Transmission line techniques for MRI catheter coil miniaturization and tuning

Transmission Line Techniques for MRI Catheter Coil Miniaturization and Tuning. The present invention provides a device and method for miniature and tunable MRI receiver coil for catheters that can be used in minimally invasive procedures and intravascular imaging. An MRI receiver coil for catheter procedures is provided having an impedance matching element that includes at least one miniature transmission line cable which are interconnected to construct the impedance matching element. In a particular embodiment, the miniature transmission line cables are constructed to make an inductance matching element defining an inductance L. In another particular embodiment, the miniature transmission line cable is a capacitance matching element defining a capacitance C. The present invention provides a system and method that allows fine-tuning locally with a higher signal-to-noise ratio. Transmission line cables also overcome the minimum size limits of fixed components. The shielded and balance techniques ...

Varactor tuned flexible interventional receiver coils

The tuning of an interventional receiver coil for magnetic resonance imaging signals is tuned by coupling a varactor tuned circuit with the coil and adjusting a DC voltage applied to the varactor to alter the tuning whereby the coil is tuned to the Larmor frequency of the MRI signals.

RADIO-FREQUENCY COIL ARRAYS AND METHODS OF ARRANGING THE SAME

In accordance with various embodiments, a radio frequency (RF) coil array for use in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes at least first and second RF coils. Each of the RF coils have a main body loop configured to at least one of transmit or receive RF energy at an operating imaging frequency in connection with acquiring MRI image data for an MRI system. The RF coil array also includes first and second cables configured to electrically couple the first and second RF coils, respectively, to a system interface. The RF coil array also includes a common ground connection between the first and second cables. The common ground connection is selectively positioned at a grounding point along lengths of the first and second cables to form a ground loop having a select self-resonance frequency (SRF) that differs from the imaging frequency of the MRI system. 1. A radio frequency (RF) coil array for use in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system , the RF coil array comprising:at least first and second RF coils, each having a main body loop configured to at least one of transmit or receive RF energy at an operating imaging frequency in connection with acquiring MRI image data for an MRI system;first and second cables configured to electrically couple the first and second RF coils, respectively, to a system interface; anda common ground connection between the first and second cables having selectively positioned at a grounding point along lengths of the first and second cables to form a ground loop having a select self-resonance frequency (SRF) that differs from the imaging frequency of the MRI system.2. The RF coil array of claim 1 , wherein the RF energy includes a wavelength claim 1 , the location of the grounding point based on the wavelength.3. The RF coil array of claim 2 , wherein the grounding point is located at a distance approximately one-fourth of the wavelength extending from the main body loop of at least one of the first or the second RF coils.4. ...

Radio-frequency coil arrays and methods of arranging the same

In accordance with various embodiments, a radio frequency (RF) coil array for use in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes at least first and second RF coils. Each of the RF coils have a main body loop configured to at least one of transmit or receive RF energy at an operating imaging frequency in connection with acquiring MRI image data for an MRI system. The RF coil array also includes first and second cables configured to electrically couple the first and second RF coils, respectively, to a system interface. The RF coil array also includes a common ground connection between the first and second cables. The common ground connection is selectively positioned at a grounding point along lengths of the first and second cables to form a ground loop having a select self-resonance frequency (SRF) that differs from the imaging frequency of the MRI system.

BANDWIDTH EXPANSION IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE

A magnetic resonance imaging system includes a primary magnet and a secondary magnet operable to produce magnetic fields within a sample being imaged. The MRI system further includes at least one RF coil that is operable to receive electromagnetic frequencies from the sample. The RF coil is formed from tubing that serves as a cooling conduit through which flows a cooling fluid provided by a cooling source. The cooling fluid cools the RF coils to improve imaging of the sample.

COIL DECOUPLING IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING

A radio frequency coil array ( 50 ) includes at least first ( 50 1 ) and second ( 50 2 ) receive coils. A flux pipe ( 52 ) includes electrically connected first ( 252 1 ) and second ( 252 2 ) loop coils. The first ( 252 1 ) and second ( 252 2 ) loop coils are coupled to the respective first and second receive coils. The flux pipe ( 52 ) reduces mutual inductance between the first ( 50 1 ) and second ( 50 2 ) receive coils.

Electrode probe coil for MRI

A coil for magnetic resonance imaging includes at least two spaced electrodes positionable within an object in proximity to a region of interest with feed wires coupling the electrodes to a signal detector. The electrodes and feed wire cooperatively function with tissue and fluid of the object to form an RF signal detecting coil. The electrodes can be needles or rings around the circumference of a catheter or electrodes which extend from and are retractable within a catheter.

Coil decoupling in magnetic resonance imaging

A radio frequency coil array (50) includes at least first (501) and second (502) receive coils. A flux pipe (52) includes electrically connected first (2521) and second (2522) loop coils. The first (2521) and second (2522) loop coils are coupled to the respective first and second receive coils. The flux pipe (52) reduces mutual inductance between the first (501) and second (502) receive coils.

BANDWIDTH EXPANSION IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE

An apparatus for use in a magnetic resonance examination includes a radio frequency receive coil (50) and adjustable tuning circuitry (51) for adjusting the resonant frequency of the receive coil. The apparatus also includes a preamplifier (29) which amplifies signals generated by the receive coil. An adjustable feedback circuit (31) alters an effective Q of the receive coil.

Bandwidth expansion in magnetic resonance

A magnetic resonance imaging system includes a primary magnet and a secondary magnet operable to produce magnetic fields within a sample being imaged. The MRI system further includes at least one RF coil that is operable to receive electromagnetic frequencies from the sample. The RF coil is formed from tubing that serves as a cooling conduit through which flows a cooling fluid provided by a cooling source. The cooling fluid cools the RF coils to improve imaging of the sample.

Bandwidth expansion in magnetic resonance

An apparatus for use in a magnetic resonance examination includes a radio frequency receive coil (50) and adjustable tuning circuitry (51) for adjusting the resonant frequency of the receive coil. The apparatus also includes a preamplifier (29) which amplifies signals generated by the receive coil. An adjustable feedback circuit (31) alters an effective Q of the receive coil.

Hybrid Coiled Tubing System

A hybrid coiled tubing system. The hybrid coiled tubing system may include composite coiled tubing, metallic coiled tubing, and a composite coiled tubing connector coupled to and joining the composite coiled tubing and the metallic coiled tubing.

RAPID DEPLOYMENT SUBSEA CHEMICAL INJECTION SYSTEM

A rapid deployment, subsea chemical injection skid assembly includes a non-buoyant skid lowered on a weight bearing line from a surface vessel. The skid carries a chemical injection pump, as well as at least one chemical tank in fluid communication with the chemical injection pump. The skid assembly may include a recirculation/mixing system to limit separation or solids drop out of chemicals arising from medium or long-term storage of chemicals in the chemical tank. The skid assembly may include a seawater filtration system to supply seawater for mixing with chemicals prior to injection. The skid assembly is operable by a separately tethered remotely operated vehicle. 1. A system for treating subsea hydrocarbon production facilities comprising:a non-buoyant skid suspended from a first cable configured to support the weight of the skid, the skid including a chemical injection pump and a chemical tank mounted thereon; anda remotely operated vehicle independent of the skid and attached to an umbilical cable, wherein the remotely operated vehicle is configured to couple the pump to the subsea hydrocarbon production facilities.2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising at least two chemical tanks mounted on the skid.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the skid comprises an on-board power supply carried by the skid and disposed to power an electric motor carried by the skid.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the chemical tank is a bladder tank.5. The system of further comprising a recirculating system mounted on the skid claim 1 , wherein the recirculating system is in fluid communication with the chemical tank.6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the recirculating system is in fluid communication with two or more tanks.7. The system of claim 5 , wherein the recirculating system comprises an Archimedes screw within a tube.8. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a control panel operable mounted on the skid and operable by an ROV.9. The system of claim 1 , further ...

SUBSEA PUMPING SYSTEM FOR PIGGING AND HYDROSTATIC TESTING OPERATIONS

A subsea pump and power system having a base unit positioned on the seabed to which is detachably mounted a power module tethered to a surface power source via a power umbilical. The base unit includes process pumps for carrying out subsea pumping operations and is lowered by a heavy lift cable into position on the seabed adjacent a hydrocarbon production facility prior to lowering of the power module on a tether. The power module includes a power unit which may include an electrical motor, or a hydraulic pump or both, one or more of which are driven by the umbilical extending from the surface. The tether supports the weight of the power module as it is lowered to the base unit and includes an electrical umbilical, a hydraulic umbilical or both. 1. A subsea pump and power system comprising:a base unit having an operational connector and a frame carrying a water treatment system; anda power module, detachably mountable to the base unit, the power module having at least one motor, an umbilical for driving the motor, at least one hydraulic pump driven by the motor, an operational connector in fluid communication with the hydraulic pump and engageable by the operational connector of the base unit.2. The subsea pump and power system of claim 1 , the base unit further comprising a process pump claim 1 , wherein the operational connector of the base unit is in fluid communication with the process pump carried by the frame of the base unit.3. The subsea pump and power system of claim 1 , further comprising mud mats extending from the frame of the base unit.4. The subsea pump and power system of claim 1 , wherein water treatment system comprises a filter module.5. The subsea pump and power system of claim 1 , wherein water treatment system comprises a plurality of interchangeable filter modules.6. The subsea pump and power system of wherein one or more pumps of the water treatment system are carried by the base unit and one or more filters of the water treatment system are ...

