Using Magnetic Field Patents (Class 204/557)
  • Patent number: 8066885
    Abstract: A process for the beneficiation of carbonate mineral substrates by magnetic separation is defined herein wherein a phosphorus or nitrogen containing organic compound or reagent and a plurality of magnetic particles are intermixed with a carbonate containing mineral substrate, a magnetic field is applied to the mixture and a value mineral is thereby separated from a non-value mineral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Cytec Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Santhanjheri A. Ravishankar, Josanlet C. Villegas, Bing Wang
  • Patent number: 8066886
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provide pulsed fluid treatment at a plurality of distinct points utilizing pulsed magnetic energy concentrated in a plurality of distinct areas along a fluid flow path. The instant invention prevents the formation and accumulation of contaminants within conduits and on equipment utilized in the transportation, delivery and processing of fluid columns. It may also be utilized to accelerate the separation of oil and water and increase the efficiency of oil/water separation equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Herbert William Holland
  • Patent number: 8057686
    Abstract: A nanotube separation method includes depositing a tag on a nanotube in a nanotube mixture. The nanotube has a defect and the tag deposits at the defect where a deposition rate is greater than on another nanotube in the mixture lacking the defect. The method includes removing the tagged nanotube from the mixture by using the tag. As one option, the tag may contain a ferromagnetic material and the removing may include applying a magnetic field. As another option, the tag may contain an ionic material and the removing may include applying an electric field. As a further option, the tag may contain an atom having an atomic mass greater than the atomic mass of carbon and the removing may include applying a centrifugal force to the nanotube mixture. Any two or more of the indicated removal techniques may be combined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Patent number: 8048313
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of fluid treatment for a plurality of fluids with a first and a second non-magnetically conductive fluid flow conduit sleeved within at least one segment of magnetically conductive conduit providing a plurality of distinct areas of concentrated magnetic energy. The instant invention prevents the formation and accumulation of contaminants within conduits and on equipment utilized in the transportation, delivery and processing of fluid columns. It may also be utilized to accelerate the separation of oil and water and increase the efficiency of oil/water separation equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Herbert William Holland
  • Patent number: 8043511
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provide fluid treatment at a plurality of distinct points utilizing magnetic energy concentrated in a plurality of distinct areas along a fluid flow path and at least one region of pulsed fluid treatment within a fluid treatment chamber. The instant invention prevents the formation and accumulation of contaminants within conduits and on equipment utilized in the transportation, delivery and processing of fluid columns. It may also be utilized to accelerate the separation of oil and water and increase the efficiency of oil/water separation equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventor: Herbert William Holland
  • Patent number: 8043486
    Abstract: A system providing selective spin modification and reaction in an electrolytic cell. An electrolytic cell is coupled to a magnet that provides a level-splitting magnetic field in a region of electrolyte adjacent to a working electrode, thus establishing a spin resonance for an unpaired electron associated with a chemical species in the region of electrolyte adjacent to the working electrode. The working electrode carries an excitation current produced by a switching source or amplifier. The excitation current produces an alternating magnetic field adjacent to the working electrode that alters the spin state population density for the unpaired electron associated with a chemical species within the electrolyte, thereby enhancing or inhibiting the reaction of the chemical species during subsequent electrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventor: Mehlin Dean Matthews
  • Publication number: 20110250700
    Abstract: The invention provides apparatuses and methods of use thereof for sequencing nucleic acids subjected to a force, and thus considered under tension. The methods may employ but are not dependent upon incorporation of extrinsically detectably labeled nucleotides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jonathan M. ROTHBERG, John H. LEAMON, John F. DAVIDSON, Antoine M. van OIJEN, Wolfgang HINZ, Melville DAVEY, Bradley Hann, Jonathan SCHULTZ
  • Patent number: 8034245
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of driving liquid flow at or near a free surface using self-assembled structures composed of magnetic particles subjected to an external AC magnetic field. A plurality of magnetic particles are supported at or near a free surface of liquid by surface tension or buoyancy force. An AC magnetic field traverses the free surface and dipole-dipole interaction between particles produces in self-assembled snake structures which oscillate at the frequency of the traverse AC magnetic field. The snake structures independently move across the free surface and may merge with other snake structures or break up and coalesce into additional snake structures experiencing independent movement across the liquid surface. During this process, the snake structures produce asymmetric flow vortices across substantially the entirety of the free surface, effectuating liquid flow across the free surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Oleksiy Snezhko, Igor Aronson, Wai-Kwong Kwok, Maxim V. Belkin
  • Publication number: 20110203930
    Abstract: The present invention relates to bead incubating and washing on a droplet actuator. Methods for incubating magnetically responsive beads that are labeled with primary antibody, a sample (i.e., analyte), and secondary reporter antibodies on a magnet, on and off a magnet, and completely off a magnet are provided. Also provided are methods for washing magnetically responsive beads using shape-assisted merging of droplets. Also provided are methods for shape-mediated splitting, transporting, and dispensing of a sample droplet that contains magnetically responsive beads. The apparatuses and methods of the invention provide for rapid time to result and optimum detection of an analyte in an immunoassay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: ADVANCED LIQUID LOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Vamsee K. Pamula, Ramakrishna Sista, Arjun Sudarsan
  • Publication number: 20110124077
    Abstract: Magnetic array platforms such as nano or micro-wire networks that produce trapping, manipulation, and transport of micro- or nano-scale particles such as non-biological entities such as magnetic particles and cells, viruses, DNA, proteins, and other biological entities having magnetic particles labeled or tethered thereto are provided. Methods of manipulating, transporting, and sorting micro- or nano-scale particles are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Ratnasingham Sooryakumar, Dhriti Sooryakumar, Gregory Vieira, Jeffrey J. Chalmers
  • Publication number: 20110114491
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preparing an enhanced water composition having increased oxygen solubility, and methods for employing the composition to enhance oxygen absorption in tissues for enhancing athletic performance and treating the symptoms of disease are provided herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Vincent J. Pulis, Edward E. Jacobs, Paul Burgert
  • Publication number: 20110114490
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of redistributing magnetically responsive beads in a droplet. The method may include providing a droplet including magnetically responsive beads. The droplet may be provided within a region of a magnetic field having sufficient strength to attract the magnetically responsive beads to an edge of the droplet or towards an edge of the droplet, or otherwise regionalize or aggregate beads within the droplet. The method may also include conducting on a droplet operations surface one or more droplet operations using the droplet without removing the magnetically responsive beads from the region of the magnetic field. The droplet operations may in some cases be electrode-mediated. The droplet operations may redistribute and/or circulate the magnetically responsive beads within the droplet. In some cases, the droplet may include a sample droplet may include a target analyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: ADVANCED LIQUID LOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Vamsee K. Pamula, Arjun Sudarsan, Ramakrishna Sista
  • Patent number: 7938947
    Abstract: A microreactor containing a plurality of introduction channels 21 and 22 for introducing a plurality of liquids, a merging section 23 for merging the plurality of introduction channels 21 and 22, and a reaction channel 41 located on a downstream side of the merging section 23, characterized in that a flow control section 80 is located on a downstream side of the merging section 23 and an upstream side of the reaction channel 41, and the flow control section 80 contains in a channel 81 thereof a movable particle 82. According to the constitution, such a microreactor can be provided that the flow state in the reaction channel 41 is controlled to realize a flow state with good reproducibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: National University Corporation Okayama University
    Inventors: Yusaku Sakata, Akinori Muto, Thallada Bhaskar
  • Patent number: 7927398
    Abstract: A multistage electromagnetic purification method of molten metal, which employs a multistage separator composed of two or more multichannel straight-pass separators bonded together with inorganic high-temperature adhesive. Each stage of the separators is set up in such a manner that the region of centerline of each channel in the former separators is occupied by the sidewall of the next separators at the corresponding position therein; while simultaneously the position in the next separators becomes a region close to sidewall. The multistage separator eliminates the “dead zone” of electromagnetic separation, realizes the transformation from “weak zone” to “strong zone” of electromagnetic separation, and significantly increases removal efficiency of inclusions in the melt with great volume under the effect of induced magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Shanghai Jiao Tong University
    Inventors: Da Shu, Jun Wang, Haiyan Chen, Baode Sun
  • Patent number: 7910006
