Abstract: An MRI system for imaging one or more subjects is provided. The MRI system includes a magnet assembly and an MRI controller. The magnet assembly includes an RF coil for transmitting a first set of RF pulses into the one or more subjects at an initial Larmor frequency. The MRI controller is configured to electronically communicate with the RF coil and to adjust a resonant frequency of the RF coil such that the RF coil transmits a second set of RF pulses into the one or more subjects at one or more subsequent Larmor frequencies that are different from the initial Larmor frequency.

Abstract: An MRI system for imaging one or more subjects is provided. The MRI system includes a magnet assembly and an MRI controller. The magnet assembly includes an RF coil for transmitting a first set of RF pulses into the one or more subjects at an initial Larmor frequency. The MRI controller is configured to electronically communicate with the RF coil and to adjust a resonant frequency of the RF coil such that the RF coil transmits a second set of RF pulses into the one or more subjects at one or more subsequent Larmor frequencies that are different from the initial Larmor frequency.

Abstract: A system wirelessly supplies electrical power to an RF coil and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for an MRI system. The system supplies power to at least operate the RF coil and ADC without the use of a battery and without use of a wired connection external to the bore of the magnet.

Abstract: An RF coil assembly is presented that incorporates balun networks to eliminate standing waves from cables used to apply a voltage to multiple drive ports of the coil. Each drive port is driven by an applied voltage that is shifted 90 degrees in the tangential direction. Further, all drive ports are located on one end-ring of the coil, e.g. the superior end-ring. The inequality of the efficiency of the drive ports is reduced such that a substantially circular polarization in the volume of the coil is maintained. The present invention reduces asymmetrical loading by a patient as a result of patient asymmetry and patient contact with the opposite end-ring of the coil that normally negatively affects circular polarization and conventional coil configurations.

Abstract: A system wirelessly supplies electrical power to an RF coil and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for an MRI system. The system supplies power to at least operate the RF coil and ADC without the use of a battery and without use of a wired connection external to the bore of the magnet.

Abstract: An RF coil assembly is presented that incorporates balun networks to eliminate standing waves from cables used to apply a voltage to multiple drive ports of the coil. Each drive port is driven by an applied voltage that is shifted 90 degrees in the tangential direction. Further, all drive ports are located on one end-ring of the coil, e.g. the superior end-ring. The inequality of the efficiency of the drive ports is reduced such that a substantially circular polarization in the volume of the coil is maintained. The present invention reduces asymmetrical loading by a patient as a result of patient asymmetry and patient contact with the opposite end-ring of the coil that normally negatively affects circular polarization and conventional coil configurations.

Abstract: An MRI system includes an array of series resonant transmit elements 6 and 65 including individual control of RF current in all elements 106, 108, 110, 114, 116, 118, 120. The array 6 and 65 adjusts scan homogeneity during a scan or prescan phase by adjusting amplitude and phase. The array 6 and 65 also selectively excites areas of interest, thus avoiding major power dissipation and avoiding heating in the patient.

Abstract: An assembly of RF coils for bilateral imaging of a first and a second breast of the same person is disclosed. The assembly includes a first pair of coils having a first coil juxtaposed and underlapping a second coil, thereby defining juxtaposed edges of the first and second coils, and a second pair of coils having a third coil juxtaposed and underlapping a fourth coil, thereby defining juxtaposed edges of the third and fourth coils. The first coil has a first opening for receiving the first breast, the second coil has a second opening for receiving the second breast, the third coil substantially opposes the first coil, defining therebetween a first region for receiving the first breast, and the fourth coil substantially opposes the second coil, defining therebetween a second region for receiving the second breast.

Abstract: An RF coil assembly is presented that incorporates balun networks to eliminate standing waves from cables used to apply a voltage to multiple drive ports of the coil. Each drive port is driven by an applied voltage that is shifted 90 degrees in the tangential direction. Further, all drive ports are located on one end-ring of the coil, e.g. the superior end-ring. The inequality of the efficiency of the drive ports is reduced such that a substantially circular polarization in the volume of the coil is maintained. The present invention reduces asymmetrical loading by a patient as a result of patient asymmetry and patient contact with the opposite end-ring of the coil that normally negatively affects circular polarization and conventional coil configurations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided which reduce coupling between a Z-axis gradient coil and an rf coil in magnetic resonance imaging systems and an rf shield disposed between the Z-axis gradient coil and the remaining gradient coils. The reduction in coupling is accomplished by novel windings of conductor forming the Z-axis gradient coil.