Patent ID: 6850590

Claim:
A mammography unit comprising: a mammography unit cassette holder, which comprises an imaging area, a first side surface substantially perpendicular to said imaging area having a first tunnel opening, a second side surface opposite said first side surface having a second tunnel opening, an outer surface substantially perpendicular to said imaging area, said first side surface, and said second side surface; a comfort device, which comprises a compressible x-ray transparent material configured to define a cavity for containing said mammography unit cassette holder, wherein said compressible x-ray transparent material substantially conforms to said imaging area, said first side surface, said second side surface, and said outer surface and comprises a top area; a first side area comprising a first opening having a perimeter that is shorter than a perimeter of said first side area adapted to permit a mammography unit cassette to pass therethrough, said first opening substantially coinciding with said first tunnel opening when said compressible material is assembled with said mammography unit cassette holder; and a second side area comprising a second opening having a perimeter that is shorter than a perimeter of said second side area adapted to permit a mammography unit cassette to pass therethrough, said second opening substantially coinciding with said second tunnel opening when said compressible material is assembled with said mammography unit cassette holder; and an x-ray source, a compression device, and a support member to which said mammography unit cassette holder is secured.