Abstract: This present invention relates to an MRI scanning assembly and a method for fusing MRI images of a target thereby generating and providing high resolution, high contrast fused MRI images. The MRI images of the target are generated by different MRI devices operating at different magnetic field intensities. A method is also described for fusing MRI images generated by an MRI device operating with different operational parameters and operational protocols.

Abstract: An animal handling system for use in an MRD device, including: a first elongated enclosure having a proximal end, a distal open end and a first geometry, and a second first elongated enclosure having a proximal end, a distal open end and a second geometry. The first geometry comprises a first cross-sectional area which is larger than a second cross-sectional area of the second geometry. The first elongated enclosure is inserted into a first input port of the MRD device and the second elongated enclosure is inserted in a second input port of the MRD device diametrically opposite to second input port, such that on insertion of the first elongated enclosure into the first input port and insertion of the second elongated enclosure into the second input, the second elongated enclosure slides into the first elongated enclosure through the open distal end of the first elongated enclosure.

Abstract: A magnetically permeable neonate transport capsule (MPNTC) for transporting a premature neonate from a host infant incubator having a steady environmental condition to an MRD. The MPNTC has at least one first normally open configuration when the capsule is disposed within the incubator and a second closed configuration for removal, transportation, insertion, measurement and vice versa within an MRD device. The MPNTC includes an environmental control system thereby adapted to maintain continuous attachment of the neonate with life support connection lines. The MPNTC is further adapted to maintain environmental conditions substantially similar to the host infant incubator environmental condition when the MPNTC is transported from the incubator to the MRD device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses to a magnetic resonance device consisting of magnets housed within a cage, a thermal regulating system (TRS) adapted to thermoregulate the magnets to room temperature T±?T. TRS comprising a (i) preset array of one or more opened-bore channels provided within the cage and/or within the magnets; and, (ii) means for forcing fluid throughout the array of opened-bore channels, such that temperature T of the magnets is regulated to a preset range of ?T.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for hyperpolarizing un-polarized gas within an animal. The system comprises hyper polarization means for hyperpolarizing the un-polarized gas, wherein the hyperpolarization of the un-polarized gas is provided in-situ within the analyzed animal.

Abstract: Methods of fastening a cage with a fastening system in an MRD. One method includes: assembling: a plurality of pole pieces; a plurality of side magnets, the side magnets substantially enclosing the pole pieces and thereby defining a magnetic envelope and enclosed volume therein; a plurality of side walls, the side walls substantially enclosing the side magnets; a plurality of face walls and a plurality of fastening rods; and passing a plurality of fastening rods through at least one of the side magnets and at least one of the pole pieces and fastening them in an effective measure, such that the rods physically interconnects at least one pair of side walls.

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.

Abstract: An animal handling system for use in an MRD device, including: a first elongated enclosure having a proximal end, a distal open end and a first geometry, and a second first elongated enclosure having a proximal end, a distal open end and a second geometry. The first second geometry comprises a first cross-sectional area which is larger than a second cross-sectional area of the second geometry. The first elongated enclosure is inserted into a first input port of the MRD device and the second elongated enclosure is inserted in a second input port of the MRD device diametrically opposite to second input port, such that on insertion of the first elongated enclosure into the first input port and insertion of the second elongated enclosure into the second input, the second elongated enclosure slides into the first elongated enclosure through the open distal end of the first elongated enclosure.

Abstract: An encapsulatable life support mechanism (ELSM) for an analyzed animal, including: a cradle or bed adapted by means of size and shape to accommodate the animal; an anesthetization gas mask (AGM) characterized by a cup with conic cross section, comprising a plurality of apertures located at the outer circumference of the cup; a fluid supplying mechanism (FSM) in which the AGM is placed, the FSM is in a continuous fluid communication with (i) an anesthetization gas inlet positioned outside the ELSM and an outlet located within the ELSM; (ii) an air suction scavenging device positioned outside the ELSM and a mask and an air suction outlet located within the ELSM; and a plurality of (iii) air conditioning tubes; and an airtight shell enveloping the same. The airtight ELSM prevent leakage of anesthetization gas.

Abstract: A microwell including a plurality of MRI-readable indicia. The indicia indicate the identification or location of at least one predefined well or a plurality of wells. The indicia are selected from a mark, figure, number, text, code, barcode, readable texture or indication thereof.

Abstract: An animal handling system (AMS), for positioning an immobilized animal in a predefined configuration therein, including: a proximal portion, held outside a medical device including: at least one inner shaft, and at least one outer shaft, the at least one inner is telescopically maneuverable within the at least one outer shaft providing a variable telescopic mechanism; and a distal portion including: a configurable encapsuable life support system (ELSS), the ELSS is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the at least outer shaft and the at least inner shaft and translationally moveable parallel to the longitudinal axis by means of the maneuverable telescopic mechanism.