Selective Stimulation of Reservoir Targets

A selective stimulation system includes coiled tubing in which a distributed sensor array is disposed. The distributed sensor array is to measure hydrocarbon production parameters along the distributed sensor array in a wellbore of a formation. A selective fracturing apparatus is coupled to the coiled tubing. The selective fracturing apparatus is to fracture selected areas of the wellbore. A controller is coupled to the distributed sensor array and controls operation of the selective fracturing apparatus based on the measured hydrocarbon production parameters. 1. A system comprising:a coiled tubing;a distributed sensor array disposed within the coiled tubing, the distributed sensor array to measure hydrocarbon production parameters along the distributed sensor array;a selective fracturing apparatus coupled to the coiled tubing, the selective fracturing apparatus to fracture selected areas of a formation; anda controller, coupled to the distributed sensor array, to control operation of the selective fracturing apparatus based on the measured hydrocarbon production parameters.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the distributed sensor array comprises a distributed fiber optic sensor array.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the controller is to determine the hydrocarbon production parameters based on a phase difference between an interrogation beam from the distributed fiber optic sensor array and a reference beam.4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the hydrocarbon production parameters comprise temperature claim 3 , acoustic signatures claim 3 , and/or bottom hole pressures in a borehole in the formation.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the selective fracturing apparatus is a hydrajet tool apparatus.6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the selective fracturing apparatus is part of a bottom hole assembly.7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the bottom hole assembly further comprises a pressure gauge apparatus and a ball-activated check valve.8. The system of claim 1 , ...

SPOOLABLE SWIVEL

A spoolable swivel, methods, and systems for coupling a first and second length of coiled tubing. The spoolable swivel can include an inner tubular element and an outer tubular element. The inner tubular element and the outer tubular element can both have dimpled distal ends and races on their proximal ends, defining one or more annular voids for swivel bearings. 1. A spoolable swivel for coupling a first and second length of coiled tubing comprising: a first distal end having a first distal surface,', 'a first proximal end having a first proximal surface, and', 'a first race disposed on the first proximal surface; and, 'an inner tubular element having'} a second proximal end having a second proximal surface,', 'a second race disposed on the second proximal surface, and', 'a second distal end having a second distal surface,, 'an outer tubular element having'}wherein the first race aligns with the second race to define an annular void when the first proximal end of the inner tubular element is inserted into the second proximal end of the outer tubular element, andwherein a plurality of bearings are positioned within the annular void to provide a swiveling coupling between the inner tubular element and the outer tubular element.2. The spoolable swivel according to claim 1 , further comprising:a first plurality of dimples disposed on the first distal surface, anda second plurality of dimples disposed on the second distal surface.3. The spoolable swivel according to claim 2 , wherein the first length of coiled tubing is attached to the inner tubular element via the first plurality of dimples claim 2 , and wherein the second length of coiled tubing is attached to the outer tubular element via the second plurality of dimples.4. The spoolable swivel according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one additional annular void defined by one or more additional races disposed on the first proximal and on the second proximal surface claim 1 ,wherein at least one additional ...

Hybrid coiled tubing system

A hybrid coiled tubing system. The hybrid coiled tubing system may include composite coiled tubing, metallic coiled tubing, and a composite coiled tubing connector coupled to and joining the composite coiled tubing and the metallic coiled tubing.

Hyrbid coiled tubing system

A hybrid coiled tubing system. The hybrid coiled tubing system may include composite coiled tubing, metallic coiled tubing, and a composite coiled tubing connector coupled to and joining the composite coiled tubing and the metallic coiled tubing.

Mri phase visualization of interventional devices

Imaging a device in a magnetic resonance imaging system includes inserting a device having a conductive coil assembly thereon into a subject, obtaining a magnetic resonance image of the subject that includes signal phase variations, determining a position of the device based on discontinuities in the signal phase variations, and displaying an image representation of the device superimposed on a reference image based upon the determined position.

Configurations for integrated MRI-linear accelerators

The present invention provides a radiotherapy treatment apparatus that includes a treatment beam, a magnetic field disposed parallel collinear to the treatment beam, and a target that is disposed along the treatment beam. The treatment beam can be a charged particle beam, a proton beam, an electron beam, or a linear accelerator (Linac) beam. The magnetic field is from a magnetic resonance imager (MRI), a megavolt x-ray imager, or a kilovolt x-ray imager and is disposed to operate in coordination with operation of the treatment beam and to narrow the beam. The tumor is disposed to rotate with respect to the treatment beam and the magnetic field, or the treatment beam and the magnetic field are disposed to rotate up to 360° with respect to the target when mounted to a ring gantry. The apparatus can include a rotation angle dependent shim disposed to account for Earth's magnetic field.

