Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus of multi-directional acceleration for parallel imaging. An RF coil assembly is constructed to have a plurality of RF coils arranged in axial and tangential direction for image data acquisition with acceleration in at least two dimensions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acquiring high resolution MR images of a carotid artery. A six-channel RF coil array has three RF coils placed in an overlapping pattern and positioned adjacent to a first region-of-interest (ROI) of an imaging patient. The six-channel RF coil also has three RF coils placed in an overlapping pattern and positioned adjacent to a second ROI of an imaging patient.

Abstract: A multiple channel array coil for magnetic resonance imaging is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the array coil includes a cylindrically tapered head portion having a plurality of individual coil elements. A chest portion further includes a generally planar anterior section and a generally planar posterior section, with both the anterior section and said posterior section including a plurality of individual coil elements.

Abstract: An adjustable limb support includes a hinged vertical support trough that is movable about a central pivot post and is attached to a pair of hinged support arms, the hinged support arms being horizontally adjustable at one end to allow for vertical height adjustment at the other end. The limb support is configured to be adjustable yet fixable in an infinite number of positions. The limb support is also intended to be radio transparent for use in CT, x-ray and PET applications.

Abstract: Monitor signals are acquired in an interleaved manner during a scan with an MRI system. Frequency changes caused by variations in the polarizing field B0 are measured using the monitor signals, and these measured frequency changes are employed to compensate image data acquired during the scan. Electrical currents are produced in a set of shim coils that shim the polarizing field B0 in the immediate vicinity proximal to the monitor coil.

Abstract: A plurality of magnetic field induction coils and a radio frequency (RF) detection coil are supported by a frame which is inserted into the bore of an MRI system to detect magnetic fields produced by gradient pulses and RF pulses produced during a scan. The detected magnetic fields are processed to produce gradient waveforms and RF pulse waveforms that are displayed to the user.

Abstract: A plurality of magnetic field induction coils and a radio frequency (RF) detection coil are supported by a frame which is inserted into the bore of an MRI system to detect magnetic fields produced by gradient pulses and RF pulses produced during a scan. The detected magnetic fields are processed to produce gradient waveforms and RF pulse waveforms that are displayed to the user.

Abstract: A predetermined gradation of film transmittance levels, e.g. a gray scale, provided by a film exposure system is calibrated so as to consistently create an image on photographic film in accordance with the predetermined gradation of film transmittance levels. A light source is responsive to a drive signal, for generating light so that the exposure of different portions of the film to the light can be varied as a function of the drive signal so as to vary the resulting transmittance level of the portions of the film after the exposed portions of film are developed in order that the image can be formed on the film, and a sensing device senses the transmittance level of a developed portion of film exposed to at least one preselected value of light exposure and generates a transmittance level signal representative of the sensed transmittance level.