Abstract: An apparatus (1) for feeding a user machine (3) with particulate products, such as products for infusion like tea, chamomile and herbal teas in general, comprises a hopper (2) for dispensing the product and means (40; 7) for transferring the product from the hopper (2) to the user machine (3). The hopper (2) includes a feed body (4), with vertical walls (5), having an outlet opening (6) at its lower end. The transfer means (40) comprise a motor-driven, endless conveyor (7) facing the outlet opening (6). The apparatus also comprises adjustment means (50; 10, 11, 30) for adjusting the gap between the endless conveyor (7) and the outlet opening (6) according to the characteristics of the product feeding out the hopper (2).

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for separating non-magnetic mineral values from a source containing magnetic material and non magnetic material. The apparatus includes first and second conveyers in overlying relation which counter-rotate relative to one another. One of the conveyers includes a magnetic assembly which cooperates with paddles on the upper conveyer to progressively isolate values from magnetic material. Multiple stages are provided for intermittent magnetic interactions such that the non-magnetic materials are effectively isolated from the magnetic materials.

Abstract: The magnetic separator has a tank with a pair of dual conveyor chains, spaced apart, at opposite sides of the tank. A plurality of frames with spaced apart magnetic rods are suspended from the conveyor chains in a manner allowing the frames to swivel and always hang vertically as the chains traverse their endless path. The liquid in the tank flows through the frames and ferrous particles are attracted to the magnetic rods. The rods are cleaned and the ferrous particles removed at a wiping station. Each frame has a scraping edge which contacts the bottom of the tank and drags out the non-magnetic particulate which has separated from the liquid.

Abstract: A magnetic sector for charged particle beam transport that includes a magnetic field profile that achieves a linear dispersion from a collimated beam of charged particles proportional to their mass-energy-to-charge ratio. In one embodiment, the field profile necessary for the linear dispersion is obtained by the use of shaped, highly permeable poles powered by permanent magnets or electromagnetic coils.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for separating, immobilizing, and quantifying biological substances from within a fluid medium. Biological substances are observed by employing a vessel (6) having a chamber therein, the vessel comprising a transparent collection wall (5). A high internal gradient magnetic capture structure may be on the transparent collection wall (5), magnets (3) create an externally-applied force for transporting magnetically responsive material toward the transparent collection wall (5). The magnetic capture structure comprises a plurality of ferromagnetic members and has a uniform or non-uniform spacing between adjacent members. There may be electrical conductor means supported on the transparent collection wall (5) for enabling electrical manipulation of the biological substances. The chamber has one compartment or a plurality of compartments with differing heights. The chamber may include a porous wall.

Abstract: A ferrous metal object separator is removably attachable to a conveyor which transports a moving stream of non-ferrous material (e.g. wood chips) in which some ferrous metal objects (e.g. screws, nuts, broken machinery parts, spikes, nails, steel filings, steel chips, etc.) may be commingled. The separator, which has a non-ferrous body, has an inclined surface extending upwardly from a leading edge to an abrupt trailing edge. A separating magnet embedded adjacent the separator's trailing edge magnetically retains the ferrous metal objects without substantially impeding transport of the non-ferrous material along the conveyor. A fastening magnet embedded in the separator removably magnetically fastens the separator on the conveyor.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to eliminate vibrations and resonances, occurring in the constructional system in a device with a motor-driven system for the separation of non-magnetisable metals, in particular non-ferrous metals and the ferrous fractions in a solids mixture, by means of a drum (2) mounted on and rotating about a stator (1), within which a magnetic rotor (4) fitted with permanent magnets (3) is eccentrically arranged and mounted on said stator (1). Said aim is achieved whereby the stator (1) is provided with a balance weight (1.1) for mass balance.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for separating, immobilizing, and quantifying biological substances from within a fluid medium. Biological substances are observed by employing a vessel having a chamber therein, the vessel comprising a transparent collection wall. A high internal gradient magnetic capture structure may be on the transparent collection wall, magnets create an externally-applied force for transporting magnetically responsive material toward the transparent collection wall. The magnetic capture structure comprises a plurality of ferromagnetic members and has a uniform or non-nonuniform spacing between adjacent members. There may be electrical conductor means supported on the transparent collection wall for enabling electrical manipulation of the biological substances. The chamber has one compartment or a plurality of compartments with differing heights. The chamber may include a porous wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic sorting compression machine for iron, aluminum cans and plastic bottles. An inlet is provided atop the main body of the present invention. At least one detecting switch is arranged in a preset position of the inlet. A receptacle is disposed under the inlet. A one-way outlet and a two-way outlet are fitted at the front and rear ends of the receptacle. An exit selector controlled by a change-over magnetic valve is disposed at the two-way outlet. A container is placed under each of the three channels of the outlets. The press shaft of a spindle passes through the receptacle. The press shaft is fitted with an electrified magnet and an electrified pole at the front end thereof while another electrified pole opposite to the electrified pole is mounted in preset position of the main body. A microswitch is disposed in the farthest position of the press shaft being drawn back.

Abstract: An eddy current separator apparatus for separating non-ferrous metals from other materials. The apparatus includes a support frame and a table cantileverly suspended from the frame. An expansion and contraction mechanism is incorporated that is adapted to accept a continuous conveyor belt thereabout. The expansion and contraction mechanism is capable of being configured between an operating configuration and maintenance configuration. A continuous conveyor belt is constructed to be able to be looped about the expansion and contraction mechanism and the table such that the conveyor belt is drawn tight in the operating configuration and slackened in the maintenance configuration. In this manner, the continuous conveyor belt is easily removable from, and installable onto the table in the maintenance configuration.

Abstract: Water to be treated is passed through a membrane (net), magnetic floc positioned in a portion below a level of the water to be treated is deposited to a surface of the membrane, and the surface of the membrane with the magnetic floc deposited is moved to an atmospheric portion above the level of the water to be treated. In the atmospheric portion, excess water from the magnetic floc flows downward due to gravity to concentrate the magnetic floc. A permanent magnet is located near a position to which the membrane surface with the magnetic floc deposited thereon moves. There are further provided between the magnet and the membrane surface a moving body (shell) formed by a non-magnetic material, a spatula for scraping the magnetic floc from the moving body, and a sludge vessel in which a released magnetic floc is recovered.

Abstract: A magnetic sector for charged particle beam transport that includes a magnetic field profile that achieves a linear dispersion from a collimated beam of charged particles proportional to their mass-energy-to-charge ratio. In one embodiment, the field profile necessary for the linear dispersion is obtained by the use of shaped, highly permeable poles powered by permanent magnets or electromagnetic coils.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating mixed particles divides the material to be sorted into constituent fractions comprising non-ferromagnetic particles of different electrical conductance. The particles are fed onto a conveyor, e.g. a conveyor belt that linearly moves the particles in a given direction. A rotating magnetic system is arranged below and/or above the conveyor belt. The rotary direction of the magnetic system is chosen so that the direction of movement of the surface of the magnetic system and the direction of movement of the surface of the conveyor belt are different. The fractions of non-ferromagnetic particles that are electrically charged to varying degrees are thereby divided between a plurality of collecting containers.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting, transporting and releasing ferrous debris from a floor is disclosed. The apparatus includes a magnet movable between a lowered and a raised position to provide a sufficient magnetic field intensity to capture debris from the floor in the lowered position and to permit gravity induced separation of the debris in the raised position. The magnet may be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing ferrite particles from a material flow introduced into the apparatus. The apparatus has a housing supporting a magnetized roller with which the material flow is brought into contact with to extract the ferrite particles. The roller has an outer surface which extracts and captures the entrained ferrite particles along a highly magnetized pathway formed by a spiral extending along and circumventing a portion of the outer surface of the roller. The spiral can be an exposed magnetic pole exerting a radial magnetic force induced from a magnet core in contact with the spiral on entrained ferrous particles in the material flow, thus attracting the particles to the magnetic poles on the pathway.

Abstract: In a high gradient magnetic separator with a separation zone consisting of a matrix of parallel magnetic wires arranged in parallel planes and channels formed by a non-magnetic material and extending in each plane between adjacent parallel magnetic wires for conducting a fluid including magnetic particles through the matrix, and a magnetizing structure disposed adjacent the matrix for generating a magnetic field with field lines which extend essentially normal to the parallel planes, separating walls are disposed in parts of the channels in the area ahead of the end of the magnetic field generated in the matrix and adjacent the flow exit end of the matrix so as to extend parallel to the planes and normal to the magnetic field lines and form partial flow channels receiving partial fluid flows of magnetic particle-enriched and, respectively, magnetic particle-depleted flow volumes.

