Abstract: A shim support guide jig includes a shim support guide pipe in which a guide passage for guiding the movement of a shim support is formed. In a state where a superconducting magnet has generated a static magnetic field, the designated shim support can be drawn out from the internal space of the superconducting magnet through the guide passage, and the designated shim support for which magnetic material shims have been arranged and adjusted can be inserted into the internal space through the guide passage. A magnetic field generation apparatus has the magnetic material shims arranged and adjusted using the shim support guide jig, and a magnetic resonance imaging equipment employs the magnetic field generation apparatus. Magnetic field adjustment methods for the magnetic field generation apparatus and for the magnetic resonance imaging equipment are performed using the shim support guide jig.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to detection devices having one or more small wells each surrounded by, or in close proximity to, an NMR micro coil, each well containing a liquid sample with magnetic nanoparticles that self-assemble or disperse in the presence of a target analyte, thereby altering the measured NMR properties of the liquid sample. The device may be used, for example, as a portable unit for point of care diagnosis and/or field use, or the device may be implanted for continuous or intermittent monitoring of one or more biological species of interest in a patient.

Abstract: New MRI coil and resonators are disclosed based solely on superconducting inductive element and built-in capacitive elements as well as hybrid superconducting-metal inductive and capacitive elements having superior SNR. Single and multiple small animal MRI imaging units are also disclosed including one or more resonators of this invention surrounding one or more small animal cavities. Methods for making and using the MRI coils and/or arrays are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of determining a concentration level of a compound in a mixture is provided. A plurality of compounds are identified in the mixture based on intensity peaks identified from NMR data generated from the mixture. A compound is selected from the identified plurality of compounds for a concentration determination. A concentration equation associated with the selected compound is determined. A first peak associated with the selected compound is selected from the NMR data. The selected first peak does not overlap with a peak associated with another compound of the identified plurality of compounds. An intensity value associated with the selected first peak is determined. A concentration of the selected compound in the mixture is calculated using the determined concentration equation and the determined intensity value.

Abstract: An NMR sample tube for NMR measurement is provided. It includes a plug on both sides or one side of a sample to be measured, in an axial direction of the sample tube. The plug is adjusted to have magnetic susceptibility equal to or substantially equal to that of the sample. A whole shape of the plug and a sample space together is axisymmetric about an axis of the sample tube, and a surface of the plug not abutting the sample space bulges in a direction away from the sample space.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance apparatus gantry includes a cylindrical static magnet housing which accommodates a static field magnet and in which an opening portion is formed, a cylindrical gradient magnet housing which accommodates a gradient coil, is placed in the opening portion, and is shorter in length in an axial direction than the static magnet housing, and a support unit which supports the gradient magnet housing on the static magnet housing, and includes a first support member mounted on the static magnet housing, a second support member mounted on the gradient magnet housing and supported by the first support member, and an adjustment unit which is placed inside the static magnet housing in the axial direction and adjusts a relative positional relationship between the static magnet housing and the gradient magnet housing by changing the relative positional relationship between the first support member and the second support member.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a portable or handheld device for performing NMR analysis. The device comprises a console and a strip which can be placed into the console through a slot or other means. The strip comprises a sample holding place and a microcoil for generating an excitation magnetic field across a sample in the sample holding space. A permanent magnet is provided either by the console or the strip and generates a static magnetic field which, together with the excitation magnetic field, creates NMR within the sample. Other embodiments of the invention also encompass method of performing NMR analysis using the portable device and method of making such devices.

Abstract: The present utility model provides a locating device for a magnetic resonance system comprising an image sensor, an image display for displaying images acquired by the abovementioned image sensor, and a locator, which locator has at least one locating mark. There is no need for the abovementioned locating device for a magnetic resonance system to use a laser for locating and, therefore, the case where an operator is hurt by the laser will not occur. On the other hand, due to the use of the image sensor and the image display, the remote control of adjustment conditions can be accomplished, therefore there is no need to repeatedly enter into a magnetic resonance examination room to carry out operations during the adjustment process, which saves time and costs for the adjustments.

Abstract: A sample holding device, adapted for holding a sample, like a rodent or an MR phantom sample in a magnet bore of a magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) device, comprises a sample carrier being adapted for an arrangement in the bore of the MRT device, wherein the sample carrier comprises a carrier platform for accommodating the sample and at least one clamping part with radial locking pieces being adapted for fixing the sample carrier in a hollow enclosure structure, wherein the at least one clamping part is connected with the carrier platform. Furthermore, an MRT device and a method of MRT imaging of a sample are described.

Abstract: A sample exchange device (1), in particular, for an NMR spectrometer, comprising a circumferential chain (22), sample receptacles (7) which are disposed on the chain (22) at equal distances and are connected to each other via webs (23), and a measuring or transfer position (9), wherein each sample receptacle (7) can be moved to the measuring or transfer position (9) by moving the chain (22), characterized in that a chain guidance is provided which guides the circumferential chain (22) along a meandering path. The inventive sample exchange device is particularly economic and does not impair the analysis of the samples.

Abstract: In NMR system, for preventing a temperature gradient which causes a decrease in S/N ratio from being created in a sample area while suppressing deterioration in homogeneity of a magnetic field, a thermal conductor having high thermal conductivity is disposed in a room-temperature shim coil. The thermal conductor is provided as a coil bobbin, the temperature of the thermal conductor being controlled by a temperature controller using a heat exchanger. Temperature control gas, which is adjusted to a temperature equal to that of the room-temperature shim coil, is fed from the downside of a sample tube, and it is possible to suppress a temperature gradient from being created in a sample area. According to the present invention, since the temperature distribution can be made to be uniform so as to avoid creating a temperature gradient in the sample area while suppressing deterioration of homogeneity in the magnetic field, the NMR spectrum is sharpened so as to improve the S/N ratio.

Abstract: A transport device for conveying an object to be transported (18) between an input point (A) and a supply point (Z), where the object to be transported (18) can be supplied to an RT tube (4) of a cryostat (1), wherein the input point (A) is both horizontally and also vertically spaced apart from the supply point (Z), wherein a transport tube (14) is provided for pneumatically conveying the object to be transported within the transport tube (14) from a first transfer point (B) to a second transfer point (C), is characterized in that the transport tube (14) is vertically arranged, a first transport container (TB1) and a second transport container (TB2) are provided for receiving the object to be transported (18), a first transfer device is disposed between the input point (A) and the first transfer point (B), and a second transfer device is provided between the second transfer point (C) and the supply point (Z).

Abstract: A probe suitable for use in unilateral nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and adapted to be embedded in a sample to be analysed, the probe comprising; a static magnetic field generator; a radiofrequency magnetic field generator adjacent to the static magnetic field generator; a circuit controlling the frequency response of the radiofrequency magnetic field generator, adjacent to the static magnetic field generator; an input cable coupled to the frequency control circuit and the frequency control circuit coupled to the radiofrequency magnetic field generator.

Abstract: An adapter of the invention for fitting an NMR sample tube having an outside diameter into an NMR spectrometer sample tube holder designed for a larger outside diameter sample tube includes a one-piece elongate cylinder having an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion has an outside diameter sized to fit within a preselected size NMR spectrometer sample tube holder. The cylinder has a hollow bore axially extending through the upper portion and the lower portion, the hollow bore having a preselected inside diameter sized to accept an NMR sample tube smaller than the preselected size NMR spectrometer sample tube holder.

Abstract: A inventive flow-meter uses a measuring method which is based on the passage time of fluid molecules in a single sensor, without using any magnetic field gradient for the measurement of said fluid mean velocity. This method consists of the ultrafast irradiation of hydrogen nuclei from fluid molecules through pulses which are repeated every short time intervals, following a Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) type sequence.

Abstract: A system and method of MR imaging is disclosed that includes reconstruction of MR images with uniform or homogeneous fat suppression. An imaging process is performed using partial asymmetric acquisitions in conjunction with zero-filling of k-space for dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging. Data acquisition is carried out in a relatively short period of time which reduces scan time, reduces the likelihood of subject discomfort and motion-induced artifacts, and increases patient throughput.

Abstract: To reduce high SAR values in the field of magnetic resonance imaging, and particularly with a whole body coil assembly for an MRI apparatus, at least a bracket is added between the supporting tube of a whole body coil assembly and the connecting copper sheet in order to radially raise the connecting copper sheet and the capacitors away from the human body. In addition to effectively solving the problem of a high SAR value, at the same time no significant loss of the imaging performance occurs. Moreover, the structure is simple, so the costs of modification or production are low.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A device used in performing imaging magnetic resonance measurements (=MRI) in a Region of Interest (ROI) (9) of a small animal (3) with an MRI magnet system (7), with a cradle (5) on which the small animal (3) is lying, and with a radio-frequency (=RF) antenna (6), wherein the RF antenna (6) and the small animal (3) can be positioned relative to each other, characterized in that the device comprises a slide (1) on which the cradle together with the small animal immobilized thereupon can be moved both outside and inside the MRI magnet system, and characterized in that the RF antenna is rigidly fixed on the slide. This results in a device for the relative positioning of the small animal with respect to the RF antenna for an MRI measurement, which is easy to retrofit on existing tomography equipment, with which this positioning can be implemented both inside and outside the MRI magnet by simple handling and without great additional technical effort.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising: a magnet configured to form a static magnetic field in an imaging area; a cylindrical structure having a guide; a radio frequency coil configured to receive a nuclear magnetic resonance signal generated by transmitting a radio frequency signal into a object set in the static magnetic field; and a radio frequency coil drive structure configured to adjust a distance between the radio frequency coil and a body surface of the object by using a moving structure configured to move along with the guide, a wire configured to move the moving structure and a motor connected to the wire.

Abstract: A sample vessel (80) made of material with magnetic susceptibility ?2, for containing a sample substance (87) with magnetic susceptibility ?3??2 to be analyzed in a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer, has an inner interface G2 toward the sample substance and an outer interface G1 toward the environment (85) that exhibits magnetic susceptibility ?1. The shape of the interface toward the sample substance and the interface toward the environment are coordinated to match the discontinuities in susceptibility at the interfaces in such a way that on introduction of the sample tube filled with sample substance into the previously homogeneous magnetic field of an NMR spectrometer, the magnetic field inside the sample substance remains largely homogeneous.

Abstract: A method of operating a DNP system comprising: a cryostat (1); a magnetic field generator (2) located in the cryostat for generating a magnetic field in a working volume; a microwave cavity (8) within which the working volume is located; and a waveguide (18) for supplying microwave power to the microwave cavity; the method comprising: a) locating a sample in the working volume and subjecting the sample to a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator; b) supplying liquid coolant to the working volume to cool the sample; c) irradiating the sample with microwave power so as to hyperpolarize nuclear spins in the sample; and d) warming the sample following the irradiation step by expelling liquid coolant from the working volume while leaving the sample in the working volume.

Abstract: A coolant sub-assembly is provided for use in a DNP apparatus. The sub-assembly comprises a plurality of concentric jackets surrounding an inner bore tube having first and second opposed ends. The jackets are adapted to inhibit heat flow to the inner bore tube, a DNP working region being defined within the inner bore tube where a DNP process will be performed on a sample in the DNP working region. A coolant supply path extends adjacent an outer surface of the inner bore tube at the DNP working region in order to cool said outer surface, whereby a sample holder assembly can be inserted through the first end of the inner bore tube to bring a sample holder into the DNP working region and can be moved through the second end of the inner bore tube. An auxiliary coolant supply path supplies coolant to a sample, located in use in the sample holder at the DNP working region, through at least one aperture in the inner bore tube wall at the DNP working region.

Abstract: An NMR probe which includes a probe matrix (24) having a void sample (28) volume therein. A conductive coil (16, 26) can be at least partially embedded in the probe matrix (24). By embedding the conductive coil (16, 26) in the probe matrix (24), the fill-factor can be significantly increased. NMR probes can be formed by a method which includes wrapping a conductive wire (16) around a coil form (18) to produce a coil precursor assembly. The probe matrix (24) can be formed around the conductive wire and coil form with a matrix material using any suitable technique such as soft lithography and/or molding. The coil form can be removed from the probe matrix leaving a void sample volume (28) in the probe matrix. Advantageously, the NMR probes of the present invention allow for fill-factors approaching and achieving 100%.

Abstract: A nuclear magnetic resonance(=NMR) probehead, comprising N basic elements (10a, 10b, 10c), where N?2, wherein each basic element (10a, 10b, 10c) comprises a measurement sample (11) and a resonator system (12a, 12b, 12c), and wherein the N resonator systems (12a, 12b, 12c) of the N basic elements (10a, 10b, 10c) are coupled to each other, is characterized in that a coupling network for the N resonator systems (12a, 12b, 12c) is provided, with which the totality of the N resonator systems (12a, 12b, 12c) can be operated in one identical, coupled mode during transmission and reception, wherein the coupling network comprises a shared receiver circuit for the totality of the N resonator systems (12a, 12b, 12c). With the inventive NMR probehead, a better signal-to-noise ratio can be achieved in the case of lossy samples than with probeheads according to the prior art.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing in-vitro DNP-NMR measurements on a sample comprises magnetic field generating apparatus (1a, 1b) located in a cryostat (2) and surrounding a bore defining respective NMR and DNP working regions (90, 92). A system for performing DNP on a suitably prepared sample in the DNP working region. A system for performing a NMR process on a sample in the NMR working region. A sample positioning mechanism (5) which can be inserted in the bore (3) to bring a sample in turn into each of the working regions. The magnetic field generating apparatus is suitably structured so that the magnetic field in the DNP working region has a homogeneity or profile suitable for performing DNP on the sample and the magnetic field in the NMR working region has a homogeneity or profile suitable for performing a NMR process on the sample.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide, in a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer wherein the direction of the static magnetic field is the horizontal direction, a nuclear magnetic resonance probe coil having a highly uniform magnetic field, which can measure at high sensitivity. The present invention, by selecting the design and shapes of the materials forming the probe coil with a view to suppressing disorder in the magnetic field distribution, and using superconducting thin film coils formed on hollow circular substrates to form a receiver coil and coil support materials having curved surfaces, provides a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer of high sensitivity that can improve uniformity of a magnetic field.

Abstract: A solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance probe for use in a magnetic field having a plurality of isolated magic angle spinning modules positioned within the housing is disclosed. The housing is configured so that the plurality of magic angle spinning modules are located in a stationary position within a homogenous region of said magnetic field during use.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for application of a magnetic field to a sample, in particular an elongated sample. At least in places, the apparatus has magnetic bodies which are arranged such that they can rotate with respect to one another and have, and leave open, a common access opening for the sample. In particular, this allows the apparatus to be applied to an elongated sample whose ends are not accessible. As a result of the bodies being arranged such that they can rotate with respect to one another, the magnetic fields of the bodies can be adjusted with respect to one another before the apparatus is opened and closed, so as to minimize the magnetic field in the common access opening. In consequence, only small magnetic interaction forces need be overcome during opening and closing.

Abstract: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging System consisting of a magnet (10) with a U-shaped frame (15), whose pole faces define an open magnetic imaging area [R] for a patient, and a magnetic field generator (17) that is controlled to generate magnetic fields inside the magnetic imaging area; a transport system (30) associated with the magnet has a support structure (20) that defines a movement path through the magnetic imaging area. The transport system (30) also includes a bench (40) to support the patient. The transport system (30) can slide the bench (40) along the support structure so that the patient can be introduced into and extracted from the magnetic imaging area. The bench (40) may further include a non-reclinable support part (41) coupled to reclinable support parts (42 and 43) at opposing ends to allow the position of patient to be rotatably changed on the bench (40).

Abstract: A high-frequency coil for a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes two end members formed of a conductive material and arranged opposite to each other. A plurality of rod members, each of which is formed of a conductive material having a rod shape have one end portion connected to one of the two end members and the other end portion connected to the other of the two end members. At east one additional member is formed of a conductive member having a rod shape, the additional member having both ends connected to one of the rod members, the additional member being disposed outside a first imaging region formed by the end members and the rod members, and forming a second imaging region.

Abstract: A flow-through microfluidic NMR-chip comprising a substrate (5) which is planar in an yz-plane with a sample chamber (2) within the substrate (5), the sample chamber (2) being elongated and having walls which run parallel to the z-direction, the substrate (5) having a thickness in x-direction of a Cartesian xyz-coordinate system between 100 ?m and 2 mm, and at least one planar receiving and/or transmission coil (1, 1?) with conductor sections (11) the coil (1, 1?) being arranged at least on one planar surface of the substrate (5), wherein the extension of the sample chamber (2) along the z-direction exceeds the extension of the coil (1) along the z-direction is characterized in that the extension of the coil (1, 1?) along the z-direction is larger than its extension along the y-direction. The inventive NMR-chip facilitated NMR-spectroscopic measurements with improved resolution, sensitivity as well as B1 homogeneity.

Abstract: A phantom for use in an MRI or MRS system includes an array of subresolvable compartments that are each connected to receive fluid from one of a plurality of fluid reservoirs. The array of compartments is divided into sub-arrays which differ from each other by the mix of compartments in each sub-array receiving fluids from the different reservoirs. Studies can be performed with the phantom by filling the compartments with selected fluids from the reservoirs, disconnecting the reservoirs and placing the phantom in the system bore. The phantom can be reused in other studies by replacing the fluids with different fluids.

Abstract: In one aspect, a magnet comprising a pair of pole supports spaced apart from one another and extending in a generally horizontal direction. The magnet includes a pair of flux return members extending between the pole supports so as to define a frame, each of the flux return members including a first columnar section that extends parallel to the polar axis and a second columnar section that extends perpendicular to the polar axis and projects towards the pole. In another aspect, a magnetic resonance imaging system comprises a ferromagnetic frame that is operative to support an upper pole member and a lower pole member along a vertical polar axis such that a gap is defined between the upper and lower pole members and an access floor that is isolated from the ferromagnetic frame and pole members for providing access to the gap.

Abstract: A device and a method for the production of a magnetic field using a Charge Holding Object that is mechanically rotated. In a preferred embodiment, a Charge Holding Object surrounding a sample rotates and subjects the sample to one or more magnetic fields. The one or more magnetic fields are used by NMR Electronics connected to an NMR Conductor positioned within the Charge Holding Object to perform NMR analysis of the sample.

Abstract: An NMR measurement apparatus adopts a circulation flow scheme using a sample solution containing a high molecular compound representing a measuring object and a low molecular compound solution containing a low molecular compound representing a ligand. The measurement apparatus comprises a mixing filter 32 for mixing the sample solution and the low molecular compound solution, a separation filter 34 for performing separation therebetween, a flow channel 1 through which the sample solution drained out of the separation filter 34 is injected to the mixing filter 32, a flow channel 2 through which the low molecular compound solution drained out of the separation filter 34 is injected to the mixing filter 32, and a flow channel 3 through which the mixture solution drained out of the mixing filter 32 is injected to the separation filter 34 by way of a reservoir 10.

Abstract: The present utility model discloses a patient table for a magnetic resonance system, said magnetic resonance system also comprises a body coil, and said patient table comprises a table board and supporting means for supporting said table board, which table board is located in said body coil, and said supporting means supports said table board in such a way that the table board has no contact with said body coil. By using said patient table according to the present utility model, it is possible to eliminate the vibration of the table board caused by the vibration of a gradient coil, thus improving the imaging quality.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to detection devices having one or more small wells each surrounded by, or in close proximity to, an NMR micro coil, each well containing a liquid sample with magnetic nanoparticles that self-assemble or disperse in the presence of a target analyte, thereby altering the measured NMR properties of the liquid sample. The device may be used, for example, as a portable unit for point of care diagnosis and/or field use, or the device may be implanted for continuous or intermittent monitoring of one or more biological species of interest in a patient.

Abstract: An elongate sample volume matching an elongate region of uniform RF magnetic field established by a saddle coil, is approximated by at least one pair of cylindrical sample tubes in parallel orientation with the geometric axis of the saddle coil. The displacement of the two cylindrical tubes defines a direction transverse to the tube axes and this transverse direction is aligned parallel with the RF magnetic field of the saddle coil.

Abstract: In one example, a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system comprises a magnetic resonance imaging assembly defining a gap region, a transmitting coil proximate the gap region, and at least one test coil separate from the transmitting coil. The at least one coil is mechanically coupled to the assembly during imaging and the at least one test coil is selectively electrically coupled to the assembly to collect test data. The at least one coil may be coupled to a test fixture coupled to the assembly. The test fixture may be deployable from a first position to a second position for collection of test data. The at least one coil may comprise a first test coil and a second test coil. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes gradient magnetic coil, each having a plurality of line members wound in a predetermined winding pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus for nuclear magnetic resonance measurement includes a measurement portion having a magnet for applying a magnetic field to a sample, a bore within the magnet, a nuclear magnetic resonance probe disposed in the bore, and a container for retaining the sample therein; a mixing filter portion for mixing a small molecule solution with a sample solution; a separating filter portion; a small molecule concentration controlling portion; a transmitter/receiver system; a unit for carrying out circulation solution transfer; a unit for injecting the small molecule solution; a unit for controlling the small molecule concentration; a unit for injecting the sample solution; a unit for holding the sample solution in the measurement portion; a unit for discharging the sample solution; and a unit for carrying out nuclear magnetic resonance measurement of the sample solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a design of a radiofrequency (RF) receive coil (also commonly referred to as an imaging coil) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a vertical field MRI system of a patient's shoulder region. The design described herein generally includes a solenoid element that wraps around the patient's shoulder, at least two loop elements that encompass the superior section of the patient's shoulder, and at least two saddle elements, wherein one saddle element encompasses the posterior section of the patient's shoulder and one saddle element encompasses the anterior section of the patient's shoulder. It is foreseen that further embodiments of the shoulder coil design may include additional elements.

Abstract: A magnet assembly for use in carrying out nuclear magnetic resonance experiments on a body or sample. The assembly comprises a set of superconducting coils (12) within a cryostat, located about a bore, and arranged to generate a substantially uniform magnetic field in a primary working volume (101) within the bore, and to generate a substantially uniform magnetic field in a secondary working volume (100) within the coil structure and separate from the bore. At least part of a hyperpolarisation system intersects the at least one secondary working volume (101) so as to hold a sample to be hyperpolarised in the secondary working volume.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to detection devices having one or more small wells each surrounded by, or in close proximity to, an NMR micro coil, each well containing a liquid sample with magnetic nanoparticles that self-assemble or disperse in the presence of a target analyte, thereby altering the measured NMR properties of the liquid sample. The device may be used, for example, as a portable unit for point of care diagnosis and/or field use, or the device may be implanted for continuous or intermittent monitoring of one or more biological species of interest in a patient.

Abstract: A selectively removable closure for closing the open end of an NMR sample tube having an open end and a closed end of the invention includes a cylindrical proximal first and a distal second portion, both portions substantially congruent to a central axis. The second portion has a hollow bore extending therethrough, the hollow bore has three sections: a distal section, a central section and a proximal section. The distal section has an inside diameter sized to accept the outside diameter of a preselected size NMR sample tube substantially without an interference, the central section is sized to provide a compliant interference fit with the outside diameter of the preselected size NMR sample tube, and the proximal section is sized to accept the outside diameter of the preselected size NMR sample tube without interference.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance scanner includes a main magnet (20) that generates a static magnetic field at least in a scanning region (14), and a gradient system (26, 28) that selectively imposes selected magnetic field gradients on the static magnetic field at least in the scanning region. A structure (40) is provided for supporting a plurality of small subjects (80) in the scanning region. The structure includes a plurality of subject supports (82, 82?) each configured to support a small subject, and a plurality of solenoid coils (44, 44?, 44?) corresponding to the plurality of subject supports. Each solenoid coil is arranged with the corresponding subject support to operatively couple with a small subject supported by the corresponding subject support.