Patents by Inventor Allen W. Song

Allen W. Song has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10948557
    Abstract: RF coil array assemblies include an RF coil array with a plurality of coil elements. The coil elements each have an RF conductor that defines an RF path. The coil elements operate in an RF mode for at least one of transmitting RF excitation signals or receiving MRI image signals on the RF conductors. The RF coil array assemblies also include at least one wireless module connected to the RF coil array, the at least one wireless module including a wireless transceiver operative at a wireless communication frequency band and attached to at least some of the coil elements to provide input and output signals to the at least one wireless module. At least some of the coil elements can concurrently transmit or receive wireless communication data and the RF excitation signals or the received MRI image signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Dean Darnell, Allen W. Song, Trong-Kha Truong
  • Publication number: 20200033429
    Abstract: RF coil array assemblies include an RF coil array with a plurality of coil elements. The coil elements each have an RF conductor that defines an RF path. The coil elements operate in an RF mode for at least one of transmitting RF excitation signals or receiving MRI image signals on the RF conductors. The RF coil array assemblies also include at least one wireless module connected to the RF coil array, the at least one wireless module including a wireless transceiver operative at a wireless communication frequency band and attached to at least some of the coil elements to provide input and output signals to the at least one wireless module. At least some of the coil elements can concurrently transmit or receive wireless communication data and the RF excitation signals or the received MRI image signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Dean Darnell, Allen W. Song, Trong-Kha Truong
  • Patent number: 10185006
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are configured for integrated parallel reception, excitation, and shimming (iPRES) with RF coil elements with split DC loops. Parallel transmit/receive (which can include B1 shimming and/or parallel imaging capabilities) and B0 shimming employ the same set of localized coils or transverse electromagnetic (TEM) coil elements, with each coil or TEM element working in both an RF mode (for transmit/receive and B1 shimming) and a direct current (DC) mode (for B0 shimming) simultaneously. Both an RF and a DC current (in split DC loops) can flow in the same coil element simultaneously but independently with no electromagnetic interference between the two modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Dean Darnell, Trong-Kha Truong, Allen W. Song
  • Patent number: 10185001
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are configured for integrated parallel reception, excitation, and shimming (iPRES). Parallel transmit/receive (which can include B1 shimming and/or parallel imaging capabilities) and B0 shimming employ the same set of localized coils or transverse electromagnetic (TEM) coil elements, with each coil or TEM element working in both an RF mode (for transmit/receive and B1 shimming) and a direct current (DC) mode (for B0 shimming) simultaneously. Both an RF and a DC current can flow in the same coil simultaneously but independently with no electromagnetic interference between the two modes. This invention is not only applicable when the same coil array is used for parallel transmit, receive and shim, but also when two separate coil arrays are used. In that case, the B0 shimming capability can be integrated into one of the coil arrays (i.e. a transmit array with B1 shimming capability or a receive array), thereby increasing the flexibility and practical utility of the iPRES technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Hui Han, Trong-Kha Truong, Allen W. Song
  • Patent number: 10175319
    Abstract: In vivo methods of non-invasively imaging neuro-electro-magnetic oscillations (NEMO) are carried out by electronically transmitting a pulse sequence to a subject. The pulse sequence has a first excitation pulse, typically applied along an x-axis, followed by a spin-lock pulse applied along a different axis, typically a y-axis, and having a defined frequency, followed by a second RF excitation pulse. Then MR image signal of neuroelectric activity associated with evoked and/or spontaneous neuroelectric oscillations is obtained after the second RF excitation pulse and a neuroactivity (i.e., brain activation) map based on the obtained MR image signal is generated, the neuroactivity map having high temporal and spatial accuracy of the neuroelectric activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Trong-Kha Truong, Allen W. Song
  • Patent number: 10168410
    Abstract: Methods, systems, computer programs, circuits and workstations are configured to generate MRI images using gradient blips for signal acquisition and reconstruction using dynamic field mapping, TE corrections and/or multischeme partial Fourier images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Nan-kuei Chen, Trong-Kha Truong, Allen W. Song
  • Publication number: 20180149719
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are configured for integrated parallel reception, excitation, and shimming (iPRES). Parallel transmit/receive (which can include B1 shimming and/or parallel imaging capabilities) and B0 shimming employ the same set of localized coils or transverse electromagnetic (TEM) coil elements, with each coil or TEM element working in both an RF mode (for transmit/receive and B1 shimming) and a direct current (DC) mode (for B0 shimming) simultaneously. Both an RF and a DC current can flow in the same coil simultaneously but independently with no electromagnetic interference between the two modes. This invention is not only applicable when the same coil array is used for parallel transmit, receive and shim, but also when two separate coil arrays are used. In that case, the B0 shimming capability can be integrated into one of the coil arrays (i.e. a transmit array with B1 shimming capability or a receive array), thereby increasing the flexibility and practical utility of the iPRES technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Inventors: Hui Han, Trong-Kha Truong, Allen W. Song
  • Publication number: 20180136296
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are configured for integrated parallel reception, excitation, and shimming (iPRES) with RF coil elements with split DC loops. Parallel transmit/receive (which can include B1 shimming and/or parallel imaging capabilities) and B0 shimming employ the same set of localized coils or transverse electromagnetic (TEM) coil elements, with each coil or TEM element working in both an RF mode (for transmit/receive and B1 shimming) and a direct current (DC) mode (for B0 shimming) simultaneously. Both an RF and a DC current (in split DC loops) can flow in the same coil element simultaneously but independently with no electromagnetic interference between the two modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Dean Darnell, Trong-Kha Truong, Allen W. Song
  • Patent number: 9886745
    Abstract: Multi-shot DWI with multiplexed sensitivity-encoding (MUSE) inherently corrects nonlinear shot-to-shot phase variations without requiring the use of navigator echoes. The multi-shot DWI can use interleaved echo-planar imaging or other scan protocols. This new technique should prove highly valuable for mapping brain structures and connectivities at high spatial resolution for neuroscience studies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Nan-Kuei Chen, Allen W. Song
  • Patent number: 9880242
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are configured for integrated parallel reception, excitation, and shimming (iPRES) with RF coil elements with split DC loops. Parallel transmit/receive (which can include B1 shimming and/or parallel imaging capabilities) and B0 shimming employ the same set of localized coils or transverse electromagnetic (TEM) coil elements, with each coil or TEM element working in both an RF mode (for transmit/receive and B1 shimming) and a direct current (DC) mode (for B0 shimming) simultaneously. Both an RF and a DC current (in split DC loops) can flow in the same coil element simultaneously but independently with no electromagnetic interference between the two modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Dean Darnell, Trong-Kha Truong, Allen W. Song
  • Patent number: 9874616
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are configured for integrated parallel reception, excitation, and shimming (iPRES). Parallel transmit/receive (which can include B?1#191 shimming and/or parallel imaging capabilities) and B1 shimming employ the same set of localized coils or transverse electromagnetic (TEM) coil elements, with each coil or TEM element working in both an RF mode (for transmit/receive and B1 shimming) and a direct current (DC) mode (for B0 shimming) simultaneously. Both an RF and a DC current can flow in the same coil simultaneously but independently with no electromagnetic interference between the two modes. This invention is not only applicable when the same coil array is used for parallel transmit, receive and shim, but also when two separate coil arrays are used. In that case, the B0 shimming capability can be integrated into one of the coil arrays (i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Hui Han, Trong-Kha Truong, Allen W. Song
  • Patent number: 9864025
    Abstract: MRI systems with a new concept and hardware modality configured for parallel transmit, receive, and shim to address B0 and B1 inhomogeneity, both of which increase with field strength. This invention benefits from a number of advantages over existing technologies: it can save valuable space within the MRI magnet bore, largely reduce the manufacturing cost of MRI scanners, and avoid the electromagnetic interference issue associated with existing technologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Hui Han, Trong-Kha Truong, Allen W. Song
  • Publication number: 20170322273
    Abstract: In vivo methods of non-invasively imaging neuro-electro-magnetic oscillations (NEMO) are carried out by electronically transmitting a pulse sequence to a subject. The pulse sequence has a first excitation pulse, typically applied along an x-axis, followed by a spin-lock pulse applied along a different axis, typically a y-axis, and having a defined frequency, followed by a second RF excitation pulse. Then MR image signal of neuroelectric activity associated with evoked and/or spontaneous neuroelectric oscillations is obtained after the second RF excitation pulse and a neuroactivity (i.e., brain activation) map based on the obtained MR image signal is generated, the neuroactivity map having high temporal and spatial accuracy of the neuroelectric activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Trong-Kha Truong, Allen W. Song
