Sample loading for magnetic resonance systems

Abstract

In a general embodiment, a sample is packed into a magnetic resonance system. In some embodiments, the magnetic resonance system includes a primary magnet that generates a primary magnetic field and a resonator that defines a sample region within the primary magnetic field. A sample transfer arm includes a first end configured to be coupled to a sample holder. A centering device is positioned around the sample transfer arm. A sheet defines an opening. An actuator system moves the centering device to engage with the sheet. By engaging the centering device with the sheet, the sample holder aligns with the opening. The sample transfer arm is moved to transfer the sample holder from the sample packing region through the opening toward the sample region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This patent application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 504,143, filed on May 24, 2023, entitled "Sample Loading in a Magnetic Resonance System". The above - mentioned priority application is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] The following description relates to sample loading in a magnetic resonance system.

[0003] Magnetic resonance systems are used to investigate various types of samples and phenomena. The resonator skillfully manipulates the spins of the sample by creating a magnetic field at or near the resonance frequency of the spins. In some cases, the resonator detects the spins based on the voltage induced by the perturbed spins.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0004] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram of an exemplary magnetic resonance system.

[0005] [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram of an exemplary sample - loading system of a magnetic resonance system where the sample transfer device is in the first position.

[0006] [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram of the exemplary sample - loading system of FIG. 2 where the sample transfer device is in the second position.

[0007] [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram of the exemplary sample - loading system of FIG. 2 where the sample transfer device is in the third position.

[0008] [Figure 5]This is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary magnetic resonance system showing a sample transfer device at a first position.

[0009] [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary magnetic resonance system showing the sample transfer equipment in a second position with the valve closed.

[0010] [Figure 7] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary magnetic resonance system showing the sample transfer equipment in a second position with the valve open.

[0011] [Figure 8] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary magnetic resonance system showing the sample transfer equipment at the third position.

[0012] [Figure 9] This is a flowchart of the process for packing samples into a magnetic resonance system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] In some embodiments of the described content, a magnetic resonance sample is transferred to a target position, for example, to a sample area adjacent to a resonator in a primary magnetic field. The process can be automated, for example, by a control system controlling one or more actuators. In some examples, a sample transfer device is driven by an actuator to engage with a sample holder in the sample packing area of ​​the magnetic resonance system, and a matching member connected to the sample transfer device is driven by an actuator to mate with a seat. By mate the matching member with the seat, the sample holder aligns with the port, and as a result, the sample holder can be moved through the port toward the target position. The matching prevents undesirable mechanical contact between components during movement (e.g., between the sample holder and the seat) which could damage or cause wear on the components over time.

[0014] In some implementations, the target location for the sample is located in an environment similar to, for example, the environment of the sample packing area at room temperature and room pressure, or in a different type of environment. In some implementations, the target location for the sample is located in a controlled environment (e.g., a vacuum environment, a cryogenic environment, or both). Therefore, the magnetic resonance system may include one or more transition zones or stages between the room temperature and room pressure environment of the sample packing area and the controlled environment of the target location.

[0015] In some implementations, the sample holder is moved from the sample packing area through a port into an internal volume, also called a load lock, between the sample packing area and the target location. In some cases, once the sample holder is inserted into the internal volume, the internal volume becomes sealed. For example, the matching member may include one or more seals (e.g., O-rings, compression fittings, etc.) that contact the sheet and sample transfer equipment to prevent fluid flow between the sample packing area and the internal volume. In various implementations, the fluid may be a liquid, such as liquid nitrogen, or a gas, such as air, gaseous nitrogen, or other gases. During sealing, the internal volume may be pumped to a pressure (e.g., vacuum pressure) that more closely matches the environment at the target location. In some cases, the internal volume is pumped rapidly to reduce the time the sample holder is in the load lock, for example, to reduce or avoid heating of a cooled sample. The port between the internal volume and the environment at the target location may then be opened, and the sample holder may be transferred through the port toward the target location. For example, a sample transfer device is driven by an actuator to move the sample holder through a port.

[0016] After the sample is positioned within the sample area, the magnetic resonance system interacts with the sample to perform, for example, a magnetic resonance experiment and obtain magnetic resonance measurements from the sample. After such an operation, the magnetic resonance sample may be removed from the sample area. For example, the sample holder may be moved from the target position to the original sample packing area by having the sample transfer device move in the reverse direction relative to the sample packing process.

[0017] In some implementations, a magnetic resonance system includes a primary magnet that generates a primary magnetic field and a resonator that defines a sample region in the primary magnetic field. A sample transfer arm is coupled to a sample holder that holds at least one magnetic resonance sample. The sample holder may be a cartridge, cassette, tubular instrument, or another type of structure. The magnetic resonance system may include additional components that operate to move the sample holder to a selected position relative to the resonator of the magnetic resonance system; for example, the magnetic resonance system may include actuators, control systems, or a combination of these and other components. In some cases, the magnetic resonance system moves the sample holder from, for example, a sample-packed environment at room temperature and room pressure to a controlled environment near the resonator in the primary magnetic field of the magnetic resonance system.

[0018] In some implementations, the magnetic resonance system includes a centering device positioned around the sample transfer arm (for example, slidably fixed around it). The centering device is configured to engage with a sheet defining the opening. The engagement of the centering device with the sheet aligns the sample transfer arm and sample holder with the opening. In some examples, the axis of the sample transfer arm defining the path of the sample holder is aligned with the opening, so that when the sample transfer arm is driven toward the sample area by an actuator, the sample holder passes through the opening. In various implementations, the sample holder is aligned with the sample area with micron precision over the stroke length of the sample transfer device.

[0019] In some cases, magnetic resonance measurements may be performed in a cryogenic environment or under partial vacuum pressure. In such implementations, the load lock assembly may be coupled to a sheet such that the internal volume of the load lock assembly is accessed through an opening. When the centering device interacts with the sheet, a seal is created, which allows the internal temperature and pressure of the load lock assembly to be adjusted to approximate the internal temperature and pressure of the chamber housing the resonator.

[0020] Aspects of the systems and techniques described herein can be implemented in various types of magnetic resonance systems. For example, the sample changer device may be implemented in a nuclear magnetic resonance (“NMR”) system, an electron spin resonance (“ESR”) or electron paramagnetic resonance (“EPR”) system, or another type of magnetic resonance system. As another example, all or part of the sample changer device may be deployed with respect to a probe for a magnetic resonance system, or the sample changer device may be deployed in a probe-less magnetic resonance system. In some cases, the sample holder may be adapted to hold a liquid sample, a solid sample, a liquid crystal sample, a spin-labeled protein sample, other biological samples (e.g., blood sample, urine sample, saliva sample, etc.), or other types of samples that will be measured or otherwise analyzed by the magnetic resonance system. As another example, the sample changer device may be equipped with a resonator package operating in a cryogenic environment. In some cases, the cryogenic environment is at liquid helium temperature (e.g., approximately 4 Kelvin), liquid nitrogen temperature (e.g., approximately 77 Kelvin), or another cryogenic temperature. In some cases, the cryogenic environment includes a dry cryostat. In some cases, the cryogenic environment may be implemented with or without using a liquid cryogen as, for example, a continuous flow helium or nitrogen cryostat (e.g., 4 - 300 Kelvin), a variable temperature pulse tube refrigerator (e.g., 3.5 - 300 Kelvin), a pumped helium cryostat (e.g., 1 - 10 Kelvin), a helium-3 refrigerator (e.g., 250 - 400 millikelvin), a dilution refrigerator (e.g., 5 - 100 millikelvin), or another type of system or combination of systems. The resonator can be, for example, a microstrip, a cavity, a coil, a coplanar waveguide, or another type of resonator for a magnetic resonance system. Further, the resonator can be, for example, a rectangular cavity resonator, a cylindrical cavity resonator, a dielectric resonator, a loop gap resonator, or any lumped element resonator.

[0021] In some cases, the systems and techniques presented herein can be developed in conjunction with various cryogenic systems, such as compact closed-cycle systems, open-cycle systems, and liquid cryogenic systems. In some cases, the systems and techniques presented herein can be developed in conjunction with various probes, including compact probe designs that can enable the use of low-noise cryogenic amplifiers and other cryogenic electronics in various configurations. In some cases, the techniques and systems described herein can be developed in conjunction with continuous-wave (CW) magnetic resonance (e.g., using CW ESR spectroscopy or CW NMR spectroscopy techniques), pulsed magnetic resonance (e.g., using pulsed ESR spectroscopy or pulsed NMR spectroscopy techniques), or combinations of these and other MR regions.

[0022] In some implementations, the systems and techniques described herein can provide technical advantages and improvements over current technology. By way of example, the systems and techniques herein can improve system efficiency, for example, by reducing the time required to exchange samples in a magnetic resonance system. As another example, the systems and techniques herein can improve the quality of magnetic resonance data and measurements obtained by a magnetic resonance system, for example, by enabling precise positioning of a sample in a controlled operating environment of a resonator package. Such precise positioning optimizes the sample filling rate and improves the uniformity of the radiofrequency or microwave magnetic field. This improves sensitivity and pulse sequence fidelity. As another example, the sample can be moved with high precision so as to minimize or avoid undesirable mechanical contact between components that can cause damage or wear. As another example, the sample can be moved at a higher speed so as to minimize or avoid undesirable heat transfer to the sample. For example, automation and mechanical efficiency enable a chilled sample to be transferred to a cryogenic environment in a shorter time, thereby minimizing the perturbation for the sample to reach a desired thermodynamic state. In some cases, other improvements and advantages may be obtained.

[0023] Aspects of the systems and techniques described herein can be adapted for various types of applications. For example, the systems and techniques described herein may be used to measure the structural properties of proteins or protein complexes in biological samples (e.g., blood samples, urine samples, or another type of biological sample) for structural biology measurements. Such measurements can be useful for clinical applications (e.g., diagnosis, treatment, etc.), drug discovery / development, understanding the structure and function of membrane proteins, and other applications.

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary magnetic resonance system 100. In various configurations, the magnetic resonance system 100 may be used, for example, for nuclear magnetic resonance ("NMR") spectroscopy, electron spin resonance ("ESR") or electron paramagnetic resonance ("EPR") spectroscopy, nuclear quadrupole resonance ("NQR") spectroscopy, or other applications. The magnetic resonance system 100 includes a sample holder 102 that holds one or more magnetic resonance samples. In various configurations, the sample holder 102 is constructed from a material having suitable dielectric properties (e.g., low loss tangent) and suitable for extremely low temperatures. In various configurations, the sample holder 102 may be constructed from, for example, quartz, sapphire, borosilicate glass, or other similar materials. In the example shown in Figure 1, the sample holder 102 is coupled to the first end of a sample transfer device 106 via a mounting mechanism 108. The sample transfer device 106 can move the sample holder 102 and position it relative to the resonator 110 in the primary magnetic field of the magnetic resonance system 100. In various implementations, the resonator 110 may be confined within a resonator housing or another type of resonator package.

[0025] In the example shown in Figure 1, the second end of the sample transfer device 106 is coupled to the actuator system 112. During operation, the actuator system 112 drives the movement of the sample transfer device 106 and, in various implementations, may include a single-degree-of-freedom linear actuator that, for example, translates the sample transfer device 106 in a linear manner along its axis. Examples of single-degree-of-freedom linear actuators include, for example, mechanical linear actuators, electromechanical linear actuators, linear motors, piezoelectric actuators, torsion coil polymer ("TCP") actuators, hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, or other types of linear actuators. In various implementations, the actuator system 112 may include a multi-degree-of-freedom actuator, such as a two-degree-of-freedom actuator that moves the sample transfer device 106 in a linear manner along two independent (e.g., vertical) axes. Such a two-degree-of-freedom linear actuator can, in various implementations, move the sample holder 102 relative to the resonator 110 not only along a first axis but also along a second axis, thereby adjusting the position of the sample holder 102 relative to the resonator 110 along the second axis. In other implementations, the actuator system 112 may include a three-degree-of-freedom actuator that moves the sample transfer device 106 along two linear axes and rotates the sample transfer device 106 about its axis. In various implementations, the actuator system 112 may be coupled to a position control system 115 that controls the operation of the actuator system 112. In various implementations, the position control system 115 may be an automated control system, such as a CNC control system, a PID control system, or other type of controller. In some cases, the position control system 115 may include, or be implemented as, software or firmware running on a computer system (e.g., a microprocessor or another type of data processing device).In some examples, the control mechanism may be manually controlled, such as by a caliper or a manual crank.

[0026] In the example shown in Figure 1, the resonator 110, sample holder 102, mounting mechanism 108, and the first end of the sample transfer device 106 are located within the chamber 114. In various configurations, all or part of the chamber 114 may be a controlled environment cooled by a cooling system or pumped evacuated by a vacuum system, while the second end of the sample transfer device 106 is located outside the chamber 114. The sample transfer device 106 is introduced into the chamber 114 via an insertion point 113. In various embodiments, the insertion point 113 includes a sheet 125 that defines an opening to the chamber 114. A centering device 123 is positioned around the sample transfer device 106 and engages with the sheet 125 to create a pressure seal. In various configurations, the opening in the sheet 125 is coupled to a load lock assembly 127. In this way, the insertion point 113 can provide a vacuum pressure environment or low-pressure gas seal between the controlled environment inside the chamber 114 and the room temperature environment outside the chamber 114. In various implementations, the vacuum pressure environment may be in the range of 1 micro-Toll to several hundred milli-Toll pressures. In various implementations, the cooling system maintains a cryogenic thermal environment inside the chamber 114 for the resonator 110 and the sample holder 102. In some cases, the cooling system can maintain extremely low temperatures for the resonator 110 and the sample holder 102. In the example shown in Figure 1, the cooling system is in thermal contact with the resonator 110 and the sample holder 102. In some cases, the cooling system is cooled to liquid helium temperature (e.g., approximately 4 Kelvin), liquid nitrogen temperature (e.g., approximately 77 Kelvin), or another extremely low temperature. In some cases, the cooling system includes a dry cryogenic bath.In some cases, the cooling system may be implemented with or without liquid cryogenic fluid, for example, as a continuous flow helium or nitrogen cryogenic bath (e.g., 4–300 Kelvin), a variable temperature pulsed tube cryogenic bath (e.g., 3.5–300 Kelvin), a pumped helium cryogenic bath (e.g., 1–10 Kelvin), a helium-3 cryogenic bath (e.g., 250–400 millikelvin), a dilution cryogenic bath (e.g., 5–100 millikelvin), or as another type of system or combination of systems. In some implementations, both the resonator 110 and the sample holder 102 are kept at extremely low temperatures. In some cases, the resonator 110 and the sample holder 102 are immersed in cryogenic liquid or cryogenic gas, but may be kept in a vacuum pressure environment during operation. In some cases, the sample holder 102, the resonator 110, or both are kept at a higher temperature (e.g., room temperature).