Abstract: An animal handling system (AMS), useful positioning an immobilized animal in a predefined configuration, including: a proximal portion, held outside a medical device, comprises at least one inner shaft, and at least one outer shaft, the at least one outer shaft telescopically maneuverable along the at least one inner shaft to provide a telescopic mechanism of variable (proximal-) length, the proximal portion; and a distal portion comprising a configurable encapsulatable life support system (ELSS), the ELSS is rotatable and/or linearly reciprocatable along the main longitudinal axis of the shafts by means of the maneuverable telescopic mechanism of the proximal portion. The proximal portion further comprising indicia indicating the linear displacement and rotation of the ELSS of the distal portion, such that the ELSS is accurately and reversibly configured within the medical device to optimized animal analyses.

Abstract: A premature neonate closed life support system (NCLSS) including: at least one chamber confining a cradle-like neonate support (CLNS) having suitable dimensions and geometric-configuration for accommodating at least one premature neonate having at least two operational configurations, said operational configurations comprising: a first operational OPEN configuration whereby said CLNS is adapted to couple said neonate to at least one life supporting system by means of at least one life supporting coupling line, prior to positioning said CLNS in a medical device; and a second operational air-tight CLOSED configuration whereby said neonate remains continuously coupled to said at least one life supporting system by means of at least one life supporting coupling line, when positioning said CLNS within said medical device. The OPEN and CLOSED configurations are reversible.

Abstract: The present invention provides a permanent magnet arrangement, comprising: a. a mobile permanent magnet grouping; b. a facing plate constructed from ferromagnetic material; c. a an air gap defined by the spacing between said permanent magnet grouping and said facing plate; d. a yoke of predetermined shape formed from magnetically permeable material, said yoke holding said front surfaces of said magnets in a substantially parallel arrangement relative to said facing plate; e. means for individually moving said permanent magnets in said magnet grouping along an axis generally perpendicular to said facing plate; f. means for moving said permanent magnet grouping in a plane generally parallel to said facing plate; wherein a magnetic field within an active volume located in said air gap between said permanent magnet grouping and said facing plate is provided, said magnetic field sufficiently homogeneous for performance of MRI.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an imaging device within an MRI. In a magnetic resonance imaging system, a spatially fixed coupled imaging device (SFCID) for producing combined anatomical and real time functional light images, the SFCID functionally incorporates a maneuverable imaging system MIS with a coupled imaging system CIS.

Abstract: The present invention provides an elongated segmented binding cord (SBC) for reversibly housing and securing goods to their predetermined location; said SBC is characterized by a main longitudinal axis (MLA), comprising: a. a plurality of N interlockable segments; b. abutments provided at least one first end, and at least one second opposite end of the SBC; each of said abutments is adapted to at least reversibly attach said predetermined location; wherein by attaching said at least two abutments to their location, said SBC is reversibly transformed from at least two opposite states: LOOSE (non-arched) configuration and a TIGHTENED (arched) configuration, such that said goods are at least partially housed in a secured manner within the arched SBC.

Abstract: Means and methods for improving the MRI “image quality in an MRI imaging” apparatus comprising a non-super-conducting electromagnet and a plurality of pole pieces are provided. Said means for improving the image quality chosen from the group consisting of (a) means for reducing degradation of MRI image quality due to B0 field instability; (b) means for decreasing or otherwise correcting residual magnetization; (c) means for providing a 3D scout image; and (d) any combination of the above. These means for improving the image quality provides greater resolution of the imaged object relative to an MRI apparatus not containing such means for improving image quality.

Abstract: A pole piece for a permanent magnet MRI system and a method for increasing the stability of a gradient field in an MRI system. The method includes: obtaining an MRI system comprising a magnet capable of providing a gradient magnetic field within an image volume in an air gap; and fixing a plurality of pole pieces within said MRI system, thereby defining the air gap, the raw material of construction of the pole piece being a material including a plurality of ferromagnetic particles coated with an electrically insulating substance. The fixing increases the stability of said gradient field by at least 10% relative to that of a gradient magnetic field in an MRI system identical except for the use of the material in the fabrication of the pole pieces.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and a system for anaesthetizing mammals in a thermoregulated confined volume. The system comprises at least one chamber confining a volume in size and shape for accommodating at least one mammal; supplying mechanism for supplying at least one anesthetizing vapor to said at least one chamber; temperature controlling mechanism, in communication with said vapor supplying means, adapted to thermoregulate said vapor to temperature T; and a vapor introducing mechanism, coupled to said supplying means and to said at least one chamber, adapted to introduce said thermoregulated vapor to said at least one chamber; wherein the temperature T within said confined volume is regulated by said thermoregulated vapor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chamber having at least one operator hand access port; the port comprising a port aperture located within the chamber wall; and at least two flexible non-resilient lightweight sealing gas-tight flaps (SFs), disposed the same plane of the port aperture in an overlapping manner, entirely enclosing the port aperture; each of the SFs is defined by a port aperture edge and chamber edges; the chamber edges are anchored to the chamber wall along more than half of the perimeter of the flap, at a distance from the center of the port greater than the radius of the port and beyond its perimeter; the port aperture edge of each flap is stretched across an entire chord of the port aperture; stretched port apertures edges define an interior access zone, disposed the same plane of the port aperture, characterized solely by the port aperture edges.