Patent ID: 6011454
Filing Date: 2000-01-04
Classification: G01R,H01F,Y10S

Abstract:
In a superconducting magnet suitable for magnetic resonance imaging and including a cylindrical cryogen pressure vessel concentric within a cylindrical vacuum vessel and a thermal radiation shield interposed between the vessels and extending along the axis thereof, a suspension system to position and maintain the spaced relationship between the cryogen pressure vessel, the thermal radiation shield and the vacuum vessel, said suspension system comprising:a first support assembly extending between said cryogen pressure vessel and said radiation shield; anda second support assembly extending between said radiation shield and said vacuum vessel;each of said support assemblies extending at an angle to and around said axis defining a frustro-conical surface with their small diameter ends closest to said cryogen vessel; anda central section contiguous to said radiation shield connecting the larger diameter end of said first support assembly and the smaller diameter end of said second support assembly such that said central section folds back toward said axis providing a lengthened thermal path.