Radiation-transmitting mat and image receptor assembly including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a radiolucent mat comprising a strap system configured to secure the radiolucent mat to an image receptor and a body portion extending along orthogonal longitudinal and transverse directions of the body portion and having a major surface configured to face away from the image receptor. The top major surface includes one or more first visible indicia that delineate an area of ​​the top major surface that corresponds to an active area of ​​the image receptor. The present invention also relates to an image receptor assembly comprising the radiolucent mat described above and a radiographic image receptor having an active area. The body portion is positioned on the image receptor such that the body portion and the image receptor are substantially coextensive with one another along the longitudinal and transverse directions.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Infant skeletal surveys and other infant imaging procedures can be performed by placing the infant directly on the image receptor. Summary of the Invention

[0002] In some aspects herein, a radiation-transparent mat is provided that includes a strap system configured to secure the radiation-transparent mat to an image receptor, and a body portion extending along orthogonal length and width directions of the body portion and having a top major surface that faces away from the image receptor. The top major surface may include one or more first visible indicia that delineate areas of the top major surface that correspond to active areas of the image receptor. The strap system includes a first strap extending from a first side of the body portion and a first connector for receiving the first strap, the first connector being disposed adjacent to a second side of the body portion opposite the first side, the first and second sides extending along the longitudinal direction and spaced apart along the width direction; the strap system further includes a second strap extending from one of the first and second sides of the body portion and a second connector for receiving the second strap, the second connector being disposed adjacent to the other of the first and second sides; the first strap and the second strap extend from first and second locations on the body portion, respectively, the first and second locations being spaced apart along the longitudinal direction by more than 0.3 times the length of the body portion. the strap system further includes a third strap extending from a third side of the body portion and a third connector for receiving the third strap, the third connector being positioned adjacent to a fourth side of the body portion opposite the third side, the third and fourth sides extending along the width direction and spaced apart along the longitudinal direction; the strap system further includes a fourth strap extending from one of the third and fourth sides of the body portion and a fourth connector for receiving the fourth strap, the fourth connector being positioned adjacent to the other of the third and fourth sides, the third strap and fourth strap extending from third and fourth locations on the body portion, respectively, the third and fourth locations being spaced apart along the width direction by more than 0.3 times the width of the body portion along the width direction.

[0003] In some aspects herein, a radiation-transparent mat is provided that includes a strap system configured to secure the radiation-transparent mat to an image receptor, and a body portion extending along orthogonal length and width directions of the body portion and including a top major surface that faces away from the image receptor, the top major surface including one or more first visible indicia that delineate an area of ​​the top major surface that corresponds to an active area of ​​the image receptor. The strap system includes a first strap extending from a first location on a first side of the body portion, the first location being substantially centered on the first side along the longitudinal direction, and a first connector for receiving the first strap, the first connector being disposed adjacent to a second side of the body portion opposite the first side, the first side and the second side extending along the longitudinal direction and spaced apart along the width direction, the strap system further including a second strap extending from a third side of the body portion and a second connector for receiving the second strap, the second connector being disposed adjacent to the third side and a second connector disposed adjacent a fourth side of the body portion, the third side being the fourth side, the third side extending along the width direction and spaced apart along the longitudinal direction; the strap system further including a third strap extending from one of the third and fourth sides of the body portion and a third connector for receiving the third strap, the third connector being disposed adjacent the other of the third and fourth sides, the second strap and the third strap extending from second and third locations on the body portion, respectively, the second and third locations being spaced apart along the width direction by more than 0.3 times the width of the body portion along the width direction.

[0004] In some embodiments herein, an image receptor assembly is provided. The image receptor assembly includes a radiographic image receptor having an active area, the radiographic image receptor including a radiation-transparent mat having a body portion extending along orthogonal longitudinal and transverse directions of the body portion. The body portion is positioned on the image receptor such that the body portion and the image receptor are substantially coextensive with one another along the longitudinal and transverse directions. The radiographic image receptor includes a strap system that secures the radiographic mat to the image receptor and prevents relative movement of the radiographic mat relative to the image receptor along each of the longitudinal and transverse directions. The body portion includes an upper major surface facing away from the image receptor. The upper major surface may include one or more visible indicia that delineate an area of ​​the upper major surface corresponding to the active area of ​​the image receptor. The area of ​​the upper major surface may be smaller than the active area of ​​the image receptor.

[0005] These and other aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description. In no event, however, should this brief summary be construed as limiting the claimed subject matter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a radiation-transparent mat according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a radiation-transparent mat according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic bottom view of a radiation transparent mat, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic bottom view of a radiation transparent mat, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic bottom view of a radiation transparent mat, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of a visible sign according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a radiation-transparent mat according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image receptor assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of a main body portion of a radiation transparent mat placed on an image receptor, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic bottom view of an image receptor assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic bottom view of an image receptor assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic bottom view of an image receptor assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification and in which various embodiments are shown by way of illustration. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be conceived and made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present specification. Accordingly, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0008] Tabletop infant skeletal surveys and other infant imaging procedures (e.g., placing the infant directly on a radiographic receptor placed on a tabletop) for performing and capturing radiographs (X-rays) are common in many radiography settings. However, the receptor (e.g., a digital receptor for digital radiography, a photostimulable phosphor plate for computed radiography, or a film receptor for film radiography) typically has a firm, hard surface. When an infant is placed on a firm, hard surface such as the surface of the receptor, the infant often begins crying, screaming, and thrashing about during the imaging process. The discomfort and lack of cooperation of an infant lying on such a hard surface typically increases as the imaging process on the hard surface progresses. Infant skeletal surveys are often a lengthy process involving dozens or more imaging positions and resulting radiographs. Infant movements during an imaging procedure, as well as a lack of infant coordination, can cause many unnecessary repetitions. These repetitions could be prevented if the infant were lying on a (e.g., slightly) cushioned surface. Thus, skeletal exams and other infant imaging procedures often take longer to complete when the infant experiences discomfort from lying on a hard image receptor surface. Furthermore, when an infant is lying on a hard image receptor, the process of restricting and constraining the movements of an uncooperative infant can lead to the infant injuring themselves as they struggle against the camera operator. However, placing a conventional table pad (e.g., a commercially available table pad typically designed for adults) on the image receptor typically creates other problems. For example, it can be difficult to determine where the infant should be positioned on the pad relative to the image receptor's active area. This problem can be exacerbated by the pad's movement relative to the image receptor during the imaging process.As another example, conventional table pads may result in a reduction in spatial resolution of the resulting image due to magnification resulting from an increase in object to image distance (OID) caused by the thickness of the table pad.

[0009] According to some embodiments herein, a radiolucent mat is provided that is suitable for infant imaging procedures without many of the problems associated with placing an infant on the solid surface of an image receptor or on a conventional table mat placed on top of the image receptor. In some embodiments, the radiolucent mat includes a strap system for securing the radiolucent mat to the image receptor, and optionally further includes one or more visible indicia that delineate an area on the top major surface of the body of the radiolucent mat that corresponds to the active area of ​​the image receptor. The body may be aligned with the image receptor. For example, the body and image receptor may be substantially coextensive with one another such that (at least three, or all four) edges of the mat align with corresponding edges of the image receptor along the length and width of the body (e.g., at least 80% or 90% of the area of ​​the body may be coextensive with at least 80% or 90% of the area of ​​the image receptor, or the body may be coextensive with the image receptor, except that the image receptor may include optional handle(s) uncovered by the body). A strap system may secure the mat to the image receptor and prevent movement of the mat relative to the image receptor along each of the length and width of the body. The strap system may include at least three straps positioned (e.g., appropriately spaced) to stably secure the mat to the image receptor. The radiographer exposing the patient to x-rays will then know that the image receptor is directly beneath the mat and that the edges of the mat correspond to the edges of the image receptor. The one or more visible indicia can reliably indicate the area of ​​the mat corresponding to the active area of ​​the image receptor. Furthermore, according to some embodiments, the thickness of the body of the mat can be thinner than that of conventional table mats used in imaging, thereby reducing the increase in OID due to the thickness. Considering the typical divergence of radiation from a radiation source (e.g., an x-ray tube) through the thickness of the body, the area of ​​the mat delineated by the one or more visible indicia can be smaller than the corresponding active area of ​​the image receptor.

[0010] 1 and 2 are schematic top views of radiation transparent mats 100 and 100′, according to some embodiments. FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic bottom views of radiation transparent mats 100 and 100′, according to some embodiments. FIG. 5 is a schematic bottom view of radiation transparent mat 100″, according to some embodiments. Radiation transparent mats 100, 100′, 100″ include a body portion 101 and a strap system 120, 120′, 120″ configured to secure the radiation transparent mat to an image receptor (see, for example, image receptor 250 illustrated schematically in FIG. 8). Radiation transparent mats 100, 100′, 100″ include a body portion having dimensions W1×L1, which may correspond to the width and length of a conventional image receptor. For example, W1 may be about 13 to 19 inches and L1 may be about 17 to 20 inches (e.g., for a conventional full-size image receptor). As another example, W1 may be about 9 to 13 inches, or about 10 to 12 inches, and L1 may be about 10 to 17 inches, or about 12 to 14 inches (e.g., for a portable image receptor that can be used for mobile imaging of infants and / or that can fit into a crib). In some embodiments, the radiation transparent mat has a body portion sized to be substantially coextensive with an image receptor having an active area of ​​about 14 to 17 inches by about 17 inches, or about 9 to 11 inches by about 12 to 14 inches.

[0011] In some embodiments, the radiation transparent mat 100, 100', 100" includes a strap system 120, 120', 120" configured to secure the radiation transparent mat to an image receptor, and a body portion 101 extending along orthogonal length (y-direction) and width (x-direction) directions of the body portion 101. The body portion 101 includes a top major surface 151 configured to face away from the image receptor, and an opposing bottom major surface 152.

[0012] In some embodiments, the strap system 120, 120' includes a first strap 121 extending from a first side 102 of the main body portion 101 and a first connector 131 for receiving the first strap, the first connector 131 being positioned adjacent to a second side 104 of the main body portion 101 opposite the first side 102, wherein the first side 102 and the second side 104 extend along a longitudinal direction and are spaced apart along a width direction. The strap system 120, 120′ further includes a second strap 122 extending from one of the first and second sides of the body portion 101 (for strap system 120, the second strap 122 extends from the first side 102, and for strap system 120′, the second strap 122 extends from the second side 104), and a second connector 132 for receiving the second strap, the second connector 132 being disposed adjacent the other of the first and second sides of the body portion. The strap system 120, 120′ further includes a third strap 123 extending from a third side 106 of the body portion, and a third connector 133 for receiving the third strap, the third connector 133 being disposed adjacent a fourth side 108 of the body portion opposite the third side 106. Here, the third side 106 and the fourth side 108 extend widthwise and are spaced apart lengthwise. The strap system 120, 120′ further includes a fourth strap 124 extending from one of the third and fourth sides of the main body 101 (for strap system 120, the fourth strap 124 extends from the third side 106, and for strap system 120′, the fourth strap 124 extends from the fourth side 108), and a fourth connector 134 for receiving the fourth strap, the fourth connector 134 being disposed adjacent the other of the third and fourth sides of the main body.

