With Homogeneity Control Patents (Class 324/320)
  • Patent number: 11885857
    Abstract: A cage with a fastening system (1) in a magnetic resonance device (MRD) is disclosed, said cage in an MRD comprising (a) M pole pieces (45) (M?2); (b) N side magnets (20) (N?2), said side magnets substantially enclosing said pole pieces and thereby defining a magnetic envelope and enclosed volume therein; (c) N side walls (10), said side walls substantially enclosing said side magnets; (d) P face walls (30) (P?2); and (e) a plurality of fastening rods (100); wherein each of said fastening rods physically interconnects at least one pair of side walls, passing through at least one of said side magnets and at least one of said pole pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Aspect Imaging Ltd.
    Inventor: Uri Rapoport
  • Patent number: 11707634
    Abstract: The invention pertains to advances in real-time methods in nuclear magnetic resonance by offering a new dual-frequency dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) method that uses a microwave beam to polarize the spins of electrons and concomitantly act as a NMR transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Elegant Mathematics LLC
    Inventors: Olena Ibragimova, Ilgiz Ibragimov
  • Patent number: 11446074
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided surgical system is provided that includes one or more surgical tools having components configured to develop reactive effects when exposed to MR signals generated by the MRI system. The system includes a control system that can determine whether the MR system is generating MR signals, and if the control system determines that the MR system is generating MR signals, mitigates the reactive effects of MR signals on components of the surgical tools. The system can include a cryoablation system with a cryoprobe having a probe shaft being made of a metallic material. If the control system determines that the MR system is generating MR signals, the control system can electrically disconnect the cryoprobe and/or ignore electrical signals generated by the electric heater in response to exposure to MR signals, and/or initiate a cooling operation of the probe shaft, whereby the cooling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: BIOCOMPATIBLES UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Daniel T. Kollmann, Timothy J. Davis, Satish Ramadhyani, Luan T. Chan
  • Patent number: 11418058
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a wireless charging system, a determining method and device for a charging region, and an electronic device. The wireless charging system can include a wireless charging base and an electronic device. The wireless charging base includes a cylindrical magnet disposed axially along a thickness of the wireless charging base. The electronic device includes a charging coil component, a compass sensor which is configured to detect magnetic field intensities of a magnetic field generated by the cylindrical magnet in a first direction and in a second direction. The first direction is an axial direction of the cylindrical magnet and is perpendicular to the second direction. The electronic device further includes a processor configured to determine, according to the magnetic field intensities in the first direction and in the second direction, a charging region formed by the cylindrical magnet and adapted to the charging coil component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chaoxi Chen
  • Patent number: 11380463
    Abstract: A superconducting coil according to the present disclosure includes: a substrate having a first surface and a second surface; a superconducting layer having a third surface and a fourth surface; respective stabilization layers; and respective protective layers. The second surface is opposite to the first surface. The fourth surface is opposite to the third surface. The superconducting layer is disposed on the substrate such that the third surface faces the second surface. The respective stabilization layers are disposed on the first surface and the fourth surface. The respective protective layers are disposed on the stabilization layers. Adhesion strength between each of the stabilization layers and each of the protective layers is lower than strength of the superconducting layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Yamaguchi, Tatsuoki Nagaishi, Masaya Konishi
  • Patent number: 11336192
    Abstract: A three-phase power apparatus with bidirectional power conversion applied to charge a battery of an electric vehicle. The three-phase charging apparatus includes an AC-to-DC conversion unit, a first DC bus, a first DC-to-DC conversion unit, a second DC bus, and a second DC-to-DC conversion unit. The first DC bus is coupled to the AC-to-DC conversion unit. The first DC-to-DC conversion unit includes an isolated transformer, a resonant tank, a first bridge arm assembly, and a second bridge arm assembly. The first bridge arm assembly is coupled to the first DC bus and a primary side of the isolated transformer. The second bridge arm assembly is coupled a secondary side of the isolated transformer. The second DC bus is coupled to the second bridge arm assembly. The second DC-to-DC conversion unit is coupled to the second DC bus and the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS
    Inventors: Wen-Lung Huang, Sheng-Hua Li
  • Patent number: 11300643
