Abstract:
An animal handling system for use in a magnetic resonance device (MRD) device, including: a first elongated enclosure having a proximal end, a distal open end and a first geometry, and a second elongated enclosure having a proximal end, a distal open end and a second geometry. The first geometry comprises a first cross-sectional area that is larger than a second cross-sectional area of the second geometry. The first elongated enclosure is inserted into a first input port of the MRD device and the second elongated enclosure is inserted in a second input port of the MRD device diametrically opposite to first input port. The first elongated enclosure and the second elongated enclosure are inserted into the respective input ports, the second elongated enclosure slides into the first elongated enclosure through the open distal end of the first elongated enclosure.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally pertains to an RF tuning systems for use in an MRI device; more specifically, the present invention relates to means and methods for automated tuning of the frequency of the RF magnetic field. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI), is primarily a noninvasive medical imaging technique used in radiology to visualize detailed internal structure and limited function of the body. MRI and NMRI devices are examples of a class of devices called magnetic response devices (MRD). 
         [0003]    Objects to be analyzed are positioned within an MRI device in a predefined specific location and configuration. It is advantageous to adjust the location of the animal under inspection within the MRI device to obtain optimal analysis. Few patents pertain to means and methods of positioning analyzed objects. Hence for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,066,915 discloses an RF coil positioning device tier an MRI device in which a pallet is movably mounted on a mount and is moved by a drive means so that an RF coil unit mounted on the pallet is moved from its initial position at an imaging position in a magnetostatic field generator. Likewise, US patent discloses a diagnostic table for a medical imaging apparatus. However, the MRI operator in those MRI systems cannot routinely, quickly and easily switch between one object to another, and between one type of object to other object. 
         [0004]    Fine tuning of the various shape, size and type objects, especially in laboratory routine, wherein a frequent switching of scanned objects of different type shape and size is practically impossible utilizing those MRI systems. In addition, the magnetic field produced by the MRI magnets is sensitive to variability of the magnets originally occurring in the manufacturing process. It is also sensitive to the ambient temperature of the examination area. Therefore, the frequency of the magnetic field changes between one venue and another, and between one operation and the next, and even once in every few scanning procedures. Radiofrequency transmitted by the RF coil assembly needs to match the main magnetic field in order to receive a clear signal, low noise and sharper images. The variability in the magnetic field can be compensated by tuning the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation transmitted by the RF coils. However, tuning of the RF coils is currently done manually by mechanically adjusting the location of the RF coils with respect to the magnetic field, and thus causing a change in the RF field. Such manual systems involve trial and error and are prone to elaborate and lengthy calibrations. 
         [0005]    None of the above provides a simple solution for routine insertion of more than one maneuverable small and tangible Objects, such as laboratory items (microplates laboratory animals etc), within a single lab-scale experimental MRI device. Hence an MRI device with a plurality of individually controllable entry ports and MRI-compatible inserts therefor fulfill a long felt need. Moreover, introducing an automated RF coil tuning system to the RF coil animal holding system, provided to automatically match the induced RF field to the main magnetic field, would also fulfill a long felt need. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    It is thus one object of the present invention to provide in an MRD comprising a first input port and a second input port, and at least one magnetic source adapted to provide the MRD with a main effective magnetic field having frequency M M ; an animal handling system comprising: a first elongated enclosure having a first cross-sectional area; a second elongated enclosure having a second cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross-sectional area; the first elongated enclosure is insertable into the MRD&#39;s first input port; the second elongated enclosure is insertable into the MRD&#39;s second input port; and the second elongated enclosure is slideably insertable into the first elongated enclosure; at least one RF coil configured to provide the MRD with an RF magnetic field having frequency M RF ; and an automated RF tuning system comprising a motor and a computer readable medium configured to perform the following steps: measuring the frequency M M  of the main magnetic field; measuring the frequency M RF  of the RF magnetic field; comparing the frequency M M  and the frequency M RF ; and aligning the M M  with the M RF , in a manner that if the M M  and the M RF  are substantially different, operating the motor by means of the computer readable medium to relocate the at least one RF coil thereby tuning the RF magnetic frequency M RF  to align with the main magnetic frequency M M . 
