Determine Fluid Flow Rate Patents (Class 324/306)
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Patent number: 10031255Abstract: Methods are disclosed for characterizing samples containing a plurality of molecular species through the use of multi-dimensional spectra obtained by processing of measurements resulting from pulse sequences combining NMR spectroscopy and NMR relaxation techniques.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2014Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Yi-Qiao Song, Bernhard Bluemich
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Patent number: 9995610Abstract: A method for operating a nuclear magnetic flowmeter having a measuring device for determining the flow of the medium through the measuring tube, the measuring device having a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field permeating the medium and the measuring tube and for carrying out nuclear magnetic measurements of measuring volumes that are adjustable in position and size in the magnetic field. The nuclear magnetic measurements involve adjusting the size of the measuring volume, positioning the measuring volume, generating excitation signals for exciting the medium, transmitting excitation signals into the measuring volume and measuring echo signals caused by the excitation signals. Deposits on the inner wall of the measuring tube are determined from echo signals of all nuclear magnetic measurements assigned to the position of the measuring volume of the respective nuclear magnetic measurement and at least one abrupt change in the echo signals detected.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2015Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Krohne AGInventors: Cornelis Johannes Hogendoorn, Rutger Reinout Tromp
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Patent number: 9986966Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the determination of relative pressure fields from flow-sensitive data, the method comprising: applying a finite element discretization to the Pressure Poisson Equation (PPE): b = f + ?? ? ? u - ? ? ( ? u ? t + ( ( u - w ) · ? ) ? u ) where vecter b is a function of a given blood velocity data, u represents the velocity, w the reference velocity, t the time, f a volume force, p the pressure and ? and ? the fluid density and viscosity, respectively, and wherein the PPE is now defined as the divergence of the above equation and gives a higher order derivative of the pressure field p: ?p=?·b.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2013Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: OXFORD UNIVERSITY INNOVATION LIMITEDInventors: Sebastian Benedikt Sylvester Krittian, Nicolas Smith
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Patent number: 9977105Abstract: Restriction on echo intervals is to be reduced in the Dixon's method without sacrificing separation performance and image quality. An image is reconstructed from echo signals measured at three or more different echo times. First and second peak frequency distributions in which aliasing (folding) due to echo time intervals is removed are calculated from the obtained images, and the first and second peak frequency distributions are used to obtain an offset frequency distribution. Note that these first peak frequency distribution and second peak frequency distribution are a distribution of peak frequencies obtained on the assumption that all of the pixels are the first substance and a distribution of peak frequencies obtained on the assumption that all of the pixels are the second substance, respectively. The offset frequency distribution and the obtained images are used to separate an image of the first substance from an image of the second substance.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2013Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Toru Shirai, Yo Taniguchi, Hisaaki Ochi
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Patent number: 9977840Abstract: Computer-implemented processes for allowing a user with limited technical knowledge to easily design 3D models. The 3D models generated by such processes may be 3D printed, as the models are solid, which is necessary for 3D printing. Each of these computer-implemented processes takes a small amount of simplified user input and generates one of a number of different 3D models. More specifically, based on the user input, the computer-implemented processes automatically generate CAD primitives, and automatically perform certain CAD operations on those primitives, such that a 3D model is generated.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2013Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Inventor: Prem Makeig
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Patent number: 9953413Abstract: A method for automated classification of curve patterns associated with dynamic image data of a lesion in a subject in order to determine characteristics of the lesion. The method comprising the steps of loading the image data into an electronic memory means, producing a plot of signal intensity profile, converting the signal intensity profile into a contrast enhancement profile, detecting a reference enhancement profile having a highly positive slope over an initial enhancement period followed by a decreasing profile portion, deriving signature curve types based on the reference enhancement profile, classifying an enhancement curve for each pixel in a selected ROI into one of the derived signature curve types using all available time points and displaying a grid-plot of the classified enhancement curves for all pixels in the selected ROI, wherein the overall display of curves and heterogeneity provides visual indication of the characteristics of the lesion.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: APOLLO MEDICAL IMAGING TECHNOLOGY PTY. LTD.Inventor: Qing Yang
