Patent ID: 6657433
Filing Date: 2003-12-02
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
A portable self-shielded NMR device that detects resonant protons contained in an object, the device comprising:a permanent magnet means that produces a static, uniform magnetic field from one side of the device in a region also located outside the device with respect to which the object will be positioned, said permanent magnet means comprising a plurality of permanent magnets, which are substantially the same size and shape, located adjacent to one another with the sides of each of the adjacent permanent magnets, arranged to meet one another with no gap between each of the adjacent sides, and wherein the arrangement of the permanent magnets forms a self-shielded tube around an axis on which said outside region is located, such that the magnetization direction of each of the permanent magnets is directed toward said region, wherein the magnetization values of each of said plurality of permanent magnets combine their effects to produce the static, uniform magnetic field within said object in said region outside of the device; an emission means that emits an electromagnetic signal to said object and said region outside the device; and a reception means that receives an electromagnetic signal from said object and said region outside the device in response to said emitted signal, wherein the emission and reception means is located inside the real self-shielded tubular volume of said permanent magnets.