Patent ID: 8334697
Filing Date: 2012-12-18
Classification: A61B,G01R

Abstract:
1. A magnetic field gradient coil comprising: a generally cylindrical set of coil windings defining an axial direction and including primary coil windings and shield coil windings at a larger radial position than the primary coil windings, the generally cylindrical set of coil windings having an arcuate or annular central gap that is free of coil windings, the central gap having an axial extent of at least ten centimeters and spanning at least a 180° angular interval, the generally cylindrical set of coil windings further including connecting conductors disposed at each edge of the central gap that electrically connect selected primary and shield coil windings; the generally cylindrical set of coil windings being operable to superimpose a transverse magnetic field gradient on an axially oriented static magnetic field in a region of interest that is surrounded by the generally cylindrical set of coil windings responsive to electrical energizing of the generally cylindrical set of coil windings.