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Patent number: 9945923Abstract: In a method and apparatus for motion-corrected magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, MR data are acquired in a diagnostic scan in respective portions, and between each portion of acquired diagnostic data, a navigator scan is implemented wherein navigator data are acquired simultaneously in multiple slices in a navigator sub-volume that is less than the volume of the acquisition volume. A reference scan is acquired before beginning the diagnostic scan, and the navigator data in the sub-volumes are acquired between the acquisition of the portions of the MR data in the diagnostic scan. Between each acquisition portion, a motion-correction algorithm is executed, wherein the navigator data of the sub-volume is compared only to corresponding image data in the reference scan, and, if necessary, a motion-correction instruction is generated that is used for the acquisition of the next diagnostic data portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Thomas Beck, Himanshu Bhat
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Patent number: 9933502Abstract: A preparation sequencing system and methods are disclosed for generating curvilinear taglines of altered magnetization in an imaging plane of an NMR image. A preparation sequencing module is disclosed for generating a sinusoidal gradient signal simultaneously with a continuous a radio frequency (RF) signal, wherein the sinusoidal gradient signal is shaped to generate a rotating on-resonance excitation plane such that each point in the imaged target volume is on-resonance at least once in a period corresponding to one full rotation of the excitation plane. The on-resonance excitation plane is configured to simultaneously generate a plurality of curvilinear or circular taglines of altered magnetization in the imaging plane.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2013Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventor: Abbas Nasiraei Moghaddam
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Patent number: 9897674Abstract: In a method and magnetic resonance apparatus to determine a B0 field map describing the local deviation from a nominal Larmor frequency of the magnetic resonance apparatus, magnetic resonance data are acquired at at least two different dephasing times after an excitation, in measurements implemented at two different echo times whose difference forms a dephasing time, and a phase change used to determine the B0 field map is determined from a difference of phases measured at different echo times. The phase changes of different dephasing times are evaluated to at least partially reduce an ambiguity due to Nyquist phase wrapping. The measurements for different dephasing times are implemented at least in part with excitations that generate different excitation fields.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2014Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Hans-Peter Fautz
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Patent number: 9880249Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a method for determining distortion-reduced magnetic resonance data in a subarea of a magnetic resonance system located along a radial direction of the magnetic resonance system at the edge of a field of view of the magnetic resonance system. The method includes positioning the object to be examined at a first and a second position along an axial direction of the magnetic resonance system and acquiring first magnetic resonance data in the subarea at the first position and acquiring second magnetic resonance data in the same subarea at the second position. The method also includes determining distortion-reduced magnetic resonance data based on the first and second magnetic resonance data.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2013Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Jan Ole Blumhagen, Stephan Kannengieβer
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Patent number: 9864033Abstract: A pure phase encode measurement method where the FID signal is encoded by a brief pure phase encode magnetic field gradient pulse. Data collection occurs once the gradient is turned off. Multiple free induction decay points acquired are identically encoded such that a full k space data set is acquired for each FID point. Fourier transformation of these data sets generates one, two or three dimensional images with consistent fields of view. The image series which results may be fit to a T2* decay function and the T2* magnetic resonance (“MR”) lifetime mapped. Fluid content (proton density) images may also be generated by this simple fitting procedure.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: University of New BrunswickInventors: Florea Marica, Bruce Balcom
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Patent number: 9846213Abstract: In a method according to optimize the noise development of a 3D gradient echo sequence in a magnetic resonance system, an optimization of at least one parameter of the gradient echo sequence, from the group including: the excitation pulse (the duration of the excitation pulse); the order of k-space lines to be scanned in k-space; and the readout direction of the k-space lines to be scanned in k-space, is implemented such that the gradients to be switched have optimally minimal slew rates, amplitudes and/or polarity changes.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: David Grodzki, Vladimir Jellus
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Patent number: 9841479Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive an operation of setting an application condition concerning a local excitation pulse that is a radio frequency (RF) pulse for local excitation applied to a local region different from an imaging region; generate a waveform of the local excitation pulse based on the application condition; and set an imaging condition such that an index value calculated from the waveform of the local excitation pulse does not exceed a limit value.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2014Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventor: Masashi Ookawa
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Patent number: 9835484Abstract: A nuclear magnetic flowmeter (1) for determining the flow of a medium flowing through a measuring tube (2), having a magnetic field generator (3) having permanent magnets for generating a magnetic field interfusing the medium over a magnetic field section LM, having a pre-magnetization section LVM located within the magnetic field section LM and having a measuring device also located in the magnetic field section LM including a coil-shaped antenna (4) with the length L1 serving as a measuring antenna. At least one coil-shaped antenna (5) is provided in the pre-magnetization section LVM for generating a pulse or pulse sequence spoiling the magnetization of the medium in the direction of the magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2015Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: Krohne AGInventors: Cornelis Johannes Hogendoorn, Marco Leendert Zoeteweij, Olaf Jean Paul Bousché, Rutger Reinout Tromp, Lucas Matias Ceferino Cerioni
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Patent number: 9804243Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of an embodiment includes: an imaging condition setting section configured to set an imaging condition for a main scan, a preparatory scan performing section configured to repeat a preparatory scan to be performed by the use of the imaging condition for a main scan and a changeably inputted center frequency so as to generate a preparatory image in real time, a display section on which the preparatory image can be displayed in real time, an optimum center frequency setting section configured to change the center frequency so as to change a situation in which a banding artifact appears and configured to set an optimum center frequency according to a user operation based on an observation of the preparatory image, and a main scan performing section configured to reconstruct an image for a diagnosis by using the optimum center frequency having been set.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2014Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventors: Shinichi Kitane, Masashi Ookawa, Kazuhiro Sueoka
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Patent number: 9804242Abstract: In a method and apparatus for time-resolved phase-contrast magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with speed encoding, MR signals are detected with multiple receivers in each of numerous time segments in order to acquire raw data in each of the time segments, in each case for numerous MR images with different speed encodings. Stationary image points and/or non-stationary image points are identified, dependent on the detected MR signals. A mask is defined, dependent on the identified stationary image points and/or the non-stationary image points, wherein the mask is locally variable. The numerous MR images for the numerous time segments are reconstructed from the acquired raw data, wherein the reconstruction occurs in an iterative process and with a temporal regularization, which is dependent on the mask.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2014Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Jana Hutter, Peter Schmitt
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Patent number: 9766316Abstract: The estimation accuracy of a magnetic susceptibility value of tissue is improved by computing an edge image which represents the edge of the tissue on a magnetic susceptibility distribution and to reduce background noise without lowering the magnetic susceptibility value of the tissue. The present invention computes an absolute value image and a phase image from a complex image obtained by MRI, from the phase image, computes a low frequency region magnetic susceptibility image in which background noise is greater than a desired value, computes an edge information magnetic susceptibility image and computes a high frequency region magnetic susceptibility image, computes an edge mask from the edge information magnetic susceptibility image, smooths a magic angle region from the edge mask and the low frequency region magnetic susceptibility image and finally smooths a high frequency region using the high frequency region magnetic susceptibility image.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2012Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Ryota Sato, Toru Shirai, Yo Taniguchi, Yoshihisa Soutome, Yoshitaka Bito
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Patent number: 9759797Abstract: Systems and methods for motion sensitized and motion suppressed quantitative imaging of a subject are provided as a train of interlaced radio frequency (RF) and magnetic field gradient pulses. Non-selective Delay Alternating with Nutation for Tailored Excitation (DANTE) pulse trains may be used in combination with gradient pulses and short repetition times as motion-sensitive preparation modules. In one or more embodiments, the systems and methods may use a train of low flip angle radio frequency (RF) pulses in combination with a blipped field gradient pulse between each RF pulse, repeated regularly. While the longitudinal magnetization of static tissue is mostly preserved, moving spins are largely (or fully) suppressed since they fail to establish transverse steady state due to a spoiling effect caused by flow along the applied gradient.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: OXFORD UNIVERSITY INNOVATION LIMITEDInventors: Linqing Li, Peter Jezzard
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Patent number: 9739861Abstract: An MRI scanner may include one or more gradient waveform generators, gradient amplifiers, gradient coils, an RF waveform generator, an RF amplifier, an RF coil, a superconducting magnet, an RF detector; a digitizer, and a computer system that controls the one or more gradient waveform generators and the RF waveform generator so as to generate a magnetization saturation preparation pulse sequence that includes a tip-down pulse that is insensitive to RF field inhomogeneity followed by a tip-back pulse that employs a conjugate symmetry constraint in its energy spectrum.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2013Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: University of Southern CaliforniaInventors: Travis B. Smith, Krishna S. Nayak
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Patent number: 9739859Abstract: A method and control device operate a magnetic resonance system in order to execute a first pulse sequence that includes an excitation phase and an acquisition phase. In the excitation phase, a first gradient is applied in a gradient direction to generate a spatially dependent basic magnetic field. A selective radio-frequency excitation pulse is executed, wherein the selective radio-frequency excitation pulse excites a first material and does not excite a second material in a first partial region of an examination volume, and wherein the selective radio-frequency excitation pulse does not excite the first material and excites the second material in a second partial region of the examination volume. In the acquisition phase, non-selective refocusing pulses are executed in order to acquire raw data of the first and second partial region of the examination volume, which acquisition is spatially coded along the gradient direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2013Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Theresa Bachschmidt, Hans-Peter Fautz, Rene Gumbrecht, Dominik Paul
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Patent number: 9709641Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus that calculates a susceptibility map using a weighting image that reflects a phase variation with high accuracy. The weighting image is calculated from a phase image obtained from a complex image obtained by MRI. First, a region used in calculation of the phase variation is set as a calculation region, and then, a standard deviation or a variance of pixel values of the phase image in the calculation region is set as the phase variation. Further, the phase variation is converted into a weight that monotonically decreases in a broad sense as the phase variation increases to obtain the weighting image.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2014Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Ryota Sato, Toru Shirai, Yo Taniguchi, Hisaaki Ochi, Yoshitaka Bito
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Patent number: 9702972Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system (100) includes a transducer array (102) that emits an ultrasound beam and produces at least one transverse pulse-echo field that oscillates in a direction transverse to the emitted ultrasound beam and that receive echoes produced in response thereto and a spectral velocity estimator (110) that determines a velocity spectrum for flowing structure, which flows at an angle of 90 degrees and flows at angles less than 90 degrees with respect to the emitted ultrasound beam, based on the received echoes.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2012Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: B-K Medical ApsInventor: Jorgen Arendt Jensen
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Patent number: 9696400Abstract: A method and a pulse sequence optimization device to optimize a pulse sequence for a magnetic resonance system, wherein the pulse sequence includes at least one refocusing pulse, one slice selection gradient pulse, and one gradient spoiler pulse. The pulse duration of the refocusing pulse is shortened, and the pulse duration of the slice selection gradient pulse is adapted to the shortened pulse duration of the refocusing pulse. The amplitude of the slice selection gradient pulse is increased so that the same slice thickness is selected as before the shortening of the pulse duration of the refocusing pulse.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2013Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: David Grodzki, Mathias Nittka
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Patent number: 9689950Abstract: A system and method of self-calibrated correction for residual phase in phase-contrast magnetic resonance (PCMR) imaging data. The method includes receiving PCMR image data from an MR scanner system, segmenting static tissue from non-static cardiovascular elements of the image data, calculating a non-linear fitted-phase basis function, the non-linear fitted-phase basis function based on system artifacts of the PCMR system, adding the non-linear fitted-phase basis function to linear fit terms, and subtracting the result of the adding step from the PCMR imaging data. The system includes a PCMR scanning apparatus configured to provide PCMR image data, a scanner control circuit configured to control the scanning apparatus during image acquisition, the scanner control circuitry in communication with a control processor, the control processor configured to execute computer-readable instructions that cause the control processor to perform the method. A non-transitory computer-readable medium is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2014Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Christopher Judson Hardy, Anja Christina Sophie Brau, Ek Tsoon Tan
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Patent number: 9651643Abstract: A transmit coil system of a magnetic resonance system is exposed to high-frequency transmit pulses so that atomic nuclei of a predetermined type of atomic nucleus of an examination object introduced into an examination volume are excited by the high-frequency transmit pulses to emit magnetic resonance signals. A gradient magnetic system is exposed to gradient currents during the exposure of the examination volume to the high-frequency transmit pulses so that gradient magnetic fields are superimposed on a basic magnetic field generated by a basic magnet in the examination volume. The gradient currents and the high-frequency transmit pulses are matched to each other such that the atomic nuclei are exclusively those with a velocity lying within or outside a predetermined velocity range. The excitation is independent of variations in the Larmor frequency of the relevant type of atomic nucleus caused by inhomogeneities of the basic magnetic field and/or by chemical displacement.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2012Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Hans-Peter Fautz
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Patent number: 9638781Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, method and/or computer readable storage medium is configured to effect enhanced magnetic transfer (MT) effects and chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) effects. The configured techniques include irradiating an object in an MRI gantry by applying a sequence of magnetic transfer (MT) pulses over a range of different frequencies, and then applying an MR imaging sequence to the irradiated object.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2014Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventors: Mitsue Miyazaki, Cheng Ouyang, Xiangzhi Zhou
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Patent number: 9629563Abstract: A method and system for non-invasive assessment of renal artery stenosis is disclosed. A patient-specific anatomical model of at least a portion of the renal arteries and aorta is generated from medical image data of a patient. Patient-specific boundary conditions of a computational model of blood flow in the portion of the renal arteries and aorta are estimated based on the patient-specific anatomical model. Blood flow and pressure are simulated in the portion of the renal arteries and aorta using the computational model based on the patient-specific boundary conditions. At least one hemodynamic quantity characterizing functional severity of a renal stenosis region is calculated based on the simulated blood flow and pressure in the portion of the renal arteries and aorta.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2014Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbHInventors: Puneet Sharma, Saikiran Rapaka, Viorel Mihalef, Ali Kamen
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Patent number: 9625547Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method for the quantification of the longitudinal (T1) and/or transverse (T2) relaxation times in a sample. According to the MRI method, a sample is subjected to an unbalanced steady state free precession (SSFP) sequence comprising a series of consecutive radiofrequency (RF) pulses. By means of the unbalanced SSFP sequence, a first order SSFP FID signal (F1), a lowest order SSFP FID signal (F0), and a lowest order SSFP Echo signal (F?1) are acquired. Based on the F0-signal, the F1-signal and the F?1-signal, the longitudinal (T1) and/or transverse (T2) relaxation times of the sample are determined.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2013Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: UNIVERSITATSSPITAL BASELInventors: Rahel Heule, Oliver Bieri
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Patent number: 9625548Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system for intracranial vessel wall imaging. The MRI system includes a radio frequency (RF) coil system to irradiate radio frequency (RF) pulses into a region of interest and detect a plurality of RF response signals, and a signal processing unit adapted to analyze the plurality of RF response signals. The RF coil system arranges the RF pulses in a pulse sequence including an excitation pulse and refocusing pulses which induce corresponding flip angles. A minimum flip angle is in the range of 30 degrees to 65 degrees, and a maximum flip angle is in the range of 100 degrees to 150 degrees. The signal processing unit analyzes the RF response signals with a three-dimensional isotropic resolution of 500 cubic microns or less and orders the RF response signals in k-space to enhance contrast between intracranial vessel wall tissue and cerebrospinal fluid or blood.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2013Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITYInventors: Bruce A. Wasserman, Ye Qiao
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Patent number: 9619882Abstract: There is disclosed a novel form of imaging referred to in this disclosure as “correlated diffusion imaging” or CDI in which the tissue being imaged is characterized by a joint correlation of diffusion signal attenuation across multiple gradient pulse strengths and timings. Advantageously, by taking into account signal attenuation at different water diffusion motion sensitivities, correlated diffusion imaging can provide significantly improved delineation between cancerous tissue and healthy tissue when compared to existing diffusion imaging modalities. In an embodiment, the method comprises performing quantitative evaluation using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, tissue class separability analysis, and visual assessment to study correlated diffusion imaging for the task of identification of biological tissue of interest.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2014Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Inventor: Alexander Sheung Lai Wong
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Patent number: 9606211Abstract: A first off resonance radio frequency (RF) pulse and a second off resonance RF pulse having a phase difference of 180 degrees from the first off resonance RF pulse are applied, one or more auxiliary gradient magnetic fields for offsetting inhomogeneity of a main magnetic field generated by applying the first and second off resonance RF pulses are applied, and magnitudes and signs of the auxiliary gradient magnetic fields are appropriately adjusted. Therefore, artifacts generated due to inhomogeneity of a main magnetic field in an imaging method using an off resonance RF pulse may be removed. When this method is applied to an imaging method using a spatial pre-saturation RF pulse, the phenomenon in which spins excited by the pre-saturation RF pulse are excited again by the off resonance RF pulse to return signals, such that undesired signals overlap and appear in an ultimately-obtained signal, may be removed.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Gachon University of Industry-Academic cooperation FoundationInventors: Jun Young Chung, Hyun Wook Park
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Patent number: 9594138Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes a calculation unit and an imaging unit. The calculation unit calculates an inversion time for imaging by analyzing frames of image data or magnetic resonance signals acquired from an object. The frames of the image data or the magnetic resonance signals are acquired in response to inversion times which are different with each other and set based on a inversion recovery method. The imaging unit performs the imaging under the inversion recovery method using the inversion time calculated for the imaging.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2012Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventor: Shigehide Kuhara
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Patent number: 9581667Abstract: In a multi-echo measurement sequence with the goal of optimizing the spatial resolution given predetermined time difference between successive gradient echoes, gradient pulse parameters are set depending on a defined ratio between a predetermined time difference between echo times and a quotient of a predetermined maximum gradient pulse amplitude and a predetermined maximum gradient pulse rate-of-change.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2014Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Alto Stemmer
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Patent number: 9572493Abstract: A method, a computer program product and a computer-readable storage medium are disclosed for displaying signal values of a combined magnetic resonance positron emission tomography device. In at least one embodiment, the spatial correspondence of signal values, which result from a magnetic resonance measurement, and of signal values, which result from a positron emission tomography measurement, are used and the corresponding signal values are arranged in matrix form and displayed graphically as a multi-dimensional scatter plot.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2014Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Matthias Fenchel, Björn Heismann, Kirstin Jattke, Ralf Ladebeck, Sebastian Schmidt
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Patent number: 9573607Abstract: A continuous scanning side laser detector system and method for real time, instantaneous accurate speed and direction measurement of a slow moving bulk material transport vehicle through a bulk material processing station.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2014Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Kanawha Scales & Systems, Inc.Inventors: Duane Lee Bennett, Robert Emil Barker, Jr., James Troy Foley
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Patent number: 9523749Abstract: At least two chemical species are imaged using magnetic resonance imaging with signal separation for the two chemical species. The method includes acquiring first and second echo data at different echo times resulting in a first and second acquired complex dataset, —modelling the first and second acquired dataset, said modelling comprising a spectral signal model of at least one of the chemical species, —identifying in the first and second acquired dataset the voxels for which the modelling yields a single, unambiguous mathematical solution for the signal separation, and —resolving the ambiguity for the voxels for which the modelling yields more than one mathematical solution, if any such voxels remain.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2011Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventor: Holger Eggers
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Patent number: 9523754Abstract: A method for generating an image by using a medical imaging apparatus includes acquiring first slab data which relates to a first imaging slab, acquiring second slab data which relates to a second imaging slab at a position which is different from a position of the first imaging slab, and generating a restored image by using data from among the acquired first slab data and data from among the acquired second slab data in slices which correspond to a same position on an object.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2014Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignees: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD., KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Hyun-wook Park, Jae-moon Jo, Joon-sung Choi, Ye-ji Han
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Patent number: 9513356Abstract: In order to improve contrast and image quality in non-orthogonal measurement without sacrificing speed, in imaging which combines a fast imaging sequence for acquiring a plurality of echo signals in one shot with non-orthogonal system measurement, the shape of a blade in which an echo train of each shot is arranged includes a fan-shaped region having the radius and the arc of a circle centered on the origin of the k space, and a region overlapping an adjacent blade. During measurement, control is performed such that an echo signal for desired TE of each blade is arranged in a low spatial frequency region of a k space, and during image reconstruction, body motion between the blades is corrected using data of the overlapping regions.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2012Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.Inventors: Yasuhiro Kamada, Masahiro Takizawa
