US4791372A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Conformable head or body coil assembly for magnetic imaging apparatus
Assignee: RESONEX TECHNOLOGY GROUP LLC
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Filing: 1987-08-17
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Granted: 1988-12-13
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Expires: 2007-08-17
Abstract
Abstract A pickup coil for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) includes a single thin metal copper sheet which is covered with cloth-like material with the interior of the two ends of the coil being covered with VELCRO-type connective material so that they adhere together. Thus, this provides a conforming fit to various specimens of varying diameters and configurations. The two ends of the coil are held by and inserted in a capacitive tuning unit which compensates for the resistive loading caused by the specimen and also for implementing the needed resonance condition.
Inventors
- 👤 Gregory L. Kirk
- 👤 Jeffrey D. Mewborne
- 👤 David M. Parish
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:53
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R33/00; G01R33/20; G01R33/28; G01R33/32; G01R33/34; G01R33/341; G01R33/343; G01R33/34084
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
A head or body coil assembly having a predetermined magnetic axis for picking up free induction decay or spin-echo signals from a test specimen produced in a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising: inductive pickup coil means for substantially surrounding said test specimen including a thin, flexible, unitary, continuous band of conductive material substantially entirely covered with a flexible protective material, said band having a pair of ends with their facing interiors provided with mutually adhering surfaces which, when fastened together, provide a conforming fit of said band around specimens of varying diameter and configuration, said band being substantially cylindrical in configuration and having a central axis substantially coincident with said magnetic axis, said adhered ends forming an effective capacitor.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
119 words
A head or body coil assembly having a predetermined magnetic axis for picking up free induction decay or spin-echo signals from a test specimen produced in a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising: inductive pickup coil means for substantially surrounding said test specimen including a thin, flexible, unitary, continuous band of conductive material substantially entirely covered with a flexible protective material, said band having a pair of ends with their facing interiors provided with mutually adhering surfaces which, when fastened together, provide a conforming fit of said band around specimens of varying diameter and configuration, said band being substantially cylindrical in configuration and having a central axis substantially coincident with said magnetic axis, said adhered ends forming an effective capacitor.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
An assembly as in claim 1 including capacitive tuning means, located in close proximity to said coil means into which said ends are inserted and held to form a low resistance contact, for compensating for the resistive loading caused by said specimen.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
An assembly as in claim 1 where said mutually adhering surfaces consist of hook and loop type connection means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
An assembly as in claim 1 where said protective material is cloth.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
An assembly as in claim 1 including means for uniformly spacing said band from said specimen.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
An assembly as in claim 1 where said adhered ends include clip means for insuring such adhering.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
An assembly as in claim 1 where said band has a width along said central axis to minimize loading consistent with a desired imaging field of view.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-12-13 | 1992-06-13 | 1992-12-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-12-13 | 1996-06-13 | 1996-12-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-12-13 | 2000-06-13 | 2000-12-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |