Patents Examined by Brij B. Shrivastav
  • Patent number: 7847546
    Abstract: An MRI apparatus includes an imaging means being provided with a means for generating magnetic fields respectively of a static magnetic field, a gradient magnetic field, and an RF magnetic field, and a means for receiving an echo signal generated from a subject, the imaging means being for measuring echo data associated with at least one measurement trajectory in k-space, while varying angles with respect to a coordinate axis in the k-space of the measurement trajectory, so as to collect at least one measured data for each of the angles; and an image reconstruction means for rearranging the measured data in the k-space and reconstructing an image; wherein, the image reconstruction means calculates a phase for correction based on standard data selected from the measured data for each of the angles, prior to rearranging the measured data in the k-space, and performs a phase correction as to the measured data, by using the phase for correction being calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Takizawa, Tetsuhiko Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7847551
    Abstract: In a method and system to generate an excitation in an examination subject to acquire magnetic resonance signals from a region of the examination subject, basic magnetic field is generated, an adiabatic half-passage (AHP) pulse is radiated to generate a transverse magnetization in the subject, and at least one first and one second adiabatic full-passage (AFP) pulse is radiated to generate a slice-selective rephasing of the transverse magnetization. The time interval between the first adiabatic half-passage pulse and the first adiabatic full-passage pulse is at least 37 ms, and the time interval between the first adiabatic full-passage pulse and the second adiabatic full-passage pulse is at least 75 ms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Jaeseok Park
  • Patent number: 7847544
    Abstract: A system for measuring at least one of a temperature and a pressure of an earth formation is disclosed. The system includes: a downhole tool disposed in a borehole and configured to be movable within the borehole; at least one nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) measurement device including a transmitter configured to emit a radiofrequency magnetic field having at least one selected frequency band into the earth formation to cause a component thereof to produce a NQR signal, and a detector configured to detect the NQR resonance signal; and a processor in operable communication with the measurement device and configured to generate NQR data from the NQR signal and calculate at least one of the temperature and the pressure of the earth formation therefrom. A method of measuring at least one of a temperature and a pressure of an earth formation is also enclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Martin Blanz, Carl Edwards, Hyung Tae Kwak
  • Patent number: 7843195
    Abstract: A method for determining the spatial distribution of magnetic resonance (MR) signals from an imaging region has a preparatory step in which an encoding scheme with I phase encoding steps is defined, for each phase encoding step according to the phase encoding scheme, an excitation pattern of the transverse magnetization is defined and RF pulses to be irradiated to implement this pattern are calculated, wherein the same phase is defined at all spatial locations of the imaging region within an MSEM region and, in the execution step, according to the spatial encoding scheme each encoding step is performed I times according to the phase encoding scheme, wherein selection of the imaging region, amplitude modulation, and phase encoding are performed with the calculated RF pulses during excitation of the nuclear spin. This results in unique determination of the spatial distribution of the magnetic resonance signals with a simple RF receiver configuration using local gradient systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Bruker Biospin MRI GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Ruhm
  • Patent number: 7839145
    Abstract: An imaging system that uses a directed-energy device can include a directed-energy device configured to generate an excitation signal to impinge a region of interest of a target and excite elements therein and receive resonance signals emitted from the region of interest of the target after the excitation signal is terminated. The directed-energy device can include a charged particle generator configured to generate plural energized particles and a charge transformer configured to receive the plural energized particles that include charged particles from the charged particle generator and to output a wavefront including energized particles that include particles having substantially zero charge. The imaging system can also include plural gradient coils positioned about a bore of a magnet and configured to impress a polarizing magnetic field on a target and a communications interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Prosis, LLC
    Inventor: James Cornwell
  • Patent number: 7839146
