Abstract: A suspension apparatus for a superconducting magnet, comprising a support tray and at least two suspension assemblies. The support tray has at least one through-hole and comprises at least two mounting parts. The at least two suspension assemblies pass through the support tray via the through-hole. Each of the suspension assemblies is connected to one of the mounting parts. The suspension apparatus is easy to install. Furthermore, a superconducting magnet comprising the suspension apparatus, and a magnetic resonance imaging device, are also provided.

Abstract: A mounting plate for locating under a superconducting magnet structure, between the superconducting magnet structure and a supporting surface of a mobile carrier, is controllable between two different states. In a first state, the mount provides rigid attachment and precise location of the superconducting magnet structure onto the supporting surface of the mobile carrier. In a second state, the mount provides vibration isolation between the superconducting magnet and the mobile carrier.

Abstract: A hollow cylindrical vessel comprising a cylindrical outer shell (12) and a cylindrical inner shell (14) joined by annular end caps (16), wherein at least one of: an end cap, or the cylindrical outer shell (12), or the cylindrical inner shell (14), is provided with an arrangement of recesses or protrusions (18). Preferably, the arrangement of recesses or protrusions is asymmetrical in all axes.

Abstract: A mounting plate for locating under a superconducting magnet structure, between the superconducting magnet structure and a supporting surface of a mobile carrier, is controllable between two different states. In a first state, the mount provides rigid attachment and precise location of the superconducting magnet structure onto the supporting surface of the mobile carrier. In a second state, the mount provides vibration isolation between the superconducting magnet and the mobile carrier.

Abstract: A valve for controlling cryogen egress from a cryogen vessel has a housing having a low pressure side and a high pressure side with a fluid path defined between. A valve element is interposed between the low pressure side and the high pressure side of the housing. A mechanism is provided for holding the valve element against a valve seat. The mechanism has a cam shaft that is rotatable to displace the valve element from its seat to open the fluid path.

Abstract: A burst disc arrangement for a cryostat comprising a replaceable burst disc (52) held in compression between a high-pressure flange formed at an end of a high-pressure conduit (12), and a low-pressure flange (60) formed at an end of a low-pressure conduit (14). In particular, the burst disc arrangement further comprises: a housing (50) enclosing the high- and low-pressure flanges; and compression means (56), distributed around the housing (50) and being arranged to bear upon the one of the flanges (60), so as to urge it towards the other flange, thereby retaining the burst disc (52) in compression between the flanges. The housing (50) includes a first opening (20) large enough to allow the replaceable burst disc (52) to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A cryogen vessel (12) connected to a refrigerator chamber (15) arranged to house a cryogenic refrigerator (17). A controlled valve (32) is provided between the cryogen vessel (12) and the refrigerator chamber (15), and may be used to isolate the refrigerator chamber from the cryogen vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermal radiation shield (1) for a cryostat, formed of a plastic-metal hybrid material, which comprises a plastic component (23) and a conductive filler material (21) comprising a metal. The thermal radiation shield may be formed by injection moulding.

Abstract: A valve for controlling cryogen egress from a cryogen vessel has a housing having a low pressure side and a high pressure side with a fluid path defined between. A valve element is interposed between the low pressure side and the high pressure side of the housing. A mechanism is provided for holding the valve element against a valve seat. The mechanism has a cam shaft that is rotatable to displace the valve element from its seat to open the fluid path.

Abstract: A burst disc replacement apparatus (100) comprises a magazine (122) that carries a first burst disc (232) and a second burst disc (234). A flow path (104) passes through the apparatus (100) for venting fluid. The first burst disc (232) is located in the flow path (104). A translation mechanism (112, 144, 146, 200, 214, 220, 222) is arranged to move the second burst disc (234) into the flow path (104) in place of the first burst disc (232) in response to an indication that fluid pressure at one side of the first burst disc (232) has exceeded a predetermined pressure corresponding to rupture of the first burst disc (232).

Abstract: A burst disc replacement apparatus (102) comprises a magazine (114) carrying a first burst disc (116) and a second burst disc (118). The apparatus also comprises a flow path (104) therethrough for venting fluid. The first burst disc (116) is located in the flow path (104) and the second burst disc (118) is located outside the flow path (104). A translation mechanism is also provided and coupled to the magazine (114) and arranged to permit manual translation of the magazine (114) so that the second burst disc (118) moves, when in use, into the flow path (104) in place of the first burst disc (116).

Abstract: A compressor (1) including a compressor mechanism; an input line (12) for providing gas to the compressor; and an output line (14) for providing compressed gas from the compressor. The compressor may supply gas at a first pressure or at a second pressure, by variation of the charge pressure within a gas circuit. A buffer volume and arrangement of valves, contained within the compressor, facilitate the change in static charge pressure. The electrical power drawn by the compressor is reduced when the charge pressure is reduced. Changing the charge pressure in the compressor also varies the cooling power delivered by the refrigerator. Therefore, this variable charge compressor can be used to reduce the electrical power drawn by an MRI system when it is in standby, and the full refrigeration capability is not required. Also, this has the effect of reducing wear and increasing the life of certain components within the refrigerator and compressor.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system has a superconducting magnet housed within a cryostat, a cryogenic refrigerator that cools within the cryostat, a helium compressor that supplies compressed helium to the cryogenic refrigerator and to receive a return flow of compressed helium from the refrigerator, and a magnet supervisory system controlling operation of the magnet resonance imaging system. An apparatus is provided for controlling the speed and/or timing of operation of the helium compressor in accordance with predefined algorithms in response to system state data.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system has a superconducting magnet contained within a cryostat, the cryostat being cooled by a cooling system that includes a healing and compressor, a refrigeration device and a local supervisory system. The helium compressor provides compressed helium to the refrigeration device, and the local supervisory system controls operation of the refrigeration device. The helium compressor is in communication with the local supervisory system, and also is able to communicate, independently of the local supervisory system, with a remote service provider.

Abstract: A burst disc arrangement for a cryostat comprising a replaceable burst disc (52) held in compression between a high-pressure flange formed at an end of a high-pressure conduit (12), and a low-pressure flange (60) formed at an end of a low-pressure conduit (14). In particular, the burst disc arrangement further comprises: a housing (50) enclosing the high- and low-pressure flanges; and compression means (56), distributed around the housing (50) and being arranged to bear upon the one of the flanges (60), so as to urge it towards the other flange, thereby retaining the burst disc (52) in compression between the flanges. The housing (50) includes a first opening (20) large enough to allow the replaceable burst disc (52) to pass therethrough.