Abstract: A battery pack having a plurality of electrically connected unit cells and configured so that the cells degrade at similar rates is provided. The battery pack may comprise a first unit cell and a second unit cell, wherein a temperature of the second unit cell is lower than the first unit cell. A condition of the first cell, such as states of charge or an open circuit voltage is set so that the condition of the first unit cell is less than a corresponding condition of the second unit cell. The unit cells may be thin battery cells stacked in a thickness direction of the thin battery cells, and the first unit cell may be located on an inner side of the second unit cell as viewed in a stacked direction. A temperature detecting unit may detect a temperature of each of the first and second unit cells and a charge control unit may be configured to control charging of the plurality of unit cells according to the temperatures of the first and second unit cells.

Abstract: A A battery charger (100) includes a base (102) which selectively receives first (104a) and second (104b) battery pods. The battery pods (104a, 104b), which are adapted to receive one or more batteries (212) for charging, have a form factor which facilitates the handling of the pods (104) and the batteries (212) received therein. Charging energy may be allocated between the pods (104) as a function of the temporal sequence in which the pods (104) are received by the base (102). Charging energy may also be allocated among the batteries (212) so that the batteries (212) are substantially charged at about the same time.

Abstract: An integrated power supply, an integrated battery charger and a portable electronic device with an integrated power supply are described.

Abstract: A portable charger has a body, a rechargeable battery and a controller. The rechargeable battery is mounted inside the body and has a power capacity. The controller is mounted inside the body, is connected electrically to the rechargeable battery and has a power input unit, a power output unit and a battery indicator. The power input unit is connected to and obtains external power from an external power source to charge the rechargeable battery. The power output unit is connected to and charges different electronic devices using power in the rechargeable battery. The battery indicator indicates the remaining power capacity of the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A power supply device comprises: a battery; a charging part charging the battery; a power input to receive one of adapter power from an adapter supplied with external power, or power output from a similarly configured power supply device; a power output part to output one of the adapter power, the power output of a similarly configured power supply device, or the battery power of the battery; and a controller to control the input power to apply power to the charging part and the power output part when the input power is supplied to the power input part, and to control the battery to apply power to the power output part when the input power is not supplied to the power input part. Thus, the present invention provides a power supply device, which is capable of applying power from an adapter to a portable electronic device while charging an internal battery with the adapter power, and a power supplying method for the power supply device.

Abstract: A battery system may be provided with a battery charge current path that is different from the battery discharge current path of the battery system, for example, by providing no controlled charge circuitry (e.g., providing no C-FETs) in the discharge current path of the battery system to avoid the power loss experienced across the C-FETs of a conventional battery system during battery system discharging operations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a medium- or large-sized battery module having a plurality of battery cells (unit cells), wherein the battery module is constructed in a structure in which detection units for detecting physical operation state of the battery cells are mounted to the respective battery cells, the detection units are connected to a control unit of the battery module while the detection units are connected in series with each other, and signals (detected signals) detected from the respective battery cells are transmitted to the control unit while the detected signals are included in signals detected from the entire battery cells. The detection units are mounted to the respective battery cells, and therefore, the accuracy of information on the physical operation state of the battery cells is improved, and the circuit for transmitting the detected signals to the control unit is simple although the number of the detection units is large.

Abstract: This invention is simply to add a second battery to any vehicle which requires a battery to start the engine. It is simply a reserve source of energy for the times when the primary battery of a vehicle for whatever reason has lost it's charge and needs a boost to start the vehicle and build up a new charge.

Abstract: An information terminal driven by a battery disclosed herein comprises: a voltage detector configured to detect a battery voltage which is a voltage of the battery; a drive unit configured to be driven upon receiving a supply of a power source from the battery; a load calculator configured to calculate a load on the battery of the drive unit; and a battery remaining capacity calculator configured to calculate a battery remaining capacity based on the battery voltage, the battery remaining capacity calculator calculating the battery remaining capacity corrected based on the load calculated by the load calculator.

Abstract: Apparatus, method and computer program product are provided for battery management. In one implementation, a method is provided. The method includes enabling determining if a charger is coupled to a battery system. The battery system includes one more cells and a charge enable transistor. The method also includes substantially fully enabling the charge enable transistor including driving a charge enable transistor gate terminal at a potential that is substantially greater than a potential of the cells.

Abstract: A charging controller includes a control node having a control voltage generated thereon for controlling a first current to a charged device and a second current to a reference device. Feedback loops are formed with amplifiers and a pull-up current source and control transistors, or with amplifiers and transfer transistors, for maintaining the second current at a constant current level during a constant current mode and for maintaining a voltage of the charged device at a constant voltage level during a constant voltage mode. Use of a pull-down current source at the control node is avoided for preventing damage to the charged device.

Abstract: In one implementation, a method for charging a battery system is provided. The method includes enabling determining if a charger is coupled to a battery system, the battery system including one or more cells and a charge enable transistor. The method also includes enabling determining if a voltage level of the cells is less than a predetermined first low voltage level. If the voltage level of the cells is less than the predetermined first low voltage level, enabling charging of the cells at a reduced rate including adjusting a voltage applied to the charge transistor gate terminal to regulate a voltage seen by the charger to a level that is less than a predetermined second voltage level. Additionally, when the voltage of the cells reaches the predetermined first low voltage level, the method includes substantially fully enabling the charge transistor to allow for charging at full rate by the charger.

Abstract: A battery pack can include one or more battery cells, current blocking transistors and a battery management system. The disclosed implementations handle over-currents drawn from the battery cells that cause unstable operation of the battery management system. The over-currents are handled without causing an undesired drop in voltage output from the battery cells. The disclosed implementations can handle over-currents even if the over-currents cause the battery management system supply voltage to drop below a minimum operating voltage level for a certain period of time. The disclosed implementations use current blocking transistors that can be configured to block current flow and ensure safe operation of the battery cells in cases where the current drawn from the battery cells would be sufficiently high for a sufficiently long period of time to cause damage to the battery cells.

Abstract: Provided is a charge/discharge protection circuit, which has a simple circuit configuration using a double-throw semiconductor switching device and is capable of recovering from a state where charging/discharging is inhibited with the double-throw semiconductor switching device being turned off. The charge/discharge protection circuit includes a charge/discharge control circuit which is provided with a second terminal for detecting which one of a charger and a load is connected to an external terminal. The second terminal has a first resistor and a first switch connected in series between a power source, and has a second resistor and a second switch connected in series between a ground.

Abstract: A battery is basically provided with an electricity generating element and a discharging section. The electricity generating element has a plurality of electric cells connected in series. The discharging section constantly discharges electricity from each of the electric cells at a prescribed discharge rate so that a voltage in each of the electric cells is lower than a voltage corresponding to a prescribed depth of discharge. The battery is especially useful in a power supply component of a vehicle.

Abstract: Capacitor unit and capacitor control system used in high output power source are reduced in size. A capacitor unit (1) controlled by the capacitor control system is divided into capacitor blocks (3) formed of a specified number of capacitors (2) connected in series, and each capacitor block (3) is provided with a detector (4). Plural detectors (4) are connected to a microcomputer (6) by way of an analog switch (5).

Abstract: A method for detecting a capacitive load circuit of a remote powered device in a communication system is disclosed. The communication system includes the power source device being coupled to the remote powered device by a cable. the method comprises: providing a first current to the capacitive load circuit of the remote powered device; charging or discharged the capacitive load circuit of the remote powered device according to the first current; and detecting a voltage value or a slope of a first voltage of the capacitive load circuit to generate a detection result. The method further comprises: providing an operation voltage to the remote powered device.

Abstract: In a power-generator control apparatus installed in a power-generator designed to generate an output voltage at an output terminal thereof, a regulating unit regulates the output voltage so that the regulated output voltage is equivalent to a first target value. When a periodic signal with a predetermined frequency is applied from the outside of the power-generator to the output terminal thereof to be superimposed on the output voltage, a regulated voltage changing unit operatively connected to the regulating unit receives the periodic signal, and compares the frequency of the received periodic signal with a predetermined threshold frequency. The regulated voltage changing unit changes the first target value of the regulated output voltage to a second target value upon the frequency of the received periodic signal being higher than the predetermined threshold frequency.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to control a power converter with multiple output voltages. One example regulated power converter includes a an energy transfer element coupled between a power converter input and first and second power converter outputs. A switch is coupled between the power converter input and the energy transfer element such that switching of the switch causes a first output voltage to be generated at the first power converter output and a second output voltage to be generated at the second power converter output. A current in the energy transfer element is coupled to increase when a voltage across the energy transfer element is a difference between an input voltage at the power converter input and the first output voltage. The current in the energy transfer element is coupled to decrease when the voltage across the energy transfer element is a sum of the first and second output voltages.

