Patent ID: 7030404
Filing Date: 2006-04-18
Classification: G03B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus to handle at least one image recording medium, comprising: 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 configured to allow passage of the at least one image recording medium into and out of the housing; at least one radiation conversion device disposed in the housing and configured to attenuate first radiation incident to the apparatus such that at least some of the first radiation, when present, is converted by the at least one radiation conversion device to provide second radiation, the second radiation having a lower energy than the first radiation, wherein the at least one radiation conversion device includes a first essentially flat surface; at least one element disposed in the housing and adapted to facilitate automatic transfer of the at least one image recording medium into and out of the housing via the opening, wherein the at least one element further is 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 conversion device such that at least some of the second radiation impinges on the at least one image recording medium; wherein the at least one image recording medium to be handled by the apparatus includes a second essentially flat surface; and the at least one element further is adapted to facilitate placement of the second essentially flat surface in contact with the first essentially flat surface; and the apparatus further including at least one positioning mechanism adapted to reduce a rubbing of the first and second essentially flat surfaces during the placement of the at least one image recording medium.