Patents by Inventor Gerhard Brinker
Gerhard Brinker has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10928466Abstract: In a magnetic resonance apparatus and a method for operation thereof, at least one electrical operating value of at least one predetermined component of the apparatus is captured and, as a function of the at least one operating value, at least one coil operating value of a transmitting coil arrangement of the magnetic resonance apparatus is controlled for the purpose of limiting a B1 value.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2017Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Bielmeier, Gerhard Brinker, Swen Campagna, Bernd Erbe, Matthias Gebhardt, Juergen Nistler, Dominik Paul, Carsten Prinz, Gudrun Ruyters, Stephan Stoecker, Markus Vester
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Patent number: 10802091Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for monitoring an absorption rate when using a primary coil of a magnetic resonance device and a secondary coil inductively coupled to the primary coil and to a monitoring unit, a magnetic resonance device and a computer program product. According to the method a maximum admissible absorption rate is provided, using which a maximum admissible B1 field strength of the secondary coil is determined. Furthermore, an actual B1 field strength of the secondary coil is determined. The absorption rate is monitored using the actual B1 field strength of the secondary coil and the maximum admissible B1 field strength of the secondary coil.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2017Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Bielmeier, Gerhard Brinker, Jürgen Nistler, Volker Schnetter
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Patent number: 10663538Abstract: A method for monitoring a temporal change in a magnetic field in a magnetic resonance device, as well as an evaluation unit, a magnetic resonance device, and a computer program product for performing the method are provided. The method provides that a position-dependent magnetic field distribution that is produced by the plurality of gradient coils is provided with a plurality of monitoring points. In addition, time-dependent gradient values of the plurality of gradient coils are ascertained. Based on position-dependent magnetic field distribution and the time-dependent gradient values, the temporal change in the magnetic field is ascertained. The temporal change in the magnetic field is monitored by comparing the temporal change in the magnetic field with at least one limit value.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2017Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Bielmeier, Gerhard Brinker, Swen Campagna, Nikolaus Demharter, Bernd Erbe, Matthias Gebhardt, Helmut Lenz, Jürgen Nistler, Dominik Paul, Carsten Prinz, Gudrun Ruyters, Stephan Stöcker, Markus Vester
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Patent number: 10517560Abstract: In a method and apparatus for determining at least one patient-specific safety parameter for a medical imaging examination conducted on the patient by a medical imaging device, position data of the patient are acquired by a position data detector while the patient is on a patient-positioning device of the medical imaging apparatus. The acquired position data are evaluated in a processor in order to determine position information of the patient. The patient-specific safety parameter is determined using the position information of the patient.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2016Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbHInventors: Gerhard Brinker, Anja Jaeger, Daniel Niederloehner, Stephan Nufer, Jens Thoene
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Patent number: 10321853Abstract: A method for evaluating positioning of an examination object on a patient-positioning apparatus in a magnetic resonance unit, a magnetic resonance unit, and a computer program product are provided. The method includes acquiring positioning data relating to the examination object using an acquisition unit. Using the acquired positioning data, positioning information relating to the examination object is determined using an analysis unit. Evaluation information is determined using the positioning information, using an evaluation unit. Using the evaluation information, an evaluation signal is transmitted using an output unit. Monitoring of a specific absorption rate may be adjusted using the evaluation signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2017Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbHInventors: Gerhard Brinker, Franz Hebrank, Patrick Sieber
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Patent number: 10288710Abstract: In a magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus and an operating method therefor, a sequence with which the MR data are to be recorded is created in or provided to a control computer of the MR apparatus. A maximum RF output and a maximum gradient performance of the scanner magnetic resonance apparatus during the performance of the sequence are determined by simulating or analyzing the performance of the sequence in the control computer, and it is verified whether the maximum RF output and/or the maximum gradient performance violate predetermined limit values. Execution of the sequence to record the MR data is performed only if the verification showed that the limit values are not violated.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2017Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Bielmeier, Gerhard Brinker, Swen Campagna, Nikolaus Demharter, Bernd Erbe, Matthias Gebhardt, Juergen Nistler, Dominik Paul, Carsten Prinz, Gudrun Ruyters, Stephan Stoecker, Markus Vester
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Patent number: 10101415Abstract: A method for operating a magnetic resonance apparatus by a safety unit, taking into account persons fitted with an implant, a safety unit, a safety system, a magnetic resonance apparatus, and a computer program product are provided. The magnetic resonance apparatus includes a first part and a second part. The first part is operated separately from the second part and includes the safety unit. During an examination of a person fitted with an implant, the safety unit checks that the magnetic resonance apparatus, in a restricted operating mode, is complying with implant-conformant limit values.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2017Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Bielmeier, Gerhard Brinker, Nikolaus Demharter, Bernd Erbe, Matthias Gebhardt, Jürgen Nistler, Dominik Paul, Carsten Prinz, Gudrun Ruyters, Stephan Stöcker, Markus Vester, Swen Campagna
