Importance

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Abstract

A pair of pole assemblies (12, 14) are disposed on opposite sides of an examination region (10). A ferrous flux return path includes an overhead ferrous structure (18) above the upper pole assembly and a lower ferrous structure (20) adjacent to the lower pole assembly. The pole assemblies include a Rose ring assembly (34) having axially spaced segments (40, 42) with an axial gap (44) in between. Magnetic attractive forces between an annular magnet (30) and the Rose ring urge the Rose ring and the magnet into an axially centered alignment. The magnet of the upper pole piece assembly (12) is attracted toward the overhead ferrous structure (18) and toward the lower pole piece assembly (14), as well as toward the Rose ring. The magnet is also positioned such that the magnetic attractive forces between the magnet and the Rose ring dominate magnetic attractive forces between the overhead ferrous structure and the magnet. In this manner, the magnet is subject to a net force toward an axially balanced position, such that the force does not change sign during ramp up and ramp down.

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First Claim