[0027] In the example shown in Figure 1, the primary magnet system 116 generates the primary magnetic field to which the resonator 110 and sample holder 102 are exposed during operation. In various implementations, the primary magnet system 116 may be located inside or outside the cooling system. The primary magnet system 116 generates a magnetic field within the controlled environment of the resonator 110 and sample holder 102. The exemplary primary magnet system 116 shown in Figure 1 can be implemented as a superconducting solenoid, electromagnet, permanent magnet, or another type of magnet that generates the primary magnetic field. In various implementations, the magnetic field is uniform at less than 100 ppm across the volume of the sample region defined by the resonator 110, or has a target spatial profile that includes design heterogeneity. In some cases, a gradient system generates one or more gradient fields that vary spatially across the sample volume. In some cases, the gradient system includes multiple independent gradient coils that can generate gradient fields that vary along different spatial dimensions of the sample region.

[0028] In the example shown in Figure 1, the spin ensemble within the sample region of the resonator 110 interacts with the resonator 110. The primary magnetic field generated by the primary magnet system 116 quantizes the spin states and sets the Larmor frequency of the spin ensemble. Control of spin magnetization can be achieved, for example, by the radio frequency or microwave electromagnetic field generated by the resonator 110. In the example shown in Figure 1, the spin ensemble can be any collection of non-zero spin particles that magnetically interact with the applied magnetic field of the magnetic resonance system 100. For example, the spin ensemble can include nuclear spins, electron spins, or a combination of nuclear spins and electron spins. An example of nuclear spin is a hydrogen nucleus ( 1 H) and carbon-13 nuclei ( 13 Examples include C). In some implementations, a spin ensemble is a collection of identical spin-1 / 2 free electron spins attached to an ensemble of larger molecules.

[0029] In the example shown in Figure 1, the resonator 110 is electrically coupled to the spectrometer system 118. In various implementations, the spectrometer system 118 acquires magnetic resonance data based on the magnetic resonance signal generated by the interaction between the resonator 110 and a magnetic resonance sample housed in the sample holder 102. Typically, the resonator 110 has one or more resonance frequencies and, optionally, other resonance frequencies or modes. The drive frequency can be tuned to the resonance frequency of a spin, which is determined by the strength of the primary magnetic field and the rotational magnetic ratio of the spin.

[0030] An exemplary spectrometer system 118 can control the resonator 110 and, optionally, other components or subsystems of the magnetic resonance system 100 shown in Figure 1. The spectrometer system 118 is electromagnetically coupled to the resonator 110 (e.g., by a coaxial cable, waveguide, etc.) and adapted to communicate with the resonator 110. For example, the spectrometer system 118 can be adapted to provide a voltage or current signal to drive the resonator 110, and the spectrometer system 118 can further acquire a voltage or current signal from the resonator 110.

[0031] In some cases, the spectrometer system 118 includes, or is connected to, a controller, waveform generator, amplifier, transmitter / receiver switch, receiver, signal processor, and possibly other components. The spectrometer system 118 may include additional or different features (e.g., gradient waveform generator and gradient electronics). In the example shown in Figure 1, the spectrometer system 118 is adapted to communicate with one or more external sources, e.g., a computer system or another source, and can operate based on inputs supplied by one or more external sources, e.g., a computer system or another source.

[0032] In some cases, the spectrometer system 118 can operate in multiple operating modes. In one operating mode, the spectrometer system 118 generates control signals (e.g., radio frequency signals, microwave signals, etc.) that are sent to the resonator 110 to control the spin system of the sample. In another operating mode, the spectrometer system 118 acquires a magnetic resonance signal from the resonator 110. The magnetic resonance signal may be processed (digitized) and provided to a computer system for analysis, display, storage, or other action. The computer system may include one or more digital electronic controllers, microprocessors, or other types of data processing devices. The computer system may include memory and processors and may operate as a general-purpose computer, or the computer system may operate as an application-specific device.

[0033] In some embodiments of operation, the sample holder 102 is moved between a sample loading area outside the chamber 114 and a sample area defined by the resonator 110. For example, the sample holder 102 can be moved into the chamber 114 to load a new sample into the magnetic resonance system for measurement, or the sample holder can be moved outside the chamber 114 to remove the sample after the measurement has been obtained. In either case, the sample transfer device 106 is driven by an actuator system 112, which is controlled by a position control system 115.

[0034] In the example shown, when the sample holder 102 is to be loaded into the chamber 114, the sample transfer device 106 engages with the sample holder 102 in the sample loading area outside the chamber 114. The centering device 123 is positioned concentrically with the sample transfer device 106 and engages with the sheet 125, thereby aligning the sample holder 102 with the opening leading to the load lock assembly 127, and as a result, the sample holder can be moved through the opening into the load lock assembly 127. Once the sample holder 102 has moved into the load lock assembly 127, the insertion point 113 is sealed (for example, by mechanical contact between one or more of the centering device 123, the sheet 125, and the sample transfer device 106). The load lock assembly 127 is then pumped to a pressure (e.g., vacuum pressure) that more closely matches the environment of the sample area. The valve of the load lock assembly 127 is then opened, and as a result, the sample holder 102 can be moved into the sample area. The magnetic resonance system can then be operated (e.g., in pulse mode, continuous wave mode, or another operating mode) to obtain magnetic resonance measurements of the sample in the sample area. The sample holder 102 may then be removed from the chamber 114. For example, the sample holder 102 may be transferred to the sample packing area through the valve of the load lock assembly 127 and through the opening of the seat 125.

[0035] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary sample loading system 200 in which the sample transfer device is in a first position. A sample holder 204 is coupled to the first end of the sample transfer device 202. In various configurations, the sample transfer device 202 receives the sample holder 204 in a sample loading area exposed to room temperature and room pressure. A centering device 206 is positioned around the sample transfer device 202. The second end of the sample transfer device 202 is coupled to an actuator system 208, and the centering device 206 is coupled to the actuator system 208. In various configurations, the actuator system 208 may include a first actuator 210 coupled to the sample transfer device 202 and a second actuator 212 coupled to the centering device 206. In various configurations, the actuator system 208 may be the actuator system 112 described above with respect to Figure 1, and the first actuator 210 and the second actuator 212 may be any of the actuator types described above with respect to Figure 1. During operation, the first actuator 210 and the second actuator 212 work together to move the sample transfer device 202 and the centering device 206 in a linear manner along the axis 214 of the sample transfer device 202.

[0036] In various mounting configurations, the centering device 206 has the shape of an inverted frustocone and includes a mating surface 216. In the example shown, the mating surface 216 is the outer surface of the centering device 206. In various mounting configurations, a first seal, such as a gasket or O-ring, may be disposed on the mating surface 216. In some cases, a second seal may be disposed on the inner surface of the centering device 206 (for example, the surface defining the central orifice passing through the centering device 206) to create a pressure seal between the centering device 206 and the sample transfer device 202. The sample transfer device 202 can move through the central orifice of the centering device 206 in a sliding manner.

[0037] Sheet 218 is disposed on the outer surface of the chamber 220. Sheet 218 includes a mating surface 222 that is complementary to the mating surface 216 on the centering device 206. An opening 224 defined by sheet 218 provides access to the chamber 220, which houses the resonator 211. The sample area 228 is defined by the resonator 211 in a primary magnetic field generated by the primary magnet system 116. During operation, the engagement of the centering device 206 with sheet 218 aligns the sample transfer device 202 with the opening. In various configurations, the chamber 220 may be exposed to either or both extremely low temperatures and / or partial vacuum pressures. In particular, the chamber 220 may be under the temperatures and pressures described above with respect to Figure 1.

[0038] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary sample loading system 200 with the sample transfer device 202 in a second position. During operation, a first actuator 210 acts on the sample transfer device 202 to move the sample transfer device 202 and the sample holder 204 toward the sheet. In configurations where the first actuator 210 is a linear actuator, the sample transfer device 202 and the sample holder 204 are moved in a linear manner. A second actuator 212 moves the centering device 206 together with the sample transfer device 202. In various configurations, the sample transfer device 202 and the centering device 206 are moved at the same speed, but in other configurations, the centering device 206 may be moved at a higher or lower speed than the sample transfer device 202. The sample holder 204 and the first end of the sample transfer device 202 pass through an opening 224 defined by the sheet 218. The centering device 206 engages with the sheet 218, and the complementary mating surfaces (216 and 222) interact with each other to center the sample transfer device 202 in the opening 224. Such centering aligns the sample holder 204 for positioning in the sample area, allowing the sample holder 204 to pass through the opening without mechanical interference. In various configurations, the sample holder 204 is aligned with the sample area with micron accuracy over the stroke length of the sample transfer device 202. In various configurations, the sample holder is aligned with the sample area with a tolerance of + / - 10 μm.

[0039] In configurations where the chamber 220 is under extremely low temperature and / or partial vacuum pressure, a pressure seal, such as an O-ring, is placed at the opening 524 to compress the sample transfer device 502. Such a seal prevents pressure loss within the chamber 220 and / or can maintain the cryogenic environment within the chamber 220. In other configurations, the seal may be placed on one or more of the mating surfaces 222 of the sheet 218 or the mating surfaces 216 of the centering device 206. In such a configuration, the centering device 506 engages with the sheet 518 to align the sample transfer device 502. The sample holder 204 passes through the O-ring and through the opening 224. The sample transfer device 202 continues to descend until it passes through the O-ring, thereby creating a seal between the sample transfer device 202 and the O-ring. In various configurations, the sample holder 204 enters the load lock, where the temperature and pressure are reduced to more closely match the pressure in the chamber 220. The valve in the load lock is then opened, and the sample holder 204 continues to descend until it enters the sample area 228.

[0040] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary sample loading system 200 with the sample transfer device 202 in a third position. After the centering device 206 engages with the sheet 218, the second actuator 212 stops the movement of the centering device 206. The first actuator 210 continues to move the sample transfer device 202 through the centering device 206 until the sample holder 204 is positioned within the sample area of ​​the resonator 211.

[0041] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary magnetic resonance system 500 showing a sample transfer device 502 in a first position. In various implementations, the magnetic resonance system 500 may resemble the magnetic resonance system 200 described above with respect to Figures 2-4. A sample holder 504 is coupled to the first end of the sample transfer device 502. A centering device 506 is arranged around the sample transfer device 502. The second end of the sample transfer device 502 is coupled to an actuator system 508, and the centering device is coupled to the actuator system 508. In various implementations, the actuator system 508 may include a first actuator coupled to the sample transfer device 502 and a second actuator coupled to the centering device 506. In various implementations, the actuator system 508 may be the actuator system 112 described above with respect to Figure 1, and the first and second actuators may be any of the actuator types described above with respect to Figure 1. During operation, the actuator system 508 moves the sample transfer device 502 and the centering device 206 in a linear manner along the axis 514 of the sample transfer device 502.

[0042] The centering device 506 has an inverted frustoconical shape in various mounting configurations and includes a mating surface 516. In various mounting configurations, a first seal, such as a gasket or O-ring, may be disposed on the mating surface 516. A second seal (not explicitly shown) is disposed on the inner surface of the sheet 518, creating a pressure seal between the sheet 518 and the sample transfer device 502. The sample transfer device 502 can move in a sliding manner through the central orifice of the centering device 506.

[0043] The sheet 518 is positioned on the upper surface of the stage 517. The area above the sheet 518 and the stage 517 constitutes the sample loading area of ​​the magnetic resonance system 500. In some configurations, the sample loading area is exposed to room temperature and room pressure. The sheet 518 includes a mating surface 522 that is complementary to the mating surface 516 formed on the centering device 506. An opening 524 defined by the sheet 518 provides access to the load lock assembly 526, which is positioned below the stage 517. The load lock 526 includes a port 528 that is fluidly coupled to a vacuum pump. A valve 530 is positioned between the load lock 526 and the chamber 532, which houses the resonator 510. The sample area 534 is defined in the vicinity of the resonator 510 by the primary magnetic field of the primary magnet system 116. During operation, the engagement of the centering device 506 with the sheet 518 aligns the sample transfer device 502 with the sample area. In various configurations, the sample holder 504 is aligned with the sample area with micron precision over the stroke length of the sample transfer device 502. In various configurations, the chamber 532 may be exposed to either or both extremely low temperatures and / or partial vacuum pressures. In particular, the chamber 532 may be under the temperatures and pressures described above with respect to Figure 1.

