Abstract: A magnet structure, particularly for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance imaging machines, and of the type having a bearing structure for means for generating magnetic fields inside a volume, a cavity or similar space, defined by the structure, is made to be modular at least for part of the bearing structure, and/or at least for part of the other construction elements.

Abstract: A permanent magnet for nuclear magnetic resonance image detection, includes a magnetic structure having a yoke and magnetic poles, so shaped as to delimit or enclose a cavity, at least a part of a volume of the cavity forms a compartment for receiving at least a part of a body under examination, and at least a part of the volume of the cavity is permeated by a static magnetic field having specific intensity and homogeneity characteristics; the magnetic structure has at least one open side, parallel to the static magnetic field; the magnetic structure has at least two opposite main poles, lying face to face, transverse to the open side, the static magnetic field being generated therebetween; in the vicinity of the open side, the magnet has a device for correcting the static magnetic field generated between the main poles, the correction device including an element for increasing the magnetic potential near the open side, and over a predetermined depth therefrom, transverse to the open side, without reducing th

Abstract: A radio-frequency signal receiving unit, particularly for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance imaging machines, including a signal receiving coil (1), whose outputs (101, 201) are connected to a signal amplifier (2). The coil (1) is in balanced connection with the signal amplifier (2), i.e. connected thereto in such a manner that none of its two outputs (101, 201) is permanently connected to the ground. A particular kind of balanced amplifier is suggested to which the balanced outputs (101, 201) of the coil are connected through balanced means for optimizing the Noise Figure of the amplifier (3).

Abstract: High-pass filtering process for focusing images, particularly digital images, or similar, which are composed of a plurality of single dot areas, named pixels (Pi,j), having different individually variable luminous intensities I (Pi,j). The filtering process provides, for each pixel (Pi,j) a correction C (Pi,j) of the intensity value of said pixel (Pi,j), which is calculated statistically, on the basis of combinations of high-pass filterings performed in at least one, preferably in at least four different directions (0.degree., 45.degree., 90.degree., 135.degree.). According to the invention, the high-pass filter determines the correction (C,(Pr,r)) of each pixel (Pr,r; Px,x) on the basis of a mean of the intensities of at least pairs of pixels being next to, that is at predetermined distances from and on opposite sides of the filtered pixel (Pr,r; Px,x), with reference to each of the predefined directions (0.degree., 45.degree., 90.degree.,135.degree.

Abstract: A magnetic structure for generating magnetic fields to be used in nuclear magnetic resonance image detection, having means (1, 101, 201, 301, 101', 201', 101", 201", 3, 3') for generating a magnetic field with the characteristics required to obtain valid images inside a predetermined tridimensional area (102), being at least a part of a cavity (2), which is at least partially contained in the magnetic structure. According to the invention, the means for generating the magnetic field consist of at least one coil (3, 3'), of the resistive or superconductive type.

Abstract: A method of analyzing an ultrasonic signal is described.

Abstract: Electromagnetic shielding device for nuclear magnetic resonance apparati, having a cavity (5) with at least one or more openings for introducing the body (K) or the part thereof under examination, which cavity (5) is defined by at least one magnet (1) for generating a static field, one or more coils for generating a magnetic field gradient (2), one or more coils (3) for generating spin-exciting radio-frequency pulses, and one or more coils (4) for receiving echo signals. The transmitting (3) and receiving coils (4) are contained in an electromagnetic shielding structure (7, 7', 7"), at the openings of the detection cavity (5), whereat the shielding structure may be closed by removable shielding elements (9, 10, 18, 20), electrically connectable thereto.

Abstract: An intraoperative probe, specifically intended for direct-contact observations, includes a head for housing the transducers (T) and a portion of a handle or grip, as well as a cable for connecting the transducers (T) to processing and/or displaying devices. According to the invention, said portion of the handle or grip is separate from the transducer-carrying head, as said two parts are equipped with matching means of removable attachment. The invention also provides for a set of accessories that can be attached, individually or in various combinations, to said transducer-carrying head.

Abstract: A ultrasonic probe for use in transthoracic echocardiography to produce panoramic images of the area of interest and comprising a transducer array connected to a first and second rotating mechanism, wherein the rotating mechanisms are driven using open loop control signals. The first and second rotating mechanisms comprise first and second stepper motors to accurately rotate the transducer array through a particular scan plane and adjust the scan plane. Microstepping techniques are utilized to permit greater accuracy and control. Further, the first and second rotating mechanism comprise gear assemblies which permit the transducers to rotate through a wide angle to generate panoramic ultrasound images.