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Patent number: 9500734Abstract: In a method and magnetic resonance (MR) system to generate an MR phase contrast angiography image of an examination subject, velocity-dependent phase information is impressed on moving spins in the examination subject by switching additional bipolar coding gradients that are in addition to the basic phase coding and readout gradients. For the creation of the MR phase contrast angiography images, the MR signals of the examination subject are read out in raw data space with a non-Cartesian acquisition pattern during a readout gradient. The additional bipolar coding gradients switched such that they proceed along a coordinate system that corresponds to the non-Cartesian acquisition pattern, and such that a coordinate axis of this coordinate system proceed along the readout gradient.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2013Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Andreas Greiser, Peter Schmitt
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Patent number: 9500733Abstract: A method obtains main magnetic field information and radio frequency (RF) pulse related information in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, in which a pulse having a first flip angle and a pulse having a second flip angle are transmitted to a target object at predetermined time intervals. The method includes: obtaining at least one first response signal with respect to the pulse, having the first flip angle, from the target object; obtaining at least one second response signal, with respect to the pulse having the second flip angle, from the target object; and combining the at least one first response signal and the at least one second response signal to obtain the main magnetic field information and the RF pulse related information.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2013Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, Yonsei UniversityInventors: Dong-hyun Kim, Joon-sung Lee, Na-rae Choi, Min-oh Kim
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Patent number: 9498139Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, method and/or computer readable storage medium is configured to effect QISS (quiescent interval single shot) MR imaging (e.g., MR angiography or MRA) where an optimized flip angle for one or more initial saturation pulses minimizes background signal from tissue and/or venous blood. Upon expiration of first configurable time interval from a start of a scan interval, at least one saturation pulse having a flip angle greater than ninety degrees is applied so that longitudinal magnetization of background tissue and venous blood in the selected area is approximately at a null value at the beginning of a readout time (occurring upon expiry of a second time interval) and/or when a lowest frequency of k-space data is acquired for the selected area.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2014Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventors: Xiangzhi Zhou, Mitsue Miyazaki
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Patent number: 9494665Abstract: A magnetic resonance method is disclosed. The method comprises applying to the sample a plurality of pairs of bipolar gradient pulse subsequences, acquiring a magnetic resonance signal from the sample, analyzing the signal, and issuing a report regarding the analysis.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2011Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Ramot at Tel-Aviv University Ltd.Inventors: Yoram Cohen, Noam Shemesh
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Patent number: 9483824Abstract: In one embodiment, an image analysis device (65) includes an acquisition unit (66) and an analysis unit (67). The acquisition unit acquires image data of a plurality of images of an imaging region of an object respectively imaged by magnetic resonance imaging before and after administration of contrast medium. The analysis unit calculates an estimated value of concentration of contrast medium per unit volume including air region by using a coefficient based on the image data before administration of contrast medium, in accordance with the image data of a plurality of images and a value related to relaxation rate or relaxation time before and after administration of contrast medium.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventor: Shigeharu Ohyu
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Patent number: 9482732Abstract: A method of image reconstruction for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes obtaining k-space scan data captured by the MRI system, the k-space scan data being representative of an undersampled region over time, iteratively reconstructing preliminary dynamic images for the undersampled region from the k-space scan data via optimization of a first instance of a minimization problem, the minimization problem including a regularization term weighted by a weighting parameter array, generating a motion determination indicative of an extent to which each location of the undersampled region exhibits motion over time based on the preliminary dynamic images, and iteratively reconstructing motion-compensated dynamic images for the region from the k-space scan data via optimization of a second instance of the minimization problem, the second instance having the weighting parameter array altered as a function of the motion determination.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Inventors: Nicolas Chesneau, Nirmal Janardhanan, Jun Liu, Mariappan S. Nadar, Qiu Wang, Zhili Yang
