Abstract: A gradient coil and an insert gradient coil for a magnetic resonance imaging system include a primary coil. The primary coil includes an upper primary coil portion and a lower primary coil portion, the lower primary coil portion being less curved in cross-section than the upper primary coil portion. The gradient coil also includes a shielding coil disposed outside of the primary coil. The shielding coil includes an upper shielding coil portion and a lower shielding coil portion, the lower shielding coil portion being less curved in cross-section than the upper shielding coil portion.

Abstract: A gradient coil and an insert gradient coil for a magnetic resonance imaging system include a primary coil. The primary coil includes an upper primary coil portion and a lower primary coil portion, the lower primary coil portion being less curved in cross-section than the upper primary coil portion. The gradient coil also includes a shielding coil disposed outside of the primary coil. The shielding coil includes an upper shielding coil portion and a lower shielding coil portion, the lower shielding coil portion being less curved in cross-section than the upper shielding coil portion.

Abstract: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system is disclosed. The MRI system includes a cryogenic magnet assembly with a cryogenic vessel housing a superconducting magnet. Disposed radially inboard of the cryogenic magnet assembly are a gradient coil module and a plurality of room temperature steel rings proximate to the gradient coil module. A field of view is defined by at least the superconducting magnet, the gradient coil module, and the plurality of room temperature steel rings. In response to the superconducting magnet being energized, the room temperature steel rings create high order harmonics that serve to expand the magnetic field homogeneity FOV, and low order harmonics that tend to degrade the magnetic field homogeneity within the FOV. The low order harmonics are compensated for by the cryogenic magnet assembly.

Abstract: A method for reducing acoustic noise in a medical imaging system is described. The method includes attaching a material to an area affected by an acoustic noise generated by the imaging system. The material is configured to bend upon receiving an electrical signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling a gradient coil assembly of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system and for controlling a temperature of a magnet warm bore is provided. The gradient coil assembly includes an inner gradient coil assembly and an outer gradient coil assembly. A first cooling circuit is provided that has a cooling tube positioned at a distance from the inner gradient coil assembly. The cooling tube of the first cooling circuit is configured to transport a first coolant having a first temperature. A second cooling circuit is provided that has a cooling tube positioned at a distance from the outer gradient coil assembly. The cooling tube of the second cooling circuit is configured to transport a second coolant having a second temperature. The apparatus also includes a controller coupled to the first cooling circuit and the second cooling circuit. The controller is configured to independently control the first temperature of the first coolant and the second temperature of the second coolant.

Abstract: A system and method for acoustic noise reduction/cancellation is disclosed that includes a medical imaging scanner configured to scan an imaging subject within an imaging area that emits system noise when in operation. An ultrasonic emitter system is included that is constructed to emit an inaudible signal having properties to reduce perception of the system noise about at least a portion of the imaging area.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device includes an inner gradient coil assembly proximate a patient positioning area, an outer gradient coil assembly proximate a magnet assembly, and a damping layer sandwiched between the inner and outer gradient coil assemblies.

Abstract: A thermal barrier is introduced to a magnetic resonance imaging system between the patient bore and each of the gradient coil assembly and RF body coil assembly to maintain the temperature within the patient bore below a maximum operating temperature. This allows the RF body coils to run cooler and also provides a thermal barrier between the gradient coils and the patient bore. In one preferred embodiment, a hollow conductor structure is introduced to the RF body coils at a position between the gradient coils and the patient bore tube. In another embodiment, the hollow conductor structure replaces the flat copper strip of the prior art and itself functions as the RF body coils.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) magnet comprising opposing pole pieces which define between them an imaging volume, the pole pieces comprising pole plates which are fabricated from wound high permeability soft magnetic material.