Bruker Analytische Messtechnik Gmbh

Bruker Medical Gmbh

Bertold Knuettel

Gunther R Laukien

An apparatus is disclosed for conducting nuclear magnetic resonance experiments on an extremity of a big animal, in particular a horse. The apparatus includes a magnet assembly for receiving the extremity. A housing is provided adapted to the shape of the big animal. The housing incorporates a protrusion for receiving the extremity. The protrusion is adapted to be inserted into the magnetic assembly. A radio frequency (rf) assembly is provided for irradiating rf signals on the extremity and/or for receiving nuclear magnetic resonance signals from the extremity. The rf assembly is adapted to be attached to the protrusion.

Apparatus and method for conducting nuclear magnetic resonance experiments on a member of the body of a big animal

An electromagnet for producing the constant magnetic field required for use in NMR tomography consists of a cylindrical field coil and a stable cylindrical shell made of iron encompassing and simultaneously supporting the coil. The field coil may comprise constituent coils, including error coils, and is capable of producing an at least approximately homogeneous magnetic field within the space defined by the field coil for receiving the object to be examined. Due to the strictly symmetric geometry of the coil assembly, the homogeneity of the magnetic field is not adversely affected by temperature fluctuations, even if the dimensions of the apparatus are such that the coil will admit a human body. The cylindrical shell, however, does not only serve as an extremely stable supporting means, but also forms the vehicle for a magnetic reflux by which the energy requirements of the magnet are considerably reduced, and further, also constitutes shielding means both against external magnetic fields and electromagnetic interference and radiation from the high frequency field produced in NMR tomography. The cylindrical iron shell may be provided at its end portions with operational members such as annular discs and tubular studs and may be closed by iron covers, so that its effectiveness may even be further enhanced.

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Rheinstetten, Germany

Bertold Knuettel