Abstract: An MRI apparatus having a magnet structure which delimits a cavity for receiving a body under examination or a part thereof, which includes a mechanism for generating a magnetic field in the cavity, as well as a mechanism for causing the body under examination or the part thereof to emit nuclear magnetic resonance signals, a region defined in the cavity, known as an imaging volume, and a mechanism for receiving the nuclear magnetic resonance signals. The geometric center of the geometric shape of the cavity delimited by the magnet structure is offset in relation to the geometric center of the imaging volume.

Abstract: An MRI apparatus comprising a magnet structure which delimits a cavity for receiving a body under examination or a part thereof, and which includes means for generating a magnetic field in said cavity, as well as means for causing the body under examination or the part thereof to emit nuclear magnetic resonance signals, a region being defined in the cavity, known as imaging volume, and means for receiving the nuclear magnetic resonance signals. The MRI apparatus also comprises an electronic processing unit with which the means for receiving the nuclear magnetic resonance signals are electrically connected; the cavity has an access opening for receiving a body under examination or part thereof. The geometric center of the geometric shape of the cavity delimited by the magnet structure is in offset relation to the geometric center of the imaging volume.

Abstract: A magnetic structure enclosing a prismatic cavity of regular polygonal cross-section is presented. The structure contains the field within the volume of the magnet without the need of an external ferromagnetic yoke, which makes it suitable for generating fields of several Tesla. The structures presented are designed to generate uniform fields for NMR studies, especially high intensity fields.

Abstract: An open magnetic structure comprising a conical permanent magnetic structure that generates an MRI imaging field around the body part of a patient in a cavity of the structure. The permanent magnetic sections include a recess over the cavity, with the surface of the structure bounding the recess following a cone angle of the conical permanent magnetic structure. The structure can be configured sufficiently large to accommodate a full patient body.

Abstract: An open magnetic structure comprising a conical magnetic structure that generates an NMR imaging field around the head of a patient, and a transition magnetic structure including a cylindrical magnet connected to the conical magnetic structures that extends the uniform field generated in the head magnet cavity to or near the shoulders of the patient. The overall geometry is designed to integrate the magnetic structure in a surgical suite with a minimum interference with surgical procedures, which typically involve surgery on the brain of the patient. A method for improving field uniformity by shimming is also included. Advantages include improved field uniformity, and reduced weight and size.

Abstract: An open magnetic structure comprising a conical magnetic structure including a hollow conical magnet surrounding and contacting an inner pole piece that generates an NMR imaging field around the head of a patient. The annular surface of contact between the conical magnetic structure and the inner pole piece is configured such that that annular surface of contact is maintained as an equipotential surface to maintain a uniform imaging field. An advantage is to integrate as one-piece the various permanent magnetic sections to greatly simplify fabrication. A method for determining the profile of the annular surface of contact is also included.

Abstract: An open magnetic structure comprising a conical magnetic structure including a hollow conical magnet surrounding and contacting an inner pole piece that generates an NMR imaging field around the head of a patient. The annular surface of contact between the conical magnetic structure and the inner pole piece is configured such that that annular surface of contact is maintained as an equipotential surface to maintain a uniform imaging field. An advantage is to integrate as one-piece the various permanent magnetic sections to greatly simplify fabrication. A method for determining the profile of the annular surface of contact is also included.

Abstract: An open magnetic structure comprising a conical magnetic structure that generates an NMR imaging field around the head of a patient, and a transition magnetic structure including a cylindrical magnet connected to the conical magnetic structures that extends the uniform field generated in the head magnet cavity to or near the shoulders of the patient. The overall geometry is designed to integrate the magnetic structure in a surgical suite with a minimum interference with surgical procedures, which typically involve surgery on the brain of the patient. A method for improving field uniformity by shimming is also included. Advantages include improved field uniformity, and reduced weight and size.

Abstract: An open magnetic structure comprising a conical magnetic structure that generates an NMR imaging field around the head of a patient, and a transition magnetic structure including a cylindrical magnet connected to the conical magnetic structures that extends the uniform field generated in the head magnet cavity to the shoulders of the patient. The overall geometry is designed to integrate the magnetic structure in a surgical suite with a minimum interference with surgical procedures, which typically involve surgery on the brain of the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in an apparatus employing computerized tomography for diagnosis and stereotactic surgery. A new tomographic scanning system is shown including a base, a source of penetrating energy, a detector which produces scanning signals, source and detector positioning means, a C-shaped frame having top and bottom arms, means for securing the detector and source to the top and bottom arms, and first, second, and third drive means for positioning the frame.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe for propagating an ultrasonic surface wave which is constrained along the probe with the evanescent pressure field penetrating the subject in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the probe. The ultrasonic probe may then be placed about a plurality of orientations, passing the evanescent pressure field through the subject along the plurality of orientations and detecting the loss of energy in each successive pressure field propagation. A data processing system for processing and correlating each successive detected energy loss in each propagation direction can produce a resultant computed tomographic image of a defined plane through the subject.

Abstract: An ultrasound scanner for scanning a medium for anomalies scattering acoustic waves, having ultrasonic transducing means positioned within scanning range of the medium; ultrasonic transmitting means coupled to the transducing means for providing a train of pulsed ultrasonic carrier signals. Each pulsed carrier signal of the train has a constant and unique frequency, the train of pulsed carrier signals together covering a range of frequencies. The transducing means is oriented to propagate the train along a path through the medium.