Patents by Inventor Bruce C. Breneman

Bruce C. Breneman 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: 8729899
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system magnet includes at least one main electromagnet winding disposed within a first radius of the magnet and at least one bucking electromagnet winding disposed within a second radius, larger than the first radius of the magnet and configured to provide self-shielding magnetic fields that substantially reduce fringe magnetic fields outside the magnet produced by the main electromagnet winding. The combination of magnetic fields produced by both the main and bucking electromagnet windings inside the magnet conform to MRI requirements within at least an imaging volume. The main and bucking electro-magnet windings are configured so as to create a net fringe field outside the magnet within the range of 50-100 gauss at a distance within a range of 3-5 meters axially and 2-3 meters radially from a center of the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Steckner, Bruce C. Breneman
  • Publication number: 20130009642
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system magnet includes at least one main electromagnet winding disposed within a first radius of the magnet and at least one bucking electromagnet winding disposed within a second radius, larger than the first radius of the magnet and configured to provide self-shielding magnetic fields that substantially reduce fringe magnetic fields outside the magnet produced by the main electromagnet winding. The combination of magnetic fields produced by both the main and bucking electromagnet windings inside the magnet conform to MRI requirements within at least an imaging volume. The main and bucking electro-magnet windings are configured so as to create a net fringe field outside the magnet within the range of 50-100 gauss at a distance within a range of 3-5 meters axially and 2-3 meters radially from a center of the magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicants: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Michael Steckner, Bruce C. Breneman
  • Patent number: 6438966
    Abstract: A sleeve assembly for thermally interconnecting a pulse tube, two stage cryocooler with a superconducting device includes a heat transfer cylinder, a heat transfer receptacle and a wall extending therebetween to define a passageway. The heat transfer receptacle is formed with a tapered recess wherein a tapered cooling probe of the cryocooler is urged against the heat transfer receptacle to establish thermal communication therebetween. A cooling element of the cryocooler is disposed in the heat transfer cylinder to establish thermal communication therebetween. In operation, the cryocooler moves relative to the sleeve assembly between a first configuration wherein the cryocooler is engaged with the sleeve assembly to establish thermal communication therebetween and a second configuration wherein the cryocooler is disengaged with the sleeve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Applied Superconetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond E. Sarwinski, William E. Stonecipher, Bruce C. Breneman
  • Patent number: 6438967
    Abstract: A method for cooling a superconducting device by using a sleeve assembly which thermally interconnects a two stage cryocooler with the device. In operation, the cryocooler is moveable relative to the sleeve assembly between a first configuration wherein the cryocooler is engaged with the sleeve assembly, and a second configuration wherein the cryocooler is disengaged from the sleeve assembly. The cryocooler is disposed in the sleeve assembly with the cooling element of the cryocooler positioned at a distance from the cylinder of the sleeve assembly to establish thermal communication therebetween. Also, the cooling probe of the cryocooler is in contact with the receptacle of the sleeve assembly and is urged against the receptacle to establish thermal communication therebetween. A bellows joins the cryocooler with the sleeve assembly to create an enclosed chamber therebetween and helium is pumped into the sleeve assembly to maintain an operational pressure in the sleeve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Applied Superconetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond E. Sarwinski, William E. Stonecipher, Bruce C. Breneman
  • Patent number: 5517121
    Abstract: Convenient side access to an image volume located within a two-pole, two-column main magnet of an MRI system is provided by rotating the symmetry axis of the magnet to be non-perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis of the patient transport and/or otherwise displacing the two column structures of the magnetic circuit so as to permit open and unobstructed access to the image volume along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the patient transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Toshiba America MRI, Inc.
    Inventors: Leon Kaufman, Jianhua Li, Joseph W. Carlson, Bruce C. Breneman
  • Patent number: 5418462
    Abstract: A method for using ferromagnetic shims to reduce the inhomogeneity of the magnetic field in a Diameter Spherical Volume (DSV) in the bore of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) device is provided. More specifically, a magnetic field is established within the bore of the MRI device. An operator defines the DSV. The strength of the magnetic field is measured at the surface of the DSV. A Legendre polynomial is derived to model the inhomogeneity in the magnetic field in the DSV. A set of coefficients for the harmonic terms of the polynomial is calculated from the field strength measurements and segregated into three separate groups for evaluation. Each group of terms expresses field inhomogeneity in a unique set of spatial dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Applied Superconetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce C. Breneman, Yen-Hwa Hsu, Jang-Yu Hsu
  • Patent number: 5414399
    Abstract: A MRI superconducting magnet having an open access frame with spaced parallel end plates, a superconducting coil assembly associated with each end plate, and gradient coils associated with each end plate includes an apparatus for minimizing hysteresis. The apparatus for minimizing hysteresis comprises a layer of nonferromagnetic conducting material interposed between the gradient coils and end plates. The interposed layer carries eddy currents induced by time varying magnetic fields produced by the gradient coils, thereby minimizing AC eddy current hysteresis from the end plates. The layer preferably has a thickness of at least one skin depth at the frequency associated with the time varying magnetic field. In another embodiment, each end plate has a plurality of slits formed therein for eliminating eddy currents in the end plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Applied Superconetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce C. Breneman, Raymond E. Sarwinski, Yen-Hwa L. Hsu
  • Patent number: 5412363
    Abstract: An open access MRI magnet includes a ferromagnetic frame open on at least two sides and having upper and lower end plates and at least two support columns. A superconducting coil assembly is mounted to each end plate for generating a magnetic flux field in a patient receiving area located between the end plates. Each superconducting coil assembly includes a toroidal vacuum tight vessel, insulation, and one or more temperature shields mounted within the vacuum tight vessel. One or more coils of superconducting wire is wound within the vacuum vessel, and is coupled to a power source and to a persistent switch for maintaining a constant flow of current with no power consumption. A return path for the flux is provided by the end plates and support posts of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Applied Superconetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce C. Breneman, Raymond E. Sarwinski, Yen-Hwa L. Hsu
  • Patent number: 5194810
    Abstract: An open access superconducting MRI magnet includes a ferromagnetic frame open on at least two sides and having upper and lower end plates and at least two support posts. A superconducting coil assembly is mounted to each end plate for generating a magnetic flux field in a patient receiving area located between the end plates. A magnetic flux field shaping means is associated with each end plate. The flux field shaping means includes rose shims, inner rings mounted within the rose shims, and removable segments mounted to the rose shims. Transition plates are located between the support ports and end plates for minimizing flux leakage. In addition the end plates are formed with a varying thickness such that a cross section taken perpendicular to a return path of magnetic flux is substantially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Applied Superconetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce C. Breneman, Raymond E. Sarwinski, Yen-Hwa L. Hsu
  • Patent number: 5134374
    Abstract: A magnetic field control apparatus for establishing a uniform field of flux for use in magnetic resonance imaging has a pair of opposed magnetic poles mounted on end plates of variable thickness. A pair of substantially flat parallel pole faces are attached to the facing surfaces of the magnetic poles. The end plates are supported by connecting members. In addition, there is included a plurality of segments movably mounted to the periphery of the pole face for adjusting the density of the magnetic field. The top and bottom end plates may have substantially identical concave portions on the opposite outside surfaces thereof. The magnetic poles and pole faces are preferably in the shape of thin, flat, circular plates. In one embodiment, there is included one or more inner segmented concentric rings for further adjustably controlling the homogeneity of the uniform magnetic flux in the air gap between the opposing pole faces into which a patient can be inserted for magnetic resonance imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: Applied Superconetics
    Inventors: Bruce C. Breneman, J. Wesley Parker, Raymond E. Sarwinski
  • Patent number: 5003276
    Abstract: Ferromagnetic pieces are mounted on a plurality of nonmagnetic radial rods located at desired locations parallel to a pole face of a permanent magnet used in a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. The pieces comprise plates which are translatable radially along each rod. Each rod carrying the plates are each rotatable about the rod axis to produce an error field cancelling environmentally induced, low order perturbations. A method for accomplishing same is also included. In a preferred embodiment, the plates are mounted on radial rods positioned at equal angles from one another, preferably thirty degrees (30.degree.) apart and arranged as spokes of a wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventors: Raymond E. Sarwinski, Bruce C. Breneman
  • Patent number: 4980641
    Abstract: An apparatus for minimizing hysteresis in a magnetic resonance imaging device of the type utilizing a pair of oppositely charged parallel pole faces forming a magnetic field therebetween, and gradient coils spaced apart from each pole face for producing time varying magnetic fields, comprises a layer of nonferromagnetic conducting material interposed between the pole face and the gradient coil. The interposed layer carries eddy currents induced by time varying magnetic fields produced by the gradient coils, thereby minimizing AC induced eddy current hysteresis from the pole faces. The layer preferably has a thickness of at least one skin depth at the frequency associated with the time varying magnetic field. The layer is preferably contiguous with the pole face, and comprises copper or aluminum. In another embodiment, each pole face has a plurality of slits therethrough radiating inward from the circumference for eliminating the eddy currents in the pole face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventors: Bruce C. Breneman, Raymond E. Sarwinski, Yen-Hwa L. Hsu
