Patent US6091241A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6091241A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Device for examining a volume of small depth by nuclear magnetic resonance
Assignee: L'Oréal SA
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Filing: 1997-10-01
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Granted: 2000-07-18
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Expires: 2017-10-01
Abstract
Abstract A device for examining by nuclear magnetic resonance a volume having small depth, including means for creating a static homogeneous magnetic field B 0 in which a volume to be examine is positioned, a system for creating magnetic field gradients in three directions of space, and a radio frequency transmission/reception system. The means for creating the static magnetic field B 0 , the field gradient system, and the radio frequency transmission/reception system are situated on a same side of an open surface, while the volume to be examined is situated on the other side of the surface. The device can be applied to magnetic resonance imaging.
Inventors
- 👤 Bernard Querleux
- 👤 Herve Saint-Jalmes
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 23:14
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R33/00; G01R33/20; G01R33/28; G01R33/38; G01R33/3808
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
122 words
A device for examining a volume by nuclear magnetic resonance, comprising: an open surface opposite the volume to be examined; means for creating a homogeneous static magnetic field B o within the volume to be examined, said magnetic field B o within the volume to be examined having a direction substantially parallel to said open surface; a field gradient system for creating magnetic field gradients in three directions of space; and a radio frequency transmission/reception system; wherein the means for creating the magnetic field B o , the field gradient system, and the radio frequency transmission/reception system are situated on a same side of said open surface; and said volume to be examined is situated on another side of said open surface.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
122 words
A device for examining a volume by nuclear magnetic resonance, comprising: an open surface opposite the volume to be examined; means for creating a homogeneous static magnetic field B o within the volume to be examined, said magnetic field B o within the volume to be examined having a direction substantially parallel to said open surface; a field gradient system for creating magnetic field gradients in three directions of space; and a radio frequency transmission/reception system; wherein the means for creating the magnetic field B o , the field gradient system, and the radio frequency transmission/reception system are situated on a same side of said open surface; and said volume to be examined is situated on another side of said open surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
The device according to claim 1, further comprising a shimming system for improving homogeneity of the magnetic field B o , said shimming system being positioned on said same side of the open surface remote from the volume to be examined.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device according to claim 2, wherein said shimming system is formed by at least one of coils, ferromagnetic materials and small permanent magnets.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein said means for creating a homogeneous static magnetic field comprises a permanent magnet.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device according to claim 4, wherein said permanent magnet comprises a ferrite material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device according to claim 4, wherein said permanent magnet comprises an iron-rare earth alloy.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device according to claim 6, wherein said iron-rare earth alloy is iron-neodymium-boron.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device according to claim 4, wherein said permanent magnet comprises a mixture of a ferrite material and an iron-rare earth alloy.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein said means for creating a homogeneous magnetic field comprises a resistive magnet formed by at least one of a copper and aluminium wire traversed by an electric current.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein said means for creating a homogeneous magnetic field comprises a superconducting magnet.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device according to claim 10, wherein said superconducting magnet is cooled by means of a helium cryostat.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device according of claim 10, wherein said helium cryostat cools said superconducting magnet to a temperature of an order of 4° K.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein said field gradient system includes an arrangement of three coils formed by an enamelled copper wire.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein said field gradient system is in a form of a printed circuit.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein said means for creating the magnetic field B o is at least in part directly opposite the volume to be examined.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device according to claim 14, wherein said means for creating the magnetic field B o is directly opposite the volume to be examined over a central portion of said open surface.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device according to claim 14, wherein said means for creating the magnetic field B o is directly opposite the volume to be examined over a peripheral portion of said open surface.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device according to claim 1, further comprising a duct for gaining access to the volume to be examined and provided in an axis of the device and capable of allowing an instrument to pass.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device according to claim 10, further comprising a duct for gaining access to the volume to be examined and provided in an axis of the device and capable of allowing an instrument to pass.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device according to claim 13, further comprising a duct for gaining access to the volume to be examined and provided in an axis of the device and capable of allowing an instrument to pass.
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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) | 2003-07-18 | 2004-01-17 | 2004-07-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-07-18 | 2008-01-17 | 2008-07-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-07-18 | 2012-01-17 | 2012-07-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |