US3168965A - Dental film pack dispensers, and the like - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 9, 1965 l. c. RlNN DENTAL FILM PACK DISPENSERS, AND THE LIKE;

Filed sept. 22. 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 2.0 E89 2es-` Irwln C.Rin l.,

Wim;

1. O u m 5 2 V V. 5 Bm .D 0 5 2 g y F 6 2 9 8 Q 2 87 2 @.wwn 6s umm A 5 Jl 6 2.113. 5 4 .I M 3 7 L|||||| O lll 3 0 m4 26 3\\ 7 T 1am... v 36 3 .nio 11111 2 e lU. @JHJ s do 7 *THII'L 3 IJ 2 r 2 5 Feb. 9, 1965 l. c. RINN DENTAL FILM PACK DISPENSERS, AND THE LIKE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 22, 1961 United States Patent Office 3,i58,95 Patented Fein. 9, 1965 3,168,965 DENTAL FlLM PACK DHSPENSERS, AND THE LiKE Irwin C. Rhin, lParlr Ridge, lil., assigner to Rinn Corporation, Chicago, lll., a corporation of Delaware Filed Sept. 22, 1961, Ser. No. 149,120 3 Claims. (Cl. ZZl-ll) This invention relates to improvements in dental film pack dispensers, and the like. In thus using the term dental lm pack as defining the type of units dispensed by the dispenser construction hereinafter illustrated and described, it will be understood that dispensers embodying the features of the present invention may also be used for the dispensing of units other than film packs, provided such other kinds of units are of size and contour acceptable to the particular dispensing unit in question; but, as will hereinafter become evident, certain of the features of the present dispensing units have been devised with especial reference to the requirements imposed by such units as dental film packs. To understand the special features of construction and use of conventional lm packs I shall first refer briefly to the same, in order' to better understand certain of the features of construction and use of the dispenser improvements of the present application, when such dispensers are used for the dispensing of such film packs.

A typical example of one such film pack is that shown in Letters Patent of the United States, No. 2,189,299, issued February 6, 1940, on the application of the present applicant. Such film pack includes an X-ray or short ray sensitive sheet, generally backed by a film of lead or other material substantially opaque to X-rays, both enclosed in an enclosure which is opaque, to Wave lengths within the visible spectrum, but transparent to wave lengths or rays such as X-rays used during the conventional use of the film pack. Such film pack is inserted into the mouth of the patient behind the tooth or teeth to be afterwards studied by theV dentist, with such lead backing at the back of the so-inserted pack. Then, by subjecting the proper area or the mouth regions to the X-rays, the desired shadow-graph will be produced on the Vsensitive sheet contained in such film pack.

Now it is especially noted that although such film pack includes an enclosure which is opaque to wave lengths Within the visible range, such enclosure is not of itself opaque to very short wave lengths, so that if not properly and sufficiently protected against the impacts of such short wave lengths which are normally present in most daylight illuminations, some X-ray effects will iind their way through the enclosure of the film pack, with consequent impairment of the quality of the enclosed sensit1ve film, and corresponding impairment of the sharpness and overall quality of the shadowgraph afterwards produced on the film. It is thus very important to protect the unused film packs against possible intrusion of such stray X- rays, so that even" after considerable intervals of `t1melthe quality of the filmpacks shall not be impaired; and 1t 1s also important to continue such protection of the film packs, even after they have been intentionally exposed during theintended X-raying operation, until the development or processing of the exposed film packs has been carried out. It is a prime object of the present invention to provide for such effective protection of the film packs both before and after their intended and normal use. The protection afforded against `edects of stray radiation, is such that all stray radiation which might affeet the sensitized film is blocked or opaqued by the shell of the dispenser, and thus does not reach any of the film packs contained in the dispenser. By way of illustration only, one successful embodiment of the present invention includes a shell of substantially one-tenth inch (G.lO) thickness and formed of an alloy including or comprising steel such as medium carbon steel, hereinafter referred to.

It is also here noted that such protection against the entry of stray radiation into the dispenser, and into contact with the film packs, includes protection at such special locations, as the door through which access is provided for insertion and removal of certain of the film packs, and the removable cover which, when removed gives access to the lm packs which have been exposed in intended manner to produce shadowgraphs of the patients teeth and gums. Such protective provisions will be disclosed in detail hereinafter.

