Abstract: Systems and methods provided utilize gaze-tracking to measure quantitatively and accurately the ability of an athlete or other subject suspected of a concussion to maintain gaze within a figure-eight pattern during a given period of time. The fixation icon is presented at increasing velocities, with multiple staged velocities constituting the preferred embodiment. Utilizing a figure-eight pattern is preferred. Total tracking error time is tabulated during each velocity stage of the test protocol, and total tracking error time occurring during a given velocity stage is compared to a subject's baseline, e.g., a pre-season Individual Bioperformance Level (IBL) for that velocity stage. Systems and methods disclosed may be used to help prevent debilitating neurological damage in our athlete population, as well as having important military applications related to PTSD, and to other mission-critical performance endeavors.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for ensuring that a pass-by detector system is placed in “ready-to-alarm” mode when a subject carries a ferromagnetic threat, or an inanimate ferromagnetic object independent of a human subject passes within the physical zone designated for alarming to such a threat. A fail-safe alarm system consisting of dual detection systems solves the failure of motion-detection systems when confronted with non-heat producing ferromagnetic threat objects; and the failure of photo-beam detection systems when confronted with black, non-reflective clothing. Applications for the present invention include pre-MRI safety screening, as well as certain security protocols, such as banks, schools, prisons, and courthouses.

Abstract: A method to screen individuals specifically for paramagnetic or ferromagnetic objects they may be carrying or wearing, before they enter the high-field region of an MRI suite. The device used comprises either a screening portal or a compact, hand-held magnetic gradiometer and its electronics. The method places all of the sensor arrays in close proximity to all parts of a subject's body, for screening purposes.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic threat warning system utilizing two or more radio frequency transmitters or transceivers. A remote transmitter or transceiver is attached to each ferromagnetic threat that may enter the area to be protected. A master receiver or transceiver is mounted at each door controlling entry into the area to be protected. Communication between any master unit and one or more remote units generates an alarm when one or more threat objects approaches within a preselected distance of any master unit. Approach of a threat object within the preselected distance from a door can be detected when the strength of a radio signal between the remote unit associated with the threat object and the master unit near the door reaches a predetermined level. Generation of an alarm can be initiated at either the affected remote unit or the affected master unit. Generation of an alarm at either the affected remote unit or the affected master unit can also result in generation of an alarm at the other of the two units.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting ferromagnetic threat objects on a recumbent patient, including magnetizing/sensing stations having mutually orthogonal magnetizing axes. Two magnetizing/sensing stations can be used, but three or more are preferred. The magnetizing/sensing stations are arranged on a table-like mounting structure providing a path for the patient to roll beneath the magnetizing/sensing stations on a gurney. Three additional magnetizing/sensing stations can be provided on either side, or on each side, of the gurney path, at the same height as the patient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to screen individuals specifically for paramagnetic or ferromagnetic objects they may be carrying or wearing, before they enter the high-field region of an MRI suite. The device comprises either a screening portal or a compact, hand-held magnetic gradiometer and its electronics. The device places all of the sensor arrays in close proximity to all parts of a subject's body, for screening purposes.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic threat warning system utilizing two or more radio frequency transmitters or transceivers. A remote transmitter or transceiver is attached to each ferromagnetic threat that may enter the area to be protected. A master receiver or transceiver is mounted at each door controlling entry into the area to be protected. Communication between any master unit and one or more remote units generates an alarm when one or more threat objects approaches within a preselected distance of any master unit. Approach of a threat object within the preselected distance from a door can be detected when the strength of a radio signal between the remote unit associated with the threat object and the master unit near the door reaches a predetermined level. Generation of an alarm can be initiated at either the affected remote unit or the affected master unit. Generation of an alarm at either the affected remote unit or the affected master unit can also result in generation of an alarm at the other of the two units.

