Abstract: A trailer or other mobile carrier may be utilized as a promotional system for promoting sales and education of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging devices and systems. The trailer may house a set-up that includes an MRI scanner that may be operational or may be a mock-up system designed to simulate the operation of an actual MRI scanner. The trailer may also house monitoring equipment for presenting real or simulated NMRI imaging information. Other equipment, either operational or designed for demonstration purposes only, that is necessary to or that facilitates an NMRI diagnostic procedure may also be included in the trailer. The equipment may be housed inside the trailer so that observers may easily view the equipment therein from any desired perspective. Further, the equipment may be arranged so that an observer may put himself in the place of a patient undergoing an NMRI diagnostic procedure, so that a first-hand hand evaluation of the equipment may be made.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and facility for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The method comprises selectively directing patients to either a first magnetic resonance scanner or a second magnetic resonance scanner, so that the patient's entire body, including the torso, extremities and head can be scanned, while at the same time not requiring either scanner to have the capability to perform a full functional body scan. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for magnetic resonance imaging is disclosed wherein the apparatus occupies or requires clearance space of approximately nine feet.

Abstract: A magnet for magnetic resonance imaging has a box-like ferromagnetic frame with vertical side walls, poles connected to the side walls and top and bottom walls forming flux return structures between the side walls. The frame has open front and rear sides defining patient entry openings, and has top and bottom openings in the top and bottom walls. A patient can be positioned in a vertical, horizontal or intermediate orientation within the frame. When the patient is in the vertical orientation, the patient can be raised or lowered so that parts of the patient's body protrude into the top or bottom openings, so as to align any part of the patient's body with the poles. The apparatus allows imaging of any part of the anatomy while the patient is in a standing position.

Abstract: NMR apparatus for achieving construction of improved patient access desirably including a generally C-shaped yoke, and devices for reducing the field asymmetry caused by the C-shaped yoke.

Abstract: A magnet for magnetic resonance imaging has an interior working space within the magnet frame sufficient to accommodate a physician and a patient. Because the physician is positioned inside the magnet frame, the physician has unimpeded access to the patient. Elements of the magnet frame desirably encompass a room, and the magnet frame may be concealed from view of a patient within the room. Preferred embodiments facilitate MRI imaged guided surgery and other procedures performed while the patient is being imaged, and minimize claustrophobia experienced by the patient.

Abstract: A simulator for use in the training of surgeons is disclosed. The simulator utilizes information defining the position of a surgical tool or probe used by the surgeon trainee relative to a mannequin corresponding to a living mammalian subject such as a human or non-human mammal. The mannequin desirably includes model internal organs within it. The simulator further includes a surgical probe and means for providing position and orientation information defining the position and orientation of the surgical probe relative to the mannequin. A memory device stores image data defining an image representative of internal organs found within the living subject corresponding to the mannequin. The simulator desirably further includes means for providing a composite image including images of internal organs and a representation of the surgical probe based on said image data and said position and orientation data.

Abstract: A magnet for magnetic resonance imaging has an interior working space within the magnet frame sufficient to accommodate a physician and a patient. Because the physician is positioned inside the magnet frame, the physician has unimpeded access to the patient. Elements of the magnet frame desirably encompass a room, and the magnet frame may be concealed from view of a patient within the room. Preferred embodiments facilitate MRI imaged guided surgery and other procedures performed while the patient is being imaged, and minimize claustrophobia experienced by the patient.

Abstract: NMR apparatus for achieving construction of improved patient access. Facilities and methods of mobile and fixed site scanning.

Abstract: NMR apparatus for achieving construction of improved patient access. Facilities and methods of mobile and fixed site scanning.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) magnet in combination with a mobile patient-positioning device, including a patient support and a method of using same for positioning patients for MRI scanning. The patient support is rotatable through a range of orientations from a horizontal to a vertical position, including being lockable at any oblique angle with respect to the horizontal. The patient disposed on the patient-positioning device in a predetermined orientation can then be moved horizontally into and out of a patient-receiving space in the MRI magnet at the predetermined angle or orientation. A preferred embodiment includes a plurality of patient-positioning devices in which a series of patients can be placed in a ready state while one patient is within the patient-receiving space. As an alternative embodiment, the patient may be moved vertically into position for MRI scanning by way of an elevator which is actuatable from the floor below the patient receiving space.

Abstract: A magnet for magnetic resonance imaging has an interior working space within the magnet frame sufficient to accommodate a physician and a patient. Because the physician is positioned inside the magnet frame, the physician has unimpeded access to the patient. Elements of the magnet frame desirably encompass a room, and the magnet frame may be concealed from view of a patient within the room. Preferred embodiments facilitate MRI imaged guided surgery and other procedures performed while the patient is being imaged, and minimize claustrophobia experienced by the patient. Also provided is a magnet having field coils disposed about the of pole portions of the magnet. A diagnostic facility for high volume MRI use is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a coil for a magnetic resonance imaging magnet is disclosed. The method includes providing a plurality of windings each having an axis. A conductor is arranged in a plurality of turns extending in a spiral between the inner end and the outer end of the windings. The turns of each outward winding and inward winding are arranged so that a point moving along the turns in a first direction of rotation about the axis of the outward winding moves from the inner end towards the outer end, and the outer end towards the inner end, respectively. The method further includes superposing the spiral windings one above the other so that the windings are substantially coaxial with one another and electrically connecting the windings in series with one another.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) magnet in combination with a mobile patient-positioning device, including a patient support and a method of using same for positioning patients for MRI scanning. The patient support is rotatable through a range of orientations. The patient disposed on the patient-positioning device in a predetermined orientation can then be moved horizontally into and out of a patient-receiving space in the MRI magnet at the predetermined angle or orientation. A preferred embodiment includes a plurality of patient-positioning devices in which a series of patients can be placed in a ready state while one patient is within the patient-receiving space. As an alternative embodiment, the patient may be moved vertically into position for MRI scanning by way of an elevator which is actuatable from the floor below the patient receiving space. This elevator also may be used in combination with the patient-positioning device.

Abstract: A magnet for magnetic resonance imaging has an interior working space within the magnet frame sufficient to accommodate a physician and a patient. Because the physician is positioned inside the magnet frame, the physician has unimpeded access to the patient. Elements of the magnet frame desirably encompass a room, and the magnet frame may be concealed from view of a patient within the room. Preferred embodiments facilitate MRI imaged guided surgery and other procedures performed while the patient is being imaged, and minimize claustrophobia experienced by the patient. Also provided is a magnet having field coils disposed about the of pole portions of the magnet. A diagnostic facility for high volume MRI use is also disclosed.

Abstract: NMR apparatus for achieving construction of improved patient access. Facilities and methods of mobile and fixed site scanning.

Abstract: A magnet for magnetic resonance imaging has an interior working space within the magnet frame sufficient to accommodate a physician and a patient. Because the physician is positioned inside the magnet frame, the physician has unimpeded access to the patient. Elements of the magnet frame desirably encompass a room, and the magnet frame may be concealed from view of a patient within the room. Preferred embodiments facilitate MRI imaged guided surgery and other procedures performed while the patient is being imaged, and minimize claustrophobia experienced by the patient.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) magnet in combination with a mobile patient-positioning device, including a patient support and a method of using same for positioning patients for MRI scanning. The patient support is rotatable through a range of orientations from a horizontal to a vertical position, including being lockable at any oblique angle with respect to the horizontal. The patient disposed on the patient-positioning device in a predetermined orientation can then be moved horizontally into and out of a patient-receiving space in the MRI magnet at the predetermined angle or orientation. A preferred embodiment includes a plurality of patient-positioning devices in which a series of patients can be placed in a ready state while one patient is within the patient-receiving space. As an alternative embodiment, the patient may be moved vertically into position for MRI scanning by way of an elevator which is actuatable from the floor below the patient receiving space.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) magnet in combination with a mobile patient-positioning device, including a patient support and a method of using same for positioning patients for MRI scanning. The patient support is rotatable through a range of orientations. The patient disposed on the patient-positioning device in a predetermined orientation can then be moved horizontally into and out of a patient-receiving space in the MRI magnet at the predetermined angle or orientation. A preferred embodiment includes a plurality of patient-positioning devices in which a series of patients can be placed in a ready state while one patient is within the patient-receiving space. As an alternative embodiment, the patient may be moved vertically into position for MRI scanning by way of an elevator which is actuatable from the floor below the patient receiving space. This elevator also may be used in combination with the patient-positioning device.

Abstract: NMR apparatus for achieving construction of improved patient access. Facilities and methods of mobile and fixed site scanning.

Abstract: NMR apparatus for achieving construction of improved patient access. Facilities and methods of mobile and fixed site scanning.