Patent ID: 6169400
Filing Date: 2001-01-02
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
An elongated RF coil for use in an imaging system comprising a base, said coil comprising: an elongated planar conductive strip having two longitudinal sides and two ends; a pair of shape defining members disposed respectively on said two longitudinal sides of said strip; said pair of shape defining members having defined therein a plurality of grooves with the openings of the grooves directed away from a surface of said strip; a covering surrounding said strip in a transverse dimension thereof, and disposed about said pair of shape defining members; wherein one of said two ends of said strip is connectable to a connector means, and the other end of said two ends of said strip is connected to said base; and wherein in a closed state when said one end of said strip is connected to said connector means, said pair of shape defining members are bent to close said grooves so that said coil is generally circular shaped, and in an open state when said one end of said strip is not connected to said connector means, said pair of shape defining members are generally unbent so that said grooves are fully open and said coil is generally rigid and not free to strike equipment in said system.