With Sample Resonant Frequency And Temperature Interdependence Patents (Class 324/315)
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Patent number: 8766634Abstract: A device of estimating a dose of ionizing radiation absorbed in an intra bone volume. The device comprises a static magnetic field source adapted to generate a substantially static magnetic field in a probing space having a volume of less than 2 cubic millimeter (mm3), the probing space being placed in front of a distal end of static magnetic field source, a micro resonator mounted in adjacent to the distal end, and at least one transmission line which feeds the resonator so as to generate an microwave magnetic field at the probing space and to transmit a signal returned from said microwave magnetic field and indicative of radiation induced paramagnetic defects in said probing space so as to allow a spectrometer to compute a dose of ionizing radiation absorbed in a portion of a bone placed in the probing space according to an analysis of the signal. The static magnetic field source being sized and shaped to maneuver the probing space to overlap with an intra bone volume of the bone.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2010Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Technion Research & Development Foundation LimitedInventors: Aharon Blank, Ygal Twig
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Patent number: 8736267Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a parameter of an object is disclosed. The object is placed within a vessel configured to contain the object via an opening in the vessel. A cover is placed over the opening. A securing device is used to secure the cover to the vessel. A measurement device is used to measure the parameter of the object at a raised pressure. The parameter can be a nuclear magnetic resonance parameter of the object. A fluid in the vessel can be heated to raise the pressure within the sealed vessel. In various embodiments, the securing device can be a second cover or a clamp, for example. The measured parameter can be used in determining a suitability of the object for use in downhole environments.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2011Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: David Peter Gerrard, Omar H. Balcazar
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Patent number: 8723520Abstract: A method of controlling the static magnetic field in an NMR spectrometer in such a way that the magnetic field can be homogenized even if there is a temperature gradient across a sample tube. A distribution of resonance frequencies and chemical shift differences within the sample tube is found by NMR measurements for each of two peaks of a calibration sample. A temperature distribution is found based on the distribution of the chemical shift differences. A distribution of chemical shifts of a solvent used for the measurements is found, based on the temperature distribution in the sample tube. Shimming is done using magnetic field gradients based on the distribution of the chemical shifts of the solvent.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: JEOL Resonance Inc.Inventor: Naoki Nishihagi
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Patent number: 8723523Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes: a pair of static magnetic field generators separately disposed at the top and bottom of an imaging space in which a subject is placed; a shim magnetic material, disposed on the imaging-space side of each of the pair of static magnetic field generators, for generating a magnetic field to adjust the static magnetic field; a gradient magnetic field generator; a high-frequency magnetic field generator; a temperature sensor for directly or indirectly measuring the temperature of the shim magnetic material; and a controller for controlling the gradient magnetic field generator and the high-frequency magnetic field generator to execute an imaging pulse sequence.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2009Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Hitachi Medical CorporationInventor: Munetaka Tsuda
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Patent number: 8638099Abstract: A method for reducing magnetic resonance temperature measurement errors, which is used for the high-intensity focused ultrasound device for monitoring magnetic resonance imaging includes obtaining a magnetic resonance phase diagram as a reference image before the high-intensity focused ultrasound device heats the heating area; obtaining another magnetic resonance phase diagram as a heating image during or after the heating process of the high intensity focused ultrasound device; calculating the temperature changes in the heating area according to said heating image and reference image. The method further includes measuring the magnetic field changes caused by the position changes of the ultrasonic transducer of said high-intensity focused ultrasound device, and then compensating for the temperature changes according to said magnetic field changes. The present invention can significantly reduce the temperature errors caused by the position changes of the ultrasonic transducer.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2011Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Cheng Ni, Xiao Dong Zhou
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Publication number: 20140005523Abstract: A medical apparatus (300, 400, 500, 600) comprising a magnetic resonance imaging system (302). The medical apparatus further comprises a memory (332) storing machine readable instructions (352, 354, 356, 358, 470, 472, 474) for execution by a processor (326). Execution of the instructions causes the processor to acquire (100, 202) spectroscopic magnetic resonance data (334). Execution of the instructions further cause the processor to calculate (102, 204) a calibration thermal map (336) using the spectroscopic magnetic resonance data. Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to acquire (104, 206) baseline magnetic resonance thermometry data (338). Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to repeatedly acquire (106, 212) magnetic resonance thermometry data (340).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2012Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Max Oskar Köhler, Erkki Tapani Vahala, Kirsi Ilona Nurmilaukas
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Patent number: 8618794Abstract: A system for detecting inductive objects includes an inductive sensor circuit for detecting changes in an electromagnetic field (“EMF”) environment and an integrated circuit (“IC”) device. The inductive sensor circuit generates an oscillating analog waveform with an envelope that indicates changes in the EMF environment. The oscillating waveform is coupled to the digital input pin of the IC. A digital interface circuit in the IC is coupled to the digital input pin and is configured for detecting if the oscillating waveform exceeds high and low threshold voltage levels. The detecting results in a digital pulse which represents changes in the EMF environment. In another implementation, a timer input capture pin can be used to detect the waveform envelope decay by storing the time when the waveform crosses a threshold value during a time period. A reduced capture time after the time period expires indicates a change in the EMF environment.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2010Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Atmel CorporationInventors: Jonas Ask, Ivar Holand
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Publication number: 20130338484Abstract: A medical apparatus (300, 400, 500, 600) comprising a magnetic resonance imaging system (301). The medical apparatus further comprises a memory (330) containing instructions (350, 352, 354, 456, 458, 460) for execution by a processor (324). Execution of the instructions cause the processor to acquire (102, 202) baseline magnetic resonance data (332) and reconstruct (104, 204) a first image (334) using the baseline magnetic resonance data. Execution of the instructions further cause the processor acquire (106, 212) undersampled magnetic resonance data (336), which is undersampled in k-space in comparison to the baseline magnetic resonance data. Execution of the instructions further cause the processor reconstruct (108, 214) a second image (338) using the undersampled magnetic resonance data and the first image. The second image is reconstructed using an image ratio constrained reconstruction algorithm (354) and to calculate (110, 216) a temperature map (340) using the second image.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2012Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Feng Huang, Max Oskar Köhler, Jukka Iimari Tanttu, Wei Lin
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Patent number: 8598879Abstract: A magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus is configured in such a manner that: a high-frequency transmission coil transmits a high-frequency electromagnetic wave at a magnetic resonance frequency to an examined subject; a heating coil performs a heating process by radiating a high-frequency electromagnetic wave onto the examined subject at a frequency different from the magnetic resonance frequency; based on a magnetic resonance signal, a measuring unit measures the temperature of the examined subject changing due to the high-frequency electromagnetic wave radiated by the heating coil; and a control unit exercises control so that the measuring unit measures the temperature while the heating coil is performing the heating process, by ensuring that the transmission of the high-frequency electromagnetic wave by the high-frequency transmission coil and the radiation of the high-frequency electromagnetic wave by the heating coil are performed in parallel.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2011Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Yoshitomo Sakakura, Satoshi Sugiura, Tomoyuki Yoshida, Takashi Yanashima, Masateru Iwasa, Yutaka Kato, Koji Kitamura, Kazuto Nogami, Hidekazu Tanaka, Makoto Sato, Shigehide Kuhara, Taketo Kawakami, Yasutake Yasuhara, Hiroshi Sugimoto
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Patent number: 8564292Abstract: A feedforward control unit predicts the maximum value of the temperature of a gradient coil based on a power duty and a scan time of a pulse sequence, and a present temperature of the gradient coil. When the maximum value exceeds a predetermined upper limit, the feedforward control unit then instructs a temperature adjusting unit to start a water circulation in a chiller at the start of a prescan, and the temperature adjusting unit starts the water circulation based on the instruction.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2012Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Masateru Iwasa, Kazuto Nogami, Tomoyuki Yoshida, Fumitoshi Kojima, Yoshitomo Sakakura, Kohei Adachi
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Publication number: 20130265051Abstract: A method of measuring NMR response in an NMR instrument includes heating a sample at a heater temperature that is higher than the temperature of the interior of the NMR instrument, positioning the heated sample in the NMR instrument, and measuring the NMR response of the heat sample. Typically, the sample is dry and includes fat. Furthermore, a method of determining an amount of a component of a sample includes positioning a sample in an NMR instrument, applying a sequence of radio-frequency pulses to the sample, measuring the amplitudes of the signals produced by the application of the sequence of radio-frequency pulses, and determining the amount of a component in the sample using the measured amplitudes of the signals. The disclosed methods typically provide accurate analysis of samples in a shorter time period than traditional NMR techniques and solvent-based analysis techniques.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2013Publication date: October 10, 2013Inventors: Michael J. Collins, SR., Jonathan M. Collins, Colin L. Simpson