Abstract: A power converter has simple coupled inductor circuit process the power and drive the semiconductor switch perfectly to reduce the power loss and eliminate the needs of high circuit complexity controller, improve the conversion efficiency and reduce the component counts to reach low cost and high reliability at one time.

Abstract: Devices and systems that use an adaptively limited PWM duty-cycle to control a circuit and methods and control programs to operate and to control the devices and systems to adaptively limit the PWM duty-cycle are disclosed. The devices and systems are capable of adjusting the duty-cycle such that the actual inductor current in the next cycle is precisely limited. Specifically, a maximum allowable duty-cycle for time interval N+1 is estimated during time interval N. When the duty-cycle is applied to the circuit at time interval N+1, the peak inductor current is kept below a maximum allowable inductor current level.

Abstract: A generator controller for controlling a permanent magnet generator where each phase of the generator is connectable to a DC link via electrically controllable switches, the controller characterised by a data processor adapted to receive a measurement of generator current output and a demand current, and to form a current error between the demanded value and the measured generator current; derive a target voltage as a function of the current error; and form control signals for the electrically controllable switches as a function of the target voltage.

Abstract: A drive circuit for driving a power device has a level shift circuit which level-shifts an ON signal and an OFF signal for controlling the power device in ON and OFF states, respectively, and which outputs the level-shifted ON and OFF signals, a mask circuit which stops transmission of the ON and OFF signals when both the ON and OFF signals are lower than a first threshold level, and a short circuit which is provided in a stage before the mask circuit, and which short-circuits a path for transmission of the ON signal and a path for transmission of the OFF signal when both the ON and OFF signals are lower than a second threshold level. The second threshold level is higher than the first threshold level.

Abstract: An apparatus, which controls the temperature of a secondary battery formed by combination of a plurality of single cells or a plurality of battery modules each made by series connection of multiple single cells, prevents variations in the temperature or voltage of the single cells or the battery modules, which could otherwise be caused when the secondary battery is heated. A temperature control section controls the quantity of heat by means of which a heater heats a secondary battery formed by combination of a plurality of battery modules made by series connection of multiple single cells. The temperature control section detects a rate of temporal changes in an open circuit voltage of the secondary battery. When a detected rate of temporal changes in open circuit voltage has exceeded a predetermined threshold voltage value, the heater is controlled to thus diminish the quantity of heat used for heating the secondary battery.

Abstract: AC-coupled equivalent series resistance (ESR) is introduced into a control circuit to provide additional stability in the feedback control loop. A sub-circuit emulates the effect of a higher value ESR in the output capacitor. The additional ESR in the feedback control loop inserts a zero into the transfer function that describes the circuit response at a desired frequency. The added zero compensates for the effects of unwanted or unavoidable poles in the transfer function, allowing for a greater range of input signal frequencies.

Abstract: There is disclosed a power supply stage (202), comprising: generating means for generating a power supply voltage from a high efficiency variable voltage supply (204) in dependence on a reference signal; adjusting means for receiving the generated power supply voltage (220), and adapted to provide an adjusted selected power supply voltage tracking the reference signal (216) in dependence thereon.

Abstract: A circuit and method for controlling a switching regulator utilize a combination of variable off-time control (or frequency control) and variable peak current control to achieve high efficiency at a wide range of load conditions. A non-linear control circuit receives an error voltage and generates a first control signal for controlling a frequency control circuit and a second control signal for controlling a peak current control circuit. The frequency control circuit and the peak current control circuit operate in conjunction over the entire range of load conditions with the frequency control dominates at light load (or low power) conditions and the variable peak current control dominates at moderate to heavy load (or high power) conditions. The switching regulator transitions smoothly between frequency control and peak current control with continous loop gain throughout the transition region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a Regulator that automatically configures to work in either SMPS mode or linear mode are disclosed. in one embodiment, the method includes inputting a constant current source to a CBoot_pin for a first predetermined amount of time upon enabling an autodetect circuit by a Regulator control circuit. The CBoot voltage at the CBoot_pin is hen determined to see if the CBBoot voltage at the CBoot_pin is above a predetermined CBoot voltage for a second predetermined amount of time. The Regulator is then switched to operate in SMPS mode if the CBoot voltage is substantially continuously above the predetermined CBoot voltage for a second predetermined amount of time. The SMPS is operated in linear mode if the CBoot voltage is substantially continuously below or equal to the predetermined CBoot voltage for a second predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: An output voltage VC obtained by boosting an input voltage VIN by means of a charge pump control circuit 3 of a charge pump 102 is supplied as a power supply voltage to a control circuit 4 of a step-up converter. It is thus possible to eliminate the need for a conventional self-bias method, eliminate switching from startup oscillation to main oscillation of the conventional self-bias method upon startup, and overcome problems caused by the switching of oscillation states, thereby achieving switching power supply circuitry starting in a reliable and stable manner.

