Abstract: A calibration system for a pulsed phase-lock loop ultrasound measurement system comprising an apparatus having a compartment for holding a pressure sensitive liquid. The compartment has an opening by which a flow of the pressure sensitive liquid may be controlled. A sensor arranged relative to the compartment to receive ultrasonic signals that reflect off one or more inner surfaces of the compartment. The system includes a processing device for receiving an integrated error signal output by the sensor based on pressure changes of the pressure sensitive liquid responsive to a change in flow of pressure sensitive liquid between the source and the compartment.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is a method for detecting spinal abnormalities using magnet resonance imaging. The method comprises positioning a patient in an upright posture in an imaging volume of a magnet resonance imaging magnet with the spine of the patient adjacent to an antenna and capturing magnetic resonance imaging signals from a first portion of the patient's spine using the antenna with the patient positioned in a first position. The method may further comprise adjusting the patient position along a substantially vertical direction to a second position and capturing magnetic resonance imaging signals from a second portion of the patient's spine using the antenna with the patient positioned in the second position.

Abstract: An MRI system is provided that includes a physiological sensor used for gating the MRI system and an MRI control terminal wirelessly connected to the sensor. The physiological sensor is used to monitor a physiological parameter of a user, such as pressure pulse, and communicate data regarding the monitored physiological parameter to the MRI control terminal. The MRI control terminal processes the data received from the physiological sensor and determines whether a triggering condition on the data is met. When it is determined that the triggering condition is met, the MRI control terminal initiates the acquisition of a data set. The acquisition of the data set involves initiating a pre-programmed pulse sequence and acquiring RF signals emitted from the patient's tissue as a result of the execution of the pre-programmed pulse sequence.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is a method for detecting spinal abnormalities using magnet resonance imaging. The method comprises positioning a patient in an upright posture in an imaging volume of a magnet resonance imaging magnet with the spine of the patient adjacent to an antenna and capturing magnetic resonance imaging signals from a first portion of the patient's spine using the antenna with the patient positioned in a first position. The method may further comprise adjusting the patient position along a substantially vertical direction to a second position and capturing magnetic resonance imaging signals from a second portion of the patient's spine using the antenna with the patient positioned in the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for generating focused radio frequency. The apparatus may include multiple coils, and the multiple coils can be actuated so as to generate focused energy at a focal location within the body of a subject such as a human or non-human animal while minimizing heating at the skin of the subject. A first central coil and a second central coil that are placed adjacent to each other. The apparatus also comprises a first focusing coil and a second focusing coil. The first central coil and the second central coil are placed between the first focusing coil and the second focusing coil. The first focusing coil and the second focusing coil generate a radio frequency field that is 180 degrees out of phase from a radio frequency field generated by the first central coil and the second central coil.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of various transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) in mammals is provided. Steps include taking a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) image of the brain of the mammal, selecting a section within the image, determining a measurement of a first brain structure in the section, and determining a measurement of a second brain structure in the section. The ratio of the measurements is calculated and used to determine the probability that the mammal has a TSE. Areas and/or volumes of the first and second brain structures may be used. In one embodiment, the image section is sagittal or axial. An embodiment uses the lateral ventricle or frontal lobe as the first brain structure, and the cerebrum as the second brain structure. The method of determining the areas and volumes of the brain structures is provided. MRIs that can be used along with the MRI parameters are provided.

Abstract: The magnetic resonance catheter antenna includes a first tube having a proximal end and a distal end. A litz wire has a first end and a second end and is looped within the first tube such that the first end and the second end are disposed at the proximal end. A guide wire is disposed within the first tube. A multifilament or solid wire may be used instead of a litz wire. At least the looped portion of the wire is insulated.

Abstract: The magnetic resonance catheter antenna includes a first tube having a proximal end and a distal end. A litz wire has a first end and a second end and is looped within the first tube such that the first end and the second end are disposed at the proximal end. A guide wire is disposed within the first tube. A multifilament or solid wire may be used instead of a litz wire. At least the looped portion of the wire is insulated.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance image receiving coil includes a first balloon having a longitudinal axis. An internal surface of the first balloon defines an internal inflatable chamber. A second balloon has a longitudinal axis. The second balloon is disposed about the first balloon. A plurality of longitudinally extending grooves are disposed in one of an external surface of the first balloon and the internal surface of the second balloon. A first wire is disposed in at least one of the grooves. A second wire is disposed in at least a second one of the grooves. Each of the first wire and the second wire is adapted to be electrically connected to an MRI apparatus. In accordance with an alternate embodiment, the first and second wires are disposed in grooves in a sheath which is disposed between the first and second balloons. In accordance with a further alternate embodiment, the first and second wires are disposed in guide tubes that are connected to the external surface of a balloon.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance image receiving coil includes a first balloon having a longitudinal axis. An internal surface of the first balloon defines an internal inflatable chamber. A second balloon has a longitudinal axis. The second balloon is disposed about the first balloon. A plurality of longitudinally extending grooves are disposed in one of an external surface of the first balloon and the internal surface of the second balloon. A first wire is disposed in at least one of the grooves. A second wire is disposed in at least a second one of the grooves. Each of the first wire and the second wire is adapted to be electrically connected to an MRI apparatus. In accordance with an alternate embodiment, the first and second wires are disposed in grooves in a sheath which is disposed between the first and second balloons. In accordance with a further alternate embodiment, the first and second wires are disposed in guide tubes that are connected to the external surface of a balloon.

Abstract: A permanent magnet structure includes a generally shaped frame made of a magnetic material and a pair of opposite polarity magnet members mounted on the opposed surfaces of the legs of the U. The connecting element of the U which connects the legs, is disposed at a sufficient distance from the magnets so that the resulting magnetic field passes substantially entirely between the magnets and through the arms and so that no substantial eddy currents are induced in the connecting element during imaging. Between the connecting element and the magnets, there is disposed a non-conductive, non-magnetic separating member which contacts the two arms and tends to keep them apart. The separating member is so positioned relative to the connecting member and the magnets that effects of the force between the two magnets and the force produced by the magnetic field passing through the arms and connecting element are counterbalanced. This results in a structure which is mechanically stable.

Abstract: A ceramic superconductor is made by consolidating a plurality of metals and a chalcogen and applying a magnetic field during the consolidation operation.

Abstract: An NMR scanner apparatus uses a permanent magnet comprised of an assembly of magnetic material formed of a substantial number of low energy permanent magnetic elements producing magnetic flux and arranged in at least one row of columns. A frame of magnetically soft material provides a return path for the magnetic flux and provides a surface from which the columns of magnetic elements extend. A flux concentrator plate is disposed adjacent to a surface of the assembly and recessed a sufficient distance from the edge of the assembly to inhibit the loss of magnetic flux. The flux concentrator plate and the frame sandwich the magnetic assembly therebetween. A pole piece consisting of a soft magnetic material is disposed adjacent to a surface of the flux concentrator plate. The pole piece defines a scanning area substantially smaller than the area of the adjacent surface of the flux concentrator plate such that the pole piece exhibits parallel lines of magnetic flux for inducing polarization in living tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for nuclear magnetic resonance scanning and imaging which employs a primary magnetic field, an rf field, and a detector for detecting a nuclear magnetic resonance signal, the primary magnetic field being produced by an assembly of relatively low energy flux magnetic material combined with an assembly of relatively high energy flux magnetic material. The magnetic flux of the relatively low energy flux magnetic material is concentrated in a magnetic flux conductor means which is in turn combined with the magnetic flux of the relatively high energy flux magnetic material and is concentrated at a pole piece.