    Abstract: A medical apparatus includes a medical assist device to process signals to relating biological functions. A first lead is operatively connected to the medical assist device, the first lead having a distal end and a proximal end. A second lead is operatively connected to the medical assist device, the second lead having a distal end and a proximal end. The first electrode is operatively connected to the distal end of the first lead, and a second electrode is operatively connected to the distal end of the second lead. A filter circuit is operatively connected near the distal end of the first lead and the distal end of the second lead. A compensation circuit, operatively connected to the first lead, provides a compensation voltage to enable the filter to effectively block changing magnetic fields induced current in the second lead from passing through the second electrode of the distal end of the second lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Gray
  • Patent number: 7839147
    Abstract: A radio frequency coil system (34) used in the context of electric properties tomography (EPT, electrical impedance tomography, EIT, applied potential tomography, APT) generates radio frequency excitation pulses in an examination region (14). The radio frequency coil system (34) includes N coil elements (38) which generate magnetic (H) and electric (E) fields. A weight setting device (54) sets weight factors for input signals for the coil elements (38). A transmitting system (52) creates RF pulses, at least two sets of each with differently weighted input signals, and transmits the at least two sets of RF pulses to the coil elements (38) such that each of the transmitted RF pulse sets generates shifted electric fields (110, 112) having a shifted zero crossing point (120, 122) from each other. An image processor (62) computes electric permittivity maps from resonance induced by the at least two sets of RF pulses with different weighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Ulrich Katscher, Peter Vernickel, Marius Hanft
  • Patent number: 7839144
    Abstract: A method for estimating a viscosity of a fluid in a rock formation, the method including: performing a first nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurement with zero magnetic field gradient on at least a portion of a sample of the rock formation to obtain a first distribution of transverse relaxation time constants; estimating a first diffusive couple factor from the first distribution; replacing the fluid of the at least a portion of the sample with another fluid; performing a second NMR measurement with zero magnetic field gradient on the at least a portion of the sample containing the another fluid to obtain a second distribution of transverse relaxation time constants; estimating a second diffusive couple factor from the second distribution; and estimating the viscosity of the fluid using the first diffusive couple factor and the second diffusive couple factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Segun A. Jebutu
  • Patent number: 7834628
    Abstract: An arrangement to transmit magnetic resonance signals has at least two reception branches. Each reception branch contains a single antenna of a local coil as well as an amplifier connected with the single antenna, such that an amplified magnetic resonance signal is formed from a magnetic resonance signal that is acquired via the single antenna. In a multiplexer, each input is connected with a respective reception branch, such that the amplified magnetic resonance signals of the reception branch are combined by the multiplexer into a resulting signal using a time multiplexing method. A transmission path is connected on one side with an output of the multiplexer and on the other side with a receiver, such that the resulting signal is transmitted from the multiplexer to the receiver via the transmission path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stephan Biber, Jan Bollenbeck, Ralph Oppelt, Markus Vester
  • Patent number: 7834627
    Abstract: The present invention provides a measurement system and an image processing system for quantitatively figuring out the fiber bundles which are passing through any VOI. A static magnetic field and an RF signal are applied to a subject, and a nuclear magnetic resonance signal is received from the subject (401). Diffusion tensor is calculated from the nuclear magnetic resonance signals (402). As to a target area for receiving the nuclear magnetic resonance signal from the subject, fiber bundles passing through multiple predetermined origins, respectively, are extracted in a form of a group of coordinate points for each of the fiber bundles, based on the diffusion tensor calculated by the calculating means (406). At least one VOI is set for the target area for receiving the nuclear magnetic resonance signal (408).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., The University of Tokyo
    Inventors: Kuniyoshi L. Sakai, Yukari Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7834630
    Abstract: In one example, a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system comprises a magnetic resonance imaging assembly defining a gap region, a transmitting coil proximate the gap region, and at least one test coil separate from the transmitting coil. The at least one coil is mechanically coupled to the assembly during imaging and the at least one test coil is selectively electrically coupled to the assembly to collect test data. The at least one coil may be coupled to a test fixture coupled to the assembly. The test fixture may be deployable from a first position to a second position for collection of test data. The at least one coil may comprise a first test coil and a second test coil. Methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Fonar Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond V. Damadian, Hugh Wahl, Rein Aspelund, James Kelly