Abstract: An integrated circuit power supply includes a DC-to-DC converter and a low drop-out voltage regulator. The DC-to-DC converter efficiently performs voltage conversion and provides power to the low-dropout voltage regulator. The low-dropout voltage regulator rejects noise and regulates an output voltage. The combination of the DC-to-DC converter and a low-dropout voltage regulator provides high-efficiency voltage conversion and noise rejection.

Abstract: There is provided a switching power supply device which is capable of reducing an influence of noises and also reducing a consumption current of a control circuit. A pseudo-random number generator circuit (12) generates random number data for determining frequencies of switching signals of MOS transistors (M1) and (M2). A chopping wave oscillation frequency (a frequency of a switching signal) of a chopping wave oscillator (3) randomly changes according to the random number data that is generated by the pseudo-random number generator circuit (12). A current control circuit (1) and a current control circuit (2) control consumption currents that flow in the chopping wave oscillator (3) and an error amplifier (8) according to a change (a change in the frequency of the switching signal) in the random number data that is generated by the pseudo-random number generator circuit (12).

Abstract: A controller for use with a power converter including a switch configured to conduct to provide a regulated output characteristic at an output of the power converter, and method of operating the same. In one embodiment, the controller includes a linear control circuit, coupled to the output, configured to provide a first control signal for the switch as a function of the output characteristic. The controller also includes a nonlinear control circuit, coupled to the output, configured to provide a second control signal for the switch as a function of the output characteristic. The controller is configured to select one of the first and second control signals for the switch in response to a change in an operating condition of the power converter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for current controlled switching voltage regulators. In one embodiment of the present invention, a voltage regulator device comprises a switching stage for selectively charging an output voltage and a current control mechanism to limit a range of voltages for controlling the switching stage. In one embodiment, a switching circuit provides a drop in threshold voltage of the voltage regulator such that the voltage regulator no longer switches rail to rail but instead switches at a value lower than rail to rail. The current control mechanism may include an output driver of a comparator, the comparator is for producing a control signal for controlling the switching stage. In one embodiment, an activation circuit may activate the current control circuit when the supply voltage is above a certain threshold. Accordingly, the output voltage is kept substantially constant even when the supply voltage varies, thereby increasing its operable range.

Abstract: Constant voltage regulator includes an output terminal, an output transistor, an output voltage controller, and a switching circuit. The output terminal outputs a first voltage to an external host apparatus. The output transistor outputs a current in accordance with a signal. The output voltage controller amplifies a difference between a reference voltage and a feedback voltage produced in proportion to the first voltage, and outputs the amplified voltage to the control gate of the output transistor. The switching circuit selectively outputs one of a second voltage greater than the first voltage and a third voltage greater than the second voltage to a substrate gate of the output transistor in response to an operation mode switchable between a first mode in which an output current to the external host apparatus is smaller than a predetermined value and a second mode in which the output current is greater than the predetermined value.

Abstract: Of a pair of switching transistors connected in series between a high voltage power source and the ground, when the switching transistor on the high potential side is controlled by an RS flip-flop in response to an input signal, in order to prevent a malfunction caused by the influence of dv/dt transient phenomena of an output terminal for driving a load, a latch circuit is reset using an input signal from a low side input terminal LIN in a period during which the voltage of the output terminal for driving the load abruptly decreases.

Abstract: A switched capacitor regulator in accordance with the present invention comprises a DC voltage source, a plurality of switches, a pumping capacitor, and a load capacitor. The plurality of switches may comprise semiconductor switches implemented in an integrated circuit (IC). The plurality of switches is configured to operate the switched capacitor regulator to place the regulator into a first charging stage and, alternately, a second charging stage. The switching between the first stage and the second stage results in the pumping capacitor being charged in opposing directions, while the load capacitor is always being charged in the same direction. The load capacitor is thus being charged in both the first charging stage and the second charging stage.