  • Patent number: 4943774
    Abstract: A magnetic field control apparatus for establishing a uniform field of flux for use in magnetic resonance imaging comprises a pair of opposed magnetic poles mounted on end plates of variable thickness. A pair of substantially flat parallel pole faces are attached to the facing surfaces of the magnetic poles. The end plates are supported by connecting members. In addition, there is included a plurality of segments movably mounted to the periphery of the pole face for adjusting the density of the magnetic field. The top and bottom end plates may have substantially identical concave portions on the opposite outside surfaces thereof. The magnetic poles and pole faces are preferably in the shape of thin, flat, circular plates. In one embodiment, there is included one or more inner concentric rings for further adjustably controlling the homogeneity of the uniform magnetic flux in the air gap between the opposing pole faces into which a patient can be inserted for magnetic resonance imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventors: Bruce C. Breneman, J. Wesley Parker, Raymond E. Sarwinski
  • Patent number: 4931759
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging magnet has a solenoidal superconducting winding producing a magnetic field and defining an examination region within a bore thereof. The examination region receives a body to be examined. The solenoidal superconducting winding generates a quasi-static magnetic field for aligning atomic nuclei in the body being examined. A two-fold or minimally symmetric ferromagnetic shield has a pair of magnetic flux return paths positioned on opposite sides of the solenoidal superconducting winding for reducing the magnetic field intensity in a region proximate to and outside of the solenoidal superconducting winding. A magnetic field inhomogeneity compensating system reduces magnetic field inhomogeneities introduced into the magnetic field within the examination region by the minimally symmetric ferromagnetic shield to provide a highly uniform quasi-static magnetic field within the examination region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventors: Bruce C. Breneman, John R. Purcell, Raymond E. Sarwinski
  • Patent number: 4841268
    Abstract: A magnet system, having permanently installed power leads, for providing a magnetic field. The system includes a vacuum vessel and a cryogenic containment vessel supported within the vacuum vessel. The containment vessel holds a main coil formed of superconductive wire, along with a quantity of liquid helium to maintain the wire below its critical temperature. The power leads, which supply energy to the coil from a power supply outside the vacuum vessel, also take energy from the coil to a load resistor outside the vacuum vessel when the coil is discharged, each include an elongate metallic tube. The magnet system also includes a solenoid controlled valve which is responsive to the passage of electric current through the tubes of the power leads to cause helium gas resulting from the boiling of liquid helium in the containment vessel to be vented to atmosphere through the tube thereby cooling them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventors: Sibley C. Burnett, John R. Purcell, Bruce C. Breneman, Raymond E. Sarwinski
  • Patent number: 4782671
    Abstract: An improvement in cooling apparatus in a magnet system for providing a localized, substantially homogeneous magnetic field for use in magnetic resonance imaging. The magnet system includes a vacuum vessel, a cryogenic containment vessel inside the vacuum vessel and having a coil of superconductive wire along with a quantity of liquid helium to maintain the wire below its critical temperature. The system also includes an inner thermal radiation shield between the containment vessel and the vacuum vessel and an outer thermal radiation shield between the inner shield and the vacuum vessel. A cryogenic refrigerator is supported by the vacuum vessel and extends inside. This refrigerator has a first-stage heat station cooling the outer shield and second-stage heat station for cooling the inner shield. The improvement includes the provision of a tank holding a quantity of liquid nitrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventors: Bruce C. Breneman, Raymond E. Sarwinski
  • Patent number: 4768008
    Abstract: A magnet system for use in magnetic resonance imaging. The system includes a vacuum vessel having a first wall assembly defining a bore for receiving the subject of the imaging and a pair of spaced metallic end plates welded to the ends of the first wall assembly. The system further includes a cryogenic containment vessel supported within the vacuum vessel and a coil disposed within the containment vessel for providing the magnetic field. The first wall assembly includes a weldable metallic cylindrical shell positioned intermediate the end plates and having a thickness insufficient without reinforcement to provide structural integrity during operation of the vacuum vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventors: John R. Purcell, Bruce C. Breneman, Sibley C. Burnett
  • Patent number: 4743880
    Abstract: A magnet system for providing a localized, substantially homogeneous field for use in medical magnetic resonance imaging and its incorporation into a method of siting. The magnet system includes a vacuum vessel defining a bore for receiving the subject of the imaging and having a first end and a second end. A cryogenic containment vessel is supported within the vacuum vessel and a single coil is disposed within the containment vessel for providing the magnetic field. The magnetic system also includes a shield assembly of ferromagnetic material positioned closely adjacent the outside of the vacuum vessel and including first and second end assemblies and a plurality of axially extending beam-like members interconnecting the end assemblies. The coil comprises a winding made up of thousands of turns of small superconductive wire and which is configured to compensate for the effect of the presence of the shield to provide the substantially homogeneous field at a predetermined location in the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: GA Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce C. Breneman, John R. Purcell, Sibley C. Burnett