[0013] In some embodiments, strap system 120, 120' has only four straps, as shown generally in FIGS. 1-4. Other embodiments may use a different number of straps (e.g., three straps as shown in FIG. 5, or more than four straps). A strap system typically includes at least one strap along the length (e.g., one strap substantially centered along the length or two or more straps spaced apart along the length) and at least one strap along the width (e.g., one strap substantially centered along the width or two or more straps spaced apart along the width). For example, a strap system may include a set of three or more straps along the length and a set of two or more straps along the width. A total of at least three straps is generally preferred to prevent movement of the mat relative to the receiver along both the length and width of the main body. In some embodiments, it may be preferable to include at least two straps along each of the length and width directions, e.g., to secure the mat to the receiver more firmly and stably than with a single strap along each of the length and width directions, while in other embodiments, a fewer number of straps may be preferred, e.g., depending on the receiver geometry (see, e.g., FIG. 12).

[0014] For example, as shown schematically in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, strap system 120″ includes only one strap 121 along the length. A single strap along the length may be desirable for some image receptors that include handles that may interfere with installing more than one strap along the length (see, for example, FIG. 12). In some embodiments, strap system 120″ includes a first strap 121 extending from a first location 141 on a first side 102 of the body portion and a first connector 131 for receiving first strap 121, the first connector 131 being positioned adjacent a second side 104 of the body portion 101 opposite the first side 102, where the first side 102 and the second side 104 extend along the length and are spaced apart along the width. The strap system 120'' further includes a second strap 123 extending from a third side 106 of the main body portion 101 and a second connector 133 for receiving the second strap 123, the second connector 133 being positioned adjacent to a fourth side 108 of the main body portion 101 opposite the third side 106, wherein the third side 106 and the fourth side 108 extend along the width direction and are spaced apart along the length direction. The strap system 120'' further includes a third strap 124 extending from one of the third and fourth sides of the main body portion (e.g., from the third side 106 as shown schematically in FIG. 5 or from the fourth side 108 as shown in FIG. 4), and a third connector 134 for receiving the third strap 124, the third connector 134 being positioned adjacent the other of the third and fourth sides, wherein the second and third straps extend from second and third locations 143 and 144, respectively, on the main body portion, and the second and third locations 143 and 144 are spaced apart along the width direction by more than 0.3 times the width of the main body portion along the width direction. In some embodiments, the first position 141 is located substantially in the center of the first side 102 along the longitudinal direction (e.g., closer to the center of the first side 102 along the longitudinal direction than either the third side 106 or the fourth side 108).Similarly, in some embodiments, the first connector is substantially centered on the second longitudinal side 104. In some embodiments, the maximum separation distance s1 of the first location 141 from the third longitudinal side 106 is within 25%, or within 20%, or within 15%, or within 10%, or within 5% of the maximum separation distance s2 of the first location 141 from the fourth longitudinal side 108. The radiolucent mat 100" may optionally include straps 123 and 124 extending from opposite sides of the body 101, as shown schematically in FIGS. 2 and 4, for example. The radiolucent mat 100" may optionally include any of the markers 112, 112', 114, as shown schematically in FIGS. 1-4.

[0015] Any suitable strap and connector system known to those skilled in the art may be used. For example, a strap and buckle system may be used. In some embodiments, the strap system is configured so that once the body portion is placed on the image receptor and the edges of the body portion are aligned with the corresponding edges of the image receptor, the photographer can pull each strap under the image receptor and attach the strap to a connector on the opposite side of the body portion (see, for example, Figures 10-12). Typically, the photographer then tightens the straps to prevent the mat from sliding back and forth on top of the image receptor and also to ensure that the edges of the mat are aligned with the corresponding edges of the image receptor.

[0016] In some embodiments, there is a significant longitudinal separation between first strap 121 and second strap 122, and / or a significant widthwise separation between third strap 123 and fourth strap 124 (referring to the second and third straps when strap 122 is omitted, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 5 ). Such separation allows the strap system to stably secure the mat to the receiver and also prevents movement of the mat in each of the longitudinal and widthwise directions relative to the receiver. In some embodiments, the first strap 121 and the second strap 122 extend from first and second locations, respectively, on the main body portion (see, for example, locations 141 and 142 shown schematically in FIGS. 3 and 4 ), and the first and second locations are longitudinally separated (by a distance L0) by more than 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, or 0.75 times the length L1 of the main body portion. In some embodiments, the third strap 123 and the fourth strap 124 extend from third and fourth locations, respectively, on the main body portion (see, for example, locations 143 and 144 shown schematically in FIGS. 3-5), and the third and fourth locations are separated along the width direction (by a distance W0) by more than 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, or 0.75 times the width W1 of the main body portion.

[0017] Similarly, in some embodiments of radiolucent mat 100 or 100' or 100" for straps 123 and 124, each strap extends from a location on a side that is proximate an edge of the adjacent side. In some embodiments, the maximum longitudinal separation s1 of first location 141 from third side 106 and the maximum longitudinal separation s2 of second location 142 from fourth side 108 are each less than 0.3, 0.25, 0.2, 0.15, or 0.1 times the length L1 of body portion 101. In some embodiments, the maximum widthwise separation distance s3 of the third position 143 from the first side 102 and the maximum widthwise separation distance s4 of the fourth position 144 from the second side 104 are each less than 0.3, 0.25, 0.2, 0.15, or 0.1 times the width W1 of the main body portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the top major surface 151 includes one or more first visible indicia 110 that delineate an area 171 of the top major surface 151 that corresponds to the active area of ​​the image receptor. The one or more first visible indicia 110 may, for example, be a rectangular box on the top major surface 151 that outlines the area 171, or may, for example, be or include line segments that delineate the sides of the rectangular area. As described further elsewhere herein, the mat 100, 100', 100" may optionally further comprise indicia 112, 112', and / or 114. Any of the indicia 110, 112, 112', and / or 114 may be printed or affixed to a major surface of the main body portion 101, for example. The indicia may, for example, be printed on an exterior cover of the main body portion 101.

[0019] The radiographic receptor 250 may have an active area 251 surrounded by a peripheral area that is opaque to x-rays (see, e.g., FIGS. 8 and 9). The active area 251 may be oriented such that the upper and lower regions of the active area 251 are the upper and lower regions, respectively, of the resulting image. In some embodiments, the radiotransparent mat 100, 100′, 100″ includes one or more second visible indicia 112, 112′ (see FIGS. 2-4 ), which are disposed on the body 101 and include at least one indicia 112 disposed on the top major surface 151, and which indicate the orientation of the active area 251. For example, the one or more second visible indicia 112, 112′ may include one or more arrows to indicate the orientation. Each of the one or more second visible indicia 112, 112′ is different from each of the one or more first visible indicia 110. In some embodiments, the one or more second visible indicia 112, 112′ includes at least one indicia 112′ located on the bottom major surface 152 of the body portion 101 opposite the top major surface 151. The use of the one or more visible indicia 112, 112′ allows the photographer to align the upper region of the image receptor with respect to these symbols, and the resulting photograph appears anatomically correct from top to bottom on an imaging system (e.g., a computer) and does not need to be flipped or vertically inverted on the imaging system.

[0020] In some embodiments, mat 100, 100′, 100″ further includes one or more third visible markings 114 disposed on top major surface 151 (see, e.g., FIG. 2 ), where each of third visible markings 114 is different from each of first and second visible markings, and where at least the one or more third visible markings distinguish top major surface 151 from bottom major surface 152.

[0021] 6 is a schematic diagram of visible markers 116a, 116b, and 116c. For example, visible marker 112 or 114 may include any one, two, or three of visible markers 116a, 116b, and 116c (e.g., in a row adjacent to markers 112 and 114 shown in FIG. 2). Visible markers 116a, 116b, and 116c may indicate, for example, the proper orientation of the infant or infant's body part(s) relative to the upper region of the image receptor. For example, visible marker 116a may indicate the (e.g., upper) region of the image receptor toward which the infant's head should face. Visible marker 116b may indicate the (e.g., upper) region of the image receptor toward which the infant's hand(s) should face (e.g., the fingers of the illustrated hand may point generally toward the upper region). The visible indicia 116c may indicate the (e.g., upper) area of ​​the image receptor toward which the infant's feet should point (e.g., the toes of the illustrated toes may generally point toward the upper area). In some embodiments, the visible indicia 112 and 114 in Figure 2 include, for example, an up arrow (e.g., 112), a face (e.g., 114, 116a), a hand (e.g., 116b), and a foot (e.g., 116c).

[0022] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a radiolucent mat 100, 100′, or 100″ according to some embodiments. The cross-section shown is in the x′-z plane and may correspond to the xz or yz plane. A strap 220 and a connector 230 are shown schematically in FIG. 7 . The strap 220 may correspond to any of the straps 121-124, and the connector 230 may correspond to any of the corresponding connectors 131-134. In some embodiments, the main body 101 includes a cushioning material 161 disposed within a cover 165. The first through fourth straps 121-124 and the first through fourth connectors 131-134 may be attached to the cover 165 by stitching and / or bonding (e.g., with an adhesive). The cushioning material 161 may be or include, for example, a polymer foam 162. The cover 165 may be, for example, a polymeric fiber 166 or may include a polymeric fiber 166 .

[0023] The radiolucent mat 100, 100', 100" is sufficiently radiolucent (e.g., transparent to x-rays) so as not to significantly interfere with imaging. Materials for the cushioning 161 and cover 165 may be selected from among radiolucent materials known in the art. For example, certain types of plastics (e.g., unfilled polymers) are generally radiolucent. In some embodiments, the cover 165 and / or cushioning 161 include polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, nylon, vinyl, polycarbonate, polyketone, or combinations thereof.