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Publication number: 20180074138Abstract: A method for monitoring a temporal change in a magnetic field in a magnetic resonance device, as well as an evaluation unit, a magnetic resonance device, and a computer program product for performing the method are provided. The method provides that a position-dependent magnetic field distribution that is produced by the plurality of gradient coils is provided with a plurality of monitoring points. In addition, time-dependent gradient values of the plurality of gradient coils are ascertained. Based on position-dependent magnetic field distribution and the time-dependent gradient values, the temporal change in the magnetic field is ascertained. The temporal change in the magnetic field is monitored by comparing the temporal change in the magnetic field with at least one limit value.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2017Publication date: March 15, 2018Inventors: Wolfgang Bielmeier, Gerhard Brinker, Swen Campagna, Nikolaus Demharter, Bernd Erbe, Matthias Gebhardt, Helmut Lenz, Jürgen Nistler, Dominik Paul, Carsten Prinz, Gudrun Ruyters, Stephan Stöcker, Markus Vester
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Patent number: 9897679Abstract: A predetermined reference object is arranged in a scan volume of a magnetic resonance system. In the scope of adjustment measurements, the reference object is respectively exposed by a radiofrequency transmitter antenna to an adjustment pulse. Using at least one radiofrequency receiver antenna, a magnetic resonance signal excited by the respective adjustment pulse in the reference object is respectively recorded. An amplitude of a first test pulse is ascertained with the aid of the magnetic resonance signals recorded in the scope of the adjustment measurements. In the scope of a subsequent test measurement, the reference object is exposed to the first test pulse by the radiofrequency transmitter antenna. A first measurement signal dependent on the amplitude of the first test pulse is recorded during the exposure of the reference object to the first test pulse. Further measures are implemented based on the recorded first measurement signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2015Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Gerhard Brinker
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Publication number: 20170343624Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for monitoring an absorption rate when using a primary coil of a magnetic resonance device and a secondary coil inductively coupled to the primary coil and to a monitoring unit, a magnetic resonance device and a computer program product. According to the method a maximum admissible absorption rate is provided, using which a maximum admissible B1 field strength of the secondary coil is determined. Furthermore, an actual B1 field strength of the secondary coil is determined. The absorption rate is monitored using the actual B1 field strength of the secondary coil and the maximum admissible B1 field strength of the secondary coil.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2017Publication date: November 30, 2017Inventors: Wolfgang Bielmeier, Gerhard Brinker, Jürgen Nistler, Volker Schnetter
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Publication number: 20170328966Abstract: In a magnetic resonance apparatus and a method for operation thereof, at least one electrical operating value of at least one predetermined component of the apparatus is captured and, as a function of the at least one operating value, at least one coil operating value of a transmitting coil arrangement of the magnetic resonance apparatus is controlled for the purpose of limiting a B1 value.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2017Publication date: November 16, 2017Applicant: Siemens Healthcare GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Bielmeier, Gerhard Brinker, Swen Campagna, Bernd Erbe, Matthias Gebhardt, Juergen Nistler, Dominik Paul, Carsten Prinz, Gudrun Ruyters, Stephan Stoecker, Markus Vester
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Publication number: 20170315195Abstract: In a magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus and an operating method therefor, a sequence with which the MR data are to be recorded is created in or provided to a control computer of the MR apparatus. A maximum RF output and a maximum gradient performance of the scanner magnetic resonance apparatus during the performance of the sequence are determined by simulating or analyzing the performance of the sequence in the control computer, and it is verified whether the maximum RF output and/or the maximum gradient performance violate predetermined limit values. Execution of the sequence to record the MR data is performed only if the verification showed that the limit values are not violated.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2017Publication date: November 2, 2017Applicant: Siemens Healthcare GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Bielmeier, Gerhard Brinker, Swen Campagna, Nikolaus Demharter, Bernd Erbe, Matthias Gebhardt, Juergen Nistler, Dominik Paul, Carsten Prinz, Gudrun Ruyters, Stephan Stoecker, Markus Vester
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Publication number: 20170299667Abstract: A method for operating a magnetic resonance apparatus by a safety unit, taking into account persons fitted with an implant, a safety unit, a safety system, a magnetic resonance apparatus, and a computer program product are provided. The magnetic resonance apparatus includes a first part and a second part. The first part is operated separately from the second part and includes the safety unit. During an examination of a person fitted with an implant, the safety unit checks that the magnetic resonance apparatus, in a restricted operating mode, is complying with implant-conformant limit values.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2017Publication date: October 19, 2017Inventors: Wolfgang Bielmeier, Gerhard Brinker, Nikolaus Demharter, Bernd Erbe, Matthias Gebhardt, Jürgen Nistler, Dominik Paul, Carsten Prinz, Gudrun Ruyters, Stephan Stöcker, Markus Vester, Swen Campagna
