Automated angle encoder system for MRI apparatus
First Claim
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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Accused Products
Abstract
An automated angle encoder system for magnetic resonance (MRI) apparatus includes a removable encoder device placed on the orthopedic positioning device which is made entirely of nonmagnetic, nonmetallic materials and includes a glass disk which provides a GRAY output code to indicate absolute angle. The casing is made of Delrin plastic and the fiber optic cable includes nonmetallic TEFLON sheathing. Associated computer apparatus provides for an automatic input of an angle offset to provide for a neutral starting position and also for positive or negative angles of movement.
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Citations
6 Claims
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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:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. 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 and where the angle between two articulating parts in the aperture of the MRI apparatus is being manipulated by a 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:
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a substantially nonmetallic, nonmagnetic optical encoder disk connected to such positioning device having an angle of rotation related to said angle of such articulating 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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Specification