Abstract: A novel approach to the design of gradient coils for MRI is introduced which takes into account from the start the effects of induced E-fields and hence currents in a patient subjected to time dependent magnetic field gradients. The approach has led to conceptually novel designs of gradient coils which comprise distributions of electrodes or tessellae placed around the basic coil structure. When properly energised the electrode arrays are able, in the simplest case, to reduce the maximum E-field experienced by the patient by approximately a factor of three over that experienced with a standard fingerprint or distributed transverse gradient coil, the comparison being done for the same gradient strength, same coil diameter and same ROI.

Abstract: An interchangeable putter system for the customization of putters to individual players and for increasing the versatility of putting on various putting surfaces. The system includes a club head and a plurality of interchangeable face plates. Each of the face plates includes a front surface having a pitch or loft. The face plates are removably attachable to the club head by securing fasteners to the face plates prior to its attachment to the club head. As a result the attachment of the face plate to the club head is simplified.

Abstract: A seawall element and installation apparatus therefor, the seawall element including an elongated plastic tubular member having a uniform hollow elliptic or oval-shaped cross section and open at each end thereof. The tubular member has a cylindrically-shaped male portion and cavity interlocking arrangement for interlocking two side by side tubular members together by slidable overlapping substantially watertight engagement lengthwise of one tubular member to another. A seawall structure includes a plurality of these seawall tubular members positioned side by side in self-locking engagement to form a row and supported by being supportively embedded into the earth. An elongated cast concrete reinforcing cap extends along and interconnects an upper end portion of each of the seawall tubular members and extends monolithically into each of the tubular member upon deployment. An apparatus for water jetting each tubular member into bottom ground is also disclosed.

Abstract: An interchangeable putter system for the customization of putters to individual players and for increasing the versatility of putting on various putting surfaces. The system includes a club head and a plurality of interchangeable face plates. Each of the face plates includes a front surface having a pitch or loft. The face plates are removably attachable to the club head by securing fasteners to the face plates prior to its attachment to the club head. As a result the attachment of the face plate to the club head is simplified.

Abstract: A system for transporting inventory includes an inventory holder and a mobile drive unit. The inventory holder includes a frame capable of storing inventory items and a docking plate capable of receiving a docking head from underneath. The mobile drive unit, includes a docking head capable of coupling to the docking plate and a drive module capable of propelling the mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit is further capable to move the inventory holder when the docking head is coupled to the inventory holder.

Abstract: A method of producing an acoustically quiet coil design comprising first inner and outer surface conductor portions on a first block of material and second inner and outer surface conductor portions on a second block of material and including forming said portions of said each of said inner and outer surface conductor portions to be substantially completely rigid and connecting said inner surface conductor portion of said first block to said inner surface conductor portion of said second block and said outer surface conductor portion of said first block to said outer surface conductor portion of said second block by columns, struts or ties to form a substantially rigid structure.

Abstract: A novel approach to the design of gradient coils for MRI is introduced which takes into account from the start the effects of induced E-fields and hence currents in a patient subjected to time dependent magnetic field gradients. The approach has led to conceptually novel designs of gradient coils which comprise distributions of electrodes or tessellae placed around the basic coil structure. When properly energised the electrode arrays are able, in the simplest case, to reduce the maximum E-field experienced by the patient by approximately a factor of three over that experienced with a standard fingerprint or distributed transverse gradient coil, the comparison being done for the same gradient strength, same coil diameter and same ROI.

Abstract: A method of producing an acoustically quiet coil design comprising first inner and outer surface conductor portions on a first block of material and second inner and outer surface conductor portions on a second block of material and including forming said portions of said each of said inner and outer surface conductor portions to be substantially completely rigid and connecting said inner surface conductor portion of said first block to said inner surface conductor portion of said second block and said outer surface conductor portion of said first block to said outer surface conductor portion of said second block by columns, struts or ties to form a substantially rigid structure.

Abstract: An acoustically controlled magnetic coil system is provided in which suitable non-magnetic transducers are embedded in a block of acoustic material in which the coil is also embedded, the transducers being energised to oppose the vibratory noise generated by the coil when energised.

Abstract: Acoustically controlled magnetic coils comprise first and second electrical conductors which are mechanically coupled by a block of material of defined acoustic transmission characteristics which holds the conductors a predetermined distance apart. The conductors are supplied with currents of different and variable amplitudes and different and variable relative phases both of the features being determined by the acoustic characteristics and by the geometry and predetermined distance.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for eliminating mutual inductance effects in resonant coil assemblies in which a plurality of coils are situated in sufficiently close proximity to create small mutual inductances between the coils. The method comprises evaluating the mutual inductances using a T, star or other transformation of the relevant parts of the circuit, thereby isolating the mutual inductances in such a way that series capacitances may be introduced to tune out the mutual inductances at a common frequency, reducing the coil array to a synchronously tuned circuit.

Abstract: The invention describes apparatus for, and a method of, active acoustic screening and combined active acoustic and magnetic screening, of magnetic field coils, which pass a time varying current and which reside in relatively high static magnetic fields, typically greater than about 0.1 T. The invention is particularly well suited for acoustic screening of magnetic field gradient coils used in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). In a preferred embodiment a closed loop carrying current is arranged such that two different parts of the loop are mechanically coupled, dimensioned and arranged with respect to one another such that Lorentz forces experienced by the magnetic equipment are substantially reduced and preferably cancelled.In a different embodiment the invention is modified so as to permit simultaneous magnetic and acoustic screening.

Abstract: A sample mount for NMR microscopy and NMR spectroscopy which enables a specimen to be accurately placed within an NMR apparatus and if required in a preferred embodiment for the specimen to be examined under an optical microscope to enable the images to be accurately compared.

Abstract: A method of producing a magnetic resonance image of a defined region of an object by an echo volumar imaging process including subjecting the object to an initial selection process to select a thick slice within the object to produce an active volume of spin magnetisation subjecting the active volume so defined to a combination of 180.degree. RF pulses and suitably modulated x, y and z gradients to produce an echo volumar image.

Abstract: A magnetic resonant image of an object is produced by subjecting the object to an initial slice selection to provide an active region and by subjecting the active region to a plurality of 180.degree. RF pulses and appropriate amplitude modulated x and y gradients.

Abstract: A coil circuit comprising a multi-mode resonant gradient or RF coil circuits for imaging and spectroscopy in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance systems.

Abstract: A resonant array for NMR for use at high frequencies, the array comprising two identical end structures and a plurality of continuous rods joining the identical end structures to comprise a plurality of or electrical circuit sections, the continuous rods being of electrically conductive material; the continuous rods thereby supporting the end structures a predetermined distance apart.

Abstract: Zonal magnification of a selected area of an image produced by Echo Planar Imaging is acheived by taking images of a defined area in the presence of a selective 180.degree. R.F. control pulse so that subsequent processing produces a magnified image of the selected area with enhanced resolution.

Abstract: A nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) method of producing a series of three or four dimensional spin parameter maps of a defined region, which spin parameter maps are displayable as a set of contiguous planar spin parameter maps with arbitrary orientation.