MRI phase visualization of interventional devices

Subsea pumping system for pigging and hydrostatic testing operations

A subsea pump and power system having a base unit positioned on the seabed to which is detachably mounted a power module tethered to a surface power source via a power umbilical. The base unit includes process pumps for carrying out subsea pumping operations and is lowered by a heavy lift cable into position on the seabed adjacent a hydrocarbon production facility prior to lowering of the power module on a tether. The power module includes a power unit which may include an electrical motor, or a hydraulic pump or both, one or more of which are driven by the umbilical extending from the surface. The tether supports the weight of the power module as it is lowered to the base unit and includes an electrical umbilical, a hydraulic umbilical or both.

Method for removal of fouling from a pipeline

A method for removing fouling from a pipeline includes determining the location of fouling in the pipeline. Once determined, the method further includes installing a hot tap in the pipeline. A flex conduit is inserted into the pipeline through the hot tap and a treatment fluid is flowed into the pipeline through the conduit. The treatment fluid is used to remove the fouling from the pipeline. Once the fouling is sufficiently removed, the flexible conduit is removed from the pipeline.

Spoolable swivel

A spoolable swivel, methods, and systems for coupling a first and second length of coiled tubing. The spoolable swivel can include an inner tubular element and an outer tubular element. The inner tubular element and the outer tubular element can both have dimpled distal ends and races on their proximal ends, defining one or more annular voids for swivel bearings.

System and method providing preamplifier feedback for magnetic resonance imaging

A system and method for generating preamplifier feedback in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems are provided. A preamplifier arrangement for the MRI system includes a plurality of preamplifiers with each of the preamplifiers connected to a different channel of a multi-channel coil array of the MRI system. The preamplifier arrangement further includes a feedback network connected to each of the plurality of preamplifiers with each of the feedback networks configured to generate negative feedback at one or more oscillation frequencies.

Object oriented motion system

An object oriented motion system for controlling the movement of a robotic manipulator is presented. The motion system includes a trajectory generator object for producing a stream of machine joint commands. A kinematics object is operable to provide a set of robotic arm specific functions for the trajectory generator object. A servo object provides an interface to the servo system. The stream of machine motor commands are converted by the servo object to a stream of signals that drive the servo system, thereby controlling the trajectory of the robot arm.

Spoolable swivel

A spoolable swivel, methods, and systems for coupling a first and second length of coiled tubing. The spoolable swivel can include an inner tubular element and an outer tubular element. The inner tubular element and the outer tubular element can both have dimpled distal ends and races on their proximal ends, defining one or more annular voids for swivel bearings.

MRI Phase Visualization of Interventional Devices

Imaging a device in a magnetic resonance imaging system includes inserting a device having a conductive coil assembly thereon into a subject, obtaining a magnetic resonance image of the subject that includes signal phase variations, determining a position of the device based on discontinuities in the signal phase variations, and displaying an image representation of the device superimposed on a reference image based upon the determined position.

Detection of coupled rf current mri bodies

A method for detecting coupled RF current magnetic resonance (MR) objects in a body and determining MR risk is provided. The body is scanned with reverse circularly polarized RF. MR signals generated by coupling of the reverse circularly polarized RF with the RF current MR objects are detected. The detected MR signals are used to determine a risk value.

Non-contact MRI in-bore motion sensing method using CW Doppler radar with band-pass filtering

Noncontact sensing of subject motion using Doppler radar within a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus transmits a band-pass filtered continuous wave radio signal at a microwave frequency and receives a band-pass filtered reflected radio signal. The subject motion is detected from the received band-pass filtered reflected radio signal using a quadrature radio receiver with a software defined radio implementing Doppler radar. A first antenna, used for transmission and reception, is connected to the quadrature radio using band-pass filters and an RF coupler. A second antenna, used for reception, is connected directly to the quadrature radio using band-pass filters. The antennas are positioned in a bore of the MRI apparatus.

Graphical interface for interactive dialog

A system and method for creating conversation in a computer program such as a videogame. A plurality of classes of dialog is provided and a conversation segment is assigned to each class. A graphical interface is displayed during operation of the program that provides a choice indicator, wherein the choice indicator has a plurality of selectable slots, each associated with a dialog class. The graphical interface is consistent as to the position of dialog classes throughout at least a segment of the program.

Spoolable swivel

A spoolable swivel, methods, and systems for coupling a first and second length of coiled tubing. The spoolable swivel can include an inner tubular element and an outer tubular element. The inner tubular element and the outer tubular element can both have dimpled distal ends and races on their proximal ends, defining one or more annular voids for swivel bearings.