Patents Examined by Tiffany A. Fetzmer
  • Patent number: 6323647
    Abstract: An apparatus for tuning and/or matching a RF coil in a NMR probe comprising a first variable capacitor electrically connected to the coil and a first motor capable of coupling to the first variable capacitor. The first motor when coupled to the first capacitor adjusts a capacitance associated with the first capacitor. The first motor is capable of operating in a strong magnetic field and is capable of not disturbing homogeneity of said magnetic field when said motor is not operating. The apparatus may further include a second variable capacitor and a second motor. The first motor is further capable of coupling to the second capacitor for adjusting a capacitance associated with the second capacitor. The second motor moves the first motor between coupling with the first capacitor and coupling with the second capacitor. The mechanism may be employed to manipulate variable inductive loads for tuning and/or matching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Varian, Inc.
    Inventors: Weston A. Anderson, Howard D.W. Hill, Coriolan I. Frum, David H. Humber