[0024] 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image receptor assembly 200 according to some embodiments. The image receptor assembly 200 includes a radiolucent mat 300, which may correspond to the radiolucent mats 100, 100', and 100'', and includes a body portion 101. The body portion 101 extends along orthogonal longitudinal (e.g., y') and width (e.g., x') directions of the body portion 101. The image receptor assembly 200 includes a radiographic image receptor 250 having an active area 251. The body portion 101 may be positioned over the image receptor 250 such that the body portion 101 and the image receptor 250 are substantially coextensive along the longitudinal and width directions with respect to one another (see, e.g., FIG. 9). Mat 300 includes a strap system (e.g., corresponding to any of 120, 120', or 120") that secures the mat to image receptor 250 and prevents relative movement of the mat with respect to the image receptor along each of the length and width directions. Body 101 includes an upper major surface 151 facing away from image receptor 250, which includes one or more visible indicia 110 that delineate an area 171 of the upper major surface corresponding to active area 251 of image receptor 250 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 2). Image receptor 250 may be or include any image receptor known in the art. For example, image receptor 250 may be or include a digital image receptor for digital radiography, a photostimulable phosphor plate for computed radiography, or a film image receptor for radiography. A strap 220, shown diagrammatically in FIG. 8, is tightened around the image receptor 250 and is received within a connector 230 to secure the mat 300 in place.

[0025] 8 also shows a radiation source 307. The radiation source 307 may be or may include an x-ray tube, a source-to-image distance SID (which in many systems is approximately 100 cm or 40 inches (1016 mm)), and a typical object-to-image distance OID (e.g., the distance between the anatomy being imaged and the active area 251). In some embodiments, the area 171 of the upper major surface 151 is smaller than the active area 251 of the image receptor 250. The area 171 may be smaller than the active area 251 to account for the spread 308 of the radiation emitted from the radiation source 307.

[0026] The main body portion 101 has an average thickness t. In some embodiments, the average thickness t may be at least 0.2 inches, 0.25 inches, or 0.3 inches to provide sufficient cushioning for the infant. In some embodiments, the average thickness t may be no greater than 0.8 inches, 0.7 inches, or 0.6 inches to minimize an increase in the object-to-image distance OID caused by the mat. For example, the average thickness t may be between 0.2 inches and 0.8 inches, or between 0.25 inches and 0.7 inches, or between 0.3 inches and 0.6 inches.

[0027] 9 is a schematic plan view of a body 101 of a radiation-transparent mat disposed on an image receptor 250, according to some embodiments. Boundaries 252 of the active area 251 are shown. One or more markers 110 delineate regions 171 of the top major surface 151. In some embodiments, the body 101 has an average thickness t in a thickness direction (z-direction) perpendicular to the length (y-direction) and width (x-direction) directions, and the region 171 of the top major surface 151 has at least one boundary that is offset from a corresponding boundary of the active area of ​​the image receptor toward the interior of that region of the top major surface by a distance d in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 times the average thickness. In some embodiments, the main body 101 has an average thickness t in a thickness direction perpendicular to the length and width directions, and the active area 251 of the image receptor 250 and the region 171 of the upper major surface 151 are first and second rectangular regions, respectively, as shown schematically in Figure 9. Each of the first and second rectangular regions has four sides, and each side of the second rectangular region (e.g., region 171) is offset from the corresponding side of the first rectangular region (e.g., region 251) toward the inside of the first rectangular region by a distance d in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 times the average thickness t.

[0028] In some embodiments, the image receptor 250 includes an optional handle 333. In some embodiments, the handle 333 prevents the installation of a strap along the length, and thus a single strap along the length is used (see, e.g., FIG. 12). In other embodiments, even when the handle 333 is included, two (or more) straps are used along the length (see, e.g., FIGS. 10 and 11).

[0029] 10-12 are schematic bottom views of an image receptor assembly 200, 200′, 200″ according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, as further described elsewhere herein, the radiolucent mat 100, 100′, 100″ comprises a strap system including a first strap 121 extending from a first side 102 of the body portion 101 and a first connector 131 that receives the first strap 121 and is positioned adjacent a second side 104 of the body portion opposite the first side 102. Here, the image receptor 250 is positioned between the body portion 101 and the first strap 121. Furthermore, the first and second sides extend along a longitudinal direction (y-direction) and are spaced apart along a width direction (x-direction). The strap system further includes a second strap 122 extending from one of the first and second sides of the main body 101 and a second connector 132 receiving the second strap 122 and positioned adjacent the other of the first and second sides. The image receptor 250 is positioned between the main body 101 and the second strap 122. The first and second straps 121 and 122 extend from first and second locations on the main body 101, respectively, which are longitudinally spaced apart by more than 0.3 times the longitudinal length of the main body 101. The strap system further includes a third strap 123 extending from a third side 106 of the main body 101 and a third connector 133 receiving the third strap 123 and positioned adjacent a fourth side 108 of the main body 101, opposite the third side 106. Here, the image receptor 250 is disposed between the main body 101 and the third strap 123. Furthermore, the third side and the fourth side extend along the width direction and are spaced apart along the width direction. The strap system further includes a fourth strap 124 extending from one of the third side and the fourth side of the main body, and a fourth connector 134 receiving the fourth strap 124 and disposed adjacent to the other of the third side and the fourth side. Here, the image receptor 250 is disposed between the main body 101 and the fourth strap 124.Additionally, third strap 123 and fourth strap 124 extend from third and fourth locations, respectively, on the main body portion, the third and fourth locations being separated in the width direction by more than 0.3 times the length of the main body portion in the width direction.

[0030] In some embodiments, as further described elsewhere herein, the radiolucent mat 100" may include a strap system 120" including a first strap 121 extending from a first location 141 on a first side 102 of the body portion, the first location 141 being substantially centered along the length of the first side 102, and a first connector 131 receiving the first strap 121 and positioned adjacent a second side 104 of the body portion 101 opposite the first side 102, where the first side 102 and the second side 104 extend along the length and are spaced apart along the width. The strap system further includes a second strap 123 extending from the third side 106 of the main body portion 101, and a second connector 133 that receives the second strap 123 and is positioned adjacent to a fourth side 108 of the main body portion 101 opposite the third side 106, where the third side 106 and the fourth side 108 extend along the width direction and are spaced apart along the length direction. The strap system also includes a third strap 124 extending from one of the third and fourth sides of the main body portion (e.g., from the third side 106 as shown schematically in FIG. 5 or from the fourth side 108 as shown schematically in FIG. 4), and a third connector 134 that receives the third strap 124 and is positioned adjacent to the other of the third and fourth sides. Here, the second strap and the third strap extend from second locations 143 and third locations 144, respectively, on the main body portion, and the second locations 143 and third locations 144 are spaced apart in the width direction by more than 0.3 times the width of the main body portion in the width direction.

[0031] It should be understood that descriptions of elements in one figure apply equally to corresponding elements in other figures, unless otherwise indicated. While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that various alternative and / or equivalent embodiments may be substituted for the specific embodiments illustrated and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations, variations, or combinations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Accordingly, it is intended that the present disclosure be limited only by the claims and equivalents thereof. The present disclosure also includes the following aspects. [Aspect 1] A radiation-transmitting mat, comprising: a strap system configured to secure the radiation transparent mat to an image receptor; a body portion extending along orthogonal longitudinal and width directions of the body portion and having a top major surface configured to face away from the image receptor, the top major surface including one or more first visible indicia delineating an area of ​​the top major surface corresponding to an active area of ​​the image receptor, the strap system comprising: a first strap extending from a first side of the body portion; a first connector for receiving the first strap, the first connector being disposed adjacent a second side of the body portion opposite the first side, the first side and the second side extending along the longitudinal direction and spaced apart along the width direction, the strap system further comprising: a second strap extending from one of the first side and the second side of the main body; a second connector for receiving the second strap, the second connector being disposed adjacent the other of the first side and the second side, the first strap and the second strap extending from first and second locations on the body portion, respectively, the first and second locations being spaced apart along the longitudinal direction by more than 0.3 times the length of the body portion along the longitudinal direction, the strap system further comprising: a third strap extending from a third side of the main body; a third connector for receiving the third strap, the third connector being disposed adjacent a fourth side of the body portion opposite the third side, the third side and the fourth side extending along the width direction and spaced apart along the longitudinal direction, the strap system further comprising: a fourth strap extending from one of the third side and the fourth side of the main body; a fourth connector for receiving the fourth strap, the fourth connector being positioned adjacent the other of the third side portion and the fourth side portion, wherein the third strap and the fourth strap extend from third and fourth locations on the main body portion, respectively, the third location and the fourth location being spaced apart along the width direction by more than 0.3 times the width of the main body portion along the width direction. [Aspect 2] 2. The radiotransparent mat of embodiment 1, wherein the body portion has an average thickness ranging from 0.2 inches to 0.8 inches. Aspect 3 A radiation-transparent mat as described in aspect 1, wherein the maximum distance of the first position from the third side along the longitudinal direction and the maximum distance of the second position from the fourth side along the longitudinal direction are each less than 0.3 times the length of the main body portion. Aspect 4 A radiation-transparent mat as described in aspect 1, wherein the maximum distance of the third position from the first side portion along the width direction and the maximum distance of the fourth position from the second side portion along the width direction are each less than 0.3 times the width of the main body portion. Aspect 5 A radio-transparent mat as described in embodiment 1, wherein the main body portion includes cushioning material, the cushioning material is disposed inside a cover, and the first strap to the fourth strap and the first connector to the fourth connector are attached to the cover. Aspect 6 6. The radiation-transparent mat of embodiment 5, wherein the cushioning material comprises a polymeric foam. Aspect 7 6. The radiation-transparent mat of embodiment 5, wherein the cover comprises polymeric fibers. Aspect 8 The radiation-transparent mat of embodiment 1, wherein the radiation-transparent mat further includes one or more second visible markers disposed on the main body portion and including at least one marker disposed on the upper major surface, and the one or more second visible markers indicate the orientation of the active area. Aspect 9 9. The radiotransparent mat of claim 8, wherein the one or more second visible markers include at least one marker located on a bottom major surface of the body portion opposite the top major surface. Aspect 10 A radio-transparent mat as described in embodiment 8, wherein the radio-transparent mat further includes one or more third visible markers disposed on the top major surface, each of the third visible markers being different from each of the first visible marker and the second visible marker, and at least the one or more third visible markers distinguishing the top major surface from the bottom major surface. Aspect 11 A radiation-transmitting mat, comprising: a strap system configured to secure the radiation transparent mat to an image receptor; a body portion extending along orthogonal longitudinal and width directions of the body portion and including a top major surface configured to face away from the image receptor, the top major surface including one or more first visible indicia delineating an area of ​​the top major surface corresponding to an active area of ​​the image receptor, the strap system comprising: a first strap extending from a first location on a first side of the main body portion, the first location being substantially centered on the first side along the longitudinal direction; and a first connector for receiving the first strap, the first connector being disposed adjacent a second side of the body portion opposite the first side, the first side and the second side extending along the longitudinal direction and spaced apart along the width direction, the strap system further comprising: a second strap extending from a third side of the body portion; a second connector for receiving the second strap, the second connector being disposed adjacent a fourth side of the body portion opposite the third side, the third side and the fourth side extending along the width direction and spaced apart along the longitudinal direction, the strap system further comprising: a third strap extending from one of the third side and the fourth side of the main body; a third connector for receiving the third strap, the third connector being positioned adjacent the other of the third side and the fourth side, wherein the second strap and the third strap extend from second and third locations on the main body, respectively, the second and third locations being spaced apart along the width direction by more than 0.3 times the width of the main body along the width direction. Aspect 12 1. An image receptor assembly, comprising: a radiation-transmitting mat including a main body portion extending along a longitudinal direction and a width direction perpendicular to each other; a radiographic image receptor having an active area, wherein the body portion is positioned on the image receptor such that the body portion and the image receptor are substantially coextensive with one another along the length and width directions; the radiolucent mat including a strap system that secures the radiolucent mat to the image receptor and prevents movement of the radiolucent mat relative to the image receptor along each of the length and width directions; the body portion includes a top major surface facing away from the image receptor, the top major surface including one or more visible indicia that delineate an area of ​​the top major surface corresponding to the active area of ​​the image receptor, the area of ​​the top major surface being smaller than the active area of ​​the image receptor. Aspect 13 13. The image receptor assembly of claim 12, wherein the body has an average thickness in a thickness direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and width directions, and the region of the upper major surface has at least one boundary, the boundary being offset from a corresponding boundary of the active region of the image receptor toward the interior of the region of the upper major surface by a distance in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 times the average thickness. Aspect 14 13. The image receptor assembly of claim 12, wherein the main body has an average thickness in a thickness direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and width directions, the active area of ​​the image receptor and the area of ​​the upper major surface are first and second rectangular areas, respectively, each of the first and second rectangular areas having four sides, and each side of the second rectangular area being offset from the corresponding side of the first rectangular area toward the inside of the first rectangular area by a distance in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 times the average thickness. Aspect 15 15. The image receptor assembly of claim 14, wherein the average thickness of the body portion is in the range of 0.2 inches to 0.8 inches. Aspect 16 The strap system comprises: a first strap extending from a first location on a first side of the main body, the first location being substantially centered on the first side along the longitudinal direction; a first connector that receives the first strap and is positioned adjacent a second side of the body portion opposite the first side, the first side and the second side extending along the longitudinal direction and spaced apart along the width direction, the strap system further comprising: a second strap extending from a third side of the body portion; a second connector that receives the second strap and is positioned adjacent a fourth side of the body portion opposite the third side, the image receiver being positioned between the body portion and the second strap, the third side and the fourth side extending along the width direction and being spaced apart along the width direction, the strap system further comprising: a third strap extending from one of the third side and the fourth side of the main body; A third connector that receives the third strap and is positioned adjacent to the other of the third and fourth sides, wherein the image receptor is positioned between the main body and the third strap, the second strap and the third strap extend from third and fourth positions on the main body, respectively, and the third and fourth positions are spaced apart along the width direction by more than 0.3 times the width of the main body along the width direction. Aspect 17 The strap system comprises: a first strap extending from a first side of the body portion; a first connector that receives the first strap and is positioned adjacent a second side of the body portion opposite the first side, the image receptor being positioned between the body portion and the first strap, the first side and the second side extending along the longitudinal direction and spaced apart along the width direction, and the strap system further comprising: a second strap extending from one of the first side and the second side of the main body; a second connector for receiving the second strap and positioned adjacent the other of the first side and the second side, wherein the image receptor is positioned between the body and the second strap, the first strap and the second strap extend from first and second locations on the body, respectively, the first and second locations being spaced apart along the longitudinal direction by more than 0.3 times the length of the body along the longitudinal direction, and the strap system further comprises: a third strap extending from a third side of the main body; a third connector that receives the third strap and is positioned adjacent a fourth side of the body portion opposite the third side, wherein the image receiver is positioned between the body portion and the third strap, the third side and the fourth side extend along the width direction and are spaced apart along the width direction, and the strap system further comprises: a fourth strap extending from one of the third side and the fourth side of the main body; A fourth connector that receives the fourth strap and is positioned adjacent to the other of the third side and the fourth side, wherein the image receptor is positioned between the main body and the fourth strap, the third strap and the fourth strap extending from third and fourth positions on the main body, respectively, the third and fourth positions being spaced apart along the width direction by more than 0.3 times the width of the main body along the width direction. Aspect 18 13. The image receptor assembly of claim 12, wherein the image receptor comprises a digital image receptor for digital radiography. Aspect 19 13. The image receptor assembly of embodiment 12, wherein the image receptor comprises a computed radiography photostimulable phosphor plate. Aspect 20 13. The image receptor assembly of claim 12, wherein the image receptor comprises a film radiographic image receptor.

Claims

1. A radiation-transmitting mat, comprising: a strap system configured to secure the radiation transparent mat to an image receptor; a body portion extending along orthogonal longitudinal and width directions of the body portion and having a top major surface configured to face away from the image receptor, the top major surface including one or more first visible indicia delineating an area of ​​the top major surface corresponding to an active area of ​​the image receptor, the strap system comprising: a first strap extending from a first side of the body portion; a first connector for receiving the first strap, the first connector being disposed adjacent a second side of the body portion opposite the first side, the first side and the second side extending along the longitudinal direction and spaced apart along the width direction, the strap system further comprising: a second strap extending from one of the first side and the second side of the body; a second connector for receiving the second strap, the second connector being disposed adjacent the other of the first side and the second side, the first strap and the second strap extending from first and second locations on the body portion, respectively, the first and second locations being spaced apart along the longitudinal direction by more than 0.3 times the length of the body portion along the longitudinal direction, the strap system further comprising: a third strap extending from a third side of the body portion; a third connector for receiving the third strap, the third connector being disposed adjacent a fourth side of the body portion opposite the third side, the third side and the fourth side extending along the width direction and spaced apart along the longitudinal direction, the strap system further comprising: a fourth strap extending from one of the third side and the fourth side of the main body; a fourth connector for receiving the fourth strap, the fourth connector being positioned adjacent the other of the third side and the fourth side, wherein the third strap and the fourth strap extend from third and fourth locations on the body portion, respectively, the third and fourth locations being spaced apart along the width direction by more than 0.3 times the width of the body portion along the width direction.

2. 10. The radiation transparent mat of claim 1, wherein the body portion has an average thickness ranging from 0.2 inches to 0.8 inches.

3. 2. The radiation-transparent mat of claim 1, wherein the maximum distance along the longitudinal direction of the first position from the third side and the maximum distance along the longitudinal direction of the second position from the fourth side are each less than 0.3 times the length of the main body portion.

4. 2. The radiation-transparent mat of claim 1, wherein the maximum distance of the third position from the first side along the width direction and the maximum distance of the fourth position from the second side along the width direction are each less than 0.3 times the width of the main body portion.

5. 2. The radiation-transparent mat of claim 1, wherein the main body portion includes a cushioning material, the cushioning material is disposed inside a cover, and the first strap to the fourth strap and the first connector to the fourth connector are attached to the cover.

6. The radiation transparent mat of claim 5 , wherein the cushioning material comprises a polymeric foam.

7. The radiation transmissive mat of claim 5 , wherein the cover comprises polymeric fibers.

8. 2. The radiation-transparent mat of claim 1, further comprising one or more second visible markers disposed on the body portion and including at least one marker disposed on the upper major surface, the one or more second visible markers indicating an orientation of the active area.

9. 9. The radiation transparent mat of claim 8, wherein the one or more second visible indicia include at least one indicia disposed on a bottom major surface of the body portion opposite the top major surface.

10. 9. The radio-transparent mat of claim 8, further comprising one or more third visible markings disposed on the top major surface, each of the third visible markings being different from each of the first visible markings and the second visible markings, and at least the one or more third visible markings distinguishing the top major surface from the bottom major surface.

11. 1. An image receptor assembly, comprising: a radiation-transmitting mat including a main body portion extending along a longitudinal direction and a width direction perpendicular to each other; a radiographic image receptor having an active area, wherein the body portion is positioned on the radiographic image receptor such that the body portion and the radiographic image receptor are substantially coextensive with one another along the length and width directions, the radiotransparent mat including a strap system that secures the radiotransparent mat to the radiographic image receptor and prevents movement of the radiotransparent mat relative to the radiographic image receptor along each of the length and width directions, the body portion including a top major surface facing away from the radiographic image receptor, the top major surface including one or more visible indicia delineating an area of ​​the top major surface corresponding to the active area of ​​the radiographic image receptor, the area of ​​the top major surface being smaller than the active area of ​​the radiographic image receptor.

12. 12. The image receptor assembly of claim 11, wherein the body has an average thickness in a thickness direction perpendicular to the length and width directions, and the region of the top major surface has at least one boundary, the boundary being offset from a corresponding boundary of the active region of the radiographic image receptor toward the interior of the region of the top major surface by a distance in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 times the average thickness.

13. 12. The image receptor assembly of claim 11, wherein the body has an average thickness in a thickness direction perpendicular to the length and width directions, the active area of ​​the radiographic image receptor and the area of ​​the top major surface are first and second rectangular areas, respectively, each of the first and second rectangular areas having four sides, and each side of the second rectangular area is offset from a corresponding side of the first rectangular area toward the interior of the first rectangular area by a distance in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 times the average thickness.

14. 14. The image receptor assembly of claim 13, wherein said average thickness of said body portion ranges from 0.2 inches to 0.8 inches.

15. The strap system comprises: a first strap extending from a first side of the body portion; a first connector that receives the first strap and is positioned adjacent a second side of the body portion opposite the first side, wherein the radiographic receptor is positioned between the body portion and the first strap, the first side and the second side extending along the longitudinal direction and spaced apart along the width direction, and the strap system further comprising: a second strap extending from one of the first side and the second side of the body; a second connector for receiving the second strap and positioned adjacent the other of the first side and the second side, wherein the radiographic receptor is positioned between the body and the second strap, the first strap and the second strap extend from first and second locations on the body, respectively, the first and second locations being spaced apart along the longitudinal direction by more than 0.3 times the length of the body along the longitudinal direction, and the strap system further comprises: a third strap extending from a third side of the body portion; a third connector that receives the third strap and is positioned adjacent a fourth side of the body portion opposite the third side, wherein the radiographic receptor is positioned between the body portion and the third strap, the third side and the fourth side extending along the width direction and being spaced apart along the width direction, and the strap system further comprises: a fourth strap extending from one of the third side and the fourth side of the main body; a fourth connector that receives the fourth strap and is positioned adjacent the other of the third side and the fourth side, wherein the radiographic image receptor is positioned between the body portion and the fourth strap, the third strap and the fourth strap extending from third and fourth locations on the body portion, respectively, the third and fourth locations being spaced apart along the width direction by more than 0.3 times the width of the body portion along the width direction.

Images