Patents Assigned to Applied Superconetics, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6438966
    Abstract: A sleeve assembly for thermally interconnecting a pulse tube, two stage cryocooler with a superconducting device includes a heat transfer cylinder, a heat transfer receptacle and a wall extending therebetween to define a passageway. The heat transfer receptacle is formed with a tapered recess wherein a tapered cooling probe of the cryocooler is urged against the heat transfer receptacle to establish thermal communication therebetween. A cooling element of the cryocooler is disposed in the heat transfer cylinder to establish thermal communication therebetween. In operation, the cryocooler moves relative to the sleeve assembly between a first configuration wherein the cryocooler is engaged with the sleeve assembly to establish thermal communication therebetween and a second configuration wherein the cryocooler is disengaged with the sleeve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Applied Superconetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond E. Sarwinski, William E. Stonecipher, Bruce C. Breneman
  • Patent number: 6438967
    Abstract: A method for cooling a superconducting device by using a sleeve assembly which thermally interconnects a two stage cryocooler with the device. In operation, the cryocooler is moveable relative to the sleeve assembly between a first configuration wherein the cryocooler is engaged with the sleeve assembly, and a second configuration wherein the cryocooler is disengaged from the sleeve assembly. The cryocooler is disposed in the sleeve assembly with the cooling element of the cryocooler positioned at a distance from the cylinder of the sleeve assembly to establish thermal communication therebetween. Also, the cooling probe of the cryocooler is in contact with the receptacle of the sleeve assembly and is urged against the receptacle to establish thermal communication therebetween. A bellows joins the cryocooler with the sleeve assembly to create an enclosed chamber therebetween and helium is pumped into the sleeve assembly to maintain an operational pressure in the sleeve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Applied Superconetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond E. Sarwinski, William E. Stonecipher, Bruce C. Breneman
  • Patent number: 5418462
    Abstract: A method for using ferromagnetic shims to reduce the inhomogeneity of the magnetic field in a Diameter Spherical Volume (DSV) in the bore of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) device is provided. More specifically, a magnetic field is established within the bore of the MRI device. An operator defines the DSV. The strength of the magnetic field is measured at the surface of the DSV. A Legendre polynomial is derived to model the inhomogeneity in the magnetic field in the DSV. A set of coefficients for the harmonic terms of the polynomial is calculated from the field strength measurements and segregated into three separate groups for evaluation. Each group of terms expresses field inhomogeneity in a unique set of spatial dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Applied Superconetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce C. Breneman, Yen-Hwa Hsu, Jang-Yu Hsu
  • Patent number: 5414399
    Abstract: A MRI superconducting magnet having an open access frame with spaced parallel end plates, a superconducting coil assembly associated with each end plate, and gradient coils associated with each end plate includes an apparatus for minimizing hysteresis. The apparatus for minimizing hysteresis comprises a layer of nonferromagnetic conducting material interposed between the gradient coils and end plates. The interposed layer carries eddy currents induced by time varying magnetic fields produced by the gradient coils, thereby minimizing AC eddy current hysteresis from the end plates. The layer preferably has a thickness of at least one skin depth at the frequency associated with the time varying magnetic field. In another embodiment, each end plate has a plurality of slits formed therein for eliminating eddy currents in the end plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Applied Superconetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce C. Breneman, Raymond E. Sarwinski, Yen-Hwa L. Hsu
  • Patent number: 5412363
    Abstract: An open access MRI magnet includes a ferromagnetic frame open on at least two sides and having upper and lower end plates and at least two support columns. A superconducting coil assembly is mounted to each end plate for generating a magnetic flux field in a patient receiving area located between the end plates. Each superconducting coil assembly includes a toroidal vacuum tight vessel, insulation, and one or more temperature shields mounted within the vacuum tight vessel. One or more coils of superconducting wire is wound within the vacuum vessel, and is coupled to a power source and to a persistent switch for maintaining a constant flow of current with no power consumption. A return path for the flux is provided by the end plates and support posts of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Applied Superconetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce C. Breneman, Raymond E. Sarwinski, Yen-Hwa L. Hsu
  • Patent number: 5194810
    Abstract: An open access superconducting MRI magnet includes a ferromagnetic frame open on at least two sides and having upper and lower end plates and at least two support posts. A superconducting coil assembly is mounted to each end plate for generating a magnetic flux field in a patient receiving area located between the end plates. A magnetic flux field shaping means is associated with each end plate. The flux field shaping means includes rose shims, inner rings mounted within the rose shims, and removable segments mounted to the rose shims. Transition plates are located between the support ports and end plates for minimizing flux leakage. In addition the end plates are formed with a varying thickness such that a cross section taken perpendicular to a return path of magnetic flux is substantially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Applied Superconetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce C. Breneman, Raymond E. Sarwinski, Yen-Hwa L. Hsu