    Abstract: Some implementations provide a system that includes: a housing having a bore in which a subject to be image is placed; a main magnet configured to generate a volume of magnetic field within the bore, the volume of magnetic field having inhomogeneity below a defined threshold; one or more gradient coils configured to linearly vary the volume of magnetic field as a function of spatial location; one or more pulse generating coils configured to generate and apply radio frequency (RF) pulses to the volume of magnetic field in sequence to scan the portion of the subject; one or more shim gradient coils configured to perturb a spatial distribution of the linearly varying volume of magnetic field; and a control unit configured to operate the gradient coils, pulse generating coils, and shim gradient coils such that only the user-defined region within the volume of magnetic field is imaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: SYNAPTIVE MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Jeff Alan Stainsby, Chad Tyler Harris
  • Patent number: 11294006
    Abstract: A method of producing a permanent magnet shim configured to improve a profile of a B0 magnetic field produced by a B0 magnet is provided. The method comprises determining deviation of the B0 magnetic field from a desired B0 magnetic field, determining a magnetic pattern that, when applied to magnetic material, produces a corrective magnetic field that corrects for at least some of the determined deviation, and applying the magnetic pattern to the magnetic material to produce the permanent magnet shim. According to some aspects, a permanent magnet shim for improving a profile of a B0 magnetic field produced by a B0 magnet is provided. The permanent magnet shim comprises magnetic material having a predetermined magnetic pattern applied thereto that produces a corrective magnetic field to improve the profile of the B0 magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Hyperfine Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Cedric Hugon, Michael Stephen Poole, Tyler S. Ralston
  • Patent number: 11296609
    Abstract: A three-phase power apparatus with bidirectional power conversion applied to charge a battery of an electric vehicle. The three-phase charging apparatus includes an AC-to-DC conversion unit, a first DC bus, a first DC-to-DC conversion unit, a second DC bus, and a second DC-to-DC conversion unit. The first DC bus is coupled to the AC-to-DC conversion unit. The first DC-to-DC conversion unit includes an isolated transformer, a resonant tank, a first bridge arm assembly, and a second bridge arm assembly. The first bridge arm assembly is coupled to the first DC bus and a primary side of the isolated transformer. The second bridge arm assembly is coupled a secondary side of the isolated transformer. The second DC bus is coupled to the second bridge arm assembly. The second DC-to-DC conversion unit is coupled to the second DC bus and the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS
    Inventors: Wen-Lung Huang, Sheng-Hua Li
  • Patent number: 11218023
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a recloser control that detects islanding based on a continuous analysis of frequency and rate of change of frequency. For example, a recloser control may include protection circuitry that is communicatively coupled to a recloser. The recloser control may receive measurements of an electrical characteristic in an electric power delivery system. The recloser control may determine frequency (F) and a rate of change of frequency (ROCOF) based on the received measurements. The recloser control may detect islanding of a microgrid in the electric power delivery system based at least in part on F and ROCOF. The recloser control may send a signal to the recloser to trip the recloser based on the islanding of the microgrid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M Manson, Craig Thompson
  • Patent number: 11156685
    Abstract: The clinical analyzers automatically electronically monitor selected parameters and automatically electronically adjust parameters to maintain the analyzer within desired operational ranges. The clinical NMR analyzers can be configured as a networked system with a plurality of clinical NMR analyzers located at different use sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Liposcience, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Otvos, Elias J. Jeyarajah, Stephen Markham, Steven P. Matyus, David R. Morgan, Bruce D. Silberman, Donald R. Deuel
  • Patent number: 11075027
    Abstract: A permanent magnet assembly for generating a homogenous and intense magnetic field includes can be adjusted for both transverse and axial gradients after completed assembly while field inhomogeneity is being measured. Gaps between pole piece bodies and pole tips are adjustable to adjust the transverse and axial gradients in a space between the pole tips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Inventors: John C. Price, Hilton W. Chan
  • Patent number: 10945631
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a magnet assembly for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system. The assembly includes a yoke having a frame member movably positioned by a magnet movement unit. A first arm extends laterally from a first end of the frame member and includes a first magnet-pole assembly having a first central axis. A second arm extends laterally from a second end of the frame member and includes a second magnet-pole assembly. The second magnet-pole assembly includes a second central axis and configured to orient towards with the first magnet-pole assembly while maintaining a gap therebetween, for positioning a body portion for magnetization. A first and a second clamp member are each mounted about a peripheral side surface of the magnet-pole assemblies, respectively. The clamp members are configured to attenuate a leakage flux emanating from the magnet pole assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Sigwa Company, LLC
    Inventor: Fengling Zhang
  • Patent number: 10908242
