K972660 · Sterling Diagnostic Imaging, Inc. · LMC · Nov 10, 1997 · Radiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K972660
Device Name
RAVEN DRY PRINTER
Applicant
Sterling Diagnostic Imaging, Inc.
Product Code
LMC · Radiology
Decision Date
Nov 10, 1997
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 892.2040
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The intended use of the Imager is the production of hard copy images from medical image data
Device Story
Sterling Raven Dry Imager accepts analog or digital electrical image signals from medical imaging modalities (e.g., CT, MRI). Device uses signals to control discrete elements in a print head that deposits black dye onto translating paper or polyester-based Medical Imaging Media. Unlike predicate laser imagers, device contains no laser, cathode ray tube, or optics; requires no dark room, film processor, chemicals, or ventilation. Operated in clinical settings to produce hard copy images for review by medical personnel on standard view boxes. Output provides diagnostic images for clinical decision-making. Device has no patient contact and does not monitor or control patient-connected equipment.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Bench testing only.
Technological Characteristics
Monochrome gray-scale medical image printer. Uses coated 7mil sheet film and/or paper. Print head deposits black dye onto media. No laser, CRT, or optics. Standalone device. Software controls hardware and interfaces with image data.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use as a free-standing device to print diagnostic images on a polyester base for viewing on a standard view box and/or to print reports and referral quality images on paper in any situation where a hard copy of an image generated by a medical imaging device is required or desirable.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A medical image hardcopy device is a device that produces a visible printed record of a medical image and associated identification information. Examples include multiformat cameras and laser printers.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls; voluntary standards—Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) Std., Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) Std., Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) Test Pattern). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 892.9.
{0}------------------------------------------------
# Summary of Safety and Effectiveness
### Trade Name, Common Name, Classification
NOV 1 0 1997 972660
The device trade name is Sterling Raven Dry Imager. The device common names is medical image printer. While officially unclassified, the predicates are assigned to regulatory classification II and are categorized as Multi-Format Cameras, 90LMC.
### Predicate Device
Sterling identifies the predicate devices as the Sterling Lynx LP400 Laser Imager (K912073 August 28, 1991) and the 3M Dry View 8700 Laser Imager. FDA's accession number for the Premarket notification for the predicate devices are K912073 and K945475 respectively. FDA cleared the marketing of the predicate devices in letters dated August 28, 1991 and March 9, 1995.
The primary differences between the devices is that the Raven will deposit ink onto the printing surface while the predicate utilizes a laser print head to affect a film coating or a laser to expose silver halide film.
The software component of the Raven is used for interfacing to the image data as well as controlling hardware components during the actual printing process. Software utilized within the Raven is equivalent to the software used in the predicate devices.
### Description of the Device
The device accepts electrical image signals and produces hard copy images. The image signal source may be analog or digital formatted image data from image readers or unformatted image data from other imaging modalities (e.g. CT, MRI). The Sterling Raven Dry Imager uses the information in the image signals to control discrete elements in a print head which writes on the translating paper or Medical Imaging Film, a thermal recording media. The Raven has no laser, cathode ray tube, or optics. Like the predicate devices, the Raven does not use conventional light-sensitive silver halide photographic media, and thus requires no dark room, film processor, processing chemicals, water, drainage, or dryer ventilation. It produces no chemical waste, and requires no space for chemical storage.
The major elements are the film magazine, transport mechanics, imaging electronics, and head.
### Intended Use
The intended use of the Imager is the production of hard copy images from medical image data
### Technological Characteristics
The subject device, as the predicate, produces monochrome (black-and-white) gray-scale images from medical image data. The media and the technological characteristics are different from routine laser printers. The Raven device uses coated 7mil sheet film and/or paper for recording the image.
The predicate devices expose the film by translating it past a directly modulated scanning laser diode source. The action of the laser causes the image to be recorded in the media. The Raven print head differs from the predicates' in that it physically places the black dye onto the medium rather than attempting to modulate an intermediate medium.
{1}------------------------------------------------
The device accepts electrical image signals and produces hard copy images. The image signal source may be digital formatted image data from image readers or unformatted image data from other imaging modalities (e.g. CT, MRI). The image signal source may be analog or digital. The Sterling Raven Dry Printer uses the information in the image signals to control discrete elements in a print head which writes on translating paper or Medical Imaging Media (polyester). The Raven has no laser, cathode ray tube, or optics. The Raven does not use conventional light-sensitive silver halide photographic media, requires no dark room, film processor, processing chemicals, water, drainage, or dryer ventilation. It produces no chemical waste, and requires no space for chemical storage.
The major elements of the Printer are the film magazine, transport mechanics, imaging electronics, and print head.
#### Conclusion [21 CFR: 807.92(b)(3)]
As the predicates, the subject device has no patient contact, nor does it control, monitor, or effect any devices directly connected to or effecting such a patient contacting device. The images generated by the subject device is observed by medical personnel, offering ample opportunity for competent human intervention in the event of a failure.
While technologically different, the performance of the subject device is similar to that of the predicate, we conclude that the subject devices are as safe and effective as the predicate device.
{2}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/2/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo is circular and contains the department's name around the perimeter. In the center of the logo is an abstract symbol that resembles an eagle or bird in flight. The symbol is composed of three curved lines.
#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Re:
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
# NOV 10 1997
Timothy W. Capehart Manager of .Regulatory Affairs and Compliance Sterling Diagnostic Imaging Inc. P.O. Box 6101 Building 600/Mailbox 630 Newark, DE 197146101
Dear Mr. Capehart:
K972660 Raven Dry Printer Dated: October 21, 1997 Received: October 23, 1997 Regulatory class: Unclassified 21 CFR 892.1670/Procode: 90 LMC
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) notification of intent to market the device referenced above and we have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the inclosure) to devices marked in interstate commence prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class III (Premarket Approval), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 895. A substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance with the Current Good Manufacturing Practice requirement, as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (QS) for Medical Devices: General regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic OS inspections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will verify such assumptions. Failure to comply with the GMP regulation may result in regulatory action. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register. Please note: this response to your premarket notification submission does not affect any obligation you might have under sections 531 through 542 of the Act for devices under Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal laws or regulations.
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4613. Additionally, for question and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours.
William Yu
Lillian Yin, Ph.D. Director, Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, Ear, Nose and Throat, and Radiological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{3}------------------------------------------------
510(k) Number (if known) :
Device Name :
Raven Dry Imager
Indications for Use:
The Raven is a free standing device used to print diagnostic images on a polyester base for viewing on a standard view box and/or print reports and referral quality images on paper. It may be used in any situation in which a hard copy of an image generated by a medical imaging device is required or desirable.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE. CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NÉEDED.)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Vinit L. Aggarwal
---
(Division Sign Off)
(Division Sign-Off) Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, ENT. and Radiological Devices 4972660 510(k) Number .
Prescription Use
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
ﺴﻌ
Over the Counter Use
Predicate graph will load when search results are available.
Embedding visualization will load when search results are available.
PDF viewer will load when search results are available.
Loading panels...
Select an item from Submissions
Click any panel, subpart, regulation, product code, or device to see details here.
Section Matches
Results will appear here.
Product Code Matches
Results will appear here.
Special Control Matches
Results will appear here.
Loading collections...
Loading
My Alerts
You will receive email notifications based on the filters and frequency you set for each alert.
Sort by:
Create Alert
Search Filters
Agent Token
Create a read-only bearer token for Claude, ChatGPT, or other agents that can call HTTP APIs.
Copy this now. It will not be shown again.
Connected apps
Apps you authorized through browser sign-in. Disconnecting revokes their access immediately.
Learn the FDA Browser
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.