At this point it is noted that during the usual practice of Athe dentist or other user of such X-ray equipment, use is conventionally made of Vseveral sizes and contours of the film packs. These include such film packs as what is conventionally designated as #2 or standard size film, #l or narrow film, and #0 or pedodontal film, as well as conventionally known and used bite-wing film packs, which packs include the laterally extending tab or bitewing which is engaged between the patients teeth during the iilm exposure operation, to ensure correct holding of the film pack during such exposure. It is desir- V able to have conveniently at hand sufficient numbers of all such (and possibly other) sizes and contours of film packs so that all possible requirements as to film pack specifications may be immediately satislied duringithe various X-ray exposures to be made on a given patient, without need of delays and possible inabilities to meet all various requirements imposed by the special conditions found to exist in the mouth, teeth, and gums of such patient. It is an object of the present invention to provide a dispensing unit of such construction that provision is made for accommodating various sizes and contours of the film packs, including such bite-wing type units; and for enabling withdrawal of selected specification film packs, one at a time, from the dispenser, as needed during the successive X-raying operations. simple means to restore each of the exposed film packs to the interior of the X-ray impervious material container for storage under the protection of such container until such time as it may be desired to remove the exposed film packs for development and/or other subsequent treatment. Such simple means enabling restoration of the exposed films to the interior ofV the dispenser includes a slotted opening through which the film packs are introduced back into a deep tray within the dispenser, together with a spring closed shutter normally overlying such slotted opening.

Since the bite-wing film packs include laterally extending lugs which are gripped between the teeth during the X-ray exposing operation, it is inconvenient to dispense such special contour film packs by means of conventional finger draw slides.` Accordingly, provision is made for receiving and accommodating such bite-wing units within shallow trays located within the X-ray impervious shell of the dispenser, but which trays are readily accessible Also, to provide.

through a hinged door, normally spring closed. Such trays are also slidable outwardly through the door to a 'limited extent to facilitate removal of the bite-wing film packs carried by the trays. The arrangement is also one which ensures against complete removal of the trays from the dispenser, except by an lintentional removing operation, thus ensuring against spillage of the film packs from the trays when the door has been opened.

The non-bite wing film packs are conveniently received and retained in several vertical chutes of conventional form, together with simple draw slides at the bottoms of such chutes, for convenient finger operation to remove the film packs from the lower ends of the stacks contained in the chutes, one at a time. Conveniently, all of the chutes (for example, three in number) are of the same size, sufficiently large to accommodate the largest specification lilm pack to be accommodated. Provision is then made for introduction into each of one or more such chutes of an adapter of size to seat nicely Within the chute, and of construction such as to accommodate a smaller specification film pack, or a film pack of different contour from the non-adapter provided chute or chutes.

The dispenser is so constructed that it may be readily carried by suitable headed screws or expansion bolts, or the like, set into or secured to a convenient wall or other structural element.

The dispenser units hereinafter illustrated and described embody structural features complying with all of the foregoing objectives.

A further object of the invention is to provide a design of dispenser which includes various parts and elements of such nature that they may be readily produced from sheet metal and by conventional sheet metal shop operations. Y

Other objects and uses of the invention will appear from a detailed description of the same, which consists in the features of construction and combinations of elements hereinafter described Vand claimed.

Y In the drawings:V

FIGURE 1 shows a front elevational view of one embodiment of my present invention;

FIGURE 2 shows a back View corresponding to FIG- URE 1;

FIGURE 3 shows a right-hand side elevational view corresponding to FIGURES 1 and 2; and in FIGURE 3 the side door is shown closed;

FIGURE 4 shows a left-hand side elevational view corresponding to FIGURES 1, 2 and 3, but in FIGURE 4 the upper portion of the left-hand side wall has been broken away to reveal the interior construction of various elements;

FIGURE 5 shows a top plan View corresponding to FIGURES 1, 2, 3 and 4; and FIGURE 5 shows the slotted opening through which the exposed film packs may be introduced into the exposed film pack tray within the upper portion of the shell;

FIGURE 6 shows a right-hand side elevational View correspond-ing to FIGURE 3, but with the side door fully opened to give access to the several trays which carry un-exposed film packs, but Awithout exposure of the film packs which have been used, to external stray radiation;

FIGURE 7 shows a verticalelevational section taken on the lines 7 7 of FIGURES 6 and 8, looking in theA directions ofthe arrows;

FIGURE 8 shows a horizontal cross-section taken on the lines 8--8 of FIGURES 4 and 6, looking in the directions of the arrows;

FIGURE 9 shows a fragmentary view corresponding to FIGURE 7 but with .the central portion of the dispenser broken away, but on enlarged scale; and FIGURE 9 may also be considered as a fragmentary vertical section taken on they lines 9-9 of FIGURES l() and ll looking in the directions of the arrows;

FIGURE 10 is a fragmentary vertical section taken on the line itl-4l@ of FIGURE 9, looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIGURE ll is a fragmentary horizontal section taken on the lines 11i- 1l of FIGURES 9 and 10, looking in the directions of the arrows;

FIGURE 12 is a fragmentary section taken on the line 12-1Z of FIGURE 13, looking in the direction of the arrows; and FIGURE 12 shows an end view of the springclosed flap or door which normally closes the slotted opening through which the exposed film packs are introduced into the storage pan or tray within the shell of the dispenser; and in this figure such ap is shown in closed position by the full lines, and in opened position by the dashed lines;

FIGURE 13 shows a View of the flap or door, taken on the line 13-13 of FIGURE 12, looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIGURE 14 shows a bottom View corresponding to FIGURES l2 and 13;

FIGURE 15 shows a fragmentary horizontal section taken on the line 15-15 of FIGURE 6, looking in the direction of the arrows, but on enlarged scale as cornpared to FIGURE 8; and FIGURE 15 shows a plan view of one of the bite-wing trays;

FIGURE 16 shows a vertical cross-section taken on the line 16--16 of FIGURE 15, looking in the direction of the arrows; and

FIGURE 17 shows a vertical longitudinal section taken on the lines 1'7-1'7 of FIGURES 15 and 16, looking in the directions of the arrows.

Since a prime objective of the present invention is to provide a container wherein the film packs may be stored prior to their intended exposure and use, with provision,

for facilitating the dispensing of such film packs one at a time for intended use; together with further means permitting restoration of the exposed film packs into such container to be there held under protection against damage by stray radiation during a considerable interval of time, and provision for then conveniently removing the exposed film packs for development or processing; it is evident that the shell of the container, as Well as its Inechanical construction, must be of material and so constituted as to prevent access of such stray radiation to the contained film packs'in such quantity as to cause damage to either the unused film pack-s, or those film packs which have been conventionally used and exposed and stored.

The container or dispenser herein illustrated includes a substantially rectangular housing Ztl, including the walls 21, 22, 23 andV 24, the bottom 25, and the top or removable cover 26. Such housing is made from material of characteristics and thickness to be highly absorbent of X-rays .and other radiation of wave-lengths which will affect the sensitized surface of the lms contained within the film packs.

The dispensers herein disclosed are designed and constructed for convenient support at or close to the location where the X-raying operations are produced from the patients anatomy by the technician. Each film pack of desired size and/ or specifications may be readily withdrawn from the dispenser by the technician or attendant, quickly inserted into the mouth of the patient, adjusted therein, and otherwise prepared for the X-ray exposure. Thus, only that film pack is removed from the dispenser which is to be conventionally exposed immediately after such removal from the protection afforded by the dispenser. The dispenser is also provided, with a normally closed slotted opening through which each exposed film pack is returned to the protected interior of the dispenser immediately after conclusion of the intended conventional exposure of such film pack. Thus the film pack is thusrexposed to the intrusion of stray radiation during a time interval, with corresponding substantial improvement inthe quality of the X-ray shadowgraph produced, and corresponding improvement in the quality of the technique operations.

E er

The absorption of the stray radiation by the shell of the dispenser (with corresponding protection of the film packs within such dispenser, from effects of stray radiation) is an exponential function of the thickness of the shell material, as well as a function of the material from which the shell is formed. The above general rule is of course applicable in the case of radiation reaching the shell and of specified wave-length. The absorption qualities of a speciiied material of speciied thickness, are greater in the case of the longer wave-lengths than the shorter ones. The stray radiation against which protection is to be aiforded by the shell is of wave-lengths capable of penetrating the enclosure of the film-pack itself, which enclosure is of material opaque to wavelengths within the visible spectrum. The stray radiation against which protection is to be afforded is of wavelengths well below the visible spectrum, and deep into the ultra-violet. The foregoing conditions may be expressed by the statement that the penetrating ability of X-rays increases as the wave-length of the rays decreases (hard rays). The X-rays of larger wave-length (soft rays) contain relatively less penetrating power. The absorption of the damaging stray radiation is an exponential function of the negative exponent (mu/R)Rox, where x designates the thickness of the absorbing medium, mu designates the linear absorption coeiiicient of the absorbing medium, and Ro designates the density of the absorbing medium. The ratio Inu/Ro is a function of the atomic number of the absorbing chemical element and of the wave-length of the X-ray beam. The value of mu/Ro for a compound is equal to the sum of the values for each of the elements present. (McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology, vol. 11, page 302, seq.)

Copper, nickel, thorium, lead, tantalum, tungsten, gold,

and other rare metals or materials have a higher absorbing quality than iron; but zirconium, titanium, aluminium, boron, graphite, beryllium, and lucite and various plastic compounds, glass, and other materials, have lower absorbing qualities than iron. Since the stray radiation is generally of low intensity, except possibly close to the technical apparatus used during the X-raying operations, and since the time interval during which the tilm pack removed from the dispenser is within close range to the X-ray technical apparatus, being generally substantially away from such X-ray apparatus even after removal of such lilrn pack from the dispenser, it is not necessary to make special provision against stray radiation of high intensity, but only against stray radiation of comparatively low intensity. Ithas been found that an iron enclosure for the dispenser, of substantially 0.100 thickness, being soft iron, will effectively shut out all stray radiation within the X-ray range of wave-lengths generally to be encountered during X-ray technique operations wherein the film packs are used. lt is also found that when the dispenser shell is formed of material substantially conforming to the absorbing qualities of such thickness of iron, all stray radiation reaching the dispenser shell even over long intervals of time, is cut-olf so that the iilm packs may be safely stored in a dispenserhaving a shell substantially conforming to such X-ray absorbing qualities.

Within the shell already defined, an inverted U-shape base element, 27, is set with its flanges 28 and 29 (see FIG. 6) supported on the floor 2S, thus establishing a horizontal sheet 3GB slightly above the oor and extending from front to back of the shell, and with its front end set backwardly from the front plate 21 of the shell (see FIGURE 6). The topsurface of this sheet 30 serves as a horizontal planar support for each of the three slides 31, 32 and 33 (see FIGS. 1, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11) which serve the lower ends of the three chutes 34, 35 and 36 wherein the unused iilm packs are carried, corresponding to three specifications of size and/or contour, which chutes will be described in detail hereinafter. (See FIGURES 7 and 8, and 9, l0 and 11.)

Another U-shape plate 37, including the flanges 38 and 39, and the web 4l) (see FIG. 6 and others), is set and secured above the element 27, the web 40 of such plate 37 extending vertically just behind the three chutes already referred to (see FIGS. 6, 8 and 11). Such Securing of such plate 37 in such position is effected by securing the rear edge of each of the flanges 38 and 39 to the inner face of the back 23 of the shell (such Securing means not being shown in detail).

The upper frange 33 of such plate 37 is located somebelow the top of the shell, and below the cover 26; thus there is provided a space 41 in the upper rear portion of the shell, of size to accommodate numerous exposed iilm packs as various exposures are made (see FIG. 6). There is seated on the top surface of the upper iiange 33 a thin U-shape tray 42a (see FIG. 6) having the end flanges d2 and 43; and the deep pan or open top box 44 (see FIGS. 4 and 6) is removably seated on such tray and between such end flanges d2 and 43. This box receives and accommodates the exposed film packs which are introduced into such boX from time to time. Such introduction of Ithe exposed iilm packs into such box is accomplished without need of removing the cover 26 from the shell. For this purpose there is provided ai slotted opening 45 in the cover (see FlGS. 5, l2 and 14). Such slotted opening is normally closed by a shutter of radiation absorbing qualities substantially equal to like qualities of the shell. This shutter, 46 is flat and provided with the end flanges 47 and dit which are pivoted to the rod 49 supported in the end iianges or lugs Si) and 51 comprising end portions of the yU-shape bracket element 52 which is secured to the bottom surface of the cover (see FEC-S. l2, 13 and 14). The shutter element and the lugs 47 and e@ of such shutter, and Stb and 51 of the bracket element are so formed that by rocking the shutter clockwise (when viewed as in FGURE 12) the shutter plate to comes into substantially flat engagement with the under surface of the cover element 26 to thus ensure good closure of Ithe slotted opening 45 against ingress of stray radiation. The spring 53 is provided for urging the shutter to its closed position, one end of such spring bearing against the underface of the cover 26 and the other end of the spring bearing against an element of the shutter 46.

