US 5,311,134 A · Magnetic resonance imaging system

Abstract

An MR imaging system comprises a first gradient coil unit(first G coil unit) for providing magnetic gradients superimposed in a static magnetic field, a first RF coil unit for transmitting an RF pulse to a patient and receiving a MR signal from the patient, a second gradient coil unit(second G coil unit) and a second RF coil unit. The second G coil unit is located between the patient and the first G coil unit. In a first operating mode(for example, spin echo scan mode), the second G and RF coil units are moved out the first G coil unit and the first RF coil unit is moved into the first G coil unit by guiding these units along a rail or the second G and RF coil units are drawn out from the first G coil unit and the first RF coil unit is inserted into the first G coil unit so that these units are located in predetermined position. A connection of a gradient power source to the first and second G coil unit and a connection of a duplexer to the first and second RF coil unit are switched so that the gradient power source is connected to the first G coil unit and the duplexer is connected to the first RF coil assembly. In a second operating mode (for example, echo planar scan mode), these units are located inversely and the connections are switched inversely. In one preferred embodiment, the second G coil unit and the first RF coil unit are integrated into an inner unit and these units are moved together by moving the inner unit.

Claims19

Dependent claims

An MR imaging system for forming image of sample using a nuclear magnetic resonance, comprising:

a magnet for applying a static magnetic field to the sample;
a first gradient coil means for providing magnetic gradients in a readout direction, a phase-encoding direction and a slice-selecting direction which are superimposed on the static magnetic field, said first gradient coil means being provided between the sample and said magnet and comprises three gradient coils for providing the magnetic gradients;
a first RF coil means for transmitting an RF pulse to the sample and receiving a nuclear resonace from the sample, said first RF coil means being provided between the sample and said first gradient coil means;
a second gradient coil means for providing at least a magnetic gradient in a readout direction which is superimposed on the static magnetic field, said second gradient coil means being located between the sample and said first gradient coil means and comprises at least one gradient coil for providing the magnetic gradient;
a second RF coil means for transmitting an RF pulse to the sample and receiving a nuclear resonace from the sample, said second RF coil means being provided between the sample and said second gradient coil means;
and
a selection means for alternatively selecting one of a first operating mode in which at least said first gradient coil means and said first RF coil means are operated and a second operating mode in which at least said second gradient coil means and said second RF coil means are operated.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Magnetic resonance imaging system

Life of this patent

Magnetic resonance imaging system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19