Patents by Inventor Qiyuan Ma
Qiyuan Ma 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: 9869733Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or magnetic resonance spectroscopy comprising a superconducting main magnet operable to generate a uniform magnetic field in an examination region, at least one superconducting gradient field coil operable to apply a respective at least one magnetic field gradient within the examination region, and at least one RF coil that is operable to transmit and receive radio frequency signals to and from the examination region, and that is configured for cooling and comprises at least one of (i) a non-superconducting material that when cooled to a temperature below room temperature has a conductivity higher than that of copper at that temperature and (ii) a superconducting material. The main magnet, the gradient coils, and each of the at least one RF coil of a given system may each be implemented as high temperature superconductor materials.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2012Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: Time Medical Holdings Company LimitedInventors: Qiyuan Ma, Erzhen Gao
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Patent number: 9170310Abstract: A whole body RF coil array module configured for cryogenic cooling for use in magnetic resonance imaging. The RF coil array may be a superconducting coil array, such as a high temperature superconducting (HTS) array. The RF coil array module provides sufficiently high signal-to-noise ratio and large field of view such that the RF coil array may be used in an MRI whole body system for diagnostic imaging of all body parts without requiring using special-purpose RF coils for different body parts.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2012Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: Time Medical Holdings Company LimitedInventors: Qiyuan Ma, Erzhen Gao
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Publication number: 20150077116Abstract: A superconducting RF coil array which may be used in whole body MRI scanners and/or in dedicated MRI systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Applicant: Time Medical Holdings Company LimitedInventors: Qiyuan Ma, Erzhen Gao
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Patent number: 8723522Abstract: A superconducting RF coil array which may be used in whole body MRI scanners and/or in dedicated MRI systems.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2010Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Time Medical Holdings Company LimitedInventors: Qiyuan Ma, Erzhen Gao
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Patent number: 8593146Abstract: Methods and/or apparatuses for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or magnetic resonance spectroscopy comprising a superconducting gradient coil module configured for cryogenic cooling. Such a superconducting gradient coil module may comprise a vacuum thermal isolation housing comprising a double wall hermetically sealed jacket that (i) encloses a hermetically sealed interior space having a first vacuum pressure, and (ii) substantially encloses a vacuum space having a second vacuum pressure; at least one superconductor gradient coil disposed in the vacuum space; a thermal sink member disposed in the vacuum space and in thermal contact with the at least one superconductor gradient coil; and a port configured for cryogenically cooling at least the thermal sink member.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Time Medical Holdings Company LimitedInventors: Erzhen Gao, Qiyuan Ma
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Publication number: 20130063148Abstract: A whole body RF coil array module configured for cryogenic cooling for use in magnetic resonance imaging. The RF coil array may be a superconducting coil array, such as a high temperature superconducting (HTS) array. The RF coil array module provides sufficiently high signal-to-noise ratio and large field of view such that the RF coil array may be used in an MRI whole body system for diagnostic imaging of all body parts without requiring using special-purpose RF coils for different body parts.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventors: Qiyuan Ma, Erzhen Gao
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Publication number: 20120319690Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or magnetic resonance spectroscopy comprising a superconducting main magnet operable to generate a uniform magnetic field in an examination region, at least one superconducting gradient field coil operable to apply a respective at least one magnetic field gradient within the examination region, and at least one RF coil that is operable to transmit and receive radio frequency signals to and from the examination region, and that is configured for cooling and comprises at least one of (i) a non-superconducting material that when cooled to a temperature below room temperature has a conductivity higher than that of copper at that temperature and (ii) a superconducting material. The main magnet, the gradient coils, and each of the at least one RF coil of a given system may each be implemented as high temperature superconductor materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventors: Qiyuan Ma, Erzhen Gao
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Patent number: 8253416Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or magnetic resonance spectroscopy comprising a superconducting main magnet operable to generate a uniform magnetic field in an examination region, at least one superconducting gradient field coil operable to apply a respective at least one magnetic field gradient within the examination region, and at least one RF coil that is operable to transmit and receive radio frequency signals to and from the examination region, and that is configured for cooling and comprises at least one of (i) a non-superconducting material that when cooled to a temperature below room temperature has a conductivity higher than that of copper at that temperature and (ii) a superconducting material. The main magnet, the gradient coils, and each of the at least one RF coil of a given system may each be implemented as high temperature superconductor materials.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Time Medical Holdings Company LimitedInventors: Qiyuan Ma, Erzhen Gao
