Apparatus for reducing acoustic noise in an MR imaging system
US6414489B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jul 2, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01R33/3854
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus is provided for reducing the level of acoustic noise or energy which is received by an imaging subject located within the bore of an MR imaging system. The apparatus comprises a bridge fixed within the bore to support the subject during MR data acquisition, and further comprises a curved frame, usefully formed of fiberglass, which is removably insertable in the bore for placement upon the bridge. The frame, when in place upon the bridge, defines a space within the bore which is disposed to receive the imaging subject. The frame is covered by a layer of material, such as open cell foam, which is capable of absorbing substantial amounts of acoustic energy present in the bore. At the same time, the material is highly transmissive to RF signals required for MR data acquisition and avoids spurious RF signal generation which would add noise to MR data.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.