Patent US5146924A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5146924A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Arrangement for examination of a material
Assignee: Instrumentarium Oyj
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Filing: 1989-08-29
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Granted: 1992-09-15
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Expires: 2009-08-29
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for the examination of an object, such as a human body, by means of ultrasound and NMR methods in such a manner that both examination methods are adapted to be effected substantially simultaneously and on the same target area. The apparatus is provided with a device for radiating the magnetization of an electron spin system in the said target area in order to achieve a dynamic nuclear polarization and to amplify an NMR signal through a so-called Overhauser-phenomenon.
Inventors
- 👤 Raimo E. Sepponen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 18:42
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R33/00; G01R33/20; G01R33/44; G01R33/48; G01R33/4808; G01R33/4814; A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/0033; A61B5/0035; A61B5/05; A61B5/055; A61B8/00; A61B8/08; G01R33/62; G01R33/28; G01R33/32; G01R33/36; G01R33/3621; G01R33/38; G01R33/385; G01R33/387; G01R33/3875
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
202 words
An apparatus for enabling an operator to carry out an examination of a target area within an object subjected to a polarizing magnetic field produced by a magnetic field generating means external of the object, said apparatus comprising: means for transmitting ultrasonic energy to the target area and for receiving reflected ultrasonic energy therefrom for obtaining ultrasonic data from the target area; NMR means including means for applying rf pulse signals to the target area, means for applying a magnetic field gradient to the target area, and means for receiving NMR signals from the target area; means for supplying electron spin resonance energy to the target area for amplifying, by dynamic nuclear polarization, the NMR signals received from the target area; and said apparatus including a common unit freely movable by the operator to a desired position with respect to the target area, said common unit containing at least a portion of said ultrasonic energy transmitting and receiving means, at least a portion of said NMR means, and at least a portion of said means for supplying electron spin resonance energy; said common unit including sensor means for sensing the direction of the polarizing magnetic field to which the object is subjected.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
202 words
An apparatus for enabling an operator to carry out an examination of a target area within an object subjected to a polarizing magnetic field produced by a magnetic field generating means external of the object, said apparatus comprising: means for transmitting ultrasonic energy to the target area and for receiving reflected ultrasonic energy therefrom for obtaining ultrasonic data from the target area; NMR means including means for applying rf pulse signals to the target area, means for applying a magnetic field gradient to the target area, and means for receiving NMR signals from the target area; means for supplying electron spin resonance energy to the target area for amplifying, by dynamic nuclear polarization, the NMR signals received from the target area; and said apparatus including a common unit freely movable by the operator to a desired position with respect to the target area, said common unit containing at least a portion of said ultrasonic energy transmitting and receiving means, at least a portion of said NMR means, and at least a portion of said means for supplying electron spin resonance energy; said common unit including sensor means for sensing the direction of the polarizing magnetic field to which the object is subjected.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further including means for adjusting the direction of the polarizing magnetic field responsive to said sensor means such that the polarizing magnetic field extends in a desired direction relative to said sensor means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said means for applying a magnetic field gradient is fitted in said common unit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for applying a magnetic field gradient is fitted in said common unit.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-09-15 | 1996-03-16 | 1996-09-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-09-15 | 2000-03-16 | 2000-09-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-09-15 | 2004-03-16 | 2004-09-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |