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Automated angle encoder system for MRI apparatus

  • US 5,442,858 A
  • Filed: 11/23/1993
  • Issued: 08/22/1995
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/23/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An automated angle encoding system for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus where total noninterference with the magnetic fields generated by the MRI apparatus is necessary including the elimination of eddy currents which would be generated by metallic portions of the encoding system such currents affecting the accuracy of the MRI apparatus, and where the angle between two articulating body parts of a human body in the aperture of the MRI apparatus is being manipulated by an orthopedic positioning device in either a dynamic mode or a kinematic mode and it is necessary to measure the intermittent angles of several positions, said system comprising:

  • a substantially nonmetallic, nonmagnetic optical encoder disk connected to such positioning device having an angle of rotation related to said angle of such articulating body parts;

    a nonmetallic, nonmagnetic casing for said disk having a plurality of nonmagnetic, nonmetallic fiber optic channels for transmitting light and receiving reflected light pulses from said disk to indicate said angle as an absolute quantity;

    a substantially nonmetallic and nonmagnetic cable for carrying said fiber optic channels to a receiver/decoder located outside of the said magnetic fields of said MRI apparatus.

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