MR318 is the world's first commercially-available rotary position sensor which can operate with complete "transparency" in extreme electromagnetic fields such as MRI machines. An enabler for functional-MRI (fMRI) research, the encoder allows medical researchers to develop MRI-compatible test apparatus where measuring position, angle or speed is required. Doctors can monitor brain activity of stroke and other impaired patients while pedaling, observing how brain and body adjust to therapy and rehabilitation techniques. Also enables development of phantom devices for MRI calibration and teaching. Non-medical applications include motion control where EMC "transparency" is required, including radar scanners, anechoic chambers and DEW weapons. Prior to commercial availability of the MR318 encoder, engineers had no commercial solution for measuring continuous position within an MRI chamber. Motors or actuators could be hydraulic or pneumatic but no commercial position sensor existed. A homemade fiber optic proximity/limit switch was the best solution - but this was awkward to design, package and only provided position information at discrete points. The company says the MR318 encoder is the world's first and only commercially available, non-metallic rotary position sensor which operates "transparently" in extreme electromagnetic fields. There is no comparable product on the market.
