Large package x-ray apparatus and method

A method of obtaining an x-ray image of a target, comprising:

• providing a bottom case;
• providing a first layer disposed in the bottom case, the first layer defining at least two x-ray cassette holding areas for holding and positioning at least two x-ray cassettes;
• providing a second layer disposed on the first layer, the second layer defining at least one x-ray cassette holding area for holding and positioning at least one x-ray cassette;
• providing a third layer disposed on the second layer, the third layer defining at least one x-ray cassette holding area for holding and positioning at least one x-ray cassette;
• providing a fourth layer disposed on the third layer, the fourth layer defining at least two x-ray cassette holding areas for holding and positioning at least two x-ray cassettes;
• and
• providing a top case that fits over the bottom case,
• wherein x-ray cassette holding areas in multiple layers comprise successive layers positioned in partial overlapping relationship such that when x-ray cassettes are placed in x-ray cassette holding areas and exposed to x-rays, a continuous image of the target is obtained,
• wherein said first layer comprises two non-contiguous rows, said two non-contiguous rows comprise said at least two x-ray cassette holding areas of said first layer, and
• wherein said two non-contiguous rows are separated by a first insert, said first insert is in direct contact with said two non-contiguous rows.

An apparatus for holding multiple x-ray cassettes for imaging a target, comprising:

• multiple layers of x-ray cassettes,
• wherein the x-ray cassettes in successive layers are positioned in partial overlapping relationship such that when the target and x-ray cassettes are exposed to x-rays, a continuous image of the target is obtained,
• wherein said multiple layers comprise a multiple layer simultaneously repeating lateral and longitudinal pattern,
• wherein said multiple layers comprise a first layer disposed substantially adjacent to a bottom case, said first layer comprises two non-contiguous rows, said two non-contiguous rows comprise a plurality of holding areas, and
• wherein said two non-contiguous rows are separated by a first insert, said first insert is in direct contact with said two non-contiguous rows.

An apparatus for holding multiple x-ray cassettes for imaging a target, comprising:

• a bottom case;
• a first layer disposed in the bottom case, the first layer defining at least two x-ray cassette holding areas for holding and positioning at least two x-ray cassettes;
• a second layer disposed on the first layer, the second layer defining at least one x-ray cassette holding area for holding and positioning at least one x-ray cassette;
• a third layer disposed on the second layer, the third layer defining at least one x-ray cassette holding area for holding and positioning at least one x-ray cassette;
• a fourth layer disposed on the third layer, the fourth layer defining at least two x-ray cassette holding areas for holding and positioning at least two x-ray cassettes;
• and
• a top case that fits over the bottom case,
• wherein x-ray cassette holding areas in multiple layers comprise successive layers positioned in partial overlapping relationship such that when x-ray cassettes are placed in x-ray cassette holding areas and exposed to x-rays, a continuous image of the target is obtained,
• wherein said first layer comprises two non-contiguous rows, said two non-contiguous rows comprise said at least two x-ray cassette holding areas, and
• wherein said two non-contiguous rows are separated by a first insert, said first insert is in direct contact with said two non-contiguous rows.

An apparatus for holding multiple x-ray cassettes for imaging a target, comprising:

• a bottom case;
• a first layer comprising a first insert disposed in the bottom case, the first insert defining at least six x-ray cassette holding areas for holding and positioning at least six x-ray cassettes;
• a second layer comprising a second insert disposed on the first layer, the second insert defining at least four x-ray cassette holding areas for holding and positioning at least four x-ray cassettes;
• a third layer comprising an third insert disposed on the second layer, the third insert defining at least two x-ray cassette holding areas for holding and positioning at least two x-ray cassettes;
• a picture frame insert disposed on the third layer, the picture frame insert and the third insert defining at least three x-ray cassette holding areas for holding and positioning at least three x-ray cassettes;
• and
• a top case that fits over the bottom case,
• wherein x-ray cassette holding areas are positioned in partial overlapping relationship in the first, second, third, and picture frame inserts such that when x-ray cassettes are placed in x-ray cassette holding areas and exposed to x-rays, a continuous image of the target is obtained.