Abstract: An apparatus and method for immunomagnetic separation and concentration of target biological materials is disclosed. The immunomagnetic separation is performed by a magnetic flow cell, or filter block, as part of an automated mostly continuous immunomagnetic assay system. The magnetic flow cell has two bundles of ferromagnetic rods or pins positioned inside an internal chamber so that a fluid sample flowing through the flow cell passes through the pins. A pair of cobalt magnets flank the flow cell so that the pins concentrate and sufficiently increase the magnetic fields so that even nanometer size magnetic beads can be captured. The overall system combines a reaction subsystem for reacting coated magnetic beads with a sample, a collection subsystem for capturing magnetic beads, a rinsing subsystem for removing debris and a filtering subsystem for removing captured magnetic beads from the collection subsystem. The new magnetic flow filter is the key component for the collection and filtering subsystems.

Abstract: A hydraulic decelerator having a waterbrake cylinder positioned within a reservoir wherein the cylinder is made up of a plurality of cylinder segments which are secured to a solid block member with four rods. The interfaces of the segments are ground and polished to provide a smooth close fit. Each segment includes bore holes in a predetermined pattern in the top and two sides with orifice or plug inserts being threaded into the holes. Internally threaded captive ring members are held between semicircular channels at the adjoining surfaces of the channels. Transition orifice inserts are threaded into the ring members. A frangible membrane is secured between the first segment and piston guide assembly secured to the first segment. The reservoir is filled with water, including a rust inhibiter, to a level of about 1/4 inch above the segmented waterbrake cylinder such as to completely fill the cylinder with water.