Asymmetric magnets for magnetic resonance imaging
US6700468B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 30, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 2, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01R33/3808
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Asymmetric, compact non-superconducting magnets for magnetic resonance imaging are provided. The magnets have a homogeneous region (the “dsv”) which can be located close to one end of the magnet so as to reduce the sensation of claustrophobia experienced by patients undergoing MRI procedures. The magnets can be designed using a hybrid process in which current density analysis is performed to obtain an initial coil configuration which is then refined using non-linear optimization techniques to obtain a final coil configuration. The hybrid method can incorporate various constraints, including, the location and size of the dsv, the uniformity and strength of the B0 field, stray field strengths outside of the non-superconducting magnet, and field strengths within the magnet's coils. The hybrid technique can also be used to design compact symmetric non-superconducting magnets.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.