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Patent number: 8519711Abstract: In an MRI apparatus, a detecting unit that includes a thermographic imaging equipment and a normal imaging camera detects a change in temperature of an imaging space from outside of the imaging space. A judging unit judges whether the imaging space has a point at a temperature greater than a threshold TH, and if the judging unit judges the imaging space has such a point with a temperature greater than the threshold, the apparatus stops the sequence that applies a gradient magnetic field to the subject.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventor: Yoshitomo Sakakura
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Patent number: 8497683Abstract: A spectroscopic sample analysis apparatus includes an actively controlled heat exchanger in serial fluid communication with a spectroscopic analyzer, and a controller communicably coupled to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is disposed downstream of a fluid handler in the form of a stream selection unit (SSU), a solvent/standard recirculation unit (SRU), and/or an auto-sampling unit (ASU). The SSU selectively couples individual stream inputs to an output port. The SRU includes a solvent/standard reservoir, and selectively couples output ports to the heat exchanger, and returns the solvent/standard sample to the reservoirs. The ASU includes a sample reservoir having a sample transfer pathway with a plurality of orifices disposed at spaced locations along a length thereof. The controller selectively actuates the fluid handler, enabling sample to flow therethrough to the heat exchanger, and actuates the heat exchanger to maintain the sample at a predetermined temperature.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2009Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventors: W. Marcus Trygstad, Russell Jackson, Bruce A. Keen
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Patent number: 8410778Abstract: In a magnetic resonance (MR) method and apparatus for the acquisition of a first image data set and a second image data set of an examination subject, a series of excitation pulses is radiated into the examination subject, and after each excitation pulse, a first echo signal is detected after a first echo time TE1 and a second echo signal is detected after a second echo time TE2, with TE2 greater than TE1, and the first echo signal is entered in a first raw MR data set and the second echo signal is entered in a second raw MR data set. A first image data set is acquired from the first MR data set on the basis of magnitude information contained in the first MR data set. A second image data set is acquired from the second MR data set on the basis of phase information contained in the second MR data set. The first and second image data sets are stored on at least one memory device.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Patrick Gross, Joerg Roland
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Patent number: 8368401Abstract: Techniques for correcting measurement artifacts in MR thermometry predict or anticipate movements of objects in or near an MR imaging region that may potentially affect a phase background and then acquire a library of reference phase images corresponding to different phase backgrounds that result from the predicted movements. For each phase image subsequently acquired, one reference phase image is selected from the library of reference phase images to serve as the baseline image for temperature measurement purposes. To avoid measurement artifacts that arise from phase wrapping, the phase shift associated with each phase image is calculated incrementally, that is, by accumulating phase increments from each pair of consecutively scanned phase images.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2009Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Insightec Ltd.Inventors: Yoav Levy, Arik Hananel, David Freundlich, Gilad Halevy, Benny Assif, Hadas Ziso
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Publication number: 20130002250Abstract: NMR analyzers and associated methods, circuits and computer program products that allow NMR operation in fluctuating ambient temperature environments of at least +/?5 degrees F. in a relatively large operating temperature range, typically between about 60-85 degrees F.) with the ability to still generate accurate quantitative measurements using an electronically applied temperature sensitivity adjustment based on an a priori model of temperature sensitivity and a detected temperature proximate the NMR signal acquisition (e.g., scan). The clinical NMR analyzers can be remotely accessed to evaluate linearity and temperature compensation adjustments.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Inventors: David R. Morgan, Elias J. Jeyarajah
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Patent number: 8305079Abstract: A feedforward control unit predicts the maximum value of the temperature of a gradient coil based on a power duty and a scan time of a pulse sequence, and a present temperature of the gradient coil. When the maximum value exceeds a predetermined upper limit, the feedforward control unit then instructs a temperature adjusting unit to start a water circulation in a chiller at the start of a prescan, and the temperature adjusting unit starts the water circulation based on the instruction.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2009Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Masateru Iwasa, Kazuto Nogami, Tomoyuki Yoshida, Fumitoshi Kojima, Yoshitomo Sakakura, Kohei Adachi
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Patent number: 8228147Abstract: A supported superconducting magnet, comprising a superconducting magnet arranged within an outer vacuum container; and a support structure bearing the weight of the superconducting magnet against a support surface. The support structure comprises a tubular suspension element located between the magnet and the support surface, said tubular suspension element retaining the magnet in a fixed relative position with reference to the outer vacuum container by means of complementary interface surfaces arranged to transmit the weight of the superconducting magnet to the support structure. The tubular suspension element is arranged about a generally vertical axis, and supports a solenoidal magnet structure which is arranged about a generally horizontal axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2007Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Siemens PlcInventors: Marcel Kruip, Nicholas Mann
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Patent number: 8229544Abstract: In one aspect, in general, a method is provided for detecting temperature and protein denaturation of a tissue during thermal therapy. The method includes generating a plurality of MR pulse sequences that include a first group of pulse sequences and a second group of pulse sequences, and receiving a plurality of response signals that include a first and second group of response signals in response to the first and second groups of pulse sequences, respectively. A first information associated with a degree of protein denaturation of the tissue is determined based on the first and second groups of response signals. A second information associated with a temperature of the tissue is determined based on at least some of the plurality of response signals.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2008Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: National Health Research InstitutesInventors: Wen-Yih Isaac Tseng, Hsu-Hsia Peng, Teng-Yi Huang, Hsiao-Wen Chung
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Patent number: 8198897Abstract: The magnetic field homogeneity adjusting device (20) is characterized by comprising a magnetic field distribution measuring unit (21) for measuring the magnetic field distribution in the magnetic field space, a temperature variation calculating unit (22) for calculating the temperature variation of the ferromagnetic bodies needed to improve the homogeneity of the magnetic field space based on the measured magnetic field distribution, and a temperature control unit (12) for setting a temperature control value of the ferromagnetic bodies according to the calculated temperature variation.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2008Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Hitachi Medical CorporationInventors: Ryuya Ando, Kenji Sakakibara
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Publication number: 20120086450Abstract: A system and method for detecting objects foreign to a human body. The system including a thermal detector configured to obtain thermal imaging data, a quadrapole resonance (QR) device configured to transmit an excitation signal and receive a resulting signal emanating from a material excited by the excitation signal, and a controller configured to determine if a foreign object is present based on the thermal imaging data and the excitation signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Inventors: Christopher W. Crowley, Erik E. Magnuson
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Patent number: 8138760Abstract: A temperature system is provided with magnetic field suppression. In one embodiment, the temperature system comprises a plurality of conductors patterned to conduct current in directions that generate 2N multipole magnetic moments that interact to suppress the magnetic fields generated by the current conducting through the plurality of conductors, where N is an integer that is greater than one.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Northrop Grumman Guidance and Electronics Company, Inc.Inventor: Michael D. Bulatowicz
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Publication number: 20110291654Abstract: A method for reducing magnetic resonance temperature measurement errors, which is used for the high-intensity focused ultrasound device for monitoring magnetic resonance imaging includes obtaining a magnetic resonance phase diagram as a reference image before the high-intensity focused ultrasound device heats the heating area; obtaining another magnetic resonance phase diagram as a heating image during or after the heating process of the high intensity focused ultrasound device; calculating the temperature changes in the heating area according to said heating image and reference image. The method further includes measuring the magnetic field changes caused by the position changes of the ultrasonic transducer of said high-intensity focused ultrasound device, and then compensating for the temperature changes according to said magnetic field changes. The present invention can significantly reduce the temperature errors caused by the position changes of the ultrasonic transducer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Inventors: Cheng Ni, Xiao Dong Zhou
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Patent number: 8013604Abstract: A method for improving the imaging quality of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment and MRI equipment, include obtaining a corresponding relationship between a deterioration factor of imaging quality and the cumulative energy of gradient pulses applied by successive scanning MRI sequences, then determining a predicted value of a current deterioration factor of imaging quality according to the currently applied cumulative energy of the gradient pulses and said corresponding relationship, adopting a corresponding method to carry out dynamic regulation or compensation using the predicted value of said deterioration factor of imaging quality as a reference, so as to cancel the influence produced by the heating effect of the gradient system to the imaging quality, thereby effectively improving the imaging quality of the MRI equipment.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Li Ming Chen, Ting Qiang Xue, Jian Min Wang
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Publication number: 20110175615Abstract: Proton resonance frequency shift thermometry may be improved by combining multibaseline and referenceless thermometry.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2011Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventors: William A. Grissom, Kim Butts Pauly, Michael Lustig, Yoav Medan, Yoav Levy, Viola Rieke
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Publication number: 20110109309Abstract: Techniques for correcting measurement artifacts in MR thermometry predict or anticipate movements of objects in or near an MR imaging region that may potentially affect a phase background and then acquire a library of reference phase images corresponding to different phase backgrounds that result from the predicted movements. For each phase image subsequently acquired, one reference phase image is selected from the library of reference phase images to serve as the baseline image for temperature measurement purposes. To avoid measurement artifacts that arise from phase wrapping, the phase shift associated with each phase image is calculated incrementally, that is, by accumulating phase increments from each pair of consecutively scanned phase images.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2009Publication date: May 12, 2011Inventors: Yoav Levy, Arik Hananel, David Freundlich, Gilad Halevy, Benny Assif, Hadas Ziso
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Patent number: 7812604Abstract: A thermal management system for cooling a heat generating component of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) apparatus includes at least one heat pipe having a portion disposed proximate the heat generating component, such as a gradient coil and/or RF coil. When heat is removed from the component, a working fluid in a relatively hotter end of the heat pipe vaporizes and travels toward a relatively colder end of the heat pipe. The colder end may be operatively coupled to a heat sink for removing the heat from the colder end and increase the overall efficiency of the system. The heat pipe may be disposed along a horizontal, a vertical direction and/or along a diagonal of the heat generating component.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2007Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Tunc Icoz, Mehmet Arik, Yogen Vishwas Utturkar, Bruce Courtney Campbell Amm
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Patent number: 7688071Abstract: A method for determining a wax appearance temperature of a fluid includes obtaining nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements of the fluid at a plurality of temperatures; deriving a NMR parameter from each of the NMR measurements; and determining the wax appearance temperature by analyzing the NMR parameter as a function of temperature. An apparatus for detecting wax appearance in a fluid includes a sample cell for holding a fluid for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements at a plurality of temperatures; a temperature measuring device disposed proximate the sample cell; a magnet for polarizing molecules in the fluid in the sample cell; at least one radiofrequency (RF) coil for generating pulses of magnetic field and for detecting NMR signals; and circuitry for controlling and measuring the temperature of the fluid in the sample cell and for obtaining NMR measurements.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2007Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Yuesheng Cheng, Abdel M. Kharrat
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Publication number: 20100069738Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance examination system (10) comprising a superconducting main magnet (20) surrounding an examination region (18) and generating a main magnetic field in the examination region (18), and further comprising a magnetic field gradient system (30) selectively causing alternating gradient magnetic fields in the examination region (18), said magnetic field gradient system (30) being disposed outside of the main magnet (20).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2007Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N. V.Inventor: Holger Timinger
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Patent number: 7667461Abstract: A spectroscopic sample analysis apparatus includes an actively controlled, direct contact heat exchanger in serial fluid communication with a spectroscopic analyzer, and a controller communicably coupled to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is disposed downstream of a fluid handler in the form of a stream selection unit (SSU), a solvent/standard recirculation unit (SRU), and/or an auto-sampling unit (ASU). The SSU selectively couples individual stream inputs to an output port. The SRU includes a solvent/standard reservoir, and selectively couples output ports to the heat exchanger, and returns the solvent/standard sample to the reservoirs. The ASU includes a sample reservoir having a sample transfer pathway with a plurality of orifices disposed at spaced locations along a length thereof. The controller selectively actuates the fluid handler, enabling sample to flow therethrough to the heat exchanger, and actuates the heat exchanger to maintain the sample at a predetermined temperature.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2007Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventors: W. Marcus Trygstad, Russell Jackson, Bruce A. Keen
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Patent number: 7609064Abstract: A probe for a nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus comprises: a transmission coil for irradiating a sample with a high-frequency electromagnetic wave; and a receiving coil for detecting a nuclear magnetic resonance signal emitted by the sample, wherein a selector switch is disposed to the transmission coil to reduce the deterioration of sensitivity of the receiving coil by switching the resonance state of the transmission circuit between during irradiation and during detection, even if an electromagnetic coupling remains between transmission and reception.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2007Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Yuzo Fukuda, Kazuo Saitoh, Hiroyuki Yamamoto, Michiya Okada
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Patent number: 7602185Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus performs photographing by magnetic resonance imaging using hardware of which temperature is likely to rise due to a photographing operation. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes an obtaining device, an alert state detecting device, and a control device. The obtaining device obtains information providing an indication of temperature of the hardware during the photographing. The alert state detecting device detects the occurrence of an alert state where the temperature of the hardware is likely to rise enough to affect the photographing, on the basis of the obtained information. The control device controls the photographing so as to suppress temperature rise of the hardware according to the detection of the occurrence of the alert state.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2008Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventor: Seiji Nozaki
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Publication number: 20090179644Abstract: A method of determining the mass of a moving sample is described, in which the sample is moved at a controlled velocity through a mass interrogation zone and a temperature interrogation zone, which may be upstream or downstream from the mass interrogation zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2006Publication date: July 16, 2009Inventors: Vincent Alexander Bons, Alexander Clemens Henricus Josef Schaepman, Josefhus Francisca Eduardus Maria Krieckaart, Jozef Antonius Willem Maria Corver
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Patent number: 7557577Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a water-soluble paramagnetic substance, in particular a magnetic resonance contrast medium, to reduce the magnetic resonance relaxation time of a coolant for magnetic resonance systems. Furthermore the invention relates to a corresponding method for reducing the magnetic resonance relaxation time of a coolant.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2004Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Siemens AktiengesselschaftInventors: Norbert Gläsel, Ulrich Nerreter
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Patent number: 7542793Abstract: An MRI system is employed to aim an ultrasonic transducer at tissues to be treated and to produce images which enable the treatment of the tissues to be monitored. A pulse sequence is used which produces both a spin-echo NMR signal and a gradient-echo NMR signal and changes in phase between these two signals is measured and used to produce a temperature map. Changes in amplitude of the spin-echo NMR signal from a reference spin-echo NMR signal is used to produce images which indicate temperature changes in both fat and water. These temperature maps may be used to aim the heat treatment device.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2002Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Mayo Foundation For Medical Education and ResearchInventors: Tao Wu, Joel P. Felmlee
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Patent number: 7521930Abstract: In a method and apparatus for accelerating MR temperature imaging used in MR-monitored high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy, temperature changes are determined at the focus of the ultrasound during MR temperature imaging; determining the ideal acceleration rate needed for data sampling according to the temperature changes at said focus is determined, the variable-density (VD) data sampling in k-space is adjusted according to the determined ideal acceleration rate, and the data obtained from sampling are reconstructed to form an image. The capability of accelerating MR temperature imaging with both good temporal resolution and good spatial resolution is improved by determining the acceleration rate according to temperature changes at the ultrasound focus and by adjusting the VD data sampling of k-space and thereby the benefits of good flexibility, feasibility and stability are achieved.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2008Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Guo Bin Li, Yiu-Cho Chung, Qiang Zhang, Xiao Dong Zhou
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Publication number: 20090096450Abstract: In a method to correct a B0 field drift in a temperature map exposure obtained by magnetic resonance tomography as well as a device to implement such a method, a magnetic resonance phantom is placed at a stored, marked reference position relative to an acquisition coil. A first reference phase image of the phantom is automatically acquired in the acquisition of a first phase image of an examination subject in the unheated state. A second reference phase image of the phantom is automatically acquired in the acquisition of a later second phase image of the examination subject. The phase images are adapted to one another according to the requirements of a calibration of the associated reference phase images.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Inventor: Joerg Roland
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Patent number: 7505805Abstract: A noninvasive image measuring method of measuring internal organ/tissue temperature using an MRI system. Temperature measurement insusceptible to body motion and spatial variation of magnetic field is realized by utilizing the position and size of a temperature change region as a priori information to determine the phase distribution of the complex magnetic resonance signal of water proton at a given temperature point and by subtracting the phase distribution before the temperature change estimated (self-referred) from the phase distribution in the peripheral region for each pixel of the image, thereby eliminating the subtraction process of image before and after temperature change.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2004Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Foundation for Biomedical Research and InnovationInventor: Kagayaki Kuroda
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Publication number: 20090066330Abstract: A method for determining a wax appearance temperature of a fluid includes obtaining nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements of the fluid at a plurality of temperatures; deriving a NMR parameter from each of the NMR measurements; and determining the wax appearance temperature by analyzing the NMR parameter as a function of temperature. An apparatus for detecting wax appearance in a fluid includes a sample cell for holding a fluid for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements at a plurality of temperatures; a temperature measuring device disposed proximate the sample cell; a magnet for polarizing molecules in the fluid in the sample cell; at least one radiofrequency (RF) coil for generating pulses of magnetic field and for detecting NMR signals; and circuitry for controlling and measuring the temperature of the fluid in the sample cell and for obtaining NMR measurements.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2007Publication date: March 12, 2009Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORP.Inventors: YUESHENG CHENG, ABDEL M. KHARRAT
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Patent number: 7489132Abstract: An MRI apparatus includes a MRI gradient coil and an MRI cooling system. The MRI cooling system is thermally connected to the MRI gradient coil and includes a cooling circuit. A chiller is connected to the cooling circuit and configured to pump a coolant through the cooling circuit and extract heat from the coolant. The coolant includes both a carrier fluid and a phase-change material.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2006Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mehmet Arik, Michael Kent Cueman
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Publication number: 20090015258Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus performs photographing by magnetic resonance imaging using hardware of which temperature is likely to rise due to a photographing operation. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes an obtaining device, an alert state detecting device, and a control device. The obtaining device obtains information providing an indication of temperature of the hardware during the photographing. The alert state detecting device detects the occurrence of an alert state where the temperature of the hardware is likely to rise enough to affect the photographing, on the basis of the obtained information. The control device controls the photographing so as to suppress temperature rise of the hardware according to the detection of the occurrence of the alert state.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Inventor: Seiji Nozaki
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Patent number: 7474099Abstract: An NMR apparatus comprising an NMR magnet system disposed in a first cryocontainer (2) of a cryostat (9), and an NMR probe head (1), wherein the first cryocontainer (2) is installed in an evacuated outer jacket and is surrounded by a radiation shield (24) and/or a further cryocontainer (3), wherein a cooling device is provided for cooling the NMR probe head (1) and a cryocontainer (2, 3), which comprises a cold head (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) with several cold stages (12a, 12b, 12c, 18a, 18b, 18c, 19a), wherein one cold stage (12a, 12b, 12c, 18a, 18b, 18c, 19a) is connected to a heat-transferring device, and wherein a cooling circuit is provided between the cooling device and the NMR probe head (1), is characterized in that the cooling device is disposed in a separate, evacuated housing (6) which is positioned directly above the cryostat (9), wherein the heat-transferring device is inserted directly into suspension tubes (29a, 29c) of the cryocontainer (2, 3) and/or is in contact with the radiation shield (24).Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2006Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: Bruker Biospin AGInventors: Johannes Boesel, Agnès Glémot, Daniel Eckert, Daniel Guy Baumann
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Publication number: 20080309339Abstract: A method for analysing a chemical substance containing quadrupolar nuclei to determine a measurable characteristic of the substance. The method includes irradiating the substance with RF energy in a prescribed manner to stimulate NQR of certain quadrupolar nuclei within the substance. Then receiving and processing a signal emitted from the substance to isolate an NQR signal therefrom. Thereafter analysing the NQR signal to obtain a measure of the characteristic of the substance; and providing an output indicative of the measure for analytical purposes. Specific methods for analysing a chemical substance during production thereof to determine a characteristic of the substance indicative of the quality thereof, and for searching for chemicals together with specific systems are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2006Publication date: December 18, 2008Applicant: QRSCIENCES PTY. LTD.Inventors: Warrick Paul Chisholm, Laurence Drew Mann, Timothy Rayner, John Alec Sidney Smith
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Patent number: 7432708Abstract: In a temperature control method for magnetic field components of a permanent magnet arrangement of a magnetic resonance system, temperature stability of the magnetic field components is achieved by maintaining the temperature of the two sides of the magnetic field components constant, with a difference being maintained between the temperatures of the two sides of the magnetic field components so that a temperature gradient is formed within the magnetic field components. Once the temperature gradient is formed, dynamic temperature stability is established within the magnetic field component. When this dynamic temperature stability is broken by thermal disturbance, the temperature gradient allows the thermal disturbance to be quickly transmitted to the lower magnetic yoke and is further transmitted to the outside through the base of the magnetic resonance system so that the thermal disturbance is smoothed and dynamic temperature stability is reestablished.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2007Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Qiang He, Xiao Guang Liu, Hong Yi Zhu
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Patent number: 7423429Abstract: Diagnostic and Therapy apparatus and methods use non-ionizing radiations which are based on integration of nuclear magnetic resonance and radiation manipulation. Quantitative diagnostics integrate the following devices: manual control digital filter/selector (18), frequency matrix monitor (25), frequency image monitor (26), and control panel (28). Therapy integrates the following devices: resonating antenna for radio frequency (4), low radio frequency signal processor/modulator (10), radio frequency pulse amplifier (13) and central pulse control (16). Internal parameters of the emission, such as frequency, power and polarity are selectively manipulated to personalize the therapy and to significantly improve the levels of selectivity and/or differentiation of all the processes.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2003Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Inventors: Lázaro Eusebio Hernández Pérez, José Luis Jorge De Moral Más
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Patent number: 7403007Abstract: In a nuclear magnetic resonance probe, the sample coil is connected to the RF excitation source via transmission lines that are arranged to generate one or more nodal points at the 1H excitation frequency along their lengths and a balanced magnetic filed profile within the sample coil. Heat exchangers are then connected directly to the inner conductor of the transmission line at these nodal points. The transmission line inner conductors are in direct contact with the sample coil and efficiently cool the coil to cryogenic temperatures without interfering with the 1H resonance or RF profile.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2007Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Broker Bio Spin CorporationInventors: Yit Aun Lim, Eckhard Bez, Xiaozhong Zhang, Werner E. Maas
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Patent number: 7378847Abstract: The vacuum properties of a cryogenic NMR probe maintained at a desired operating temperature by a cold head heat exchanger are improved by a separate heat exchanger operating below the temperature of the cold head heat exchanger for maintaining cryo-pumping surfaces at a temperature below said selected operating temperature.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Varian, Inc.Inventors: Thomas M. Barbara, Alexander M. J. Hudson
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Patent number: 7359745Abstract: PRF shift MRI data is acquired. The PRF shift MRI data may include signals affected by both a desired PRF shift and an undesired PRF shift. Thus, example systems and methods describe manipulating the PRF shift MR! data to make it substantially free of the effects of the undesired PRF shift, which facilitates displaying certain MRI images based on the desired PRF shift.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2003Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Case Western Reserve UniversityInventors: Jonathan S. Lewin, Jeffrey L. Duerk, Kestutis J. Barkauskas
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Patent number: 7309987Abstract: In some embodiments, a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) method comprises generating an indicator of an anticipated time-averaged power for a radio-frequency (RF) pulse set, and anticipatively adjusting a cooling supplied by a cryogenic cooling fluid to an RF coil according to the indicator of the anticipated time-averaged power. The cryogenic cooling adjustment may be performed using a cryogenic fluid heater and/or a mass flow controller disposed in the cryogenic fluid path. The time difference between the start of the cooling adjustment and the start of the RF pulse set is set to be equal to the difference in timescales between the cooling effect of the cooling adjustment and the heating effect of the RF pulse set on the RF coil.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: Varian, Inc.Inventors: Peter Lukens, Atholl Gibson
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Patent number: 7248050Abstract: The invention concerns an NMR apparatus (1) comprising an NMR spectrometer (2) for sequential investigation of several samples in sample containers (6) of substantially identical geometrical design, at a measuring position (10) in the NMR spectrometer (2) comprising a supply line (8) for pneumatic supply of the sample containers (6) from a magazine (3) to the measuring position (10). The apparatus is characterized in that the magazine (3) is disposed within a temperature-controlled cabinet, in particular, a cold chamber (4) and the supply line (8) can be heated. This substantially increases the throughput of samples of the NMR apparatus (1) with simple technical means.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Bruker Biospin GmbHInventors: Martin Hofmann, Manfred Spraul