Neal K Bangerter

Title: Neal K. Bangerter: Innovations in SSFP MRI

Introduction

Neal K. Bangerter is an inventor based in Woodinville, Washington, whose work includes techniques for improving steady-state free precession (SSFP) magnetic resonance imaging. His patent contributions address species separation and artifact reduction in MRI.

Latest Patents

Bangerter’s listed patent portfolio includes 2 patents.

“Multiple Acquisition Phase-Sensitive SSFP for Species Separating in MRI” describes separating signals from species such as fat and water by repeatedly applying an SSFP sequence while varying the phase of each radio-frequency excitation pulse. The method reconstructs and combines images from the acquisitions, then distinguishes species signals according to the phase of the resulting image signals. It also provides for reducing slowly varying phase effects unrelated to chemical shift.

“Artifact Reduction in SSFP MRI Using Weighted Sum of Combined Signals” describes reducing artifacts by weighting acquired image data to emphasize stronger signals and combining the weighted data to form an image. One embodiment uses phase cycling, squares the acquired data, combines the squared data, and derives the final image signal from its square root.

Career Highlights

Bangerter’s listed inventions focus on MRI acquisition and image processing. Together, the two patent titles reflect approaches to separating signals from different species and reducing artifacts in SSFP imaging.

Collaborations

Bangerter is associated with Leland Stanford Junior University. His listed coworkers include Brian A. Hargreaves and Dwight G. Nishimura.

Conclusion

Neal K. Bangerter’s patent work addresses practical challenges in SSFP MRI through methods for species separation and artifact reduction.