for allowing said hook member to adjust to the position of the access opening comprise the use of a spring washer placed between the hook member and means for securing the hook member to the extractor bar. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) In an apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising sensing means for determining when said unlatching means has been moved to a second position so that said unlatching means can engage the latching mechanism of the cassette. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) In an apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising means for sensing when hook assembly has unlatched the latching mechanism of said cassette. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) In an apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said extractor bar assembly comprises an extractor bar having sides, a slide plate slideably mounted to the extractor bar for movement in a direction transverse to the cassette, and a hook bar secured to said extractor bar. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) In an apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said photosensitive element comprises a photostimulable plate. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) In an apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for moving said stage comprises a drive screw, a drive nut secured to said drive screw, a motor for turning said drive screw having an axis for moving the drive nut along the axis of the drive screw, and means connecting said drive nut to said stage. ### Claim 15 (depends on 12) In an apparatus according to claim 12 wherein extractor bar has a pair of end sections, said end sections being connected to the sides of the extractor bar and being slideably mounted to the sides of the stage. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) In an apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said means for moving said extractor bar assembly comprises a closed loop cable, said cable being connected to said end sections, said cable being driven by a reversible motor. ### Claim 17 (depends on 6) In an apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said slide plate is secured to said extractor bar by an extension spring. ### Claim 18 (depends on 1) In an apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said first direction is transverse to said cassette. ### Claim 19 (depends on 1) In an apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said second direction is toward and/or away from the cassette. ### Claim 20 (depends on 1) In an apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising means for supporting said photographic element on said stage. ### Claim 21 (depends on 1) In an apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising means for determining the size of the photosensitive element. ### Claim 22 (depends on 21) In an apparatus according to claim 21 wherein said means for determining the size of the photosensitive element comprises a plurality of sensor switches placed on stage. ### Claim 23 (depends on 1) In an apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising clamping means for clamping the cassette in stationary position. ### Claim 24 (depends on 14) In an apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said motor comprises a stepper motor. ### Claim 25 A method of unlatching a cassette and removing a photosensitive element therefrom, said cassette having a removable photosensitive element disposed within the cassette and a latching mechanism for latching and unlatching the photosensitive element from the cassette, comprising the steps of: providing an apparatus for unlatching a cassette and removing a photosensitive element therefrom, said apparatus comprising: a stage; means for clamping said cassette; means for moving said stage in a first direction with respect to the cassette placed in said means for clamping the cassette; an extractor bar assembly movably mounted to said stage for movement in a second direction with respect to the cassette, said extractor bar assembly having means for unlatching and latching the latching mechanism of the cassette and for removing the removable photosensitive element disposed in the cassette; means for moving said extractor bar assembly in said second direction; and means for determining a first relative position between the latching mechanism of the cassette and said extractor bar assembly; moving said extractor bar assembly to a first seek position at a spaced predetermined distance from the latching mechanism; moving said extractor bar assembly in a transverse direction until said first relative position is determined; moving said extractor bar assembly in the same transverse direction a predetermined distance so that said extractor bar assembly is in a second relative position with respect to the cassette so that said unlatching means can be inserted into the cassette; moving said extractor bar assembly toward the cassette so that the unlatching mechanism of the extraction bar is within the latching mechanism of the cassette; moving said extractor bar assembly in a transverse direction such that the extractor bar assembly is moved back to said first relative position so as to unlatch the photosensitive element from the cassette; and moving the extractor assembly in a direction away from the cassette so as to remove the photosensitive element from the cassette. ### Claim 26 A method of unlatching a cassette and removing a photosensitive element therefrom, said cassette having a removable photosensitive element disposed within the cassette and a latching mechanism for latching and unlatching the photosensitive element from the cassette, comprising the steps of: providing an apparatus for unlatching a cassette and removing a photosensitive element therefrom, said apparatus comprising: a stage; means for clamping said cassette; means for moving said stage in a first direction with respect to the cassette placed in said means for clamping the cassette; an extractor bar assembly movably mounted to said stage for movement in a second direction with respect to the cassette, said extractor bar assembly having means for unlatching and latching the latching mechanism of the cassette and for removing the removable photosensitive element disposed in the cassette; means for moving said extractor bar assembly in said second direction; and means for determining a first relative position between the latching mechanism of the cassette and said extractor bar assembly; moving said extractor bar assembly to a first seek position at a spaced predetermined distance from the latching mechanism; and moving said extractor bar assembly in a transverse direction until said first relative position is determined. ### Claim 27 (depends on 26) In a method according to claim 26 wherein said first direction is transverse to said cassette. ### Claim 28 (depends on 26) In a method according to claim 26 wherein said second direction is toward and/or away from the cassette. ### Claim 29 A reader for reading a photostimulable element disposed in a cassette, said cassette having a latching mechanism for allowing removal of the photostimulable element disposed within the cassette, said cassette having a removable end cap, the end cap having reference means for locating a first relative position with respect to the latching mechanism of the cassette and at least one access opening for allowing access to the latching mechanism, said reader comprising: a stage; means for moving said stage in a first direction with respect to the cassette; an extractor bar assembly moveably mounted to said stage for movement in a second direction with respect to the cassette, said extractor bar assembly having unlatching means for unlatching the latching mechanism of the cassette and for removing the removable photographic element disposed in the cassette; means for moving said extractor bar assembly in said second direction; and means for locating said extractor bar assembly in a first relative position with respect to the latching mechanism of the cassette. ### Claim 30 A reader for reading a photostimulable element disposed in a cassette, said cassette having a latching mechanism for allowing removal of the photostimulable element disposed within the cassette, said cassette having a reference means for locating a first relative position with respect to the latching mechanism of the cassette and at least one access opening for allowing access to the latching mechanism, said reader comprising: a movable extractor bar assembly having means for unlatching and latching the latching mechanism of the cassette and for removing the removable photostimulable element disposed in the cassette, said extractor bar assembly comprising a slide plate and an extractor bar slideably secured to said slide plate and movable along at least two axes relative to the cassette; and means for locating said extractor bar assembly in a first relative position with respect to the latching mechanism of the cassette. ### Claim 31 (depends on 30) In a reader according to claim 30 wherein said reference means for locating a first relative position with respect to the latching mechanism comprises an alignment opening. ### Claim 32 (depends on 31) In a reader according to claim 31 wherein said means for locating said extractor bar assembly in a first position with respect to the latching mechanism of the cassette comprises a retractable pin designed to engage the reference opening provided in the end cap of the cassette. ### Claim 33 (depends on 30) In a reader according to claim 30 further comprising means for sensing when said extractor bar assembly is in said first relative position. ### Claim 34 (depends on 33) In a reader according to claim 33 wherein said means for sensing when said extractor bar assembly is in said first relative position comprises a magnetic collar placed on said pin such that a signal is produced when said pin engages said reference opening. ### Claim 35 (depends on 32) In a reader according to claim 32 wherein said extractor bar is slideably secured to said slide plate such that when said pin engages said reference opening said slide plate will be stationary with respect to the cassette while said extractor bar can still move with respect to the cassette. ### Claim 36 (depends on 30) In a reader according to claim 30 wherein said extractor bar includes a hook member having at least one hook for insertion through said at least one access opening for engaging said latching mechanism of said cassette and unlatching said cassette. ### Claim 37 (depends on 36) In a reader according to claim 36 wherein means are provided for allowing said hook member to adjust to the position of the access opening so that said at least one hook can enter said access opening. ### Claim 38 (depends on 37) In a reader according to claim 37 wherein said means for allowing said hook member to adjust to the position of the access opening comprises the use of a spring washer place between the hook member and means for securing the hook member to the extractor bar. ### Claim 39 (depends on 30) In a reader according to claim 30 further comprising sensing means for determining when said unlatching means has been moved to a second position so that said unlatching means can engage the latching mechanism of the cassette. ### Claim 40 (depends on 30) In a reader according to claim 30 further comprising means for sensing when hook means has unlatched the latching mechanism of said cassette. ### Claim 41 (depends on 30) In a reader according to claim 30 wherein said extractor bar assembly comprises an extractor bar having sides, a slide plate slideably mounted to the extractor bar for movement in a direction transverse to the cassette, and a hook bar secured to said extractor bar. ### Claim 42 (depends on 30) In a reader according to claim 30 wherein said photosensitive element comprises a photostimulable plate. ### Claim 43 (depends on 30) In a reader according to claim 30 wherein said means for moving said stage comprises a drive screw, a drive nut secured to said drive screw, a motor for turning said drive screw for moving the drive nut along the axis of the drive screw, and means connecting said drive nut to said stage. ### Claim 44 (depends on 41) In a reader according to claim 41 wherein extractor bar has a pair of end sections, said end sections being connected to the sides of the extractor bar and being slideably mounted to the sides of the stage. ### Claim 45 (depends on 44) In a reader according to claim 44 wherein said means for moving said extractor bar assembly comprises a closed loop cable, said cable being connected to said end sections, said cable being driven by a reversible motor. ### Claim 46 (depends on 35) In a reader according to claim 35 wherein said slide plate is secured to said extractor bar by an extension spring. ### Claim 47 (depends on 30) In a reader according to claim 30 wherein said first direction is transverse to said cassette. ### Claim 48 (depends on 30) In a reader according to claim 30 wherein said second direction is toward and/or away from the cassette. ### Claim 49 (depends on 30) In a reader according to claim 30 further comprising means for supporting said photosensitive element on said stage. ### Claim 50 (depends on 30) In a reader according to claim 30 further comprising means for determining the size of the photosensitive element. ### Claim 51 (depends on 50) In a reader according to claim 50 wherein said means for determining the size of the photosensitive element comprises a plurality of sensor switches placed on stage. ### Claim 52 (depends on 30) In a reader according to claim 30 further comprising clamping means for clamping the cassette in stationary position. ### Claim 53 (depends on 43) In a reader according to claim 43 wherein said motor comprises a stepper motor.