Susceptometers for foreign body detection
US6965792B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 2001 |
| Grant date | Nov 15, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 19, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01R33/16
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for minimizing the effects of temperature drift in a magnetic susceptibility measurement instrument, such as an instrument used in pre-MRI screening for the presence of ferromagnetic foreign bodies. The magnetic field source and magnetic sensors can be combined into a single, rigid unit. The stability and sensitivity required in high quality magnetic susceptibility measurements can be achieved through symmetrical design of the source-sensor unit, minimization of thermal stresses, minimization of temperature variations, use of materials with low thermal expansion coefficients, or through appropriate combinations thereof. Use of patient eye movement where an eye is being screened, use of a water bag between the patient and the instrument, or use of telemedicine to facilitate performance of the necessary computations can also be incorporated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.