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Patent number: 9449071Abstract: In an embodiment, a method comprises dividing collected data into data clusters based on proximity of the data and adjusting the clusters based on density of data in individual clusters. Based on first data points in a first cluster, a first average point in the first cluster is determined. Based on second data points in a second cluster, a second average point in the second cluster is determined. Aggregate data, comprising the first average point and the second average point, are stored in storage. Upon receiving a request to provide data for a particular coordinate, the reconstructed data point is determined by interpolating between the first average point and the second average point at the particular coordinate. Accordingly, aggregated data may be stored and when a request specifies data that was not actually stored, a reconstructed data point with an approximated data value may be provided as a substitute.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2013Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Ying Liu, Shahrokh Sadjadi
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Patent number: 9442174Abstract: A method for manipulating magnetic resonance signals of a first chemical species and a second chemical species includes determining a time required to have spins of protons corresponding to the first chemical species acquire a phase shift of 90 degrees relative to spins of protons corresponding to second chemical species. A first pulse portion having a pulse amplitude and a first constant phase is defined. A second pulse portion having the pulse amplitude and a second constant phase, the second constant phase being different from said first constant phase by a multiple of 90 degrees is also defined. Next, a single continuous composite pulse is generated by concatenating the first pulse portion and the second pulse portion, wherein the single continuous composite pulse has a duration such that a time difference between center of the first pulse portion and center of the second pulse portion corresponds to the determined time.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventor: Wolfgang G Rehwald
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Patent number: 9442961Abstract: A system orders acquisition of frequency domain components representing MR image data for storage in a storage array (e.g., k-space). A storage array of individual data elements stores corresponding individual frequency components comprising an MR dataset. The array of individual data elements has a designated center and individual data elements individually have a radius to the designated center. A magnetic field generator generates a magnetic field for use in acquiring multiple individual frequency components corresponding to individual data elements in the storage array. The individual frequency components are successively acquired in an order in which radius of respective corresponding individual data elements increases and decreases as the multiple individual frequency components are sequentially acquired during acquisition of an MR dataset representing an MR image.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignees: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Peter Schmitt, Gerhard Laub, Yutaka Natsuaki, Randall Kroeker
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Patent number: 9380960Abstract: A method for non-contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (“MRA”) that has a short scan time and is insensitive to patient motion is provided. More particularly, the method provides significant arterial conspicuity and substantial venous signal suppression. A two-dimensional single shot acquisition is employed and timed to occur a specific time period after the occurrence of an R-wave in a contemporaneously recorded electrocardiogram. In this manner, k-space data is acquired that is substantially insensitive to variations in arterial flow velocity, or heart rate, and that further substantially suppresses unwanted venous signal in a prescribed imaging slice.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2015Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: Ghost Medical Technologies, LtdInventor: Robert Edelman
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Patent number: 9377348Abstract: A measuring system for measuring a physical quantity related to one of an electromagnetic wave and a magnetic field includes a vibration-type actuator, a waveform generating unit configured to generate a driving waveform signal of the vibration-type actuator, an optical transmitter unit configured to receive the driving waveform signal and convert the driving waveform signal into an optical signal, an optical receiver unit configured to receive the optical signal and convert the optical signal into an alternating-current voltage signal, and a drive circuit configured to receive the alternating-current voltage signal and apply the alternating-current voltage signal to the vibration-type actuator. The waveform generating unit and the optical transmitter unit are disposed outside a magnetic shield room.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2013Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kenichi Kataoka
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Patent number: 9371632Abstract: A non-invasive thermal dispersion flow meter with chronometric monitor for fluid leak detection includes a heater, an ambient temperature sensor and a flow rate sensor which are configured to sense the temperature of a fluid in a conduit, and then monitor the flow of that fluid through the conduit. The fluid flow sensor is incorporated into a Wheatstone bridge circuit which is used to provide increased sensitivity to the outputs of the sensors. Based upon the ambient temperature sensor readings, the flow rate sensor and heater may be adjusted to optimize the operation of the system to detect leaks. An alternative embodiment utilizes a single sensor and separate heater which work together to determine heat propagation times which in turn is used to calculate flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2015Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Sentinel Hydrosolutions, LLCInventor: Robert Trescott