Abstract: A coil support arrangement for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging System and method of support are provided. One coil support arrangement includes a main former body having a plurality of channels between end flanges and a splint coupled to the main former body between the end flanges. The coil support arrangement also includes a load spreader coupled to the main former body adjacent one or more of the ends of the splint, and having a gap between the one or more ends of the splint and the load spreader.

Abstract: Systems and methods for insulating superconducting magnets, such as a cryogen vessel of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system having therein one or more superconducting magnets are provided. One system includes a thermal insulator having a first plurality of reflector layers and a non-deformed spacer layer between adjacent layers in the first plurality of reflector layers. The thermal insulator further includes a second plurality of reflector layers and a deformed spacer layer between adjacent layers in the second plurality of reflector layers.

Abstract: Systems and methods from removing heat generated by a heat sink of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system are provided. One system includes a coldhead sleeve cooling arrangement for a coldhead of the MRI system. The coldhead sleeve cooling arrangement includes a coldhead sleeve configured to receive therein a coldhead of an MRI system and a cooling system surrounding an outer surface of the coldhead sleeve. The cooling system uses helium gas to remove heat from the coldhead sleeve.

Abstract: Systems and methods for self-sealing a coldhead sleeve of a magnetic resonance imaging system are provided. One coldhead sleeve arrangement includes a coldhead sleeve configured to receive therein a coldhead of an MRI system and having an open end. The coldhead sleeve arrangement also includes a sealing member coupled at the open end of the coldhead sleeve and configured in a normally closed position covering the open end.

Abstract: A suspension system for a cryostat includes a coupling mechanism, a fixation body, and a pin. The coupling mechanism is joined to an outer vessel and coupled with a strap. The fixation body is joined to an inner vessel. The fixation body extends between a front side that faces the coupling mechanism and an opposite receiving side with an interior channel extending from the receiving side to the front side. The channel defines a front opening in the front side and a rear opening in the receiving side. The pin is loaded into the fixation body through the rear opening in the receiving side of the fixation body with the strap looped around the pin and extending through the front opening to the coupling mechanism. The pin secures the coupling mechanism to the fixation body via the strap by engaging the fixation body inside the channel.

Abstract: A coil support arrangement for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging System and method of support are provided. One coil support arrangement includes a main former body having a plurality of channels between end flanges and a splint coupled to the main former body between the end flanges. The coil support arrangement also includes a load spreader coupled to the main former body adjacent one or more of the ends of the splint, and having a gap between the one or more ends of the splint and the load spreader.

Abstract: Systems and methods for insulating superconducting magnets, such as a cryogen vessel of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system having therein one or more superconducting magnets are provided. One system includes a thermal insulator having a first plurality of reflector layers and a non-deformed spacer layer between adjacent layers in the first plurality of reflector layers. The thermal insulator further includes a second plurality of reflector layers and a deformed spacer layer between adjacent layers in the second plurality of reflector layers.

Abstract: An MRI apparatus and method comprises an MRI system having a plurality of gradient coils positioned about a bore of a magnet, and an RF transceiver system and an RF switch controlled by a pulse module to transmit RF signals to an RF coil assembly to acquire MR images. The magnet comprises a main coil former and a shield coil former arranged radially around the bore of the magnet, wherein a radius of the shield coil former is greater than a radius of the main coil former. The magnet also includes at least one main coil affixed to the main coil former, at least one shield coil affixed to the shield coil former, and at least one structural member affixed to the main coil former and to the shield coil former to provide structural support and enable longitudinal alignment adjustment between the main coil former and the shield coil former.

Abstract: A suspension system for a cryostat includes a coupling mechanism, a fixation body, and a pin. The coupling mechanism is joined to an outer vessel and coupled with a strap. The fixation body is joined to an inner vessel. The fixation body extends between a front side that faces the coupling mechanism and an opposite receiving side with an interior channel extending from the receiving side to the front side. The channel defines a front opening in the front side and a rear opening in the receiving side. The pin is loaded into the fixation body through the rear opening in the receiving side of the fixation body with the strap looped around the pin and extending through the front opening to the coupling mechanism. The pin secures the coupling mechanism to the fixation body via the strap by engaging the fixation body inside the channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for self-sealing a coldhead sleeve of a magnetic resonance imaging system are provided. One coldhead sleeve arrangement includes a coldhead sleeve configured to receive therein a coldhead of an MRI system and having an open end. The coldhead sleeve arrangement also includes a sealing member coupled at the open end of the coldhead sleeve and configured in a normally closed position covering the open end.

Abstract: Systems and methods from removing heat generated by a heat sink of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system are provided. One system includes a coldhead sleeve cooling arrangement for a coldhead of the MRI system. The coldhead sleeve cooling arrangement includes a coldhead sleeve configured to receive therein a coldhead of an MRI system and a cooling system surrounding an outer surface of the coldhead sleeve. The cooling system uses helium gas to remove heat from the coldhead sleeve.

Abstract: An MRI apparatus and method comprises an MRI system having a plurality of gradient coils positioned about a bore of a magnet, and an RF transceiver system and an RF switch controlled by a pulse module to transmit RF signals to an RF coil assembly to acquire MR images. The magnet comprises a main coil former and a shield coil former arranged radially around the bore of the magnet, wherein a radius of the shield coil former is greater than a radius of the main coil former. The magnet also includes at least one main coil affixed to the main coil former, at least one shield coil affixed to the shield coil former, and at least one structural member affixed to the main coil former and to the shield coil former to provide structural support and enable longitudinal alignment adjustment between the main coil former and the shield coil former.