The right-hand wall of the shell is provided with a door extending the full height of the unit, and hinged at its rear edge to the proximate edge of the back 23 of the shell. Such hinge is shown at 55 (see FGURES 12, 3, 8 and 15). In order to ensure against leakage of radiation at such hinge location, l have provided the protective plate of radiation absorbent material, 56 secured to the inside surface of the door at location proximate to the hinge, and extending substantially .the full height of the hinge itself. This protective plate is so formed that when the door is in closed position (see FEGURES 8 and 15) the edge of the protective plate comes substantially to the inside face of the back 23 of the shell. A spring 57 (see FlG. l5) having one end connected to the door and its other end connected to a suitable structural element of the shell, urges the door to `closed position with suiiicient firmness to ensure good closure. The hand grip S3 serves as a convenient element to open the door when desired. At its closed position the front edge portion of the inner surface of the Adoor cornes into engagement with the strap of radiation absorbent material 59 secured to the edge portionof the inner surface of the right-hand wall 22 ot' the shell (see FIGS. 3 and 8). This strap extends substantially the full height of the door and door opening, to thus intercept radiation which might enter through any crack between the shell and the closed door.

Within the shell and behind the three chutes 34, 35 and 36, l have provided two trays for accommodation of special sizes and/or contours of film packs, such as bitewing packs, which are not conveniently delivered by conventional chute delivery arrangements. These trays are F., d shown at 60 and 61 in FIGURES 6, 15, 16 and 17. Each such tray is comparatively shallow for convenient re- Inoval of a lilmpack therefrom, when the door Sli has been opened. i The tray 6l is seated on the iange 39 already referred to (see FIGURE 6) and the tray 69 is seated on a flange 62 having its front and rear edge portions connected to the web and to the back wall 23 of i theshell, respectively. Conveniently there is provided a sheet of thin metal 63 seated on the top surface of each -of the flanges 39 and 62, so that each such tray actually sets on such thin sheet. The right-hand edges of these thin sheets are folded over and forwardly as shown in FIGURE 16 to thus provide a shallow slot at the rear edge of the corresponding shallow trays; and another thin sheet of metal is secured to the under surface of each such shallow tray at the left-hand end portion of the tray, such sheet for the tray being shown in FIGURE 15, and there numbered 64, Each of such sheet (64) extends lrightwardly of its tray only part of the dimension of such mediately after such removal, the tray may be restored to its full entry into the body of the shell, whereupon the door 54 may be allowed to close under spring urge.

It is also noted that each of such shallow trays may be completely removed from its engagement with the slotted engagement with the folded portion of the thin sheet 63, by raising the front portion of such tray into tilted position, and then shifting the tray forwardly far enough to permit disengagement of the projecting portion of the sheet 64 from the slotted recess. Conversely, the tray may be re-inserted into its intended engagement by reversal of such operations.

Referring again to the three chutes 34, 35 and 36, each of these includes a vertical channel element, 65, 66 and 67, for the three chutes, respectively (see FIG. l1).

These channel elements are all of the same size (in the embodiment illustrated in the drawings), for reasons presently to be apparent. The tlanges of these channels extend down to suitable supporting means, but the webs, a, 66a and 67a, of the three channels terminate above such supporting means, as indicated by the lines 65h, 66h and67b (see FIGURES 9 and 10). Thus there is provided a clear open space at the lower rear portion of each such channel, through which space the draw delivery slide corresponding to such channel extends and operates. Conveniently the lower ends of the flanges of the channels 65, 66 and 67 rest on rearwardly extending metal strips 68, 69, 7@ and 71 which are set onto the top face of the element 27 already referred to (see FIG. 9). Such strips may be secured in vsuch position in convenient manner.

Between the strips 63-69, 69-76, and '76#71 there are located the draw delivery slide bars or plates 33, 32 and 31,' respectively. These plates extend forwardly through slottedv openings 32., 83 and 34 in the front 21 of the shelljand the finger grips 75, 76 and 77 are secured to the Vfront 'endsof such plates 33, 32. and 3l, respectively. Each such plate extends rearwardly into the space below the flange 39-of the element 37 (see FIGURE 6), and the rear end portion of such plate carries on upstanding abutment, as shown at 78 (see FIGURESS 6 and 8). Each such abutment is of height sufiicient to prevent withdrawal of the slide plate forwardly for complete removal of such slide plate from its working position. To this end each such abutment is of height sufficient to engage the inner surface of the front wall 2l just above the slotted opening in such front wall, through which slotted U opening the slide plate extends for connection to the linger piece 75, 76 or 77, as the case may be. Such slotted openings in the front Wall 2l will be further considered hereinafter. By raising the front end portion of such plate (as by insertion of the finger below the gripping element 75, 76 or 77, as the case may be), it is possible to turn the abutment into a more or less horizontal position, thus permitting complete withdrawal of the slide plate from the unit.