[0044] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary magnetic resonance system 500 with the sample transfer device 502 in a second position. During operation, the actuator system 508 acts on the sample transfer device 502 to move the sample transfer device 502 and the sample holder 504 toward the sheet 518. The actuator system 508 also moves the centering device 506 together with the sample transfer device 502. In various configurations, the sample transfer device 502 and the centering device 506 are moved at the same speed, but in other configurations, the centering device 506 may be moved at a higher or lower speed than the sample transfer device 502. The sample holder 504 and the first end of the sample transfer device 502 pass through the opening 524 defined by the sheet 518. The centering device 506 engages with the sheet 518. The complementary mating surfaces (516 and 522) interact with each other so that the sample transfer device 502 is centered in the opening 524. Through such alignment, the sample holder 504 is aligned to position it within the sample area. In various configurations, the sample holder 504 is aligned with the sample area with micron precision over the stroke length of the sample transfer device 502.

[0045] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary magnetic resonance system 500 showing the sample transfer device 502 in a second position with valve 530 closed. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary magnetic resonance system 500 showing the sample transfer device 502 in a second position with valve 530 open. After passing through the opening 524, the sample holder 504 enters the load lock assembly 526. The opening 524 is sealed by interaction with the seat 518 of the sample transfer device 502. Valve 530 is in the closed position. In various implementations, valve 530 is a gate valve; however, in other implementations, valve 530 may be, for example, a ball valve, globe valve, butterfly valve, plug valve, needle valve, or another type of valve. In various implementations, valve 530 may be mechanically actuated; however, in other implementations, valve 530 may be electronically controlled. The vacuum pump applies a negative pressure difference to port 528, causing the internal pressure of the load lock 526 to more closely match the pressure in chamber 532. Once the pressure in the load lock 526 more closely matches the pressure in chamber 532, the valve 530 is moved to the open position. The actuator system 508 then continues to move the sample holder 504 through the valve 530 into chamber 532.

[0046] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary magnetic resonance system 500 showing the sample transfer device 502 in a third position. After the centering device 506 engages with the seat 518, the second actuator system 508 stops the movement of the centering device 506. The actuator system 508 continues to move the sample transfer device 502 through the centering device 506 until the sample holder 504 is positioned within the sample area of ​​the resonator 510.

[0047] Figure 9 is a flowchart of an exemplary process 900 for packing a sample in a magnetic resonance system. In various implementations, the magnetic resonance system is the exemplary magnetic resonance system 500 discussed above with respect to Figures 5-8, the exemplary magnetic resonance system 200 discussed above with respect to Figures 2-4, or another type of magnetic resonance system. The exemplary process 900 may include additional or different operations, which may be performed in the order shown or in a different order. In some cases, one or more operations may be repeated, omitted, or performed in a different manner.

[0048] In 910, the sample holder is coupled to the sample transfer device. The sample holder can be, for example, the exemplary sample holder 102 shown in Figure 1, the sample holder 202 shown in Figures 2-4, the sample holder 504 shown in Figures 5-8, or another type of sample holder. In various configurations, the coupling of the sample holder to the sample transfer device takes place in the sample packing area of ​​the magnetic resonance system. In various configurations, the sample packing area is exposed to room temperature and room pressure.

[0049] As shown in 920, the valve between the load lock assembly and the chamber is initially in the closed position. Closing valve 530 maintains a partial vacuum pressure inside the chamber 534. In various implementations, the valve may be valve 530 as shown in Figures 5-8, or a different valve. The load lock assembly may be load lock assembly 526 as shown in Figures 5-8, or a different load lock assembly. In various implementations, closing the valve creates a seal between the internal volume of the load lock assembly and the chamber.

[0050] In 930A, the actuator system engages the centering device with the sheet, thereby aligning the sample transfer device with the opening defined by the sheet. In various configurations, the sheet may be sheet 218 as shown in Figures 2-4, sheet 518 as shown in Figures 5-8, or another sheet. The interaction of the centering device with the sheet brings the sample holder and sample transfer device to the center of the opening and aligns with the sample area associated with the resonator. In various configurations, the interaction of the centering device with the sheet can seal the opening with respect to the load lock. In 930B, after the sample transfer device has been aligned with the opening, the actuator system further causes the sample transfer device to move the sample holder through the opening defined by the sheet. After moving through the sheet, the sample holder enters the internal volume of the load lock assembly.

[0051] In 940, the internal pressure of the load lock assembly is adjusted to approximate the internal pressure of the chamber. In various implementations, the chamber is chamber 114 shown in Figure 1, chamber 220 shown in Figures 2-4, chamber 532 shown in Figures 5-8, or another chamber. In various implementations, the internal environment of the chamber may be exposed to either extremely low temperature or partial vacuum pressure. The internal pressure of the load lock assembly may be adjusted via a port formed in the load lock assembly (e.g., port 528). For example, a vacuum pump may be coupled to the port to remove gas from the internal volume of the load lock assembly.

[0052] At 950, a valve is opened to allow the sample holder to pass from the load lock into the chamber. At 960, the sample holder is translated into the chamber. In some cases, interaction with the centering instrument's seat ensures that the sample holder is properly aligned with the sample area defined by the resonator. In various configurations, the sample holder is aligned to micron-level precision.

[0053] This specification contains many details, which should not be understood as limitations on the scope of the claims, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular examples. Certain features described herein, or shown in drawings associated with separate implementations, can also be combined. Conversely, various features described or shown in connection with a single implementation may also be implemented separately in multiple embodiments, or in any suitable subcombination.

[0054] Similarly, while operations are depicted in a specific order in the diagrams, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in a specific order or sequential order, or that all exemplified operations be performed, in order to achieve the desired result. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Furthermore, the separation of various system components in the aforementioned implementation forms should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementation forms, and moreover, the described program components and systems can generally be integrated into a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0055] Numerous embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications are possible. For example, in various implementations, a guide system may be utilized to facilitate the insertion and placement of the sample holder into the resonator package and to prevent damage to the sample holder. Such a guide system may include, for example, rails that support both edges of the sample holder during placement. Thus, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A primary magnet that generates a primary magnetic field, A resonator that defines the sample region in the primary magnetic field, A sample transfer arm having a first end configured to connect to a sample holder and to translate the sample holder between a sample packing area and the sample area, A centering device is arranged around the sample transfer arm, A sheet defining the opening, An actuator system, Moving the centering device so that it fits with the sheet, and moving the centering device so that the sample holder aligns with the opening. The sample transfer arm is moved so as to move the sample holder from the sample packing area through the opening toward the sample area, An actuator system configured to perform the following: A magnetic resonance system equipped with this feature.

2. The actuator system, A first actuator for moving the sample transfer arm, A second actuator for moving the aforementioned centering device, The magnetic resonance system according to claim 1, comprising:

3. The magnetic resonance system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the centering device is fitted with the sheet, thereby aligning the sample holder with the sample area with micron-precision.

4. The magnetic resonance system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the centering device includes a seal that compresses the sheet when the centering device is fitted with the sheet.

5. The magnetic resonance system according to claim 4, comprising the load lock assembly coupled to the sheet such that the opening creates a passage between the sample packing area and the internal volume of the load lock assembly.

6. The magnetic resonance system according to claim 5, comprising a vacuum pump coupled to the load lock assembly and configured to pump fluid out of the internal volume of the load lock assembly.

7. The magnetic resonance system according to claim 5, comprising a magnetic resonance chamber coupled to the load lock assembly such that a passage is defined from the opening through the internal volume of the load lock assembly into the magnetic resonance chamber, wherein the resonator is located within the magnetic resonance chamber.

8. The magnetic resonance system according to claim 7, wherein the magnetic resonance chamber is disposed in an extremely low-temperature environment.

9. The magnetic resonance system according to claim 7, further comprising a gate valve disposed between the load lock assembly and the magnetic resonance chamber.

10. The magnetic resonance system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sample packing area is exposed to room temperature and room pressure.

11. A method for packing magnetic resonance samples, The sample transfer arm is coupled to the sample holder within the sample loading area of ​​the magnetic resonance system, The actuator system moves the centering device so as to engage with the sheet, wherein the centering device is positioned around the sample transfer arm, and by engaging the centering device with the sheet, the sample holder is moved so as to align with the opening defined by the sheet. The operation of the actuator system moves the sample holder from the sample packing area through the opening toward the sample area defined by the resonator in the primary magnetic field of the magnetic resonance system, Methods that include...

12. The actuator system, A first actuator for moving the sample transfer arm, A second actuator for moving the aforementioned centering device, The method according to claim 11, comprising:

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the centering device is provided with a seal, and the seal compresses the sheet when the centering device is fitted to the sheet.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein moving the sample holder includes moving the sample holder from the sample packing area through the opening into the internal volume of the load lock assembly.

15. The method according to claim 14, comprising pumping fluid out of the internal volume of the load lock assembly when the sample holder is located inside the internal volume.

16. The method according to claim 15, comprising pumping fluid out of the internal volume and then opening a gate valve between the internal volume of the load lock assembly and the magnetic resonance chamber, wherein the resonator is located within the magnetic resonance chamber.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein moving the sample holder includes moving the sample holder out of the internal volume of the load lock assembly through the gate valve into the magnetic resonance chamber.

18. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the centering device is fitted with the sheet so that the sample holder is aligned with the sample area with micron precision.

19. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the magnetic resonance chamber is located in a cryogenic environment.

20. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the sample packing area is disposed in a state exposed to room temperature and room pressure.

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