    Abstract: The water is at the origin of an entire series of geological and climatic processes and is primarily the basis of all forms of life. Actually, it is the majority component of all living organisms (50% to 98%); the human body contains 70% of the total mass thereof. The biosphere in its entirety consists of 80% water. Although this may be one of the most highly examined liquids, its properties comprising numerous anomalies have not yet all been elucidated. It plays an essential role in the structure and metabolism of all living beings. This biological role is due to its physical and chemical properties that are out of the ordinary. Bernal and Flower established a rule defining that each oxygen atom has two hydrogen atoms as neighbors and each hydrogen bond contains one hydrogen atom. The separation of the liquid water molecules produces the formation of hydroxyl ion (OH?) and hydronium ions (H3O+), which hampers this rule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Philippe Vallée
  • Patent number: 7887708
    Abstract: A method and a device for treating water using an electromagnetic field. The method comprising the steps of subjecting the water to the electromagnetic field generated utilizing an inductor coil; and varying a frequency of a driving signal for the inductor coil such that the generated electromagnetic field has a varying frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Mass Technology (H.K.) Limited
    Inventor: Hwee Hong Chew
  • Publication number: 20110017600
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for separating minerals in drilling fluid based primarily on density. The separator creates and maintains a slurry with a controllable density for separating minerals from drill cuttings. The density if controlled through the use of an electrode array. The separator comprises a primary separation chamber containing the dense slurry, and a multiple number of secondary separation chambers used to separate cuttings from the drilling fluid. The invention also contains inlet hardware allowing the mixed mineral suspension to enter the first separation chamber, and hardware allowing the three outlet (separated) streams to exit the device. One of the three outlet streams carries the minerals that have a density greater than the user selectable density set point, while the second carries the minerals that have a density less than the density set point, and the third carries clean drilling fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Larson
  • Publication number: 20100294666
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system and methods for the recovery of isotopes. In at least one exemplary method of the present disclosure at least one gas comprising a plurality of isotopes is provided. An electric field is generated in a radial direction to at least partially ionize the gas. A magnetic field is generated in an axial direction perpendicular to the radial direction and at least one isotope is recovered from the gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Nonlinear Ion Dynamics, LLC
    Inventor: Alfred Y. Wong
  • Publication number: 20100264089
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provide fluid treatment utilizing an electrical power supply providing at least one distinct programmable output of electrical energy wherein one or more of the voltage, current, repetition rate, amplitude or wavelength of the programmable output establish at least one distinct electrical signal generating concentrated magnetic in a plurality of distinct areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Herbert William Holland
  • Patent number: 7803262
    Abstract: Methods are provided for aligning carbon nanotubes and for making a composite material comprising aligned carbon nanotubes. The method for aligning carbon nanotubes comprises adsorbing magnetic nanoparticles to carbon nanotubes dispersed in a fluid medium to form a magnetic particle-carbon nanotube composite in the fluid medium; and exposing the composite to a magnetic field effective to align the nanotubes in the fluid medium. The method for making a composite material comprising aligned carbon nanotubes comprises (1) adsorbing magnetic nanoparticles to carbon nanotubes to form a magnetic particle-carbon nanotube composite; (2) dispersing the magnetic particle-carbon nanotube composite in a fluid matrix material to form a mixture; (3) exposing the mixture to a magnetic field effective to align the nanotubes in the mixture; and (4) solidifying the fluid matrix material to form a nanotube/matrix material composite comprising the aligned nanotubes which remain aligned in the absence of said magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Florida State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Yousef Haik, Jhunu Chatterjee, Ching-Jen Chen
  • Publication number: 20100147690
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing an oxygenated fluid. In accordance with various embodiments, a flow of pressurized fluid is established. A flow of oxygen is injected into the flow of pressurized fluid to provide a fluid/oxygen mixture. The mixture is passed through a venturi assembly in the presence of a magnetic field established by an adjacent magnetic assembly. The mixture is next flowed from the venturi assembly to a gas/liquid separation tank, where a liquid component of the mixture is passed downstream with a selected dissolved oxygen content and a gas component is directed back for injection into the pressurized fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: GEIR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tore Audunson, Earl Meyer, Geir O. Eriksen
  • Publication number: 20100101957
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising at least vessel (2) for stocking conductive liquid (1) containing impurities; electromagnetic force generator (3) for generating electromagnetic force (F) capable of circulating the conductive liquid (1) in the conductive liquid (1); and discharging unit (4) for discharging nonmetallic impurities and deemed nonmetallic impurities (21a,21b) accumulated in low-pressure region (1a) by a pressure difference in conductive liquid (1) induced by the electromagnetic force (F), so that by the electromagnetic force (F), any nonmetallic impurities (21a) and deemed nonmetallic impurities (21b) are driven to the low-pressure region (1a), for example, liquid surface and separated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Hideo Araseki
  • Publication number: 20100101958
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provide at least one region of pulsed fluid treatment within a fluid treatment chamber. The instant invention prevents the formation and accumulation of contaminants within conduits and on equipment utilized in the transportation, delivery and processing of fluid columns. It may also be utilized to accelerate the separation of oil and water and increase the efficiency of oil/water separation equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Herbert W. Holland
  • Publication number: 20090283407
    Abstract: Methods of utilizing magnetic particles or beads (MBs) in droplet-based (or digital) microfluidics are disclosed. The methods may be used in enrichment or separation processes. A first method employs the droplet meniscus to assist in the magnetic collection and positioning of MBs during droplet microfluidic operations. The sweeping movement of the meniscus lifts the MBs off the solid surface and frees them from various surface forces acting on the MBs. A second method uses chemical additives to reduce the adhesion of MBs to surfaces. Both methods allow the MBs on a solid surface to be effectively moved by magnetic force. Droplets may be driven by various methods or techniques including, for example, electrowetting, electrostatic, electromechanical, electrophoretic, dielectrophoretic, electroosmotic, thermocapillary, surface acoustic, and pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Gaurav Jitendra Shah, Chang-Jin Kim
  • Publication number: 20090242407
    Abstract: For example, a coil 2 is provide on the outer side of a water pipe 1 of a water channel, water to be treated 3 is fed, and a specific alternating current having a specific frequency or a specific peak current is supplied from an AC power supply 4 to the coil 2. As a frequency of the specific alternating current, one resonant frequency is selected out of a resonant frequency group having plural resonant frequencies. A resonant magnetic field is induced in the channel by the specific peak current. An oscillating electromagnetic field induced by such a specific alternating current is imparted to the water to be treated 3 and subjecting the water to be treated 3 to electromagnetic field treatment, whereby active treated water 5 that is simply and easily and highly efficiently activated can be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: SHIGA FUNCTIONAL WATER LABORATORY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Seiki Shiga
  • Publication number: 20090229982
    Abstract: A method and system of generating a ringing magnetic pulse for the treatment of flowing liquids includes a coil and an SCR coupled in series with the coil to form a first loop. An electronic switch is coupled in series with the coil to form a second loop. An AC voltage signal is applied to the coil having first and second half-cycles. Current is conducted through the first loop during the first half-cycle when the SCR is forward biased while preventing current from conducting through the second loop. Current is conducted through the second loop during a portion of the second half-cycle while current is prevented from conducting through the first loop. Current is interrupted through the second loop during another portion of the second half-cycle upon the coil current reaching a predetermined value to interrupt current flowing through the coil, thereby generating a ringing magnetic pulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: CLEARWATER SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Wittmer, Walter F.J. Crewson
  • Publication number: 20090191594
    Abstract: A chemical reaction is conducted in a fluid of a droplet inside a reaction receptacle or on a surface of a reaction substrate. Fluctuations of a magnetic field are applied to the droplet including an aqueous solution having magnetic body particles with a hydrophilic surface, and a physical force is transmitted to the surrounding aqueous solution through the magnetic body particles. The droplet is thus moved by the physical force to conduct an operation necessary for a chemical reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tetsuo Ohashi
  • Patent number: 7482154
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus comprising a magnet adapted to create a diamagnetic force field at all points in space at which a magnetic field-field gradient product of the magnet has a value greater than or equal to a threshold value. At or above the threshold value, the diamagnetic force field induces a diamagnetic body force within a biological specimen supported within a bioreactor chamber that is disposed within the diamagnetic force field. The apparatus may alter the magnitude of the induced diamagnetic body force and may alter the direction of the induced diamagnetic body with respect to a spatial coordinate system or with respect to the direction of a secondary body force acting upon or within the biological specimen, thereby altering the vector sum of the induced diamagnetic body force and the secondary body force acting on the biological specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Natacha DePaola, Aleksandar G. Ostrogorsky
  • Publication number: 20080296157
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for handling particles (1, 2) that are suspended in a carrier liquid (3). The method includes the following steps: the carrier liquid (3) is received with the particles (1, 2) in a liquid siphoning device (10) including at least one siphoning opening (11), electrical and/or magnetic separating fields are generated in the liquid siphoning device (10), a sedimentation movement of the particles (1, 2) is created in the liquid, each particle having a sedimentation speed that depends on the action of the separating fields on the particle (1, 2) and the particles (1, 2) forming a plurality of particle fractions (5, 6) according to the sedimentation speeds thereof, and the particle fractions (5, 6) are separately extracted from the liquid siphoning device (10). The invention also relates to a handling device (100) for handling suspended particles (1, 2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: PerkinElmer Cellular Technologies Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Gunter Bauer, Torsten Muller, Thomas Schnelle
  • Publication number: 20080280262
    Abstract: The present invention provides inexpensive, safe and reliable methods and systems for enhancing the effectiveness of aqueous or non-aqueous, concentrated or non-concentrated, cleaning compositions, such as concentrated cleaning liquids, by “energizing” all, or a portion, of the water that is employed in the compositions, and/or in diluted aqueous or non-aqueous compositions, and/or of the compositions, and to enhanced cleaning compositions that are safe for use by human beings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Les W. Washington
  • Publication number: 20080219917
    Abstract: A composition of mater comprising a harmonized cluster of water molecules with Fibonacci chains between them and ordered water molecules based on hydrogen bonds that each water molecule interacts with three other water molecules having a magnetic spectra as shown in FIG. 13 or FIG. 14.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: DVB GLOBAL
    Inventor: Djuro Koruga
  • Patent number: 7413667
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for water purification has a stationary electrode opposing a movable electrode which are positioned about a passageway for the water to be purified. The stationary electrode and movable electrode form an arc gap, and the arc gap is fed with a voltage from a pulsatile power supply. The arc gap is reduced when the current is below a first threshold and increased when the current is above a second threshold, and the arc gap change is realized by controlling a motor attached to feeder rollers coupled to the movable electrode. The apparatus causes the formation of oxide nano-particles providing durable bactericidal action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventors: Alexander F. Routberg, Victoz Andreevich Kolikov, Rutbezg Philip Gzigozevich, Bzatsev Alexandz Nikoeaevich
  • Publication number: 20080190771
    Abstract: An apparatus for the magnetic treatment of a fluid which produces at least one magnetic field for a period of time, Tc at or above a critical magnetic field strength, Hc, the period Tc and the field strength Hc determined relative to one another and dependant upon the properties of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Rongjia Tao, Xiaojun Xu
  • Patent number: 7407589
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provide fluid treatment at a plurality of distinct points using a length of energized magnetically conductive conduit in fluid communication with non-magnetic coupling devices. The instant invention prevents the formation and accumulation of contaminants within conduits and on equipment utilized in the transportation, delivery and processing of fluid columns. It may also be utilized to accelerate the separation of oil and water and increase the efficiency of oil/water separation equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Herbert William Holland
  • Publication number: 20080169184
    Abstract: A microfluidic device comprising a first surface portion and a first sample retaining element, which have differing affinities to a fluid, and a method comprising supplying a sample to such a device. In some embodiments, the differing affinity is a result of plasma, ion embedding, surface charging, chemical, optical, electronic and/or electromagnetic treatment. Also, a microfluidic device comprising at least one microcapillary device having a sample retaining element, at least one surface of which exhibits hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, electromagnetic force exertion and electrostatic force exertion. Also, a microfluidic device comprising a first element having a hydrophilic pattern comprising at least a first sample retaining element. Also, a method comprising supplying a sample to a channel between a first element and a second element, and inducing in the first element at least one hydrophilic pattern by electrets or by internal or external electrodes to provide a charged surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicants: CYTONIX
    Inventors: James F. BROWN, Jonathan E. SILVER
  • Patent number: 7371327
    Abstract: What is presented is an innovative design of a chemical reactor for catalytic breakdown of halogenated hydrocarbons, the body of which acts as a specialized electromagnet capable of immobilizing and retaining very large quantities of non-magnetized ferro- dia- or para-magnetic material-containing nano, micro-, or milli-particles within it's reactor volume despite high-velocity flow of any liquid through said reactor. This is accomplished without any pre-treatment to the nanoparticles, without the use of adhesive of any sort, electroplating, electrolytic action, nano-structured nanocages, membrane or other impregnation, or any other mechanical or chemical means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth Cross
  • Publication number: 20080099391
    Abstract: A magnetic treating device includes a water container, a hose coupled to the water container with a coupling device for supplying water into the water container, and a number of magnetic members engaged onto the hose for activating the water flowing through the hose. The coupling device includes a nut member and a threaded member for securing the hose. The nut member includes a pipe for receiving the hose and for forming an annular channel between the nut member and the pipe. An outer covering may be engaged onto the hose and the magnetic members, and an activating agent may be disposed between the outer covering and the magnetic members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Hsin Ho Lin
  • Patent number: 7351341
    Abstract: This invention is to provide a method of efficiently removing scales adhered to a pipe and the like. A descaled object with scales deposited thereto is covered with a solvent at least on its scaled surface. A magnetic field is generated by supply a frequency signal to a coil, and the descaled object and the solvent are disposed within this magnetic field. Signals having frequencies that are set beforehand at every scale are supplied to the coils as the frequency signals. The frequencies of the frequency signals supplied to the coils and which are set beforehand are frequencies required when an electric current flows through the solvent which covers the scales.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignees: Royal Kiki Co., Ltd., Measurement Technical Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Tsuboi, Hajime Yuasa, Tsuneo Sugawara
  • Patent number: 7252752
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for contaminant separation utilizes an interleaved array of oppositely charged electrode plates for fluid treatment. Spacing between the parallel electrode plates is graduated so that the volume of the cavities between the opposing electrodes provides varying levels of treatment of a broad range of contaminants from a variety of fluid columns. A fluid flow path extending substantially orthogonal to the direction of the electrical field established between opposing electrode plates provides a feed stream with exposure to the varying levels of electrical charges between the electrode plates. The method and apparatus provide an effective means of contaminant separation by a device having a small footprint and requiring low amounts of electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Herbert William Holland
  • Patent number: 7217368
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating dirty water or other liquids containing particles of varying size includes a magnetic treatment unit and a centrifugal separator through which the liquid flows as a stream in sequence. The magnetic treatment unit causes very small sized particles to agglomerate, nucleate or otherwise to be amassed into larger particles which are then more easily separated by the centrifugal separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Clearwater Systems Corporation
    Inventor: John W. Lane
  • Patent number: 7033478
    Abstract: This invention is applied to any ionized solution of dissolved solids and electrolytes, such as sea water, which is forced through a conduit equipped with a magnetic wall of rectangular cross-section, which induces a magnetic field, where ions separate when passing through according to magneto-hydrodynamic physics. The conduit is made up of one continuous magnetic wall, a spiral or similar, with opposite magnetic poles on each side, where these both sides co-operate to extend magnetic fields with parallell wall in the same direction through the whole conduit. The ionized solution is pumped into the center of the spiral and further out through the spiral or similar. The charged ions in the flow stream are deflected laterally towards the open ends and as separated positive or negative ions into chambers outside the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Nils Yngve Harde
  • Patent number: 7018522
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for contaminant separation utilizes an interleaved array of oppositely charged electrode plates for fluid treatment. Spacing between the parallel electrode plates is graduated so that the volume of the cavities between the opposing electrodes provides varying levels of treatment of a broad range of contaminants from a variety of fluid columns. A fluid flow path extending substantially orthogonal to the direction of the electrical field established between opposing electrode plates provides a feed stream with exposure to the varying levels of electrical charges between the electrode plates. The method and apparatus provide an effective means of contaminant separation by a device having a small footprint and requiring low amounts of electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Herbert W. Holland
  • Patent number: 6875360
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for water softening utilising magnetic pulses is provided. The magnetic pulses are presented to a volume of water within a water conduit 6 or water container over a predetermined time period with a relaxation time period between successive predetermined time periods of action upon the volume of water. The magnetic pulses are in the range 1.6 to 6.8 KHz and generally presented in a manner whereby the frequency is ramped in discrete frequency shifts over fixed time periods through the predetermined time period in order to facilitate greater water softening action. Normally, each frequency harmonic is initiated by an initiation spike of enhanced magnetic strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventors: Anthony Edward Allen, Russell Newman
  • Patent number: 6852235
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provide fluid treatment at a plurality of distinct points using a length of energized magnetically conductive conduit in fluid communication with non-magnetic coupling devices. The instant invention prevents the formation and accumulation of contaminants within conduits and on equipment utilized in the transportation, delivery and processing of fluid columns. It may also be utilized to accelerate the separation of oil and water and increase the efficiency of oil/water separation equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Herbert W. Holland
  • Patent number: 6844378
    Abstract: A method of producing three-dimensional particle structures with enhanced magnetic susceptibility in three dimensions by applying a triaxial energetic field to a magnetic particle suspension and subsequently stabilizing said particle structure. Combinations of direct current and alternating current fields in three dimensions produce particle gel structures, honeycomb structures, and foam-like structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Martin, Robert A. Anderson, Rodney L. Williamson
  • Patent number: 6825655
    Abstract: A method for detecting changes of magnetic response of at least one magnetic particle provided with a external layer in a carrier fluid, comprising measuring the characteristic rotation time of the magnetic particle with respect to the external layer, and measuring Brownian relaxation in the carrier fluid under the influence of an external alternating magnetic field. The method implies that upon modification of the effective volume of the particle or its interaction with the carrier fluid, a hydrodynamic volume of the particle changes, which implies a change of the frequency (ƒmax) at which an out of phase component of the magnetic susceptibility has its maximum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Imego AB
    Inventors: Ana Minchole, Andrea P. Astalan, Christer Johansson, Kerstin Lagerwall-Larsson, Anatol Krozer
  • Patent number: 6821403
    Abstract: Method for cleaning and disinfecting treatment of water, during which the water is exposed to at least one electric field, whereby the electric field is a low-current field with pulsating direct voltage. Device for realization of the method which includes a source of pulsating direct voltage; two conducting elements, which are connected in a conducting manner to the source of pulsating direct voltage and which are arranged to achieve a low-current field with pulsating direct voltage between them; together with a device for changing in a time-dependent manner the direction of direct voltage. Device for realization of the method which includes a source of a rectified pulsating magnetic field and a conducting element, which is arranged in the pulsating magnetic field such that, during operation of the device, an electric field is produced around the conducting element by electromagnetic induction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: Anders Lundquist
  • Patent number: 6787043
    Abstract: A water purification system and method using an ionizer and an ozonation treatment for ionization, oxidation and/or decomposition of undegradeable contaminants is disclosed. A high electron-inducing voltage is first applied to the water in the ionizer so that undergradeable materials are ionized and/pr decomposed, then the water is mixed with ozone so the water is purified to be potable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Moon-Ki Cho
    Inventors: Moon-Ki Cho, Han-Young Kang
  • Patent number: 6783687
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating ions from a stream of fluid containing ions. A magnetic field and an electrostatic field are established across a processing zone through which the fluid stream flows so that the flow vector of the fluid stream, the flux lines of the magnetic field, and the vector of the electrostatic field are mutually orthogonal. The resulting high and low ion effluents may be further processed. No thermal input is required. No vacuum, reverse osmosis or reduced pressure distillation is involved. Large volumes of fluid may be processed at relatively low cost. The disclosed method and apparatus is suitable for desalinating seawater, or for removing arsenic or other contaminants from ground water, to produce potable water. Additionally, the invention permits the recovery of valuable constituents from ground or sea water; precious metals may be recovered from sea water and gypsum may be collected from ground water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Gordon L. Richard
  • Patent number: 6768109
    Abstract: An apparatus for the separation of oppositely charged ions comprises a body including an inlet fluidly coupled to a first outlet and a second outlet. A flow director including a discharge is disposed in the body between the inlet and the first and second outlets. The flow director is configured to fluidly couple the inlet and the first and second outlets. The flow director discharge is proximate to the first and second outlets. A magnetic field is orthogonal to the flow director discharge and the magnetic field is located between the flow director and the first and second outlets. The magnetic field is configured to separate the oppositely charged ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: 6×7 Visioneering, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Brokaw, Thomas E. Brokaw