Abstract: A configurable matrix receiver comprises a plurality of antennas that detect one or more signals. The antennas are coupled to a configurable matrix comprising a plurality of amplifiers, one or more switches that selectively couple the amplifiers in series fashion, and one or more analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) that convert the output signals generated by the amplifiers to digital form. For example, in one embodiment, a matrix comprises a first amplifier having a first input and a first output, and a second amplifier having a second input and a second output, a switch to couple the first output of the first amplifier to a the second input of the second amplifier, a first ADC coupled to the first output of the first amplifier, and a second ADC coupled to the second output of the second amplifier. In one embodiment, the signals detected by the antennas include magnetic resonance (MR) signals.

Abstract: A receiver for a resonance signal of a magnetic resonance imaging system generates a baseband signal for image processing by dividing a raw resonance signal among multiple parallel channels, each amplified at a respective gain. A digital channel selector determines, at any given moment, a lowest-distortion channel to be further processed. Amplitude and phase error compensation are handled digitally using complex multipliers, which are derived by a calibration, based on a simple Larmor oscillator, which can be done without the need for a sample and without repeating when measurement conditions are changed. One of the important benefits of the invention is that it provides for gain selection without repeated calibration steps. This is particularly important in systems that employ fast imaging techniques such as fast spin echo, where the invention can speed imaging substantially.

Abstract: Antennas for use in magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) comprise a coaxial cable unit having an inner conductor tuned to a frequency, typically the Larmor frequency of the species of interest, and an outer conductor substantially surrounding the inner conductor and also tuned to the frequency. The inner and outer conductors are inductively coupled. The antennas may be used as receiving and transmitting antennas. In a receiving antenna, the inner conductor provides an output of the antenna. In a transmitting antenna, an input is provided to the inner conductor. Antenna arrays of one or more coaxial cable units, wherein the inner conductors of each unit are electrically connected and the outer conductors are electrically connected, and the units are inductively coupled, may be provided. Additional coaxial cable units may also be provided, inductively coupled to adjacent coaxial cable units. Each coaxial cable unit may comprise multiple inner conductors.

Abstract: An MRI antenna is disclosed comprising a first coaxial cable unit comprising a first inner conductor with first and second ends and a first outer conductor substantially surrounding the inner conductor. The first outer conductor has first and second ends. The first coaxial cable unit has a concave curvature facing a first direction. A second coaxial cable unit is provided comprising an inner conductor with first and second ends and an outer conductor substantially surrounding the inner conductor. The outer conductor has first and second ends and the second coaxial cable unit has a concave curvature facing a second direction opposite the first direction. The concave curvature of the first and second coaxial cable units generally face each other to define a region for receiving a body part. The first end of the first inner conductor is connected to the first end of the second inner conductor through a first capacitor.

Abstract: The present invention is a window frame wherein all of the structural members are formed with the same substantially identically-shaped configuration a metal extrusion. A plurality of structural members are arranged to form a supporting structure. Each structural member has a U-shaped channel defined by a base portion having a first arm and a second arm spaced apart on opposite lengthwise sides of said base portion. The first and second arms extending from said base portion have end portions turned inward and extending in a direction toward said base portion. Fasteners detachably secure the plurality of structural members into a configuration adapted to detachably mount a translucent barrier within the supporting structure formed by the structural members.

Abstract: A receiver for a resonance signal of a magnetic resonance imaging system generates a baseband signal for image processing by dividing a raw resonance signal among multiple parallel channels, each amplified at a respective gain. A digital channel selector determines, at any given moment, a lowest-distortion channel to be further processed. Amplitude and phase error compensation are handled digitally using complex multipliers, which are derived by a calibration, based on a simple Larmor oscillator, which can be done without the need for a sample and without repeating when measurement conditions are changed. One of the important benefits of the invention is that it provides for gain selection without repeated calibration steps. This is particularly important in systems that employ fast imaging techniques such as fast spin echo, where the invention can speed imaging substantially.