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes an interface, processing circuitry, and imaging control circuitry. The interface inputs, to a locator image, a position-indicating region indicating a position in a displayed cross section. The processing circuitry determines a collection direction relating to multi-slice imaging based on a static magnetic field distribution relating to the position-indicating region and the position-indicating region. The imaging control circuitry performs the multi-slice imaging in the collection direction to a plurality of slices in an imaging region which includes at least the position-indicating region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: CANON MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shuhei Nitta, Nobuyasu Ichinose, Hiroshi Takai, Naho Imamura
  • Patent number: 10866294
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes processing circuitry calculating a 0-order shimming value for correcting 0-order components of inhomogeneity of a static magnetic field of a collection region in a multi-slice collection for each of slices in the collection region, first-order shimming values for correcting first-order components of the inhomogeneity for each of the slices in the collection region, and multiple-order shimming values for correcting second or higher-order components of the inhomogeneity over the entire of the collection region, by using a distribution of the static magnetic field in the collection region, and imaging control circuitry performing the multi-slice collection to the collection region by using the 0-order, first-order, and multiple-order shimming values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Shuhei Nitta, Takashi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10854374
    Abstract: Disclosed is a motor vehicle solenoid valve (10). The solenoid valve includes a fixed body (20) intended to be mounted in a hydraulic system of the vehicle, a cylindrical coil supporting unit (40) mounted on the fixed body, a mobile body (30) slidingly mounted in the fixed body through the coil supporting unit and at least a first coil winding (50) arranged about the coil supporting unit and suitable for generating a magnetic field for control of the sliding of the mobile body. The solenoid valve further includes a second coil winding (60) arranged about the first coil winding in order to contain the magnetic field generated by the first coil winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignees: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE FRANCE, CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventor: Philippe Lehue
  • Patent number: 10823797
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for spatial encoding in magnetic resonance tomography using a radio frequency signal are provided. A first set of parameters from a first frequency and from a first amplitude, and from a second frequency and a second amplitude is determined by the magnetic resonance tomograph, and corresponding signals are generated by a radio frequency device and transmitted by an antenna apparatus. A first gradient above the Larmor frequency of the nuclear spins is generated by the Bloch-Siegert effect. The same thing ensues with a second set of parameters that differs from the first set of parameters at least in one frequency or amplitude and therefore generates a second, different gradient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Gmbh
    Inventors: Markus Vester, Ralf Kartäusch, Matthias Gebhardt, Peter Speier
  • Patent number: 10813564
    Abstract: According to some aspects a system is provided comprising a low-field magnetic resonance (MR) device, at least one electrophysiological device, and at least one controller configured to operate the low-field MR device to obtain MR data and to operate the at least one electrophysiological device to obtain electrophysiological data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Hyperfine Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Scot Rosen, Gregory L. Charvat, Laura Sacolick, Mathieu Sarracanie, Jonathan M. Rothberg, Tyler S. Ralston
  • Patent number: 10788557
    Abstract: In a method for creating a pulse sequence for controlling a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus as part of a CAIPIRINHA readout method for generating magnetic resonance image data of an examination object, two or more readout gradients and encoding gradients are used, wherein a readout gradient is positioned on a gradient axis and an encoding gradient is positioned on another gradient axis so as to occur simultaneously with the readout gradient. The encoding gradient has a periodic waveform. This positioning is repeated at different times in the pulse sequence, with the sampling density of a readout gradient being varied during a readout process, and/or the amplitude of the encoding gradients and/or of the readout gradients being varied for different readout processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventor: Mario Zeller
  • Patent number: 10782371
    Abstract: A nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) apparatus includes a pair of permanent magnets spaced apart from each other and defining a sample space, the permanent magnets providing a magnetic field in the sample space, an array of magnetic field sensors arranged relative to the sample space to provide, during operation, information about a homogeneity of the magnetic field, an array of magnetic coils arranged relative to the sample space so that each magnetic coil, during operation, generates a magnetic field that changes the magnetic field in the sample space, and an electronic controller programmed to receive information about the magnetic field from the array of magnetic field sensors and to variably energize the magnetic coils in the array of magnetic coils so that the magnetic fields generated by the array of magnetic coils reduces inhomogeneities of the magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: Dominico P. Julian, Pascal Pawel Stang