Abstract: A buck-boost DC/DC converter includes an inductor and a power stage having a set of switches selectively connecting the inductor between a voltage input, a voltage output and a reference level in accordance with buck or boost mode. The converter has a switch control providing control signals to the set of switches in the power stage. A comparator provides to the switch control a first pulse width modulation signal in buck mode and a second pulse width modulation signal in boost mode. A ramp generator provides to the comparator a first ramp signal for buck mode and a second ramp signal for boost mode. An overlap control provides a ramp shift signal to the ramp generator in response to a detection signal that indicates activity of the switches in the power stage. The ramp shift signal adjusts the first and second ramp signals relative to each other so as to minimize any gap and any overlap between the first and second ramp signals.

Abstract: In a current controlling apparatus for controlling a load current flowing through a load, a reference level generating circuit generates a reference level signal, and a reference signal generating circuit generates a reference signal in accordance with the reference level signal. A bridge circuit includes a plurality of semiconductor elements so that the semiconductor elements are turned ON and OFF to supply the load current to the load. A sensing circuit senses the load current, to thereby generate a sense signal in accordance with the load current. A current correction circuit including a correction comparator compares the sense signal with the reference level signal to generate a correction signal, so that the reference signal is corrected by the correction signal.

Abstract: A current source with adjustable temperature coefficient is provided. The current source uses a first current generation unit and a second current generation unit to respectively produce a positive temperature coefficient current and a negative temperature coefficient current. A current addition unit is used to add the positive and negative temperature coefficient currents, and compose the positive and negative temperature coefficient currents according to a predetermined proportion. Finally, a reference current of adjustable temperature coefficient and value is output.

Abstract: A multiple sensitivity stud sensing device for determining a location of objects behind a wall lining has a housing with a surface for moving over the wall lining. Within the housing are a capacitive sensor with first and second capacitances provided adjacent the surface and control circuitry. The control circuitry includes a detecting circuit connected to the sensor for providing a detection signal related to an imbalance between the first and second capacitances, a processor for receiving the detection signals signal and providing a display signal. A display is provided on the housing for indicating a location of an object behind the wall lining. The processor compares the detection signal to stored predetermined threshold values of detection signals associated with different wall lining thickness and displays a thickness value to the user.

Abstract: The present invention determines the resonant frequency of a sensor by adjusting the phase and frequency of an energizing signal until the frequency of the energizing signal matches the resonant frequency of the sensor. The system energizes the sensor with a low duty cycle, gated burst of RF energy having a predetermined frequency or set of frequencies and a predetermined amplitude. The energizing signal is coupled to the sensor via magnetic coupling and induces a current in the sensor which oscillates at the resonant frequency of the sensor. The system receives the ring down response of the sensor via magnetic coupling and determines the resonant frequency of the sensor, which is used to calculate the measured physical parameter. The system uses a pair of phase locked loops to adjust the phase and the frequency of the energizing signal.

Abstract: The current measurement apparatus comprises a Rogowski coil 20 comprising a wire or conductor which forms a coil 22 and returns through the coil 22 as a central conductor. The coil 22 and the central conductor are formed from a single conductor or wire and, therefore, no electrical join (for example, a solder join or crimp) is required at the end of the Rogowski coil. The wire 28 used to form the coil 22 and the central conductor 24 is insulated prior to forming the Rogowski coil. The insulated coating 30 provides better insulation between individual coils and also helps to provide a more even spacing between the coils.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor have a magnetic field sensing portion having an alloy metal thin film including Ni, Fe and Co as main components and having a magneto-resistance effect, and detects two or more magnetic fields, at least one of which magnetic fields to be detected is 2.5 mT or more, and among which magnetic fields to be detected the minimum magnetic field and the maximum magnetic field are separated by 0.5 mT or more. The alloy metal thin film has an absolute value of magneto-striction constant of 1.5×10?5 or less, an anisotropic magnetic field of 8 Oe or more as well as 16 Oe or less, and a magnetic resistance change ratio of 2.5% or more. The alloy metal thin film is within a composition range which concurrently fulfills the following relations: 21x+19y?1869, 5x+28y?546, y?11, and x+y?85, where the composition ratio of Ni is represented by x % by weight, while the composition ratio of Co is represented by y % by weight.