  • Patent number: 9760979
    Abstract: Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) using a new technique, termed multiplexed sensitivity encoding with inherent phase correction, is proposed and implemented to effectively and reliably provide high-resolution segmented DWI and DTI, where shot-to-shot phase variations are inherently corrected, with high quality and SNR yet without relying on reference and navigator echoes. The performance and consistency of the new technique in enabling high-quality DWI and DTI are confirmed experimentally in healthy adult volunteers on 3 Tesla MRI systems. This newly developed technique should be broadly applicable in neuroscience investigations of brain structure and function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Nan-kuei Chen, Allen W. Song
  • Publication number: 20160116556
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are configured for integrated parallel reception, excitation, and shimming (iPRES) with RF coil elements with split DC loops. Parallel transmit/receive (which can include B1 shimming and/or parallel imaging capabilities) and B0 shimming employ the same set of localized coils or transverse electromagnetic (TEM) coil elements, with each coil or TEM element working in both an RF mode (for transmit/receive and B1 shimming) and a direct current (DC) mode (for B0 shimming) simultaneously. Both an RF and a DC current (in split DC loops) can flow in the same coil element simultaneously but independently with no electromagnetic interference between the two modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Dean Darnell, Trong-Kha Truong, Allen W. Song
  • Publication number: 20150177344
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are configured for integrated parallel reception, excitation, and shimming (iPRES). Parallel transmit/receive (which can include B?1#191 shimming and/or parallel imaging capabilities) and B1 shimming employ the same set of localized coils or transverse electromagnetic (TEM) coil elements, with each coil or TEM element working in both an RF mode (for transmit/receive and B1 shimming) and a direct current (DC) mode (for B0 shimming) simultaneously. Both an RF and a DC current can flow in the same coil simultaneously but independently with no electromagnetic interference between the two modes. This invention is not only applicable when the same coil array is used for parallel transmit, receive and shim, but also when two separate coil arrays are used. In that case, the B0 shimming capability can be integrated into one of the coil arrays (i.e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: Hui Han, Trong-Kha Truong, Allen W. Song
  • Publication number: 20150154741
    Abstract: Multi-shot DWI with multiplexed sensitivity-encoding (MUSE) inherently corrects nonlinear shot-to-shot phase variations without requiring the use of navigator echoes. The multi-shot DWI can use interleaved echo-planar imaging or other scan protocols. This new technique should prove highly valuable for mapping brain structures and connectivities at high spatial resolution for neuroscience studies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: Duke University
    Inventors: Nan-Kuei Chen, Allen W. Song
  • Patent number: 8934694
    Abstract: Methods, systems, computer programs, circuits and workstations are configured to carry out image processing to generate MRI images with reduced aliasing artifacts (e.g., Nyquist and/or motion-induced image artifacts) by (a) electronically reconstructing a series of images using patient image data obtained from a patient MRI image data set by iteratively cycling through different estimated values of phase gradients in at least two dimensions; and (b) electronically selecting an image from the reconstructed images as having a lowest artifact level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Nan-Kuei Chen, Alexandru V. Avram, Allen W. Song, Trong-Kha Truong
  • Publication number: 20140002084
    Abstract: MRI systems with a new concept and hardware modality configured for parallel transmit, receive, and shim to address B0 and B1 inhomogeneity, both of which increase with field strength. This invention benefits from a number of advantages over existing technologies: it can save valuable space within the MRI magnet bore, largely reduce the manufacturing cost of MRI scanners, and avoid the electromagnetic interference issue associated with existing technologies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Hui Han, Trong-Kha Truong, Allen W. Song
  • Publication number: 20140002078
    Abstract: Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) using a new technique, termed multiplexed sensitivity encoding with inherent phase correction, is proposed and implemented to effectively and reliably provide high-resolution segmented DWI and DTI, where shot-to-shot phase variations are inherently corrected, with high quality and SNR yet without relying on reference and navigator echoes. The performance and consistency of the new technique in enabling high-quality DWI and DTI are confirmed experimentally in healthy adult volunteers on 3 Tesla MRI systems. This newly developed technique should be broadly applicable in neuroscience investigations of brain structure and function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Nan-kuei Chen, Allen W. Song