Abstract: A method to screen individuals specifically for paramagnetic or ferromagnetic objects they may be carrying or wearing, before they enter the high-field region of an MRI suite. The device used comprises either a screening portal or a compact, hand-held magnetic gradiometer and its electronics. The method places all of the sensor arrays in close proximity to all parts of a subject's body, for screening purposes.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic detection pillar having one or more applied magnetic field sources and one or more magnetic field sensors, with the magnets and sensors arranged and adapted to detect a ferromagnetic threat object on one side of the pillar. A detection device, such as a motion detector or infrared detector, is also provided, to detect the presence of an object on a selected side of the pillar. A single free-standing pillar can be used, or two or more free-standing pillars can be arranged to constitute a variable aperture detection portal. Single sensors or multiple-sensor configurations can be used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing detection of a ferromagnetic threat object by magnetizing the threat object with a separate magnetic field, prior to scanning of the subject by a ferromagnetic-detecting sensor system.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed, to screen patients or other areas for ferromagnetic objects, particularly for use intra-operatively in an operating room. The device comprises at least one magnetic field source, at least one magnetic gradiometer, and the associated electronics. The field source and the gradiometer are supported by an arm structure which can be manipulated to position the field source and the gradiometer at one or more positions near areas of interest, such as areas on a patient or other subject, and to orient the field source and the gradiometer so that the axis of the magnetic field is arranged along three different non-parallel, non-coplanar, axes to ensure detection of any ferromagnetic object regardless of its shape and orientation. The device can be manipulated to place the sensor arrays in close proximity to selected parts of a subject's body, for screening purposes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing entry of a ferromagnetic threat object into a no-entry zone of an MRI facility, by attaching a magnet to each threat object, and sensing movement of any such magnet within a pre-selected distance from the no-entry zone. An RFID tag and scanning antenna can be used to sense the presence of a threat object anywhere within the sensing range of the interrogation device, either separately or as an adjunct to the distance detection provided by the magnetic field source and sensor system.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed, to screen patients or other areas for ferromagnetic objects, particularly for use intra-operatively in an operating room. The device comprises at least one magnetic field source, at least one magnetic gradiometer, and the associated electronics. The field source and the gradiometer are supported by an arm structure which can be manipulated to position the field source and the gradiometer at one or more positions near areas of interest, such as areas on a patient or other subject, and to orient the field source and the gradiometer so that the axis of the magnetic field is arranged along three different non-parallel, non-coplanar, axes to ensure detection of any ferromagnetic object regardless of its shape and orientation. The device can be manipulated to place the sensor arrays in close proximity to selected parts of a subject's body, for screening purposes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to screen individuals specifically for paramagnetic or ferromagnetic objects they may be carrying or wearing, before they enter a security area. The device comprises either a screening portal or a compact, hand-held magnetic gradiometer and its electronics. The device places all of the sensor arrays in close proximity to all parts of a subject's body, for screening purposes.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic detection pillar having one or more applied magnetic field sources and one or more magnetic field sensors, with the magnets and sensors arranged and adapted to detect a ferromagnetic threat object on one side of the pillar. A detection device, such as a motion detector or infrared detector, is also provided, to detect the presence of an object on a selected side of the pillar. A single free-standing pillar can be used, or two or more free-standing pillars can be arranged to constitute a variable aperture detection portal. Single sensors or multiple-sensor configurations can be used.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic detection pillar having one or more applied magnetic field sources and one or more magnetic field sensors, with the magnets and sensors arranged and adapted to detect a ferromagnetic threat object on any side of the pillar. A single free-standing pillar can be used to provide protection in an MRI facility, or two or more free-standing pillars can be arranged to constitute a variable aperture detection portal. Single sensors or multiple-sensor configurations can be used.

Abstract: An MRI pre-screening apparatus having an applied field source and a saturation-resistant magnetoresistive sensor, wherein the applied field source is sufficiently strong to magnetize any anticipated ferromagnetic threat object but the sensor is not saturated by the applied magnetic field. The sensor can be made saturation-resistant by being constructed of non-magnetic materials. A flux concentrator can be implemented to increase sensor sensitivity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing detection of a ferromagnetic threat object by magnetizing the threat object with a separate magnetic field, prior to scanning of the subject by a ferromagnetic-detecting sensor system.

Abstract: A screening portal for detecting the passage of ferromagnetic threat objects, whether permanently magnetized or not, by the use of AC induction coil sensors to detect a non-magnetized object, in combination with sensors capable of detecting the passage of a permanently magnetized object.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for minimizing the effects of temperature drift in a magnetic susceptibility measurement instrument, such as an instrument used in pre-MRI screening for the presence of ferromagnetic foreign bodies. The magnetic field source and magnetic sensors can be combined into a single, rigid unit. The stability and sensitivity required in high quality magnetic susceptibility measurements can be achieved through symmetrical design of the source-sensor unit, minimization of thermal stresses, minimization of temperature variations, use of materials with low thermal expansion coefficients, or through appropriate combinations thereof. Use of patient eye movement where an eye is being screened, use of a water bag between the patient and the instrument, or use of telemedicine to facilitate performance of the necessary computations can also be incorporated.