Abstract: Apparatus for use in a magnetic resonance imaging system, the imaging system generating a magnetic imaging field in an imaging region (5), the apparatus including at least one coil for at least one of transmitting, receiving or transceiving an electromagnetic field, a field component (4) (such as a coil or a shield) and a drive (6) coupled to the field component for moving the field component (4) relative to the imaging region (5) to thereby modify the electromagnetic field during imaging process. The same concept can also be applied to nuclear imaging or nuclear spectroscopy apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a magnetic resonance imaging system, the imaging system generating a magnetic imaging field in an imaging region (5), the apparatus including at least one coil for at least one of transmitting, receiving or transceiving an electromagnetic field, a field component (4) (such as a coil or a shield) and a drive (6) coupled to the field component for moving the field component (4) relative to the imaging region (5) to thereby modify the electromagnetic field during imaging process. The same concept can also be applied to nuclear imaging or nuclear spectroscopy apparatus.

Abstract: Extending ladders and associated manufacturing methods are disclosed. A ladder in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of rung units, each rung unit including a left column, a right column, and a rung extending between the left column and the right column. The ladder may include a first column assembly including a first column and a ring coupled to the first column proximate a distal end thereof, and a second column assembly including a second column and a sleeve coupled to the second column proximate a proximal end thereof. The second column being at least partially disposed within a lumen defined by an internal surface of the first column. The sleeve includes an external guiding surface for contacting the internal surface of the first column and the ring includes an internal guiding surface for contacting an exterior surface of the second column.

Abstract: The invention relates to a miniature high-energy continuous spark electronic igniter composed of a magnetic pulse generator having a magnetic flux attracting gap, a voltage-stabilizing circuit, a signal amplifying circuit, a two-stage switching circuit, a protection circuit, a voltage-raising output circuit, a trigger signal circuit, an oscillation maintaining control circuit and a trigger signal continuous current circuit. The igniter is adapted to withstand both overload and largely varying supply voltage.