Abstract: In a gradient coil set for a magnetic resonance system, the y gradient coils are located substantially closer to the patient than are the x and z gradient coils. As a result, one may design the y gradient coils to produce a stronger y gradient, to have reduced inductance or otherwise better tailor the magnetic/electrical properties of the gradient coil set for MRI imaging sequences. In the exemplary embodiment, at least portions of the y gradient coils have a first spacing from the z-axis while the x and z gradient coils have a second substantially larger spacing from the z-axis. Furthermore, while the x and z gradient coils are centered about the z-axis in the patient access space, alternate sides of the y gradient coil set are centered about respectively off-set centers vertically displaced from the z-axis center of the patient access area.

Abstract: A method for determining proper operation of a multi-section photo-sensitive detector (10) includes measuring (102) the cathode-anode dark resistance of each section and rejecting the detector (104, 108) if any section measures less than a predetermined value or if the ratio of the dark resistance of any section to the section having the highest dark resistance (106) exceeds a specified level. Each detector is also subjected to anode-to-anode or cathode-to-cathode dark resistance testing for both adjacent (110) and non-adjacent (124) sections, with testing based on comparisons between section pair readings and the sum of the cathode-anode dark resistances of each section in the tested pair (114, 128).

Abstract: An actuated fiber optic connector is disclosed in which the plug and receptacle connector members are axially mated with the fiber optic ferrule in the plug connector member sliding into a V-shaped channel in the receptacle connector member with low insertion force to abut the receptacle fiber optic ferrule therein. A leaf spring is mounted in the channel. The plug connector member carries an actuating sleeve which engages a central portion of the leaf spring upon mating of the connector members urging the spring inwardly into the V-channel. The spring is constructed such that when it is actuated, the spring biases both the ferrules in the connector into abutting relationship.