Patents by Inventor Vijayanand Alagappan
Vijayanand Alagappan 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: 10165961Abstract: A system for magnetic resonance imaging of anatomy including a head is provided. The system includes a base member, a plurality of support members, and a plurality of articulable reception units. The plurality of support members are movably fixed to the base member and configured to translate across a surface of the base member. Each support member is releasably securable to the base member in a plurality of positions along the surface of the base member. The articulable reception units are movable from an open position to a plurality of closed positions. Each reception unit comprises at least one radio frequency (RF) receive coil disposed within a body, with the body configured for abutment with a portion of a head. Each of the plurality of articulable reception units is releasably secured in the plurality of closed positions by at least one of the plurality of support members.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2012Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Vijayanand Alagappan, Fraser Robb, Miguel Angel Navarro, II, Craig William Culver, Victor Taracila, John Edward Ferut, Sarah Grace Leversee, Sanjay G. Mathias
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Patent number: 8928450Abstract: A transformer assembly includes a substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, a first spiral wound inductive coil formed on the first surface, a second spiral wound inductive coil formed on the first surface, and a third spiral wound inductive coil formed on the first surface, the first, second and third spiral wound inductive coils forming a triple spiral arrangement on the first surface such that the first coil is inductively coupled to the second coil and the third coil. An RF coil including the transformer assembly and a method of fabricating the transformer assembly are also described.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2011Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Victor Taracila, Fraser Robb, Aleksey Zemskov, Vijayanand Alagappan, Miguel Navarro
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Patent number: 8797030Abstract: A Magnetic Resonance (MR) Radio-Frequency (RF) coil and method of manufacturing are provided for a multi-modality imaging system. The multi-modality imaging system includes a Magnetic Resonance (MR) scanner portion configured to acquired MR data of a patient using one or more MR Radio-Frequency (RF) coils. The one or more MR RF coils are formed from carbon nanotube conductors. The multi-modality imaging system also includes a radiation potion configured to transmit radiation through or detect radiation from the patient.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Vijayanand Alagappan, Victor Taracila, Fraser Robb
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Patent number: 8704610Abstract: A multi-layer cradle comprises a first layer comprising first and second contact pads configured to be electrically coupled to a signal input and a signal output of the electronic component, respectively. The first layer also comprises a first ground plane configured to be electrically coupled to a ground of the electronic component and a first fence positioned about the first ground plane. The first ground plane is positioned at least between the first and second contact pads. A second layer comprising a second ground plane is also included. The cradle further comprises a first dielectric material positioned between the first and second layers, a ground plane via extending through the first dielectric material and electrically coupled to the first and second ground planes, and a plurality of fence vias extending through the first dielectric material and electrically coupled to the first fence and to second ground plane.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2011Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Victor Taracila, Fraser John Laing Robb, Vijayanand Alagappan, Miguel Angel Navarro, II, Peter Asuzu
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Patent number: 8674799Abstract: A transformer assembly includes a substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, a first spiral wound inductive coil formed on the first surface, and a second spiral wound inductive coil formed on the first surface; the first and second spiral wound inductive coils forming a double spiral arrangement on the first surface such that the first coil is inductively coupled to the second coil. An RF coil including the transformer assembly and a method of fabricating the transformer assembly are also described.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2010Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Victor Taracila, Fraser Robb, Aleksey Zemskov, Vijayanand Alagappan, Miguel Navarro
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Publication number: 20130317346Abstract: A system for magnetic resonance imaging of anatomy including a head is provided. The system includes a base member, a plurality of support members, and a plurality of articulable reception units. The plurality of support members are movably fixed to the base member and configured to translate across a surface of the base member. Each support member is releasably securable to the base member in a plurality of positions along the surface of the base member. The articulable reception units are movable from an open position to a plurality of closed positions. Each reception unit comprises at least one radio frequency (RF) receive coil disposed within a body, with the body configured for abutment with a portion of a head. Each of the plurality of articulable reception units is releasably secured in the plurality of closed positions by at least one of the plurality of support members.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2012Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Vijayanand Alagappan, Fraser Robb, Miguel Angel Navarro, II, Craig William Culver, Victor Taracila, John Edward Ferut, Sarah Grace Leversee, Sanjay G. Mathias