  • Patent number: 10775454
    Abstract: According to some aspects, a portable magnetic resonance imaging system is provided, comprising a magnetics system having a plurality of magnetics components configured to produce magnetic fields for performing magnetic resonance imaging. The magnetics system comprises a permanent B0 magnet configured to produce a B0 field for the magnetic resonance imaging system, and a plurality of gradient coils configured to, when operated, generate magnetic fields to provide spatial encoding of emitted magnetic resonance signals, a power system comprising one or more power components configured to provide power to the magnetics system to operate the magnetic resonance imaging system to perform image acquisition, and a base that supports the magnetics system and houses the power system, the base comprising at least one conveyance mechanism allowing the portable magnetic resonance imaging system to be transported to different locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Hyperfire Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Stephen Poole, Cedric Hugon, Hadrien A. Dyvorne, Laura Sacolick, William J. Mileski, Jeremy Christopher Jordan, Alan B. Katze, Jr., Jonathan M. Rothberg, Todd Rearick, Christopher Thomas McNulty
  • Patent number: 10775460
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance (MR)-radiotherapy (RT) hybrid system for treating a patient is disclosed. The MR-RT hybrid system includes a radiation source for supplying a radiation beam to treat the patient and an MR imaging (MRI) apparatus for generating a divergent gradient field shaped to match a divergent geometry of the radiation beam of the radiation source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES
    Inventors: Keith Wachowicz, B. Gino Fallone, Brad Murray
  • Patent number: 10677617
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement includes a sensor element and a magnet module. The sensor element is configured to measure a magnetic field and is positioned within a shaft. The shaft is configured to shield the magnet module and the sensor element. The magnet module is configured to generate the magnetic field. The sensor element is at least partially positioned within the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Udo Ausserlechner, Leo Aichriedler, Peter Slama
  • Patent number: 10677862
    Abstract: A signal receiver for receiving signals produced by a magnetic resonance scanner from an examination subject has an operating circuit and a local coil assembly having at least two coils, wherein the operating circuit is used to individually activate at least one of the at least two coils, and the operating circuit is located inside an RF-shielded room surrounding the magnetic resonance scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Annemarie Hausotte, Hubertus Fischer
  • Patent number: 10656227
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance examination system is disclosed comprising a field probe system to measure the magnetic field distribution of the main magnetic field and gradient magnetic field. The measurements are made in an earlier configuration and yield the resultant magnetic field due to gradient switching or external causes. From the measured resultant magnetic field the response relation is derived and stored in the memory. The response relation from the memory is available for compensating activation of the gradient fields or correction in reconstruction for the response relation in reconstruction. This compensation or correction can be carried-out in a current configuration. Thus is the current configuration to field probes are needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Patrick Gross, Miha Fuderer
  • Patent number: 10591564
    Abstract: In some aspects, a method of operating a magnetic resonance imaging system comprising a B0 magnet and at least one thermal management component configured to transfer heat away from the B0 magnet during operation is provided. The method comprises providing operating power to the B0 magnet, monitoring a temperature of the B0 magnet to determine a current temperature of the B0 magnet, and operating the at least one thermal management component at less than operational capacity in response to an occurrence of at least one event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Hyperfine Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Rothberg, Jeremy Christopher Jordan, Michael Stephen Poole, Laura Sacolick, Todd Rearick, Gregory L. Charvat
  • Patent number: 10539637
    Abstract: According to some aspects, a portable magnetic resonance imaging system is provided, comprising a magnetics system having a plurality of magnetics components configured to produce magnetic fields for performing magnetic resonance imaging. The magnetics system comprises a permanent B0 magnet configured to produce a B0 field for the magnetic resonance imaging system, and a plurality of gradient coils configured to, when operated, generate magnetic fields to provide spatial encoding of emitted magnetic resonance signals, a power system comprising one or more power components configured to provide power to the magnetics system to operate the magnetic resonance imaging system to perform image acquisition, and a base that supports the magnetics system and houses the power system, the base comprising at least one conveyance mechanism allowing the portable magnetic resonance imaging system to be transported to different locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Hyperfine Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Stephen Poole, Cedric Hugon, Hadrien A. Dyvorne, Laura Sacolick, William J. Mileski, Jeremy Christopher Jordan, Alan B. Katze, Jr., Jonathan M. Rothberg, Todd Rearick, Christopher Thomas McNulty
  • Patent number: 10408903