Each such draw delivery slide plate hasv secured to its top surface an upwardly extending block 72a, 73a, or 74a, as the case may be (see FIGS. 6, 8 and ll). Such block is of suricient height to engage the rear edge of the lower- Vmost lm pack of a stack of film packs carried within 66b or 67b of the web of the corresponding channel, is i suflicient to permit free passage of such block 72a, 1s or 74a, as the case may be beneath such lower end 65h, 66h or 67h, as the case may be (see FIG. 9); it being understood that such blocks 72a, 73L and 7da stand rear'- wardly of the lm packs carried within the channels, when the slide plates have been restored to their normal or fully rearward positions, with the finger gripping elements engaged against the front wall 2 of the shell. Also each such block is of less height than the corresponding abutment, so that its block may move through the corresponding slotted opening of the front wall 21 to produce full `delivery of the lilm pack being delivered by such slide plate, it being noted that each block 74 is of less height than the corresponding abutment (see EEG. 6). The operation of delivery of the hlm pack will be further explained hereinafter.

Examination of FIGURES 7, 9 and ll shows that such slide plates are of width to extend between the pairs of strips68-69, 69-'7tl, and 76E-7l, respectively, so that the back and forth sliding movements of such slide plates are well guided.

The lrn packs are stacked within the channels 34, 35 and 36 by introduction at the tops thereof; but I have provided channel adapters which are set directly into the several channels, and into which the lm packs are then stacked; such channel adapters being indicated at 79, 8% and 8l in the three channels 65, 66 and 67, respectively. These vchannel adapters may be of size and contours to accommodate film packs all of the same specifications; or, as shown in FIGURES 7, 8, 9 and 11 the channel adapters for the several channels may be of specifications to accommodate different sizes and 'contours of the film packs. It is noted, however, that since all of the channels 65, 66 and 67 are of the same dimensions, the several channel adapters may be used interchangeably in such several channels, 65, 66 and 67. Thus, as shown, the adapter 79 set into the channel 65 accommodates film packs of full size conventionally known as #2 Standard, the adapter set into the channel 66 accommodates lm packs of shallow depth but full width, conventionally known as #l Narrow Flm, and the adapter set into the channel 67 accommodates ilm packs known as Rinn #0 Pedo. The arrangement of channels oversize as compared to any of the several sizes of iilm packs, together with the use of channel adapters set into such channels, makes it possible for the user to accommodate a single dispenser, provided with a plurality of the master channels all of the same size and contour, to the specilic needs or probable needs of his practice, or to change the adapters from time to time, to meet changing needs of his practice. For example, by providing the owner of the dispenser with adapters of the form shown in FGURES 7, 8, 9 and 1l, together with an extra adapter of the form Ashown at '79 (being a full size iilm pack adapter) the owner and user of such dispenser is able to meet customary requirements l i opening of the cover under spring urge, may be meinentarily depressed against the urge of such spring by depression of the button 99 which includes a stem extending through the cover plate into position to engage the shutter for rock of the same into position such as shown by the dashed line in FIGURE l2.

Again considering the composition of the shell of the dispenser, with regard to the absorption qualities for absorption of X-rays, the following tabulation of most of the elements previously referred to, showing their atomic numbers and atomic weights is given, as follows:

Thorium Th L d Berylliurn Be This tabulation shows that iron, which is about midway of the listed elements, both as respects atomic number and atomic weight, also occupies a central position within such listing, as respects its absorption qualities for absorption of the X-rays, especially the stray radiation against which the present dispenser is qualitied to protect the film packs. Iron also possesses the great advantages of low cost, commercial availability in quantities, wide distribution, and, when alloyed with other elements and/or materials, of being substantially rust proof and stable against the elements. It is to be understood, however, that I do not intend to limit the protection to be afforded by the present application, and the claims, except as I may limit myself in such claims; but I also contemplate the use, in such dispensers, of other materials having substantially the absorption qualities of iron.

It will be understood that when inl use a control weight of conventional form may be set onto the top of each stack of film packs carried by the chutes, such weights being of size, weight, and contour to meet the requirements of the several chutes and their stacked contents.

In FIGURE 2 I have shown the two vertically aligned 4 key openings 91, which may be set onto suitable headed studs projecting from the supporting element, according to conventional practice.

Examination of FIGURES 1 and 10 shows that each of the openings S2, 83 and 84 which extend through the o front wall 21 of the shell, and through which openings the slide plates 33, 32 and 31, respectively, operate, are of height greater than such slide plate thicknesses, in order to accommodate the ilrn packs carried by the slide plates during delivery movement of such plates, and to permit the film packs to be delivered to the exterior of the shell.

