Patent ID: 6373251
Filing Date: 2002-04-16
Classification: A61B,G01R

Abstract:
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus having a variable field direction comprising:a pair of opposed ferromagnetic pole surfaces disposed facing each other and defining therebetween a patient-receiving gap for receiving a patient to be studied by magnetic resonance and a polar axis extending between said pole surfaces through said gap; a yoke comprised of ferromagnetic material for providing a magnetic flux return circuit for magnetic flux which passes from one pole surface to the other through the patient-receiving gap, said pole surfaces being mounted to said yoke; a magnet for generating magnetic flux flowing from one to the other of said pole surfaces through the patient-receiving gap, said magnet being mounted stationary; and a support for mounting said yoke for rotation of said polar axis to an arbitrary angle with respect to the vertical, wherein said magnet remains stationary when said yoke is rotated.