Patent ID: 7663366

Claim:
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising: a magnet configured to form a static magnetic field directed along a z-axis in a three-dimensional imaging area extending along said z-axis and in orthogonal x and y axes; a cylindrical structure of fixed diameter with an axis extending along said z-axis direction and providing an arcuate guide of fixed diameter extending at least partially circumferentially about said z-axis of said cylindrical structure; a movable radio frequency coil configured to receive a nuclear magnetic resonance signal generated by transmitting a radio frequency signal into an object set in the imaging area of the static magnetic field; and a radio frequency coil drive structure configured to adjust a distance between the movable radio frequency coil and a body surface of the object, said drive structure including coil supporting links having respective first end portions configured to pivotally move along the arcuate guide and second end portions pivotally connected to said movable radio frequency coil, at least one elongated flexible member configured to move under tension along an arcuate path along at least part of said cylindrical structure and connected to move said movable radio frequency coil and said first end portions of the supporting links in response to movements of said at least one elongated flexible member, and a motor connected to drive said at least one elongated flexible member.