Such excess height of such openings 82, 83 and 84 would n not be sealed by the slide plates against entrance of stray X-radiation to the interior of the shell, and thus would constitute a hazard to the continued protection of the iilrn packs contained within the shell. In order to protect against such hazard I have provided the double thickness wings 92, 93 and 94 (see FIGURES 1, 3, 4 and 10) carried by the slide plates directly behind the iinger grips 75, 76 and 77 by which such slide plates are moved, such wings being so formed and located with respect to the slide plates and the nger grips, that when the slide plates are moved back to the rearmost positions at which the lowermost film packs descend tovcarrying engagement by such slide plates, such wings seal tightly against the outside surfaceof the front of the shell, thus effectively protecting against ingress of stray radiation during the considerable intervals of time that the dispenser is not iii being used. In connection with the above, the finger grips 75, 76 and '77 by which the slide plates are open ated, extend outwardly at elevation higher than the slide plates themselves (see FIGURES l, 4 and 10). The wings 92, 93 and 94 then extend down from said finger grips far enough to completely seal the slide openings through which the film packs are drawn, so that the desired closure and sealing of said openings against stray X-radiation is produced when the slides (and the wings) are pushed back into their closed position.

I claim:

l. A dispenser for dispensing substantially dat film packs which comprise photosensitive sheets enclosed in fiat envelopes of material opaque to wave lengths in the visible spectrum but transparent to X-radiation, said dispenser including a vertical channel element open at its lower end and comprising a vertical chute of size and contour to receive in telescoping fashion a vertical adapter to accommodate a vertical stack of film packs lying horizontal and hat on each other, means to support the lower ends of the side flanges of said channel element, the lower end of the web of the chanel element being at an elevation higher than the supported lower endsof the side iianges of said vertical channel element to provide a tiret deiined opening beneath the lower end of the web and between the side fianges of such channel element with the top of said opening higher than the supported lower ends of the side flanges of such channel element; a shell enclosing said chute and composed of material substantially opaque to stray X-radiation, a horizontal slotted second defined opening in the shell in horizontal alignment with the first deiined opening, a horizontally movable slide element extending through the second defined opening of the shell and movable through said irst defined opening, the slide element being of length such that when it is moved inwardly to bring its outer end in proximity to the second `defined opening, the inner end of such slide element extends through the iirst defined opening to a position rearward of said opening; a U-shaped adapter of size and contour to telescopingly seat into the chute aforesaid, said adapter comprising a pair of shailow vertical chani nels in proximity to the opposing surfaces of the chute and with the front edge flanges of said shallow channels lying in a common vertical plane and constituting Vertical abutments to define the front vertical corners of the stack of lm packs accommodated within such adapter, and a Vertical plate extending between said vertical channels to deiine the rear vertical enclosure for the stack of film packs accommodated within such adapter; horizontal fianges connected to the lower ends of the webs of the shallow vertical channels of the adapter and extending towards each other and providing lateral edge supports for the stack of lm packs within lsuch adapter, the lower ends of the front edge fianges of the shallow adapter channels being located at elevations high enough to permit horizontal delivery movement of the lowermost iilm pack, produced by Vout movement of the slide element;

together with an upwardly extending film pack driving block secured to the slide element and of vertical dimension to engage against the rear edge of the lowermost tilm pack of the stack, the first defined opening being of vertical dimension sufficient to allow the film pack driving block to move through said first deiined opening during back and forth movements of the slide element.

2. A dispenser as defined in claim 1, wherein there is a plurality of said vertical channel elements all of equal cross-sectional area and contour; and wherein there is an adapter telescoped into each of the vertical channel elements, each such adapter being constituted to receive a stack of film packs of selected cross-sectional area and contour corresponding to the cross-sectional area and contour of such adapter.

3. A dispenser as defined in claim 2, wherein the adapters are of selected different erosssectiona1 areas and contours.

References Cited in the le of this patent 5 UNITED STATES PATENTS 14 Edgar et al July 14, 1903 Alexander et al. Mar. 24, 1908 Dunnng Feb. 15, 1910 Bowman Mar. 25, 1913 Shelters et al May 11, 1926 Keller June 5, 1928 Nelson Nov. 13, 1934 Dick et al. July 8, 1941 Kollock J an. 20, 1953 Taylor Dec. 4, 1956

Claims (1)

1. A DISPENSER FOR DISPENSING SUBSTANTIALLY FLAT FILM PACKS WHICH COMPRISE PHOTOSENSITIVE SHEETS ENCLOSED IN FLAT ENVELOPES OF MATERIAL OPAQUE TO WAVE LENGTHS IN THE VISIBLE SPECTRUM BUT TRANSPARENT TO X-RADIATION, SAID DISPENSER INCLUDING A VERTICAL CHANNEL ELEMENT OPEN AT ITS LOWER END AND COMPRISING A VERTICAL CHUTE OF SIZE AND CONTOUR TO RECEIVE IN TELESCOPING FASHION A VERTICAL ADAPTER TO ACCOMMODATE A VERTICAL STACK OF FILM PACKS LYING HORIZONTAL AND FLAT ON EACH OTHER, MEANS TO SUPPORT THE LOWER ENDS OF THE SIDE FLANGES OF SAID CHANNEL ELEMENT, THE LOWER END OF THE WEB OF THE CHANNEL ELEMENT BEING AT AN ELEVATION HIGHER THAN THE SUPPORTED LOWER ENDS OF THE SIDE FLANGES OF SAID VERTICAL CHANNNEL ELEMENT TO PROVIDE A FIRST DEFINED OPENING BENEATH LOWER END OF THE WEB AND BETWEEN THE SIDE FLANGES OF SUCH CHANNEL ELEMENT WITH THE TOP OF SAID OPENING HIGHER THAN THE SUPPORTED LOWER ENDS OF THE SIDE FLANGES OF SUCH CHANNEL ELEMENT; A SHELL ENCLOSING SAID CHUTE AND COMPOSED OF MATERIAL SUBSTANTIALLY OPAQUE TO STRAY X-RADIATION, A HORIZONTAL SLOTTED SECOND DEFINED OPENING IN THE SHELL IN HORIZONTAL ALIIGNMENT WITH THE FIRST DEFINED OPENING, A HORIZONTALLY MOVABLE SLIDE ELEMENT EXTENDING THROUGH THE SECOND DEFINED OPENING OF THE SHELL AND MOVABLE THROUGH SAID FIRST DEFINED OPENING, THE SLIDE ELEMENT BEING OF LENGTH SUCH THAT WHEN IT IS MOVED INWARDLY TO BRING ITS OUTER END IN PROXIMITY TO THE SECOND DEFINED OPENING, THE INNER END OF SUCH SLIDE ELEMENT EXTENDS OPENING, THE INNER END IN PROXIMITY TO THE SECREARWARD OF SAID OPENING; A U-SHAPED ADAPTER OF SIZE AND CONTOUR TO TELESCOPINGLY SEAT INTO THE CHUTE AFORESAID, SAID ADAPTER COMPRISING A PAIR SHALLOW VERTICAL CHANNELS IN PROXIMITY TO THE OPPOSING SURFACES OF THE CHUTE AND WITH THE FRONT EDGE FLANGES OF SAID SHALLOW CHANNELS LYING IN A COMMON VERTIAL PLANE AND CONSTITUTING VERTICAL ABUTMENTS TO DEFINE THE FRONT VERTICAL CORNERS OF THE STACK OF FILM PACKS ACCOMMODATED WITHIN SUCH ADAPTER, AND A VERTICAL PLATE EXTENDING BETWEEN SAID VERTICAL CHANNELS TO DEFINE THE REAR VERTICAL ENCLOSURE FOR THE STACK OF FILM PACKS ACCOMMODATED WITHIN SUCH ADAPTER; HORIZONTAL FLANGES CONNECTED TO THE LOWER ENDS OF THE WEBS OF THE SHALLOW VERTICAL CHANNELS OF THE ADAPTER AND EXTENDING TOWARD EACH OTHER AND PROVIDING LATERAL EDGE SUPPORTS FOR THE STACK OF FILM PACKS WITHIN SUCH ADAPTER, THE LOWER ENDS OF THE FRONT EDGES FLANGES OF THE SHALLOW ADAPTER CHANNELS BEING LOCATED AT ELEVATIONS HIGH ENOUGH TO PERMIT HORIZONTAL DELIVERY MOVEMENT OF THE LOWERMOST FILM PACK, PRODUCED BY OUT MOVEMENT OF THE SLIDE ELEMENT; TOGETHER WITH AN UPWARDLY EXTENDING FILM PACK DRIVING BLOCK SECURED TO THE SLIDE ELEMENT AND OF VERTICAL DIMENSION TO ENGAGE AGAINST THE REAR EDGE OF THE LOWERMOST FILM PACK OF THE STACK, THE FIRST DEFINED OPENING BEING OF VERTICAL DIMENSION SUFFICIENT TO ALLOW THE FILM PACK DRIVING BLOCK TO MOVE THROUGH SAID FIRST DEFINED OPENING DURING BACK AND FORTH MOVEMENTS OF THE SLIDE ELEMENT.

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