Methods and apparatus for handling image recording media

A method for handling at least one image recording medium, comprising the acts of:

• a) automatically transferring the at least one image recording medium into or out of a substantially flat housing including two essentially parallel sides having similar dimensions, the housing further including a plurality of relatively smaller-dimensioned edges, at least one edge of the housing including an opening through which the at least one image recording medium is passed;
• act a) including an act of;
• a1) placing the at least one image recording medium in a position of alignment within the housing such that at least some of the second radiation impinges on the at least one image recording medium, and
• b) attenuating first radiation incident to the housing such that at least some of the first radiation, when present, is converted to provide second radiation having a lower energy than the first radiation;
• wherein the act b) is performed by a radiation attenuator, and wherein the act a1) further includes acts of:
• a2) placing the at least one image recording medium in a position of contact alignment with the radiation attenuator;
• and
• a3) reducing a rubbing of the radiation attenuator and the at least one image recording medium during the act a2).

A method for handling at least one image recording medium, comprising the acts of:

• a) automatically transferring the at least one image recording medium into or out of a substantially flat housing including two essentially parallel sides having similar dimensions, the housing further including a plurality of relatively smaller-dimensioned edges, at least one edge of the housing including an opening through which the at least one image recording medium is passed;
• act a) including an act of;
• a1) placing the at least one image recording medium in a position of alignment within the housing such that at least some of the second radiation impinges on the at least one image recording medium;
• and
• b) attenuating first radiation incident to the housing such that at least some of the first radiation, when present, is converted to provide second radiation having a lower energy than the first radiation;
• wherein the act b) is performed by a radiation attenuator having an essentially flat surface, and wherein the act a1) includes an act of:
• moving the at least one recording medium simultaneously in a first direction parallel to the essentially flat surface and a second direction perpendicular to the essentially flat surface.

A method for handling at least one image recording medium, comprising the acts of:

• a) automatically transferring the at least one image recording medium into or out of a substantially flat housing including two essentially parallel sides having similar dimensions, the housing further including a plurality of relatively smaller-dimensioned edges, at least one edge of the housing including an opening through which the at least one image recording medium is passed;
• act a) including an act of;
• a1) placing the at least one image recording medium in a position of alignment within the housing such that at least some of the second radiation impinges on the at least one image recording medium;
• and
• b) attenuating first radiation incident to the housing such that at least some of the first radiation, when present, is converted to provide second radiation having a lower energy than the first radiation;
• wherein the act b) is performed by a radiation attenuator having an essentially flat surface, and wherein the act a1) includes an act of:
• moving the at least one recording medium consecutively in a first direction parallel to the essentially flat surface and a second direction perpendicular to the essentially flat surface.

An apparatus to handle at least one image recording medium, comprising:

• at least one radiation attenuator configured to attenuate first radiation incident to the apparatus such that at least some of the first radiation, when present, is attenuated to provide second radiation, the second radiation having a lower energy than the first radiation;
• and
• at least one element adapted to facilitate automatic transfer of the at least one image recording medium into and out of the apparatus, the at least one element further adapted to facilitate placement of the at least one image recording medium, when handled by the apparatus, in a position of alignment with the at least one radiation attenuator such that at least some of the second radiation impinges on the at least one image recording medium;
• wherein the at least one element includes:
• at least one first moveable element adapted to support the at least one image recording medium, the at least one first moveable element adapted for movement along a first axis;
• and
• at least one second moveable element adapted for movement along at least a second axis essentially perpendicular to the first axis,
• wherein the apparatus is configured such that a movement of the at least one second moveable element along the second axis causes movement of the at least one first moveable element along the first axis.

A method of handling at least one image storage medium, comprising an act of:

• (a) automatically placing the at least one image storage medium into and out of a position of alignment with at least one radiation conversion device that attenuates an energy of radiation incident to the at least one radiation conversion device, such that at least some of the radiation, when present, passes through the at least one radiation conversion device and impinges on the at least one image recording medium, wherein the act (a) includes an act of;
• (b) automatically placing the at least one image storage medium into and out of a position of contact with the at least one radiation conversion device,
• wherein the act (b) includes an act of:
• substantially preventing a rubbing of the at least one image storage medium and the at least one radiation conversion device.

A method of handling at least one image storage medium, comprising an act of:

• (a) automatically placing the at least one image storage medium into and out of a position of alignment with at least one radiation conversion device that attenuates an energy of radiation incident to the at least one radiation conversion device, such that at least some of the radiation, when present, passes through the at least one radiation conversion device and impinges on the at least one image recording medium, wherein the act (a) includes an act of:
• (b) automatically placing the at least one image storage medium into and out of a position of contact with the at least one radiation conversion device,
• wherein the at least one radiation conversion device includes an essentially flat surface, and wherein the act (b) includes an act of;
• moving the at least one image storage medium consecutively in a first direction parallel to the essentially flat surface and a second direction perpendicular to the essentially flat surface.

A method of handling at least one image storage medium, comprising an act of:

• (a) automatically placing the at least one image storage medium into and out of a position of alignment with at least one radiation conversion device that attenuates an energy of radiation incident to the at least one radiation conversion device, such that at least some of the radiation, when present, passes through the at least one radiation conversion device and impinges on the at least one image recording medium, wherein the act (a) includes an act of;
• (b) automatically placing the at least one image storage medium into and out of a position of contact with the at least one radiation conversion device,
• wherein the at least one radiation conversion device includes an essentially flat surface, and wherein the act (b) includes an act of:
• moving the at least one image storage medium simultaneously in a first direction parallel to the essentially flat surface and a second direction perpendicular to the essentially flat surface.