Search Patents
  • Method and system for performing upright magnetic resonance imaging of various anatomical and physiological conditions
    Patent number: 11701017
    Abstract: Vasculature or parenchyma is imaged using upright MRI techniques, on patients who may have conditions such as congestive heart failure, or otherwise be healthy. When an individual is horizontal, venous drainage is minimized, causing the vessels to remain engorged, also referred to herein as vascular congestion. Vascular congestion results in an enlarging of the vessels and surrounding tissue causing the vessels to be more visible on MRIs. The decrease in vascular visibility in upright subjects is in part, due to an increase in venous drainage. Patients suffering from coronary and/or pulmonary deficiencies (e.g. CHF) experience decreased rates and degrees of venous drainage. In one embodiment, the present invention uses upright imaging to visualize these enlarged vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Fonar Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond V. Damadian, Ki-Cheung Chu
  • MRI test fixture
    Patent number: 7834630
    Abstract: In one example, a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system comprises a magnetic resonance imaging assembly defining a gap region, a transmitting coil proximate the gap region, and at least one test coil separate from the transmitting coil. The at least one coil is mechanically coupled to the assembly during imaging and the at least one test coil is selectively electrically coupled to the assembly to collect test data. The at least one coil may be coupled to a test fixture coupled to the assembly. The test fixture may be deployable from a first position to a second position for collection of test data. The at least one coil may comprise a first test coil and a second test coil. Methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Fonar Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond V. Damadian, Hugh Wahl, Rein Aspelund, James Kelly
  • Magnetic resonance imaging method and apparatus for scanning a child
    Patent number: 7378846
    Abstract: In one aspect the present invention is a method for imaging an infant or minor in a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. The method preferably comprises positioning an adult in the patient-receiving space or gap of a magnet and affixing a minor, child or infant with an appropriate antenna. The minor, child or infant is then placed in the lap or arms of the adult and imaging proceeds. In another aspect the method may also comprise positioning an adult and a minor, child or infant in the patient-receiving space or gap of a magnet. The infant, child or minor is placed in closed proximity to the adult so that the infant, child or minor and adult can be fitted with a single antenna. Thereafter, an image of a portion of the minor's, infant's or child's anatomy is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Fonar Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond V. Damadian
  • Visualization of spinal abnormality using upright MR imaging during spinal treatment
    Patent number: 11406276
    Abstract: A system including a magnetic resonance imaging system having a magnet and first and second sidewalls positioned on opposite sides of an imaging field of the magnet, and a subject support configured to support a subject that is positioned in an upright position. The system may be capable of imaging a target anatomy of the subject while the subject is in the upright position, and may further include a motor for translating the subject support between first and second positions within and outside of the imaging field of the magnet, respectively. The subject support may include a seat on which the subject may sit facing the subject support, such that the subject's back can be operated on and imaged while the subject is in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Fonar Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond V. Damadian, Luciano B. Bonanni
  • Method and system for performing upright magnetic resonance imaging of various anatomical and physiological conditions
    Patent number: 11103149
    Abstract: Vasculature or parenchyma is imaged using upright MRI techniques, on patients who may have conditions such as congestive heart failure, or otherwise be healthy. When an individual is horizontal, venous drainage is minimized, causing the vessels to remain engorged, also referred to herein as vascular congestion. Vascular congestion results in an enlarging of the vessels and surrounding tissue causing the vessels to be more visible on MRIs. The decrease in vascular visibility in upright subjects is in part, due to an increase in venous drainage. Patients suffering from coronary and/or pulmonary deficiencies (e.g. CHF) experience decreased rates and degrees of venous drainage. In one embodiment, the present invention uses upright imaging to visualize these enlarged vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Fonar Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond V. Damadian, Ki-Cheung Chu
  • Image directed method and system for outlining anatomical regions
    Patent number: 11903692
    Abstract: A method for detecting and creating magnetic resonance imaging anatomical outlines of a subject, including acquiring magnetic resonance imaging signals of a selected region of interest of the subject's anatomy, processing the magnetic resonance imaging signals to determine image pixel intensity. calculating a mean intensity value associated with the center location of the selected region of interest, and determining concentric interior and exterior anatomical outlines surrounding the center location. Image pixels with an intensity value greater than the mean intensity value by a first threshold amount are designated as part of the interior anatomical outline. Image pixels with an intensity value less than the mean intensity value by a second threshold amount are designated as part of the exterior anatomical outline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Fonar Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond V. Damadian, Robert Wolf
  • Magnetic resonance imaging excitation and reception methods and apparatus
    Patent number: 6229310
    Abstract: In magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”), RF power is applied to a region of interest within the patient by a local antenna disposed adjacent the region of interest. The local antenna is excited by RF signals sent through free space from a principal antenna mounted to the primary field magnet of the MRI system. The principal antenna includes one or more loops mounted so that the plane of the loop is transverse to the pole pieces of the magnet frame and so that the plane of the loop is transverse to adjacent metallic portions of the frame. The loops are aligned with openings in the frame so that a patient is advanced into a frame through the loop. The loops do not substantially obstruct axis to the subject receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Fonar Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Green, Jan Votruba, Gregory Eydelman, Raymond V. Damadian
  • Localized RF heating
    Patent number: 8934990
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for generating focused radio frequency. The apparatus may include multiple coils, and the multiple coils can be actuated so as to generate focused energy at a focal location within the body of a subject such as a human or non-human animal while minimizing heating at the skin of the subject. A first central coil and a second central coil that are placed adjacent to each other. The apparatus also comprises a first focusing coil and a second focusing coil. The first central coil and the second central coil are placed between the first focusing coil and the second focusing coil. The first focusing coil and the second focusing coil generate a radio frequency field that is 180 degrees out of phase from a radio frequency field generated by the first central coil and the second central coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Fonar Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond V. Damadian, Lawrence A. Minkoff, Jan Votruba
  • Method and apparatus for magnetic resonance imaging of the cranio-cervical junction
    Patent number: 9766310
    Abstract: The disclosure of the present invention provides for an imaging apparatus and methods for imaging the cranio-cervical junction of a patient using magnetic resonance. The apparatus is adapted to slide over the patient's head, and includes a saddle element and a solenoid element. The saddle element has a length that extends along a superior-inferior axis of the patient, and a circumference along an axial plane of the patient when the apparatus is slid over the patient's head, so as to define a substantially cylindrical volume. The solenoid element attaches to the saddle element at about a midpoint of the saddle element's length, so as to be positioned along an axial plane of the patient when the apparatus is slid over the patient's head. This configuration allows for the cranio-cervical junction of the patient to be positioned in the cylindrical volume when the apparatus is slid over the patient's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Fonar Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond V. Damadian, Charles A. Green
  • Focused radio frequency ablation
    Patent number: 10034709
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a method of applying spatially localized radio frequency (“RF”) beam to a target location by placing RF resonant circuits at the target location. In a preferred embodiment, the target location is a portion of the anatomy of a subject, e.g., a tumor in a human body, and the RF resonant circuits are placed at the target location using a catheter or needle injection. The localized RF beam is provided is provided by a RF transmitter whose frequency is tuned to those of the RF resonant circuits. The RF transmitter may thus selectively supply concentrated thermal radiation capable of treating the target location without significantly heating (e.g., damaging due to high temperatures, or exposure to prolonged increased temperatures, etc.) areas proximate the target location (e.g., healthy tissue in other portions of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Fonar Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond V. Damadian
  • Magnetic resonance imaging excitation and reception methods and apparatus
    Patent number: 5939883
    Abstract: In magnetic resonance imaging ("MRI"), RF power is applied to a region of interest within the patient by a local antenna disposed adjacent the region of interest. The local antenna is excited by RF signals sent through free space from a principal antenna mounted to the primary field magnet of the MRI system. The principal antenna includes one or more loops mounted so that the plane of the loop is transverse to the pole pieces of the magnet frame and so that the plane of the loop is transverse to adjacent metallic portions of the frame. The loops are aligned with openings in the frame so that a patient is advanced into a frame through the loop. The loops do not substantially obstruct axis to the subject receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Fonar Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Green, Jan Votruba, Gregory Eydelman, Raymond V. Damadian
  • Magnetic resonance imaging
    Patent number: 10791957
    Abstract: An open MRI methodology and system that allows dynamic viewing and access to a patient. In intraoperative MRI, the MRI apparatus is configured in the shape of a typical operating room, with full 360° access to the patient. The MRI apparatus encompasses the entire operating room with magnets located on or near the ceiling and floor of the operating room. The remainder of the MRI apparatus, including the control computer, and imaging monitor, may be located outside of the MRI operating room, in order to keep the operating room free of unnecessary equipment, or located inside of the MRI operating room, as desired for operability of the MRI. The patient is placed over the magnet in the floor, the only fixed location in the operating room. The operating room may contain typical operating equipment, as needed, such as cardiopulmonary bypass units, surgical navigation systems, endoscopy systems, and anesthesia carts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: FONAR Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond V. Damadian
  • Simulator for surgical procedures
    Patent number: 6544041
    Abstract: A simulator for use in the training of surgeons is disclosed. The simulator utilizes information defining the position of a surgical tool or probe used by the surgeon trainee relative to a mannequin corresponding to a living mammalian subject such as a human or non-human mammal. The mannequin desirably includes model internal organs within it. The simulator further includes a surgical probe and means for providing position and orientation information defining the position and orientation of the surgical probe relative to the mannequin. A memory device stores image data defining an image representative of internal organs found within the living subject corresponding to the mannequin. The simulator desirably further includes means for providing a composite image including images of internal organs and a representation of the surgical probe based on said image data and said position and orientation data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Fonar Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond V. Damadian
  • FERROMAGNETIC FRAME MAGNET WITH SUPERCONDUCTING COILS
    Publication number: 20090256663
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging magnet includes a ferromagnetic frame. A pair of generally toroidal superconducting coil units overlie interfaces of side walls incorporated in the frame. Each coil unit may include a vessel having hollow support extensions extending into recesses in the side walls. The coil units may further include elongated, low-thermal conductance supports disposed within the support extensions. The frame may include pole stems projecting inwardly from the side walls, and the coils may be disposed in close proximity to the pole stems. Cryocoolers may be mounted to the frame so that the cryocoolers are substantially mechanically isolated from the coils of the coil units, but are in thermal communication therewith. The cryocooler mountings may be arranged for convenient servicing and installation of the cryocoolers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: FONAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hank Hsieh, Gordon T. Danby, Raymond V. Damadian, John W. Jackson, Hugh J. Wahl, Cristian Balica
  • Ferromagnetic frame magnet with superconducting coils
    Patent number: 7560929
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging magnet includes a ferromagnetic frame. A pair of generally toroidal superconducting coil units overlie interfaces of side walls incorporated in the frame. Each coil unit may include a vessel having hollow support extensions extending into recesses in the side walls. The coil units may further include elongated, low-thermal conductance supports disposed within the support extensions. The frame may include pole stems projecting inwardly from the side walls, and the coils may be disposed in close proximity to the pole stems. Cryocoolers may be mounted to the frame so that the cryocoolers are substantially mechanically isolated from the coils of the coil units, but are in thermal communication therewith. The cryocooler mountings may be arranged for convenient servicing and installation of the cryocoolers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Fonar Corporation
    Inventors: Hank Hsieh, Gordon T. Danby, Raymond V. Damadian, John W. Jackson, Hugh J. Wahl, Cristian Balica
  • Ferromagnetic frame magnet with superconducting coils
    Patent number: 8054077