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Patent number: 8581589Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for using a hardware-based compression of signals acquired with an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. This allows a first multi-channel MR signal to be compressed to a second multi-channel MR signal having fewer channels than the first MR signal. This system and method reduces the number of RF receivers needed to achieve the sensitivity encoding benefits associated with highly parallel detection in MRI. Furthermore, the system and method reduces bottlenecks connection an MRI system's RF receiver and reconstruction computer and reduces the computational burden of image reconstruction.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2010Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Lawrence L. Wald, Vijayanand Alagappan, Jonathan R. Polimeni
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Patent number: 8427159Abstract: A balun assembly includes a body portion having an opening extending therethrough, the opening sized to receive at least one radio-frequency (RF) cable therethrough, the RF cable transmitting a signal therethrough a signal having a wavelength, and a balun disposed within the body portion, the balun being folded to form a plurality of layers, the combined length of the layers being approximately equal to a quarter wavelength of the signal transmitted through the RF cable. A method of fabricating a balun assembly and an MRI system including a balun are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2010Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Victor Taracila, Fraser Robb, Aleksey Zemskov, Vijayanand Alagappan
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Patent number: 8415950Abstract: A system and method for selectively operating an array of RF receive coils in a transmit mode is disclosed. The system includes an RF transmit coil configured to generate an RF field that excites nuclei of a subject to generate RF resonance signals, an array of RF receive coils to receive the RF resonance signals, and a detuning circuit coupled to each RF receive coil in the array of RF receive coils that is selectively switched between a disabled and an enabled state to control a resonance and impedance of the RF receive coil. Each RF receive coil is caused to receive RF resonance signals when its respective detuning circuit is in the disabled state and is caused to modify an amplitude and phase of the RF field generated by the RF transmit coil when its respective detuning circuit is in the enabled state.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2010Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Vijayanand Alagappan, Fraser John Laing Robb, Victor Taracila
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Publication number: 20130033835Abstract: A multi-layer cradle comprises a first layer comprising first and second contact pads configured to be electrically coupled to a signal input and a signal output of the electronic component, respectively. The first layer also comprises a first ground plane configured to be electrically coupled to a ground of the electronic component and a first fence positioned about the first ground plane. The first ground plane is positioned at least between the first and second contact pads. A second layer comprising a second ground plane is also included. The cradle further comprises a first dielectric material positioned between the first and second layers, a ground plane via extending through the first dielectric material and electrically coupled to the first and second ground planes, and a plurality of fence vias extending through the first dielectric material and electrically coupled to the first fence and to second ground plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2011Publication date: February 7, 2013Inventors: Victor Taracila, Fraser John Laing Robb, Vijayanand Alagappan, Miguel Angel Navarro, II, Peter Asuzu
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Publication number: 20130027040Abstract: A Magnetic Resonance (MR) Radio-Frequency (RF) coil and method of manufacturing are provided for a multi-modality imaging system. The multi-modality imaging system includes a Magnetic Resonance (MR) scanner portion configured to acquired MR data of a patient using one or more MR Radio-Frequency (RF) coils. The one or more MR RF coils are formed from carbon nanotube conductors. The multi-modality imaging system also includes a radiation potion configured to transmit radiation through or detect radiation from the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Vijayanand Alagappan, Victor Taracila, Fraser Robb
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Publication number: 20120001715Abstract: A transformer assembly includes a substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, a first spiral wound inductive coil formed on the first surface, a second spiral wound inductive coil formed on the first surface, and a third spiral wound inductive coil formed on the first surface, the first, second and third spiral wound inductive coils forming a triple spiral arrangement on the first surface such that the first coil is inductively coupled to the second coil and the third coil. An RF coil including the transformer assembly and a method of fabricating the transformer assembly are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2011Publication date: January 5, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: VICTOR TARACILA, FRASER ROBB, ALEKSEY ZEMSKOV, VIJAYANAND ALAGAPPAN, MIGUEL NAVARRO
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Patent number: 8085044Abstract: A method for producing a spatially and spectrally selective radiofrequency (“RF”) excitation pulse includes establishing a desired spatial RF excitation pattern and establishing a desired spectral RF excitation pattern. The method also includes estimating an RF transmission profile map indicative of the transmission characteristics of an RF coil and determining, from the desired spatial and spectral excitation patterns and the estimated RF transmission profile map, at least one magnetic field gradient waveform indicative of locations in k-space to which RF energy is to be deposited. The method further includes determining, from the established spatial and spectral excitation patterns, the estimated RF transmission profile map, and the determined at least one gradient waveform, at least one RF excitation pulse waveform that will produce the desired spatial and spectral excitation patterns.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2009Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Kawin Setsompop, Borjan A. Gagoski, Elfar Adalsteinsson, Vijayanand Alagappan, Lawrence L Wald
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Publication number: 20110309832Abstract: A system and method for selectively operating an array of RF receive coils in a transmit mode is disclosed. The system includes an RF transmit coil configured to generate an RF field that excites nuclei of a subject to generate RF resonance signals, an array of RF receive coils to receive the RF resonance signals, and a detuning circuit coupled to each RF receive coil in the array of RF receive coils that is selectively switched between a disabled and an enabled state to control a resonance and impedance of the RF receive coil. Each RF receive coil is caused to receive RF resonance signals when its respective detuning circuit is in the disabled state and is caused to modify an amplitude and phase of the RF field generated by the RF transmit coil when its respective detuning circuit is in the enabled state.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2010Publication date: December 22, 2011Inventors: Vijayanand Alagappan, Fraser John Laing Robb, Victor Taracila
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Publication number: 20110304422Abstract: A transformer assembly includes a substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, a first spiral wound inductive coil formed on the first surface, and a second spiral wound inductive coil formed on the first surface; the first and second spiral wound inductive coils forming a double spiral arrangement on the first surface such that the first coil is inductively coupled to the second coil. An RF coil including the transformer assembly and a method of fabricating the transformer assembly are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Victor Taracila, Fraser Robb, Aleksey Zemskov, Vijayanand Alagappan, Miguel Navarro
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Patent number: 8076939Abstract: A system and method for producing an image indicative of characteristics of a radiofrequency (“RF”) coil with a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system is disclosed. The method includes acquiring MR signals while performing a pulse sequence with the MRI system and driving the RF coil at a selected transmission power. This process is repeated a plurality of times to drive the RF coil at a different transmission powers during each repetition. A plurality of images are reconstructed from the acquired MR signals and an image indicative of RF reception characteristics of the RF coil is produced from the reconstructed images. Subsequently, an image indicative of RF transmission characteristics of the RF coil is produced using the image indicative of the RF receiver response. More specifically, only one data acquisition is necessary for each RF coil element to produce the image indicative of the RF transmission characteristics for that coil element.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2009Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Kawin Setsompop, Elfar Adalsteinsson, Vijayanand Alagappan, Lawrence Wald
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Publication number: 20110267061Abstract: A balun assembly includes a body portion having an opening extending therethrough, the opening sized to receive at least one radio-frequency (RF) cable therethrough, the RF cable transmitting a signal therethrough a signal having a wavelength, and a balun disposed within the body portion, the balun being folded to form a plurality of layers, the combined length of the layers being approximately equal to a quarter wavelength of the signal transmitted through the RF cable. A method of fabricating a balun assembly and an MRI system including a balun are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2010Publication date: November 3, 2011Inventors: Victor Taracila, Fraser Robb, Aleksey Zemskov, Vijayanand Alagappan
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Publication number: 20110267165Abstract: An inductor assembly includes a substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, a first spiral electrical conductor formed on the first surface, a second spiral electrical conductor formed on the second surface, at least one opening extending through the first and second surfaces, and a metallic pin configured to be inserted in the opening, the pin coupling the first conductor to the second conductor. An RF coil including the inductor assembly and a method of fabricating an inductor assembly are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2010Publication date: November 3, 2011Inventors: Victor Taracila, Fraser Robb, Aleksey Zemskov, Vijayanand Alagappan, Miguel Navarro, Robert Minnich
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Publication number: 20100289494Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for using a hardware-based compression of signals acquired with an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. This allows a first multi-channel MR signal to be compressed to a second multi-channel MR signal having fewer channels than the first MR signal. This system and method reduces the number of RF receivers needed to achieve the sensitivity encoding benefits associated with highly parallel detection in MRI. Furthermore, the system and method reduces bottlenecks connection an MRI system's RF receiver and reconstruction computer and reduces the computational burden of image reconstruction.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2010Publication date: November 18, 2010Inventors: Lawrence L. Wald, Vijayanand Alagappan, Jonathan R. Polimeni
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Publication number: 20100156411Abstract: A method for producing a spatially and spectrally selective radiofrequency (“RF”) excitation pulse includes establishing a desired spatial RF excitation pattern and establishing a desired spectral RF excitation pattern. The method also includes estimating an RF transmission profile map indicative of the transmission characteristics of an RF coil and determining, from the desired spatial and spectral excitation patterns and the estimated RF transmission profile map, at least one magnetic field gradient waveform indicative of locations in k-space to which RF energy is to be deposited. The method further includes determining, from the established spatial and spectral excitation patterns, the estimated RF transmission profile map, and the determined at least one gradient waveform, at least one RF excitation pulse waveform that will produce the desired spatial and spectral excitation patterns.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2009Publication date: June 24, 2010Inventors: Kawin Setsompop, Borjan A. Gagoski, Elfar Adalsteinsson, Vijayanand Alagappan, Lawrence L. Wald