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Publication number: 20110121830Abstract: A superconducting RF coil array which may be used in whole body MRI scanners and/or in dedicated MRI systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2010Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventors: Qiyuan Ma, Erzhen Gao
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Publication number: 20110011102Abstract: A cryogenically-cooled superconducting RF head-coil array which may be used in whole-body MRI scanners and/or in dedicated, head-only MRI systems. An RF head-coil array module may comprise a vacuum thermal isolation housing comprising a double wall hermetically sealed jacket that (i) encloses a hermetically sealed interior space under a vacuum condition, and (ii) substantially encloses an interior chamber region that is separate from the hermetically sealed interior space and is configured to be evacuated to a vacuum condition. A plurality of superconductor radiofrequency coils are disposed in the interior chamber region, and each radiofrequency coil is configured for at least one of generating and receiving a radiofrequency signal for at least one of magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. At least one thermal sink member may be disposed in the interior chamber region and in thermal contact with the superconductor radiofrequency coils.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2010Publication date: January 20, 2011Inventors: Erzhen Gao, Qiyuan Ma
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Publication number: 20110012599Abstract: Methods and/or apparatuses for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or magnetic resonance spectroscopy comprising a superconducting gradient coil module configured for cryogenic cooling. Such a superconducting gradient coil module may comprise a vacuum thermal isolation housing comprising a double wall hermetically sealed jacket that (i) encloses a hermetically sealed interior space having a first vacuum pressure, and (ii) substantially encloses a vacuum space having a second vacuum pressure; at least one superconductor gradient coil disposed in the vacuum space; a thermal sink member disposed in the vacuum space and in thermal contact with the at least one superconductor gradient coil; and a port configured for cryogenically cooling at least the thermal sink member.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2010Publication date: January 20, 2011Inventors: Erzhen GAO, Qiyuan Ma
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Publication number: 20110015078Abstract: A superconducting main magnet system for a head-dedicated MRI system is provided, and a head-only MRI system may comprise such a superconducting main magnet and a cryogenically-cooled superconducting RF head-coil array. The superconducting main magnet may comprise a first and second set of high temperature superconductor coils which are configured to be coaxial relative to a common longitudinal axis. The first coil set includes at least two coils having an inner radius and disposed in a first region of a length along the common axis to cover a head and neck of a human body, and the second coil set includes at least one coil having an inner radius and disposed in a second region of a length along the common axis to cover a portion of a human torso, wherein the inner radius of the second coil set is greater than the inner radius of the first coil set.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2010Publication date: January 20, 2011Inventors: Erzhen Gao, Qiyuan Ma
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Publication number: 20100231215Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or magnetic resonance spectroscopy comprising a superconducting main magnet operable to generate a uniform magnetic field in an examination region, at least one superconducting gradient field coil operable to apply a respective at least one magnetic field gradient within the examination region, and at least one RF coil that is operable to transmit and receive radio frequency signals to and from the examination region, and that is configured for cooling and comprises at least one of (i) a non-superconducting material that when cooled to a temperature below room temperature has a conductivity higher than that of copper at that temperature and (ii) a superconducting material. The main magnet, the gradient coils, and each of the at least one RF coil of a given system may each be implemented as high temperature superconductor materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2009Publication date: September 16, 2010Inventors: Qiyuan Ma, Erzhen Gao
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Patent number: 7772842Abstract: The present invention relates to dedicated superconductor magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) RF apparatus and method of constructing the same. One Embodiment of the present invention provides an MRI breast imaging apparatus comprising an examination region, a patient support, at least one vacuum thermal isolation housing, a main magnet system, and a cryogenic system. The vacuum thermal isolation housing comprises a low vacuum space between at least one inner and an outer high vacuum enclosure. The low vacuum space hosts at least one superconductor RF coil and a heat sink assembly therein. The RF coil is in thermal contact with the heat sink assembly that is coupled to the cryogenic system through a heat pipe to achieve and maintain a desired low temperature at the superconductor RF coil. The system provides a local examination region substantially surrounded by the superconductor RF coil.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Time Medical Holdings Company LimitedInventors: Erzhen Gao, Qiyuan Ma, Sze Man Yeung
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Patent number: 7728592Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) RF apparatus and method of constructing the same. One Embodiment of the present invention provides an MRI apparatus comprising an examination region, a patient support, at least one vacuum thermal isolation housing, a main magnet system for generating a main magnetic field in the examination region, and a cryogenic system. The vacuum thermal isolation housing comprises a hermetically sealed high vacuum jacket that encloses a low vacuum space hosting at least one superconductor RF coil and a heat sink assembly therein. The RF coil is in thermal contact with the heat sink assembly that is coupled to the cryogenic system through a heat pipe to achieve and maintain a desired low temperature at the superconductor RF coil.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2008Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Time Medical Holdings Company LimitedInventors: Qiyuan Ma, Erzhen Gao, Sze Man Yeung
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Publication number: 20100066368Abstract: The present invention relates to dedicated superconductor magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) RF apparatus and method of constructing the same. One Embodiment of the present invention provides an MRI breast imaging apparatus comprising an examination region, a patient support, at least one vacuum thermal isolation housing, a main magnet system, and a cryogenic system. The vacuum thermal isolation housing comprises a low vacuum space between at least one inner and an outer high vacuum enclosure. The low vacuum space hosts at least one superconductor RF coil and a heat sink assembly therein. The RF coil is in thermal contact with the heat sink assembly that is coupled to the cryogenic system through a heat pipe to achieve and maintain a desired low temperature at the superconductor RF coil. The system provides a local examination region substantially surrounded by the superconductor RF coil.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2008Publication date: March 18, 2010Inventors: Erzhen Gao, Qiyuan Ma, Sze Man Yeung
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Publication number: 20100066367Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) RF apparatus and method of constructing the same. One Embodiment of the present invention provides an MRI apparatus comprising an examination region, a patient support, at least one vacuum thermal isolation housing, a main magnet system for generating a main magnetic field in the examination region, and a cryogenic system. The vacuum thermal isolation housing comprises a hermetically sealed high vacuum jacket that encloses a low vacuum space hosting at least one superconductor RF coil and a heat sink assembly therein. The RF coil is in thermal contact with the heat sink assembly that is coupled to the cryogenic system through a heat pipe to achieve and maintain a desired low temperature at the superconductor RF coil.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2008Publication date: March 18, 2010Inventors: Qiyuan Ma, Erzhen Gao, Sze Man Yeung
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Publication number: 20030020553Abstract: A tunable superconductor apparatus or associated method. The apparatus comprises a coil, a first superconductor film portion, a second superconductor film portion, and an actuator. The first superconductor film portion is electrically coupled to the coil. The second superconductor film portion is inductively coupled to the first superconductor film portion. Displacement of the second superconductor film portion relative to the first superconductor film portion changes the capacitance between the second superconductor film portion and the first superconductor film portion. The actuator is capable of relatively displacing the second superconductor film portion and the first superconductor film portion to change a resonant frequency of the tunable superconductor apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2001Publication date: January 30, 2003Applicant: Supertron Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Erzhen Gao, Qiyuan Ma
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Patent number: 6169399Abstract: A superconducting multiple resonance probe for detecting multiple nuclei resonating at different frequencies for use in magnetic resonance imaging, microscopy and spectroscopy. The probe is configured as having two or more superconducting coils in close proximity, each coil tuned to a different frequency, where an adjustment is made for a frequency shift caused by the mutual inductance between the coils. The coils can be placed in concentrically in a plane or can be vertically layered.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1997Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Kuan Zhang, Jason R. Miller, Ki Mun, Qiyuan Ma
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Patent number: 5952269Abstract: A method for forming a superconducting device using a selective etching technique on superconducting thin films. The method utilizes rapid etching which combines ion implantation with chemical etching. The portions of the superconducting film to be retained are masked from the ion implantation process. The chemical etching process then removes the implanted portions of the superconducting film at a much faster rate than the portions not implanted so that only the un-implanted portions remain. The resulting superconducting devices can be used, e.g., as nanostructures and nano tips, bolometers, multilayer RF coils, microwave waveguides and filters.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Qiyuan Ma, Mingling Chen