    Abstract: The present invention provides a shimming method in which an electric current surface that is virtually placed so as to surround a measurement position is assumed from a magnetic field measurement value, in which an electric current distribution that reproduces a measurement magnetic field is reproduced through an electric current potential, and in which the reproduced magnetic field distribution is used. A magnetic moment or an electric current distribution that reproduces a magnetic field distribution obtained by a magnetic field measurement device is estimated on a predetermined closed surface, and, from the estimated magnetic moment or electric current distribution, a magnetic field distribution of an arbitrary point that exists in the closed surface is estimated. Then, on the basis of the estimated magnetic field distribution, a shim magnetic body distribution that produces a correction magnetic field for correcting the magnetic field distribution at the arbitrary point is output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsushi Abe, Kenji Sakakibara, Takuya Fujikawa, Hikaru Hanada
  • Patent number: 10156619
    Abstract: Static magnetic field inhomogeneity is reduced by measuring inhomogeneity of a static magnetic field distribution in an imaging space, evaluating a distribution of a correction magnetic field that should be generated by a correction magnetic field generating unit disposed in the vicinity of the imaging space based on the measured static magnetic field distribution, reducing the electric current value of the superconducting coil to a predetermined (greater than zero) low current value smaller than a rated current value, notifying an operator to set a correction magnetic field of the correction magnetic field generating unit to the correction magnetic field evaluated by calculation in a state where an electric current at the low current value is flowing in the superconducting coil and a low static magnetic field B_low is being generated, and repeating the above operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventor: Kenji Sakakibara
  • Patent number: 10006977
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a method for designing the arrangement of superconducting windings for an open MRI system capable of supporting the imaging sequences for CE-BMRI and to a method of coil fabrication that can make a practical magnet from the design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Peter McIntyre, Akhdiyor Sattarov
  • Patent number: 9846209
    Abstract: A homogenization device for homogenization of a magnetic field with an non-magnetic carrier and compensation elements formed of a magnetic material, the carrier having a carrier wall and the carrier wall surrounding a carrier interior, in the homogenization device located in the magnetic field the magnetic field penetrating into the carrier interior through a first carrier region of the carrier wall and emerging from the carrier interior through a second carrier region of the carrier wall and each of the compensation elements which are located on the carrier contributing to the homogenization of the magnetic field at least in the carrier interior. In the homogenization device, handling during homogenization is improved in that there are recesses in the carrier wall and in each of the recesses at least one of the compensation elements can be directly inserted and removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Krohne AG
    Inventors: Ariël de Graaf, Henry van der Linden, Jan Teunis Aart Pors, Jan-Willem Ramondt
  • Patent number: 9841476
    Abstract: To enable improved adjustment of at least one shim channel for magnetic resonance imaging of an examination region of an examination object by operation of a magnetic resonance apparatus that has a shim arrangement with a first shim channel volume having at least one first shim channel and a second shim channel volume having at least one second shim channel, the examination region is divided into multiple of sections, multiple first shim parameter sets are determined for the at least one first shim channel, with one first shim parameter set among the multiple first shim parameter sets being ascertained for each of the multiple sections, a second shim parameter set is ascertained for the at least one second shim channel, taking into account the ascertained multiple first shim parameter sets, and magnetic resonance image data of the examination region are acquired, but before this acquisition, the at least one second shim channel is adjusted using the second shim parameter set and the at least one first shim ch
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Alto Stemmer
  • Patent number: 9835701
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a displacer for reducing the consumption of a cryogen used in a superconductive magnet device. The displacer may occupy some space within the cryogen storage cavity or limit the cryogen into a relatively small space surrounding a superconductive coil in the cryogen storage cavity. The displacer may also include a displacer cavity that may be vacuum or contain a cryogen or another substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jianfeng Liu, Xingen Yu, Lijun Zou, Jin Qian, Yong Jiang, Qing Ni
  • Patent number: 9817093
    Abstract: According to some aspects, a laminate panel is provided. The laminate panel comprises at least one laminate layer including at least one non-conductive layer and at least one conductive layer patterned to form at least a portion of a B0 coil configured to contribute to a B0 field suitable for use in low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Hyperfine Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Rothberg, Matthew Scot Rosen, Gregory L. Charvat, William J. Mileski, Todd Rearick, Michael Stephen Poole, Keith G. Fife
  • Patent number: 9772386
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to medical fluid sensors and related systems and methods. In certain aspects, a nuclear magnetic resonance device includes a support frame, a first magnet connected to the support frame, a second magnet connected to the support frame in a manner such that the second magnet is disposed within the magnetic field of the first magnet and a magnetic attraction exists between the first magnet and the second magnet, and a spacer disposed between the first magnet and the second magnet. The spacer is configured to maintain a space between the first magnet and the second magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross Peter Jones, Simon Grover, Mark David Tuckwell
  • Patent number: 9766312
    Abstract: An NMR apparatus includes a superconducting magnet coil system configured to generate a homogeneous magnetic field, and a helium (He) tank having an inner tube mechanically rigidly connected to the He tank and in which the magnet coil system is positioned. The He tank is configured to contain liquid helium to cool the magnet coils. A radiation shield has a radiation shield inner tube encompassing the He tank and spaced from the He inner tube to create a space between the He inner tube and the radiation shield inner tube to reduce an evaporation rate of the liquid helium. The NMR apparatus additionally includes a field shaping device with a magnetic material arranged in the space, in order to shim the homogeneous magnetic field. The field shaping device is fixed in the space so as to be in rigid mechanical contact with the He tank but without contacting the radiation shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Bruker BioSpin AG
    Inventors: Beat Grossniklaus, Guenter Kuebler, Pierre-Alain Bovier
  • Patent number: 9702951
    Abstract: An NMR apparatus includes a superconducting magnet coil system configured to generate a homogeneous magnetic field, and a helium (He) tank having an inner tube mechanically rigidly connected to the He tank and in which the magnet coil system is positioned. The He tank is configured to contain liquid helium to cool the magnet coils. A radiation shield has a radiation shield inner tube encompassing the He tank and spaced from the He inner tube to create a space between the He inner tube and the radiation shield inner tube to reduce an evaporation rate of the liquid helium. The NMR apparatus additionally includes a field shaping device with a magnetic material arranged in the space, in order to shim the homogeneous magnetic field. The field shaping device is fixed in the space so as to be in rigid mechanical contact with the He tank but without contacting the radiation shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Bruker BioSpin AG
    Inventors: Beat Grossniklaus, Guenter Kuebler, Pierre-Alain Bovier
  • Patent number: 9675271
    Abstract: Systems and methods for delivery of radiotherapy in conjunction with magnetic resonance imaging in which various conductors, shields and shims may be used to solve issues occurring when radiation therapy equipment is placed in the vicinity of an magnetic resonance imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: ViewRay Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Shmaryu M. Shvartsman, James F. Dempsey, David Nicolay
  • Patent number: 9678181
    Abstract: A method for shimming a magnetic field in a magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) device includes determining a field of view region for an object under examination. Determining the field of view region includes adapting the field of view region automatically to a region of the object under examination to be examined by the MRT device. Before the MRT device records an image, an adjustment measurement of the magnetic field is performed. A field map of the magnetic field of the field of view region is defined based on the adjustment measurement. A shimming of the magnetic field is implemented based on the field map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dominik Paul, Benjamin Schmitt
  • Patent number: 9671479
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for shimming a superconducting magnet that has a number of magnet coils electrically connected in series between a first current connection and a second current connection and a superconducting switch connected in parallel with the magnet coils, between the first current connection and the second current connection, with the first current connection being electrically connected to an external current lead, a first solid-state switching device is electrically interposed between the external current lead and the magnet coils; a number of superconducting shim coils electrically connected between the first current connection and the second current connection through a further solid-state switching device. Superconducting switches are each connected in parallel with a respective superconducting shim coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens PLC
    Inventor: Hugh Alexander Blakes
  • Patent number: 9651353
    Abstract: One or more embodiments are directed to a magnet configured to be coupled to an object under test, an array of sensors configured to measure a magnetic field associated with the magnet, and a circuit configured to obtain voltage readings based on the measured magnetic field from the array of sensors and compute a distance between the array of sensors and the magnet based on the obtained voltage readings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Oki Gunawan
  • Patent number: 9632153
