Automated tuning and frequency matching with motor movement of RF coil in a magnetic resonance laboratory animal handling system

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.

Claims

1. In a magnetic resonance device (MRD) comprising a first input port and a second input port, and at least one magnetic source configured to provide said MRD with a main effect of magnetic field having frequency M.sub.m; and animal handling system comprising: a first elongated enclosure having a first cross-sectional area; said first elongated enclosure is insertable into said MRD's first input port; said second elongated enclosure is insertable into said MRD's second input port; and said second elongated enclosure is slidably insertable into said first elongated enclosure; at least one RF coil configured to provide said MRD with an RF magnetic field having frequency M RF; and an automated RF tooting system comprising a motor and a non-transitory computer readable medium configured to perform the following steps: measuring said frequency M.sub.M of said main magnetic field; measuring said frequency M.sub.RF of said RF magnetic field; comparing said frequency MM and said frequency M.sub.RF; and aligning said M.sub.M and said M.sub.RF, in a manner that when said M.sub.M and said M.sub.RF are substantially different, operating said motor by means of said non-transitory computer readable medium in order to relocate said at least one RF coil thereby tuning said RF magnetic frequency M.sub.RF in order to align with said main magnetic frequency M.sub.M, wherein said motor is a DC stepper motor.

2. The animal handling system according to claim 1, wherein said non-transitory computer readable medium is a console operable in a manner selected from the group consisting of automatic manner, and semiautomatic manner.

3. The animal handling system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the following is being held true: (a) said automated RF tooting system is configured to align said main magnetic frequency M.sub.M with said RF magnetic frequency M.sub.RF in an average time of 30 seconds and in no longer than 120 seconds; (b) said automated RF tooting system is configured to align said main magnetic frequency M.sub.M with said RF magnetic frequency M.sub.RF in an average of two iterations and in no more than five iterations.

4. The animal handling system according to claim 1, wherein said automated RF tuning system is configured to automatically operate in predetermined time intervals.

5. The animal handling system according to claim one, further comprising a visual means for visually indicating a current operation being carried out by said automated RF tuning system.

6. The animal handling system according to claim 1, further comprising audio means for voicing a sound when at least one of the following is being held true: (a) said main magnetic frequency M.sub.M is aligned with said RF magnetic frequency M.sub.RF; (b) a predetermined number of iterations is exceeded; or (c) a predetermined period of time is exceeded.

7. The animal handling system according to claim 1, wherein said first elongated enclosure comprises at least two portions and said at least two portions are telescopic.

8. The animal handling system according to claim 1, wherein said 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.

9. The animal handling system according to claim 8, wherein said first elongated enclosure comprises a reaction testing device.

10. An RF tuning system for use in a magnetic resonance device (MRD) comprises: a first input port and a second input port; at least one magnetic source configured to provide said MRD within RF magnetic field characterized by the magnetic frequency M.sub.RF; and said automated RF tuning system comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium and a motor; wherein said non-transitory computer readable medium is configured to perform the following: measure said frequency M.sub.M of said main magnetic field; measure said frequency M.sub.RF of said RF magnetic field; compare said frequency M.sub.M and said frequency M.sub.RF; and align said M.sub.M with said M.sub.RF, such that when said M.sub.M and said M.sub.RF are substantially different, said non-transitory computer readable medium is configured to operate said motor in order to relocate said at least one RF coil so as to align said main magnetic frequency M.sub.M with said RF magnetic frequency M.sub.RF, wherein said motor is a DC step motor.

11. The RF tuning system according to claim 10, wherein said non-transitory computer readable medium is a console operable in a manner selected from the group consisting of automatic manner, semiautomatic manner.

12. The RF tuning system according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the following is being held true: (a) said automated RF tooting system is configured to align said main magnetic frequency M.sub.M with said RF magnetic frequency M.sub.RF in an average time of 30 seconds and in no longer than 120 seconds; (b) said automated RF tooting system is configured to align said main magnetic frequency M.sub.M with said RF magnetic frequency M.sub.RF in an average of two iterations and in no more than five iterations.

13. The RF tuning system according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the following is being held true: (a) said automated RF tuning system is configured to automatically operate in predetermined time intervals; (b) said RF tuning system further comprises visual means for visually indicating a current operation carried by said automated RF tuning system; or (c) said RF tuning system further comprises audio means for voicing a sound when at least one of the following is being held true: (a) said main magnetic frequency M.sub.M is aligned with said RF magnetic frequency M.sub.RF; (b) a predetermined number of iterations is exceeded; or (c) a predetermined period of time is exceeded.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) 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:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates two Mouse Handling Systems (MHS);

(3) 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;

(4) 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.

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the MHS comprising the automated RF tuning system and the RF coils;

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a 3D perspective view of the MHS comprising the automated RF tuning system, the RF coils and the MHS bed; and

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates the automatic tuning algorithm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(8) 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.

(9) 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.

(10) 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.

(11) 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.

(12) As used herein, the term plurality refers in a non-limiting manner to any integer equal to or greater than 1.

(13) As used herein, the term motor generally refers to any kind of an electric motor, namely a machine converting electrical energy into mechanical energy.

(14) 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.

(15) 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.

(16) 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.

(17) 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 35 and 43.

(18) 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 67, 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.

(19) 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.

(20) 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.sub.RF of the magnetic RF field transmitted by the RF coil is aligned with the frequency M.sub.M of the main magnetic field.

(21) 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.sub.M of the main magnetic field; measuring the frequency M.sub.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'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's frequency. The number of iterations executed in the present invention leading to an alignment between the main magnetic frequency M.sub.M and the RF coil magnetic frequency M.sub.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.

(22) 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.

(23) 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.

(24) 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.

(25) 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.sub.M is measured 202 and compared to the measured RF coil transmitted frequency M.sub.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.

(26) 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.

(27) 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.

(28) 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.

(29) 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.

(30) 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.