Controlled light source device for reading x-rays

A method for reading x-ray films, the method comprising:

• passing a plurality of x-ray films through a film detection scanner;
• sensing the size and location of each of the x-ray films;
• entering the sensed size and location of each of the x-ray films into a computer shift register;
• and
• electronically transmitting the sensed size and location of the x-ray films to a light bank to provide illumination solely and directly behind each of the x-ray films without the use of a mask and upon movement of the x-ray films to a reading position in front of the light bank.

A device for reading radiology film, comprising:

• a radiology film reading station;
• a plurality of radiology films;
• means for transporting the plurality of radiology films to and from the radiology film reading station, the transporting means including a web and means for securing the plurality of radiology films to the web;
• the plurality of radiology films being spaced one from another along the web;
• means for controlling the movement of the web to sequentially transport the radiology films to the reading station;
• means for sensing the web and overlying radiology film to identify the location of each radiology film;
• sensing means being disposed upstream of the radiology firm reading station;
• and
• means for activating light sources behind the radiology film and avoiding activating light sources behind the web portions not having overlying radiology film;
• the sensing means being in operable communication with the light activating means, the light activating means not being a mask, light activating means disposed at the radiology film reading station whereby light is passed through the radiology film and light is not passed through the web not having overlying radiology film.

A device for reading x-ray films, the device comprising:

• means for passing a plurality of x-ray films through a film detection scanner;
• means for sensing the size and location of each of the x-ray films;
• means for entering the sensed size and location of each of the x-ray films into a computer shift register;
• and
• means for transmitting the sensed size and location of the x-ray films to a light bank to provide illumination solely and directly behind each of the x-ray films without masks upon movement of the x-ray films to a reading position in front of the light bank.