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging configuration, system and method to straighten and otherwise homogenize the field lines in the imaging portion, creating improved image quality. Through use of calibrated corrective coils, magnetic field lines can be manipulated to improve uniformity and image quality. Additionally, when the apparatus is composed of non-ferromagnetic materials, field strengths can be increased to overcome limitations of Iron-based systems such as by use of superconductivity. A patient positioning apparatus allows multi-positioning of a patient within the calibrated and more uniform magnetic field lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Fonar Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond V. Damadian, Gordon T. Danby, Hank Hsieh, John W. Jackson, Mark Gelbien, William H. Wahl, Charles A. Green
  • Patent number: 9541616
    Abstract: According to some aspects, a laminate panel is provided. The laminate panel comprises at least one laminate layer including at least one non-conductive layer and at least one conductive layer patterned to form at least a portion of a B0 coil configured to contribute to a B0 field suitable for use in low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Hyperfine Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Rothberg, Matthew Scot Rosen, Gregory L. Charvat, William J. Mileski, Todd Rearick, Michael Stephen Poole
  • Patent number: 9513353
    Abstract: A method of determining a magnet arrangement for use in magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, the method including, determining a function representing current densities required within a magnet region to generate a field, determining a current density distribution required to generate a desired field, using the function and determining the magnet arrangement using the current density distribution, the magnet arrangement including a number of current carrying coils arranged within the magnet region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
    Inventors: Quang Minh Tieng, Viktor Vegh, Ian Malcolm Brereton
  • Patent number: 9506995
    Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic field analysis program and a magnetic field analysis method for calculating inductance related to an AC magnetic field superimposed on a DC magnetic field with a high degree of accuracy at high speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kohji Maki
  • Patent number: 9329249
    Abstract: A shim coil for use in magnetic resonance imaging spectroscopy (MRIS) is formed by cutting or punching in a sheet of electrically conductive material the required coil pattern. The pattern can be punched using a CNC punching or stamping machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Tesla Engineering Limited
    Inventor: Michael Colin Begg
  • Patent number: 9329247
    Abstract: A shim coil arrangement for at least one extremity of a patient such as a forearm and/or a hand for use in a magnetic resonance device is provided. The shim coil arrangement is arranged surrounding a receptacle for the at least one extremity. At least two planar shim coils having a common coil plane that lies at right angles to a direction of a basic magnetic field of the magnetic resonance device in a usage state and/or to a longitudinal direction of the receptacle are arranged around a circumference of the receptacle. A plurality of coil planes succeeding one another in the direction of the basic magnetic field of the magnetic resonance device in the usage state and/or the longitudinal direction of the receptacle and at right angles to the direction of the basic magnetic field and/or the longitudinal direction are provided with at least two planar shim coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Stephan Biber
  • Patent number: 9325183
    Abstract: An apparatus including a magnet assembly having at least two magnet assembly components; and an eddy current heating reduction system configured to reduce heating of the magnet assembly by magnetic fields. The eddy current heating reduction system includes electrical insulation between the at least two magnet assembly components, and includes at least one of the at least two magnet assembly components having a divided current loop area at least two spaced subsections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventor: Juha Reinhold Backman
  • Patent number: 9276325
    Abstract: An electromagnetic wave reverberation chamber formed in the shape of a polyhedron includes an electromagnetic wave absorbing apparatus installed on at least one wall of metal conductors of the electromagnetic wave reverberation chamber. The electromagnetic wave absorbing apparatus having a shape of a roll screen and includes an electromagnetic wave absorbing film, a roll for rolling the one end of the electromagnetic wave absorbing film, a cover for covering the roll, and a fixing unit for fixing the other end of the electromagnetic wave absorbing film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventor: Dong-Uk Sim
  • Patent number: RE47026
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance system is disclosed. The system includes a transceiver having a multichannel receiver and a multichannel transmitter, where each channel of the transmitter is configured for independent selection of frequency, phase, time, space, and magnitude, and each channel of the receiver is configured for independent selection of space, time, frequency, phase and gain. The system also includes a magnetic resonance coil having a plurality of current elements, with each element coupled in one to one relation with a channel of the receiver and a channel of the transmitter. The system further includes a processor coupled to the transceiver, such that the processor is configured to execute instructions to control a current in each element and to perform a non-linear algorithm to shim the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: J Thomas Vaughan, Pierre-Francois Van de Moortele, Lance DelaBarre, Chris E Olson, Heather Orser, Anand Gopinath, Kamil Ugurbil, Carl Snyder, Gregor Adriany, Can Akgun, Jinfeng Tian, John Strupp, Peter M Andersen