Abstract: This document presents a system and method for presenting vetted and verified Supplier information to Buyers. The Know Your Suppler (TYS) Application collects previously vetted and verified Supplier information and commits the collected information, verification authorities, verification details, and transaction information to a shared distributed ledger implemented as a privately permissioned blockchain. Buyers who want to onboard a newly identified Supplier, or update Supplier information with more recently verified information records, may subscribe to the TYS Application and purchase available vetted and verified Supplier information to optimize the onhoarding or updating process for Suppliers from whom the Buyer wants to purchase goods or services.

Abstract: This document presents a system and method for presenting vetted and verified Supplier information to Buyers. The Know Your Suppler (TYS) Application collects previously vetted and verified Supplier information and commits the collected information, verification authorities, verification details, and transaction information to a shared distributed ledger implemented as a privately permissioned blockchain. Buyers who want to onboard a newly identified Supplier, or update Supplier information with more recently verified information records, may subscribe to the TYS Application and purchase available vetted and verified Supplier information to optimize the onboarding or updating process for Suppliers from whom the Buyer wants to purchase goods or services.

Abstract: A system and method including an apparatus for use in electrically loading RF coils of an MRI system is disclosed. The apparatus includes a polymer interdispersed with an electrically conductive additive such that the apparatus provides the necessary electrical loading of the RF coils for testing and calibration of the MRI system but is free of liquid. Furthermore, the apparatus is capable of providing the requisite electrical load in high magnet magnetic fields without introducing image distortion as a result of standing waves within the apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method including an apparatus for use in electrically loading RF coils of an MRI system is disclosed. The apparatus includes a polymer interdispersed with an electrically conductive additive such that the apparatus provides the necessary electrical loading of the RF coils for testing and calibration of the MRI system but is free of liquid. Furthermore, the apparatus is capable of providing the requisite electrical load in high magnet magnetic fields without introducing image distortion as a result of standing waves within the apparatus.

Abstract: Vibration of the magnet assembly in a MRI system perturbs the magnetic field and adversely affects the images produced by the system. The perturbation of the magnetic field can be sensed by an apparatus having a source which emits a first signal that is reflected off the magnet assembly. A receiver detects a second signal formed by the reflected portion of the first signal. The first and second signals are processed to produce an output signal representing movement of the electromagnet and thus variation of the magnetic field. That output signal can be used by to components of the magnetic resonance imaging system to compensate for the effects that the vibration has on the images.

Abstract: A method of making a polyurethane foam mattress overlay so that it has several sections defined in a relatively flat support surface thereof. The sections are longitudinally disposed so as to correspond with different parts of a user's body. Each such section has predetermined support characteristics which are selected in relationship with such characteristics for the other sections so as to define systematized support. Specific numerical ranges and interrelationships for such sections are preferred. A plurality of projections are formed in each surface section. In general, the cross-sectional area of such projections at the overlay support surface or at a given depth therefrom is the same within each section, but differs from one section to another. Separation distances between such projections may also vary with the respective sections. The resulting tailored support characteristics in respective sections provide engineered support for all parts of a user's body.

Abstract: A local coil assembly includes an RF coil disposed inside a cylindrical form and a pair of z-axis gradient coils wound around the outside of the cylindrical form. First and second pairs of gradient coils are mounted on opposite sides and extend radially outward from the cylindrical form. These pairs of gradient coils produce a gradient field perpendicular to the z-axis with minimal effect on the operation of the RF coil.

Abstract: A method of making a polyurethane foam mattress overlay so that it has several sections defined in a relatively flat support surface thereof. The sections are longitudinally disposed so as to correspond with different parts of a user's body. Each such section has predetermined support characteristics which are selected in relationship with such characteristics for the other sections so as to define systematized support. Specific numerical ranges and inter-relationships for such sections are preferred. A plurality of projections are formed in each surface section. In general, the cross-sectional area of such projections at the overlay support surface or at a given depth therefrom is the same within each section, but differs from one section to another. Separation distances between such projections may also vary with the respective sections. The resulting tailored support characteristics in respective sections provide engineered support for all parts of a user's body.

Abstract: A compact local gradient coil is combined with a local RF coil to provide lower powered, higher strength gradient fields and faster gradient response as is useful in magnetic resonance imaging. Interference between the RF coil and gradient coil is minimized by placement of the gradient coil external to the RF coil and by gradient coils that are axially symmetric and/or have conductors substantially orthogonal to the RF coil conductors. Acoustic noise in these smaller, stronger coils is reduced with ports cut into the coil forms.

Abstract: An NMR imaging system includes a prescan procedure in which the RF transmit power level is calibrated to produce an optimal, uniform RF field. Pulse sequences are conducted at a series of RF power levels and from the resulting acquired NMR data the power level which produces the most uniform signal across the extent of the subject being imaged is determined.

Abstract: A foam mattress support having a top, intermediate and bottom layer. The intermediate layer includes a plurality of ribs having a cross-sectional area increasing in the direction perpendicular to the pad, the height of the ribs being at least as great as one-third of the thickness of the pad, and the cross-sectional area of the ribs at the head and foot end being substantially equal but being less than the cross-sectional area of the ribs between the head and foot ends.

Abstract: A polyurethane foam mattress overlay has several sections defined in a relatively flat support surface thereof. The sections are longitudinally disposed so as to correspond with different parts of a user's body. Each such section has predetermined support characteristics which are selected in relationship with such characteristics for the other sections so as to define systematized support. Specific numerical ranges and interrelationships for such sections are disclosed. A plurality of projections are formed in each surface section. In general, the cross-sectional area of such projections at the overlay support surface or at a given depth therefrom is the same within each section, but differs from one section to another. Separation distances between such projections may also vary with the respective sections. In such manner, tailored support characteristics in respective sections provide engineered support for all parts of a user's body.

Abstract: A resilient pad has a uniform patterned patient support surface, including a plurality of parallel ribs. Each rib has a like profile of stacked compressive steps of varying widths. Progressive collapse of the steps under different loading results in differential resilient support responsive to such loading. Troughs between adjacent ribs have profiles identical to that of the ribs when inverted so that two pads may be simultaneously manufactured in mutually-facing, complementary alignment. Rib rocking action reduces the transmission of shear forces to a patient, while rib compression provides an air pumping action for circulating air about the patient.

Abstract: A polyurethane foam mattress overlay has several sections defined in a relatively flat support surface thereof. The sections are longitudinally disposed so as to correspond with different parts of a user's body. Each such section has predetermined support characteristics which are selected in relationship with such characteristics for the other sections so as to define systematized support. Specific numerical ranges and interrelationships for such sections are disclosed. A plurality of projections are formed in each surface section. In general, the cross-sectional area of such projections at the overlay support surface or at a given depth therefrom is the same within each section, but differs from one section to another. Separation distances between such projections may also vary with the respective sections. In such manner, tailored support characteristics in respective sections provide engineered support for all parts of a user's body.

Abstract: A foam pillow has two main support surfaces on opposing sides thereof. One surface includes convolutions defining a relatively flat profile and the other surface includes longitudinal ribs of arcuate cross-section, which define a curved profile having at least two prominent lobes of differing heights and a central trough. The pillow is particularly adapted for support of a person's head in the trough, with the user's neck received on one of the lobes. Reversal of the lobes permits variation in the amount of neck support. The ribs comprise spherical ridges and have circular channels separating their bases to provide a heat and moisture dissipation function. The curved support surface may include cross-hatching at various intervals to provide extra dispersion of pressure.

Abstract: There is provided a phantom for measuring a performance parameter of a nuclear magnetic resonance scanner capable of acquiring NMR data from a study object. The phantom is made up of a housing composed of a substantially non-NMR-active material, and positionable in use within a radio-frequency coil forming part of an NMR scanner. The phantom further includes a first medium disposed within the housing to load the radio frequency coil in a manner similar to that of a patient. The NMR properties of the medium are further selected such that an NMR signal, if any, produced by the medium occurs at a time other than when a performance parameter of said NMR scanner is measured. In the preferred embodiment, the phantom comprises two concentrically disposed cylinders of different diameters and a pair of end plates fastened to opposite ends of the cylinders. The first medium is disposed within the volume defined between the side walls of the cylinders and the end plates.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed which provide signals corresponding to physiological motion of an imaging slice in an MR system for use in synchronizing acquisition of MR data with movement of the slice. The signals are generated by initiating an incident signal of a frequency .omega. which interacts with the imaging slice and returns a reflected signal of a frequency .omega.. By mixing the incident and reflected signal, a baseband signal is generated which is indicative of changes in the phase and magnitude relationships between the signals. Because changes in the phase and magnitude relationships between the signals are related in an approximately linear manner to movement of the imaging slice, the baseband signal provides an indication of movement of the imaging slice of sufficient quality to serve as an accurate triggering signal to synchronize acquistion of MR data with movement of the imaging slice.