AsiaIPEX is a one-stop-shop for players in the IP industry, facilitating IP trade and connection to the IP world. Whether you are a patent owner interested in selling your IP, or a manufacturer looking to buy technologies to upgrade your operation, you will find the portal a useful resource.

Back to search results

Device For Remotely Tuning and Matching MRI/NMR Coils

IP Title: Method and Apparatus for Tuning and Matching MRI/NMR Probe

Detailed Technology Description: None

Supplementary Information: Inventor: Clark, Melvin Daniel | Forder, John Robert
Priority Number: US8207735B2
IPC Current: G01V000300
US Class: 324322 | 324318
Assignee Applicant: University of Florida Research Foundation Inc.inesville
Title: Method and apparatus for tuning and matching MRI/NMR probe
Usefulness: Method and apparatus for tuning and matching MRI/NMR probe
Summary: Method for tuning and matching a radio frequency (RF) coil in a medical system, high field research magnet and research or commercial MRI/NMR systems.
Novelty: Radio frequency coil tuning and matching method for e.g. medical system, involves connecting radio frequency coil to box circuit via connecting cable, and tuning frequency of coil and matching impedance of coil via box circuit

Industry: Biomedical

Sub Category: Medical Imaging

Application Date: Jul 10, 2009

Application No.: 8,207,735

Others

*Abstract

Optimizes Performance Adjustments for Medical Systems and Very High Field Research Magnets

This device is for remotely tuning the frequency and matching the impedance of a radio frequency coil used in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The problems associated with tuning and matching NMR/MRI radio frequency (RF) coils have been addressed in many different ways. Typical methods include placing a lumped circuit of tuning and matching capacitors in close proximity to the RF coil. However these approaches suffer from stray capacitances and tuning/matching inefficiencies that lead to instability. Also, typical designs require manual manipulation to adjust frequency and impedance which is not always possible due to limited space. Our researchers have developed a technique and apparatus, using a matching and tuning circuit, which eliminates stray capacitances and allows remote frequency/impedance adjustments thus eliminating major tuning difficulties.

Application

Device for optimizing performance adjustments made remotely to medical imaging systems, high field research magnets, and commercial MRI/NMR systems

Advantages

Eliminates stray capacitances, decreasing the possibility of misleading results and providing a market advantage as most reliable MRI/NMR design
Enables remote adjustment frequency and impedance, simplifying operation and reducing costs that are associated with training
Decreases required setup time, reducing costs that are associated with implementation
Improves data quality, decreasing data acquisition time and increasing number of patient studies that can be conducted per day

Technology

This approach uses a combination of NMR coil reactance and cable impedance, all grounded to create a purely resistive match and eliminate stray capacitances. This circuit, called the matching tuning (M-T) box circuit, greatly improves tuning/matching efficiency, and is especially effective at high fields with varying sample loads, and where space considerations are paramount. It also allows for enhanced frequency and impedance adjustments to be made remotely when space for accessing the mechanical matching components is limited or not available.

*IP Issue Date: Jun 26, 2012

*IP Publication Date: Mar 18, 2010

*Principal Investigator: Name: Melvin Clark
Department:

Name: John Forder
Department:

Country/Region: USA

For more information, please click Here