         [0007]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide the abovementioned animal handling system wherein the motor is a DC step motor. 
         [0008]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide the abovementioned animal handling system wherein the computer readable program is a console operable in a manner selected from the group consisting of automatic manner, semiautomatic manner and any combination thereof. 
         [0009]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide the abovementioned animal handling system wherein at least one of the following is being held true: (a) the automated RF tuning system is adapted to align the main magnetic frequency M M  with the RF magnetic frequency M RF  in an average time of 30 seconds and in no longer than 120 seconds; (b) the automated RF tuning system is adapted to align the main magnetic frequency M M  with the RF magnetic frequency M RF  in an average of 2 iterations and in no more than 5 iterations. 
         [0010]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide the abovementioned animal handling system wherein the automated RF tuning system is configured to automatically operate in predetermined time intervals. 
         [0011]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide the abovementioned animal handling system further comprising visual means for visually indicating a current operation carried by the automated RF tuning system. 
         [0012]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide the abovementioned animal handling system further comprising audio means for voicing a sound when at least one of the following is being held true: (a) the main magnetic frequency M M  is aligned with the RF magnetic frequency M RF ; (b) a predetermined number of iterations is exceeded; or (c) a predetermined period of time is exceeded. 
         [0013]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide the abovementioned animal handling system wherein the first elongated enclosure comprises at least two portions and the at least two portions are telescopic. 
         [0014]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide the abovementioned animal handling system wherein the second elongated enclosure is configured for insertion of an experimental animal selected from the group consisting of a rodent, a cat, a dog, a rabbit and laboratory experimental animals. 
         [0015]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide the abovementioned animal handling system wherein the first elongated enclosure comprises a reaction testing device. 
         [0016]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for tuning RF frequency provided in an animal handling system used in an MRD device, the method comprising steps as follows: providing an MRD with a first input port and a second input port; generating within the MRD a main magnetic field having frequency M M , by at least one magnetic source; generating within the MRD an RF magnetic field having frequency M RF , by at least one RF coil; providing an animal handling system having a first elongated enclosure with a first cross-sectional area; a second elongated enclosure with a second cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross-sectional area; inserting the first elongated enclosure into a first input port of the MRD device, inserting the second elongated enclosure into a second input port of the MRD device, and slideably inserting the second elongated enclosure into the first elongated enclosure, thereby generating a sealed experimental enclosure; providing the animal handling system with an automated RF tuning system comprising a computer readable medium and a motor; measuring the frequency M M  of the main magnetic field; measuring the frequency M RF  of the RF magnetic field; comparing the frequency M M  and the frequency M RF ; and if substantially different, relocating the at least one RF coil by the motor, thereby tuning the RF magnetic frequency M RF  to align with the main magnetic frequency M M . 
         [0017]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned method wherein relocating the at least one RF coil by the motor is provided automatically or semi-automatically by a console. 
         [0018]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned method wherein at least one of the following is held true: (a) the aligning the main magnetic frequency M M  with the RF magnetic frequency M RF  is provided in an average time of 30 seconds and in no longer than 120 seconds; (b) the aligning the main magnetic frequency M M  with the RF magnetic frequency M RF  is provided in an average of 2 iterations and in no more than 5 iterations. 
         [0019]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned method further comprising visually indicating a current operation carried by the automated RF tuning system. 
         [0020]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned method further comprising voicing a sound when at least one of the following is being held true: (a) the main magnetic frequency M M  is aligned with the RF magnetic frequency M RF ; (b) a predetermined number of iterations is exceeded; or (c) a predetermined period of time is exceeded. 
         [0021]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an RF tuning system for use in an MRD, the MRD comprises: a first input port and a second input port; at least one magnetic source adapted to provide the MRD with a main magnetic field characterized by magnetic frequency M M ; and at least one RF coil adapted to provide the MRD with an RF magnetic field characterized by magnetic frequency M RF ; and the automated RF tuning system comprises a computer readable medium and a motor; wherein the computer readable medium is adapted to perform the following: measure the frequency M M  of the main magnetic field; measure the frequency M RF  of the RF magnetic field; compare the frequency M M  and the frequency M RF ; and align the M M  with the M RF , such that if the M M  and the M RF  are substantially different, the computer readable medium is configured to operate the motor to relocate the at least one RF coil so as to align the main magnetic frequency M M  with the RF magnetic frequency M RF . 
         [0022]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned RF tuning system wherein the motor is a DC step motor. 
         [0023]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned RF tuning system wherein the computer readable program is a console operable in a manner selected from the group consisting of automatic manner, semiautomatic manner and any combination thereof. 
         [0024]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned RF tuning system wherein at least one of the following is being held true: (a) the automated RF tuning system is adapted to align the main magnetic frequency M M  with the RF magnetic frequency M RF  in an average time of 30 seconds and in no longer than 120 seconds; (b) the automated RF tuning system is adapted to align the main magnetic frequency M M  with the RF magnetic frequency M RF  in an average of 2 iterations and in no more than 5 iterations. 
         [0025]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned RF tuning system wherein at least one of the following is being held true: (a) the automated RF tuning system is configured to automatically operate in predetermined time intervals; (b) the RF tuning system further comprises visual means for visually indicating a current operation carried by the automated RF tuning system; or (c) the RF tuning system further comprises audio means for voicing a sound when at least one of the following is being held true: (a) the main magnetic frequency M M  is aligned with the RF magnetic frequency M RF ; (b) a predetermined number of iterations is exceeded; or (c) a predetermined period of time is exceeded. 
         [0026]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for tuning RF frequency provided in an MRD device, the method comprising steps as follows: generating within the MRD a main magnetic field having frequency M M , by at least one magnetic source; generating within the MRD an RF magnetic field having frequency M RF , by at least one RF coil; providing the animal handling system with an automated RF tuning system comprising a computer readable medium and a motor; measuring the frequency M M  of the main magnetic field; measuring the frequency M RF  of the RF magnetic field; comparing the frequency M M  and the frequency M RF ; and if substantially different, relocating the at least one RF coil by the motor, thereby tuning the RF magnetic frequency M RF  to align with the main magnetic frequency M M . 
         [0027]    It is one more object of the present invention to provide a method for tuning RF frequency provided in an MRD device, the method comprising steps as follows: generating within the MRD a main magnetic field having frequency M M , by at least one magnetic source; generating within the MRD an RF magnetic field having frequency M RF , by at least one RF coil; providing the animal handling system with an automated RF tuning system comprising a motor; and relocating the at least one RF coil by the motor, thereby tuning the RF magnetic frequency M RF  to align with the main magnetic frequency M M . 
         [0028]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide in an MRD comprising a first input port and a second input port, and at least one magnetic source adapted to provide the MRD with a main effective magnetic field having frequency M M ; an animal handling system comprising: a first elongated enclosure having a first cross-sectional area; a second elongated enclosure having a second cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross-sectional area; the first elongated enclosure is insertable into the MRD&#39;s first input port; the second elongated enclosure is insertable into the MRD&#39;s second input port; and the second elongated enclosure is slideably insertable into the first elongated enclosure; at least one RF coil configured to provide the MRD with an RF magnetic field having frequency M RF ; and an automated RF tuning system comprising a motor configured to relocate the at least one RF coil thereby tuning the RF magnetic frequency M RF  to align with the main magnetic frequency M M . It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for tuning RF frequency provided in an animal handling system used in an MRD device, the method comprising steps as follows: providing an MRD with a first input port and a second input port; generating within the MRD a main magnetic field having frequency M M , by at least one magnetic source; generating within the MRD an RF magnetic field having frequency M RF , by at least one RF coil; providing an animal handling system having a first elongated enclosure with a first cross-sectional area; a second elongated enclosure with a second cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross-sectional area; inserting the first elongated enclosure into a first input port of the MRD device, inserting the second elongated enclosure into a second input port of the MRD device, and slideably inserting the second elongated enclosure into the first elongated enclosure, thereby generating a sealed experimental enclosure; providing the animal handling system with an automated RF tuning system comprising a motor; and relocating the at least one RF coil by the motor, thereby tuning the RF magnetic frequency M RF  to align with the main magnetic frequency M M . 
         [0029]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an RF tuning system for use in an MRD, the MRD comprises: a first input port and a second input port; at least one magnetic source adapted to provide the MRD with a main magnetic field characterized by magnetic frequency M M ; and at least one RF coil adapted to provide the MRD with an RF magnetic field characterized by magnetic frequency M RF ; and the automated RF tuning system comprises a motor; wherein the motor is configured to relocate the at least one RF coil thereby tuning the RF magnetic frequency M RF  to align with the main magnetic frequency M M . 
         [0030]    Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first cross-sectional area is less than the second cross-sectional area. 
         [0031]    Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the first cross-sectional is different from the second cross-sectional area. 
         [0032]    There is provided in accordance with another (preferred embodiment of the present invention an animal handling system for use in an MRD device including: a first elongated enclosure having a proximal end, a distal open end and a first geometry, and a second first elongated enclosure having a proximal end, a distal open end and a second geometry. The first second geometry includes a first cross-sectional area which is larger than a second cross-sectional area of the second geometry. The first elongated enclosure is inserted into a first input port of the MRD device and the second elongated enclosure is inserted in a second input port of the MRD device diametrically opposite to second input port, such that on insertion of the first elongated enclosure into the first input port and insertion of the second elongated enclosure into the second input, the second elongated enclosure slides into the first elongated enclosure through the open distal end of the first elongated enclosure. 
         [0033]    Further in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the first elongated enclosure includes at least two portions the at least two portions are telescopic. 
         [0034]    Still further in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the proximal end of the first elongated enclosure is sealed against a circumferential edge of the first input port and the proximal end of the second elongated enclosure is sealed against a circumferential edge of the second input port thereby sealing the first and second elongated enclosures from the outside environment. 
         [0035]    Additionally in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a mammal for experimenting is inserted into the second elongated enclosure. 
         [0036]    Furthermore in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the first elongated enclosure includes a reaction testing device. 
         [0037]    Further in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the mammal is selected from the group consisting of a rodent, a cat, a dog, a rabbit and laboratory experimental animals. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0038]    The novel features believed to be characteristics of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as the preferred mode of use, further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0039]      FIG. 1  illustrates two Mouse Handling Systems (MHS); 
           [0040]      FIG. 2  illustrates in an out-of-scale manner an embodiment of the high level assembly comprising the automated RF tuning system in the MHS; 
           [0041]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate in an out-of-scale manner the assembly of the automated RF tuning system provided by the present invention; where  FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate a front view of the assembly, and a 3D perspective view of the assembly, respectively. 
           [0042]      FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of the MHS comprising the automated RF tuning system and the RF coils; 
           [0043]      FIG. 5  illustrates a 3D perspective view of the MHS comprising the automated RF tuning system, the RF coils and the MHS bed; and 
           [0044]      FIG. 6  illustrates the automatic tuning algorithm. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0045]    The following description is provided in order to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, will remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide means and methods for routine handling and scanning of items in a single MRD. 
         [0046]    The term ‘Magnetic Resonance Device’ (MRD) specifically applies hereinafter to any Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) device, any Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscope, any Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) spectroscope, any Nuclear Quadruple Resonance (NQR) spectroscope or any combination thereof. The MRD hereby disclosed is optionally a portable MRI device, such as devices commercially available from Aspect imaging (Toronto, Canada), or a commercially available non-portable device. Moreover, the term ‘MRD’ generally refers in this patent to any medical device configured to accommodate, at least temporarily, an anesthetized animal. 
         [0047]    As used herein, the term “animal” or “mouse” refers interchangeably to any living creature, such as neonates, other mammals such as mice, rats, cats, dogs, rabbits etc., and laboratory animals. 
         [0048]    As used herein, the term “object” generally refers to items to be scanned, and includes, in a non-limiting manner, laboratory items, such as microplates, microwells, tubes, veils, EPPENDORF tubes and the like, animals, organs, tissues, reaction solutions, cell media, organic or inorganic matter and compositions thereof, etc. 
         [0049]    As used herein, the term “plurality” refers in a non-limiting manner to any integer equal to or greater than 1. 
         [0050]    As used herein, the term “motor” generally refers to any kind of an electric motor, namely a machine converting electrical energy into mechanical energy. 
         [0051]    As used herein, the term “console” generally refers to a system console, computer console or root console which is the physical device consisting of a keyboard and a screen and computer containing an operating system program. 
         [0052]    As used herein, the term “computer readable medium” generally refers to any physical device used to store programs (sequences of instructions) or data (e.g. program state information) on a temporary or permanent basis for use in a computer or other digital electronic device. 
         [0053]    The automated RF tuning system disclosed by the present invention recites some main principles; the tuning can be made by semiautomatic manner (i.e. manually operating the motor by controlling commands given by a user of a console) or in an automatic manner by a fully automatic operated by a console. The solution combines computer readable medium assembled on the MHS and which identifies the connected coil and stores information about several calibration parameters which are used during the auto-tuning (AT), together with firmware that supports communication with the console. The tuning takes place by mechanically adjusting through means of a motor the location or position of the RF coil assembly with respect to the main magnetic field. 
         [0054]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 1 , schematically illustrating in an out-of-scale manner both MHS  30  and MHS  40 .  FIG. 1  further shows that MHS  30  has an ellipsoidal cross-section and MHS  40  has a circular cross-section. Typically, the circular cross-sectional area of MHS  40  is less than the cross-sectional area of MHS  30 . According to the illustrated embodiment of the invention, both MHS  30  and MHS  40  are maneuverable elongated devices. Each one of the MHSs is characterized by a proximal end portion, which is located outside of MRD  10  and possibly comprises an inserting abutment  41 . At a distal end portion  43 , the objects to be scanned are immobilized in a predefined configuration. The maneuverable MHSs  30  and  40  are rotatable about their respective main longitudinal axes and translatable parallel to shafts  33   a  and  33   b.    
         [0055]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 2 , schematically illustrating in an out of scale manner the high level animal handling system  100  assembly comprising automated RF tuning electronics cage  101  and motor  102 .  FIG. 2  illustrates the front view of the assembly and the preferred embodiment having the tuning system positioned on the proximal portion of the MHS as disclosed by the present invention. RF tuning electronics cage  101  is preferably put together under an end cover (not shown) connected through its proximal end to tube press assembly  130  which contains the communication means of RF tuning electronics cage  101  with motor  102 , along with other communication cords residing in the MHS. Tube press assembly  130  may be disconnected from the electronics cage by handle  120 . Tube the press assembly  130  is configured to connect to the tuning assembly on its distal end and connect to the MHS on its proximal end. The connection may take place via a connector  65 , which may be in a non-limiting example a nut connector, twist-on connector and/or an end ring. In some embodiments, the tuning system may further comprise a cable organizer, which may be connected to the distal end of the end cover. 
         [0056]    In a preferred embodiment, information and data may be stored on a computer readable medium, pertaining to calibration related parameters, including the RF coil serial number, the RF coil type in a decimal value, the RF coil name in ASCII text, a decimal value parameter for coil motor calibration, tuning range frequency limits and any other RF related parameters. 
         [0057]    In an embodiment, the automated RF tuning system may include a visual indicator such as one or more LEDs, to provide feedback to an operator as to the current working stage of the automated RF tuning system and whether the frequency M RF  of the magnetic RF field transmitted by the RF coil is aligned with the frequency M M  of the main magnetic field. 
         [0058]    In another embodiment, the automated RF tuning system may also include audio means for voicing sounds in a scenario exhibiting the tuning system has finished aligning the magnetic field frequencies, or in case a predetermined number of iterations is exceeded, or a predetermined period of time is exceeded. An iteration is recited in the present invention as comprising the steps of measuring the frequency M M  of the main magnetic field; measuring the frequency M RF  of the RF magnetic field provided by the RF coils; comparing the frequencies and in case a misalignment is present, or the frequencies don&#39;t match to a certain extent, communicate to the motor the number of steps to take, in order to dislocate the RF coil and thus match its frequency to the main magnet&#39;s frequency. The number of iterations executed in the present invention leading to an alignment between the main magnetic frequency M M  and the RF coil magnetic frequency M RF  is on average 2, and preferably at a maximum of 5 such iterations. The total time required for reaching this alignment is on average 30 seconds, and preferably up to 120 seconds. 
         [0059]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , illustrating in an out-of-scale manner the assembly of the automated RF tuning system provided by the present invention;  FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate a front view of the assembly, and a 3D perspective view of the assembly, respectively.  FIGS. 3A and 3B  exemplifies RF tuning electronics cage  101 , passing communication means  103  through system organizer  135 , to communicate with motor  102 , which is preferably a DC step motor and the communication means may be an electrical cord. 
         [0060]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 4  illustrating a top view of MHS  100  assembly comprising the automated RF tuning system and the RF coils. The automated RF tuning system comprises electronics cage  101  and motor  102 . The electronics cage is connected to the MHS through connector  65 , which holds it together with tube assembly  130 . Handle  120  is available to disconnect the MHS from the electronics cages. The motor is located in mechanical proximity to RF coil  160 , and is configured to relocate RF coil  160  and thus change the frequency of the RF magnetic field transmitted by it. 
         [0061]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 5  illustrating a 3D perspective view of the MHS comprising the automated RF tuning system, including electronics cage  101 , motor  102  and communication means  103 , as well as RF coils  160 , and further comprising MHS bed  180 . 
         [0062]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 6  disclosing the automatic tuning algorithm  200  of the automated RF tuning system disclosed by the present invention. The algorithm starts by identifying the RF coil  201  through the computer readable medium comprised in the RF coil and containing coil calibration parameters. Next, the main magnetic field frequency M M  is measured  202  and compared to the measured RF coil transmitted frequency M RF    240 . If the frequencies match (i.e. align)  20 , the algorithm shuts down the motor drive. However, if the frequencies do not match  21 , then the algorithm proceeds to reading the Motor Frequency Transfer function  251 , which assigns a conversion function for each identified RF coil for translating the desired frequency modulation into executable motor steps. The function is then used for calculating the number of steps the motor needs to execute  252 , which is followed by opening the motor driver and operating the motor to relocate the RF coils, thus correct the RF frequency  253  to match the magnetic frequency. The algorithm then returns to step  203  of calculating the RF coil frequency and comparing it to the main magnetic field frequency. 
         [0063]    The automatic tuning system provided by the present invention is employed in an MRD system. The MRD system is in operable communication with a console having a display, a keyboard and includes a processor that is a commercially available programmable machine running a commercially available operating system. The processor contains the coil calibration application which comprises instructions for tuning the RF frequency via the motor. The console and an electronic cage of the MRD system are connected to communicate with each other. The console provides the user an interface that enables automatic and/or semiautomatic commands to be transmitted into the electronic cage. The motor driver found in the MRD magnet functions in response to instructions transmitted from the console through the electronics cage to operate the motor residing in the animal handling system, which comprises the RF coil. The coil further comprises a computer readable medium  142  for storing coil identification information, calibration information and data. 
         [0064]    In various embodiments, the console of the MRD may be operable by using a mouse, a keypad, touch screen, voice activated and such. The tuning system may also be remotely controlled. 
         [0065]    Examples of various features/aspects/components/operations have been provided to facilitate understanding of the disclosed embodiments of the present invention, In addition, various preferences have been discussed to facilitate understanding of the disclosed embodiments of the present invention. It is to be understood that all examples and preferences disclosed herein are intended to be non-limiting. 
         [0066]    Although selected embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described individually, it is to be understood that at least aspects of the described embodiments may be combined. 
         [0067]    Although selected embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments. Instead, it is to be appreciated that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof.