Abstract: An imaging assembly is provided including an x-ray source and a controller in communication with the x-ray source. A detector assembly is in communication with the controller, and includes a photodetector array in communication with the controller. A scintillator assembly is positioned between the photodetector array and the x-ray source. A collimator assembly is positioned in between the scintillator assembly and the x-ray source. An electroluminescent panel is positioned between the collimator assembly and the scintillator assembly. The electroluminescent panel is in communication with the controller and has an active condition where the electroluminescent panel generates radiation eliciting a response from the detector array.
Abstract: MRI system 10 is provided. The MRI system 10 includes a magnet assembly 12. A first cryogen cooling fluid 20 is utilized to cool the magnet assembly 12. A first supply line 16 communicates the first cryogen cooling fluid 20 to the magnet assembly 12. A first return line 18 communicates the first cryogen cooling fluid 20 away from the magnet assembly 12. A blower assembly 22 is positioned between and in communication with the first supply line 16 and the first return line 18. A regenerative heat exchanger 36 is in communication with the first supply line 16 and the first return line 18. The regenerative heat exchanger 36 transfers thermal energy 29 from the first supply line 16 to the first return line 18. The regenerative heat exchanger 36 is positioned between the blower assembly 22 and the magnet assembly 12. A second supply line 28 transports a second cryogen fluid 26 through a pre-cooler assembly 24.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 3, 2003
Date of Patent:
August 2, 2005
Assignee:
GE Medical Systems Global Technology, LLC
Abstract: An imaging system 10 is provided comprising an imaging magnet 16 having a magnet bore 18. A plurality of passive shims 26 is positioned within the magnet bore 18. A plurality of resistive shims 46 is also positioned within the magnet bore 18. A plurality of thermometers 28 is coupled thermally to a select number of the plurality of passive shims 26 and read a passive shim temperature 36. A controller 32 is in communication with the plurality of thermometers 28 and the plurality of resistive shims 46. The controller 32 includes logic adapted to adjust control currents 40 sent to each of the plurality of resistive shims 46 in response to the resistive shim temperatures 36 received from each of the thermometers 28 such that the strength of the magnetic field and its homogeneity is maintained.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 28, 2003
Date of Patent:
September 7, 2004
Assignee:
GE Medical Systems Global Technology Co., Inc.
Inventors:
Peter Feenan, Rory Warner, William F. B. Punchard, Piotr M. Starewicz
Abstract: A MRI RF coil includes a first solenoidal section, a second solenoidal section, and a third solenoidal section. The first section is between the second and third sections. The first section has a counter-rotational orientation with respect to the second and third sections.