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging magnet includes a ferromagnetic frame. A pair of generally toroidal superconducting coil units overlie interfaces of side walls incorporated in the frame. Each coil unit may include a vessel having hollow support extensions extending into recesses in the side walls. The coil units may further include elongated, low-thermal conductance supports disposed within the support extensions. The frame may include pole stems projecting inwardly from the side walls, and the coils may be disposed in close proximity to the pole stems. Cryocoolers may be mounted to the frame so that the cryocoolers are substantially mechanically isolated from the coils of the coil units, but are in thermal communication therewith. The cryocooler mountings may be arranged for convenient servicing and installation of the cryocoolers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Fonar Corporation
    Inventors: Hank Hsieh, Gordon T. Danby, Raymond V. Damadian, John W. Jackson, Hugh J. Wahl, Cristian Balica
  • Positioning system for an MRI
    Patent number: 7697971
    Abstract: A positioning system for an MRI system. One aspect includes a support member for moving a patient in a non-horizontal direction within a scanning area of the MRI system, a drive member for driving the support member, and a controller for controlling the drive member to position the patient at a desired location within the scanning area. One aspect includes a guide member attached to a floor beneath the scanning area for guiding a platform member along a first linear axis generally parallel to the floor and perpendicular to a magnetic field axis of a magnet of the MRI system. A controller controls a drive member to position the patient at a desired horizontal location within the scanning area. One aspect includes a frame, a platform member rotatably coupled to the frame. A controller controls a drive member to rotate the platform member and position the patient at a desired angle within the scanning area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Fonar Corporation
    Inventors: Charles A. Green, Jr., Mark Gelbien, William H. Wahl, Raymond V. Damadian
  • Magnetic resonance imaging
    Patent number: 6280383
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of studying tissue metabolism with ordinary oxygen. First, a magnetic resonance image of the tissue of interest is acquired. Oxygen, predominantly in the form of oxygen-16, is then delivered to the tissue. A magnetic resonance image of the tissue of interest is then acquired when the tissue is in the state of increased oxygenation. The first and second images are compared to determine the effect of the delivery of oxygen on the tissue based on changes in image characteristics, such as image contrast, image intensity and the morphology of tissues in the image. A relative measure of the degree of tissue oxygenation before and after the delivery of oxygen may be determined. The oxygen may be administered by inhalation of gaseous oxygen. The tissue may also be directly perfused by gaseous oxygen. The oxygen may be administered in combination with an oxygen carrier molecule, such as hemoglobin or heme. Preferably, only trace amounts of oxygen-17 is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Fonar Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond V Damadian
  • Apparatus and method for processing an electrical signal and increasing a signal-to-noise ratio thereof
    Patent number: 4737713
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing a first electrical signal having a frequency interval I containing information, and increasing the signal-to-noise ratio thereof utilizes a mixer for shifting the frequencies of the first signal in the interval I to an interval I.sub.s. A plurality of filters, coupled in parallel, to the mixer pass, respectively, only frequencies in subintervals of I.sub.s, which are mutually disjoint. A second embodiment utilizes a plurality of mixers which shift, respectively, mutually disjoint subintervals of I such that their left end points are substantially equal. A plurality of filters, coupled, respectively, to the mixers, pass, respectively, only those frequencies in the shifted subintervals. Preferably, the frequency intervals passed by the filters in both embodiments are equal in bandwidth, and have no gaps therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Assignee: Fonar Corporation
    Inventors: Gordon T. Danby, Jan V. Votruba, Raymond V. Damadian, Guo Ping Zhang
  • MRI apparatus and method for imaging
    Patent number: 6828792
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing magnetic resonance imaging. In an embodiment the apparatus comprises a pair of elements spaced apart from each other along a horizontal pole axis so as to define a patient receiving space therebetween. A patient support device is located within the patient receiving space and is operable to accept a patient who enters the patient receiving space in an upright position, e.g., walking. In another embodiment the apparatus comprises a pair of elements supported within a frame. The frame includes upper and lower flux return members that are smaller in a vertical dimension than in a horizontal dimension. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a pair of elongated pole members that define an imaging volume having a longer dimension in a vertical direction than in a horizontal direction. An exemplary method includes performing a full body scan of a patient in an upright or sitting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Fonar Corporation
    Inventors: Gordon T. Danby, William H. Wahl, Raymond V. Damadian, Anthony J. Giambalvo
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