General Electric Company

Howard R Wagner

Kenneth W Belt

Phillip Edward Steen

Thomas Pury

Maria M Janu

John Edward Ferut

Johnny E Parham, Iii

John A Wolak

Menachem Assa

A fixture for testing a magnetic resonance imaging system comprises a mounting plate for positioning the fixture within the system. The mounting plate has a plurality of apertures each of which being adapted to receive a test coil. The test coil includes a housing having a section that can fit within each mounting plate aperture and a receptor for holding a test substance. A coil with a plurality of turns of a conductor is located with the housing and an electrically conductive shield extends around the coil. One or more nestable spacer modules are provided to fit with a mounting plate aperture and receive the test coil to maintain the test coil a defined distance from the mounting plate.

Test apparatus for magnetic resonance imaging systems

A handle apparatus is for use with a device which has a movable component and a variable speed motor system which is responsive to an error signal for driving the movable component to desired positions corresponding to the error signal. The handle apparatus includes a central stationary support member which can be mounted to the movable component. The support member is adapted to receive a miniature force sensor which includes a linear variable differential transformer having an operative axis. The member receives one force sensor for each axis in which power-assist is desired; with the axis of each force sensor positioned corresponding to each axis of power-assist. Each force sensor is electrically connected to an input signal and has an actuator translatable along the operative axis connected to a central core and has a base containing the transformer wherein movement of the actuator translates the core within the transformer to produce the error signal corresponding to the magnitude and direction of the translation of the core. A generally hollow, cylindrical sleeve encloses the support member and the force sensors to form a manually engageable surface. The sleeve is adapted to independently engage each actuator of the force sensors. Each actuator of the force sensors operates through a spring diaphragm which positions and returns the sleeve to a stable position and provides elastic resistance to force in any direction. Any manual force applied to the sleeve translates the corresponding actuator to thus produce the error signal which is proportional to the magnitude and direction of the force.

Handle apparatus for a power-assist device

In apparatus wherein a massive component, such as the spot film device of an x-ray table, is driven to various positions with an electric motor drive, a handle is attached to the component for urging it in the desired direction. The handle is attached to the component with beams that flex slightly. A piezoresistive strain gage assembly is mounted on one of the beams for developing an error signal in response to the handle being urged in either direction. The signal is amplified and used to control the power assist driving motor. Means are provided for compensating the vertical component of gravitational force when the handle and the object to which it is attached are angulated. Means are also provided for disabling the drive motor if an electronic element fails.

Power assist device using strain responsive means

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Milwaukee, WI, United States of America

Howard R Wagner