  • Patent number: 7834624
    Abstract: In a method and arrangement for detection of the position of an examination person on a table in a magnetic resonance system, the examination person on the table is moved relative to the magnetic resonance system, RF pulses are radiated while the examination person is moved through the magnetic resonance system, the resulting magnetic resonance signals caused by the RF pulses are detected and the position of the examination person is determined using the acquired magnetic resonance signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Thomas Arnold
  • Patent number: 7834626
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance system for generation of magnetic resonance exposures of an examination subject in a patient positioning region has an antenna structure with a number of antenna elements arranged in the patient positioning region. Feed lines respectively supply the antenna elements with radio-frequency signals for emission of a radio-frequency field in the patient positioning region and/or to accept radio-frequency signals acquired by the antenna elements. The magnetic resonance system also has a radio-frequency shielding that shields an external region outside of the patient positioning region from radio-frequency signals radiated in the patient positioning region. This radio-frequency shielding has a number of feedthroughs through which the feed lines are respectively directed from the external region over a short distance to the antenna elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Wolfgang Renz
  • Patent number: 7830147
    Abstract: A radio frequency coil assembly is provided. The radio frequency coil assembly includes: a first radio frequency coil for receiving a magnetic resonance signal from a tested body; a second radio frequency coil for receiving a magnetic resonance signal from the tested body; and a third radio frequency coil for receiving a magnetic resonance signal from the tested body and having a shape which is different from that of at least one of the first and second radio frequency coils so as to increase a local sensitivity in an image-picked-up region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuya Okamoto, Shinji Mitsui, Manabu Ishii
  • Patent number: 7830144
    Abstract: A method and system for improving image quality by correcting errors introduced by rotational motion of an object being imaged is provided. The object is associated with a fiducial mark. The method provides a computer executable methodology for detecting a rotation and selectively reordering, deleting and/or reacquiring projection data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Duerk, Ajit Shankaranarayanan, Michael Wendt, Jonathan S. Lewin
  • Patent number: 7830148
    Abstract: An NMR sample tube for NMR measurement is provided. It includes a plug on both sides or one side of a sample to be measured, in an axial direction of the sample tube. The plug is adjusted to have magnetic susceptibility equal to or substantially equal to that of the sample. A whole shape of the plug and a sample space together is axisymmetric about an axis of the sample tube, and a surface of the plug not abutting the sample space bulges in a direction away from the sample space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7825661
    Abstract: Saturation pulse sequences are designed to ensure complete saturation of nuclear spins for dual wait time measurements and saturation recovery measurements in the case of axial motion of a downhole NMR logging tool. Frequency and/or phase modulation may be used. An auxiliary saturation coil may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Martin Blanz
  • Patent number: 7821266
    Abstract: In a method and computerized device for determination of imaging parameters for the acquisition of a magnetic resonance image of an examination subject, initial imaging parameters are established, a calculation is made, based on the initial imaging parameters, of signal intensities for tissue types that occur at least in a portion of the examination subject, and the imaging parameters for the acquisition of the magnetic resonance image under are adapted dependent on the calculated signal intensities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Thorsten Feiweier
  • Patent number: 7821260
    Abstract: NMR spin echo signals are acquired downhole. An independent component analysis is used to determine parameters of a parametric model of the T2 distribution whose output matches the measurements. The model parameters are telemetered to the surface where the properties of the formation are reconstructed. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Mouin Hamdan, Holger F. Thern, Thomas Kruspe, Peter Rottengatter
  • Patent number: 7821261
    Abstract: A data processing system configured to process acquired image data (e.g., as part of a diagnostic imaging apparatus) uses a signal-power estimating unit for estimating signal power by using reference data containing data different from processing-target data and a data processing unit for processing the processing-target data by using a WF (wiener filter) based on the signal power estimated by the signal-power estimating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Tokunori Kimura