Fonar Corporation

James Kelly

Raymond V Damadian

Hugh Wahl

Rein Aspelund

Jay A Butterman

In one example, a magnetic resonance imaging ('MRI') system comprises a magnetic resonance imaging assembly defining a gap region, a transmitting coil proximate the gap region, and at least one test coil separate from the transmitting coil. The at least one coil is mechanically coupled to the assembly during imaging and the at least one test coil is selectively electrically coupled to the assembly to collect test data. The at least one coil may be coupled to a test fixture coupled to the assembly. The test fixture may be deployable from a first position to a second position for collection of test data. The at least one coil may comprise a first test coil and a second test coil. Methods are also disclosed.

MRI test fixture

A test fixture for testing and monitoring electromagnetic characteristics of a magnetic resonance imaging ('MRI') system preferably comprises a body portion having a first longitudinal axis and a first coil supported by the body portion. A longitudinal member is preferably connected to the body portion. A second coil is supported by the longitudinal member. The longitudinal member has a second longitudinal axis transverse to the first longitudinal axis. A container for containing a test substance is supported by the longitudinal member within the second coil. The second coil is preferably a transceiver and the test substance is a material capable of emitting a magnetic resonance signal. The longitudinal member is preferably pivotally connected to the body portion and the body portion is preferably telescoping so that the test fixture may be stored in a compact position. Preferably, the test fixture is stored in the gap region in an MRI system. For example, the fixture may be stored in a chamber in a transmitting coil plate attached to a pole of an open MRI system.

A sound variation indication apparatus includes a comparison element, an interval checker, and an indication generator. The comparison element receives an audio signal and compares it to a check value to provide a status signal indicating a presence and absence of an expected sound input. The interval checker detects the status signal at predetermined intervals, to provide an interval output. The indication generator generates an indication if the interval output is an absence representation. A process of generating an indication on absence of a sound input includes providing an audio signal based on a sound input and comparing the audio signal to a check value, providing a status signal indicating a presence and absence of the sound input. A status signal value is determined at predetermined intervals, to provide an interval output. An indication is generated if the interval output is an absence representation.

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Bellerose, NY, United States of America

James Kelly