US 6,720,769 B2 · Rotational exchange gradient imager for in situ magnetic resonance analyses in ultracentrifuge sedimentation of biological materials and rheology investigations

Abstract

A detecting method and detector expands the capabilities of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis. A Rotational Exchange Gradient Imager (REGI) allows for real-time, in situ investigation of materials subjected to the effects of centrifugal force by NMR analysis. The REGI comprises a cylindrical stator formed of an electrically conductive, non-magnetic material, a rotor contained in the cylindrical stator formed of an electrically non-conductive, non-magnetic material, and a conductor located along a central axis of the cylindrical stator. A sample is contained within the rotor. The stator and central conductor serve to generate the RF magnetic field for NMR analysis. The rotor containing the sample is rotated within a stable air bearing formed between the cylindrical stator and rotor.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A Rotational Exchange Gradient Imager (REGI) for real-time, in situ investigation of materials subjected to the effects of centrifugal force by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis, said REGI comprising:

a cylindrical stator defining a toroid cavity, said cylindrical stator formed of an electrically conductive, non-magnetic material, a rotor contained in the cylindrical stator formed of an electrically non-conductive, non-magnetic material, an elongated conductor extending along an elongated central axis of the cylindrical stator, said stator and said central conductor for generating an RF magnetic field for NMR analysis;
said RF magnetic field having a radial field gradient with field strength being inversely proportional to radial distance from said central conductor;
a sample is contained within the rotor;
and a drive for rotating said rotor containing said sample within a stable gas bearing formed between said cylindrical stator and said rotor.

1 more element

A nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis method for real-time, in situ investigation of materials subjected to the effects of centrifugal force comprising the steps of:

providing a cylindrical stator defining a toroid cavity, said cylindrical stator formed of an electrically conductive, non-magnetic material, a rotor contained in the cylindrical stator formed of an electrically non-conductive, non-magnetic material, and an elongated conductor extending along an elongated central axis of said cylindrical stator;
generating an RF magnetic field for NMR analysis with said stator and said central conductor;
said RF magnetic field having a radial field gradient with field strength being inversely proportional to radial distance from said central conductor;
containing a sample within said rotor;
and
rotating said rotor containing said sample within a stable gas bearing formed between said cylindrical stator and said rotor.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Rotational exchange gradient imager for in situ magnetic resonance analyses in ultracentrifuge sedimentation of biological materials and rheology investigations

Life of this patent

Rotational exchange gradient imager for in situ magnetic resonance analyses in ultracentrifuge sedimentation of biological materials and rheology investigations

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20