Abstract: A mechanism for placing and removing a vacuum clamping device for a magnetic disk on a spinstand, comprised of automated vertical and horizontal movement arranged such that a vacuum disk chuck, comprised of a base (9) and cap (6), can be used without operator interaction. Linear actuators provide the horizontal (2) and vertical (3) movement forces to accurately move a chuck cap (6) over a magnetic disk (7) that has been placed on a chuck base (9). The same actuators remove the cap and move it away from the disk to allow quick replacement of the disk. The interface between the mechanism and disk chuck cap is designed such that the cap is securely held during motion, and does not create particles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interrogating a sample that exhibits molecular rotation are disclosed. In practicing the method, the sample is placed in a container having both magnetic and electromagnetic shielding, and Gaussian noise is injected into the sample. An electromagnetic time-domain signal composed of sample source radiation superimposed on the injected Gaussian noise is detected, and this signal is used to generate a spectral plot that displays, at a selected power setting of the Gaussian noise source, low-frequency spectral components characteristic of the sample in a selected frequency range between DC and 50 kHz. In one embodiment, the spectral plot that is generated is a histogram of stochastic resonance events over the selected frequency range. From this spectrum, one or more low-frequency signal components that are characteristic of the sample being interrogated are identified.

Abstract: The application provides a magnetic sensor which can suppress an irregularity of a central potential due to a change in a temperature, decrease size of the sensor, and lower the manufacturing cost of the sensor. A magneto-resistive element and fixed resister are provided on an element base and have the same configuration elements. A second magnetic layer and non-magnetic layer in the fixed resistor are reversely laminated on each other in a manner different from the magneto-resistive element, and the second magnetic layer is formed in contact with the first magnetic layer, thereby fixing the magnetization directions of the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer in the same direction. In this manner, the irregularity of the temperature coefficient between the magneto-resistive element and the fixed resistor is suppressed, and the irregularity of the central potential due to the change in the temperature is suppressed.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor comprises a substrate, magnetoresistive element of a spin-valve type, a bias magnetic layer (or a permanent magnet film), and a protective film, wherein the bias magnetic layer is connected with both ends of the magnetoresistive element and the upper surface thereof is entirely covered with the lower surface of the magnetoresistive element at both ends. Herein, distances between the side surfaces of the both ends of the magnetoresistive element and the side surfaces of the bias magnetic layer viewed from the protective film do not exceed 3 ?m. In addition, a part of the bias magnetic layer can be covered with both ends of the magnetoresistive element, and an intermediate layer is arranged in relation to the magnetoresistive element, bias magnetic layer, and protective film so as to entirely cover the upper surface of the bias magnetic layer.

Abstract: In a method for generation of magnetic resonance exposures of an examination subject using a magnetic resonance system with multiple coil elements for acquisition of imaging magnetic resonance signals, magnetic resonance signals for the magnetic resonance exposures to be generated are initially measured with at least one group of the available coil elements. An automatic pre-evaluation of the magnetic resonance signals respectively acquired from the individual coil elements then ensues. One or more of the coil elements are selected on the basis of results of the pre-evaluation and the generation of the magnetic resonance exposures ensues exclusively on the basis of the magnetic resonance signals that were acquired by the selected coil elements. A corresponding control device for a magnetic resonance system for generation of magnetic resonance exposures, and a computer program product, operate according to the method.

Abstract: With the object of enhancing image quality, a transmission sensitivity distribution calculating part calculates a transmission sensitivity distribution by a double flip angle method. Next, a threshold processing part threshold-processes the calculated transmission sensitivity distribution. Further, an image correcting unit corrects an actual scan image using the transmission sensitivity distribution subsequent to the threshold processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, which includes a floor surface, a static magnetic field generator, two pieces of which are placed opposite each other vertically across an image pickup space, and a plurality of support legs for supporting a weight of the resonance imaging apparatus, the support legs being elastically deformed in a direction in which the weight is to be applied, and being arranged between the floor surface and a floor. Furthermore, each of the support legs has a spring constant which is set to absorb a displacement between the floor surface and the floor, while bearing the weight. This MRI apparatus has the simple structure enabling the efficient damping of the vibrations which may cause the deterioration of magnetic resonance images.