The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 02, 2002
Filed:
Dec. 18, 1999
David E. Dean, Hartland, WI (US);
Michael J. Radziun, Waterford, WI (US);
Scott T. Mansell, Waterford, WI (US);
General Electric Company, Waukesha, WI (US);
Abstract
Apparatus is provided for reducing the level of acoustic noise or energy which is received by an imaging subject located within the bore of an MR imaging system. The apparatus comprises a bridge fixed within the bore to support the subject during MR data acquisition, and further comprises a curved frame, usefully formed of fiberglass, which is removably insertable in the bore for placement upon the bridge. The frame, when in place upon the bridge, defines a space within the bore which is disposed to receive the imaging subject. The frame is covered by a layer of material, such as open cell foam, which is capable of absorbing substantial amounts of acoustic energy present in the bore. At the same time, the material is highly transmissive to RF signals required for MR data acquisition and avoids spurious RF signal generation which would add noise to MR data.