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Publication number: 20170205478Abstract: A method for evaluating positioning of an examination object on a patient-positioning apparatus in a magnetic resonance unit, a magnetic resonance unit, and a computer program product are provided. The method includes acquiring positioning data relating to the examination object using an acquisition unit. Using the acquired positioning data, positioning information relating to the examination object is determined using an analysis unit. Evaluation information is determined using the positioning information, using an evaluation unit. Using the evaluation information, an evaluation signal is transmitted using an output unit. Monitoring of a specific absorption rate may be adjusted using the evaluation signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2017Publication date: July 20, 2017Inventors: Gerhard Brinker, Franz Hebrank, Patrick Sieber
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Publication number: 20170000446Abstract: In a method and apparatus for determining at least one patient-specific safety parameter for a medical imaging examination conducted on the patient by a medical imaging device, position data of the patient are acquired by a position data detector while the patient is on a patient-positioning device of the medical imaging apparatus. The acquired position data are evaluated in a processor in order to determine position information of the patient. The patient-specific safety parameter is determined using the position information of the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2016Publication date: January 5, 2017Applicant: Siemens Healthcare GmbHInventors: Gerhard Brinker, Anja Jaeger, Daniel Niederloehner, Stephan Nufer, Jens Thoene
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Patent number: 9492102Abstract: The embodiments relate to devices and methods for MRT imaging with a MRT, where a patient table having the scan subject is moved in at least one direction along at least one displacement path, determination of a quantity representing the SAR effect on the scan subject being carried out at a plurality of positions along the displacement path, a suitable position of the patient table, lying on a displacement path, being determined, at which the MRT imaging of the scan subject imaging region, to be scanned, of the scan subject is subsequently intended to be carried out.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Gerhard Brinker
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Patent number: 9151812Abstract: In a method to operate an image-generating medical modality in order to avoid harm to a patient caused by an electromagnetic field, an adjustment process is implemented in which the electromagnetic field is radiated by the modality and preliminary image data are acquired using the electromagnetic field; and a clearance between the patient and a wall of the modality is determined from the image. The determined clearance forms the basis of a check process to determine an adaptation of the electromagnetic field for a diagnostic examination of the patient that follows. During the diagnostic examination, that also includes radiation of the electromagnetic field, movement monitoring of the patient takes place and the adjustment process is restarted as soon as a movement of the patient is registered.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2013Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Jan Ole Blumhagen, Gerhard Brinker
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Publication number: 20150219739Abstract: A predetermined reference object is arranged in a scan volume of a magnetic resonance system. In the scope of adjustment measurements, the reference object is respectively exposed by a radiofrequency transmitter antenna to an adjustment pulse. Using at least one radiofrequency receiver antenna, a magnetic resonance signal excited by the respective adjustment pulse in the reference object is respectively recorded. An amplitude of a first test pulse is ascertained with the aid of the magnetic resonance signals recorded in the scope of the adjustment measurements. In the scope of a subsequent test measurement, the reference object is exposed to the first test pulse by the radiofrequency transmitter antenna. A first measurement signal dependent on the amplitude of the first test pulse is recorded during the exposure of the reference object to the first test pulse. Further measures are implemented based on the recorded first measurement signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2015Publication date: August 6, 2015Inventor: Gerhard Brinker
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Publication number: 20140378823Abstract: The embodiments relate to devices and methods for MRT imaging with a MRT, where a patient table having the scan subject is moved in at least one direction along at least one displacement path, determination of a quantity representing the SAR effect on the scan subject being carried out at a plurality of positions along the displacement path, a suitable position of the patient table, lying on a displacement path, being determined, at which the MRT imaging of the scan subject imaging region, to be scanned, of the scan subject is subsequently intended to be carried out.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2014Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventor: Gerhard Brinker
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Publication number: 20130261428Abstract: In a method to operate an image-generating medical modality in order to avoid harm to a patient caused by an electromagnetic field, an adjustment process is implemented in which the electromagnetic field is radiated by the modality and preliminary image data are acquired using the electromagnetic field; and a clearance between the patient and a wall of the modality is determined from the image. The determined clearance forms the basis of a check process to determine an adaptation of the electromagnetic field for a diagnostic examination of the patient that follows. During the diagnostic examination, that also includes radiation of the electromagnetic field, movement monitoring of the patient takes place and the adjustment process is restarted as soon as a movement of the patient is registered.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Inventors: Jan Ole Blumhagen, Gerhard Brinker