Abstract: A highly sensitive assay is disclosed which combines immunomagnetic enrichment with multiparameter flow cytometric and immunocytochemical analysis to detect, enumerate and characterize carcinoma cells in the blood. The assay can detect one epithelial cell or less in 1 ml of blood and has a greater sensitivity than conventional PCR or immunohistochemistry by 1-2 orders of magnitude. In addition, the assay facilitates the biological characterization and staging of carcinoma cells.

Abstract: An eddy current separator apparatus for separating non-ferrous metals from other materials. The apparatus includes a support frame and a table cantileverly suspended from the frame. An expansion and contraction mechanism is incorporated that is adapted to accept a continuous conveyor belt thereabout. The expansion and contraction mechanism is capable of being configured between an operating configuration and maintenance configuration. A continuous conveyor belt is constructed to be able to be looped about the expansion and contraction mechanism and the table such that the conveyor belt is drawn tight in the operating configuration and slackened in the maintenance configuration. In this manner, the continuous conveyor belt is easily removable from, and installable onto the table in the maintenance configuration.

Abstract: A system and method for manipulating magnetically responsive particles in a solution to separate nucleic acid molecules from cell components in a cell solution. The system and method employ a device capable of receiving a plurality of tubes, each of which contain respective sample and magnetically responsive particles. The device includes heating and cooling devices to facilitate a lysing step to release the nucleic acid molecules from the cells in the cell solution. The device further includes moveable magnets which can be moved proximate to and away from the tube to hold the magnetically responsive particles to which the nucleic acid molecules become bound, so that the molecule-bound particles can be separated from the remainder of the solution, and washed as appropriate. The system also employs an electromagnet which is capable of demagnetizing the particles to allow the particles to freely mix with solution, such as elution solutions which are used to unbind the molecules from the particles.

Abstract: A tracking system employs a strip of readily magnetizable material adhered to at least one edge of a conveyor belt used with a magnetic roll separator. The magnetic field produced by the head roller of the conveyor belt produces a continuous centering force which acts on the easily magnetized material providing proper tracking for the conveyor belt. The readily magnetizable material can be attached directly to either surface of the belt, have an edge portion of the belt wrapped around it or, in the form of a woven wire mesh, have the belt integrated into it by vulcanization. The strip of material may be continuous or intermittent.

Abstract: The performance of a gravity separator is enhanced by providing a magnetic material on the separation surface of the gravity separator. A magnetically enhanced gravity concentration/separation apparatus is provided for enhancing separation of a target feed material from remaining feed materials in a feed mixture having a transport medium and feed materials which comprise the target feed material and the remaining feed materials. The target feed material is magnetic and generally has a higher specific gravity than any magnetic feed materials contained in the remaining feed materials. The separating apparatus comprises a gravity separator including a separation surface on which to flow the feed mixture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for magnetically separating magnetizable particles from a mixture of magnetizable and nonmagnetizable particles of similar size and density by passing the particles through a magnetic field generated by a cylindrical coil around the outside of the column of the separator, and enhanced by a ferrous metal mass or ring within the column located generally centrally of the coil.

Abstract: An eddy current separator apparatus for separating non-ferrous metals from other materials. The apparatus includes a support frame and a table cantileverly suspended from the frame. An expansion and contraction mechanism is incorporated that is adapted to accept a continuous conveyor belt thereabout. The expansion and contraction mechanism is capable of being configured between an operating configuration and maintenance configuration. A continuous conveyor belt is constructed to be able to be looped about the expansion and contraction mechanism and the table such that the conveyor belt is drawn tight in the operating configuration and slackened in the maintenance configuration. In this manner, the continuous conveyor belt is easily removable from, and installable onto the table in the maintenance configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating mixed particles divides the material to be sorted into constituent fractions comprising non-ferromagnetic particles of different electrical conductance. The particles are fed onto a conveyor, e.g. a conveyor belt which linearly moves the particles in a given direction. A rotating magnetic system is arranged below and/or above the conveyor belt. The rotary direction of the magnetic system is chosen so that the direction of movement of the surface of the magnetic system and the direction of movement of the surface of the conveyor belt are different. The fractions of non-ferromagnetic particles which are electrically charged to varying degrees, are thereby divided between a plurality of collecting containers.

Abstract: A force field separator which utilizes magnetic fields to separate materials which are sensitive to those forces. As a magnetic separator it separates paramagnetic and diamagnetic materials with lower strength fields. It employs small sectional area rods which generate high field gradients between adjacent rods which are oriented at an angle to the flow direction inside an elongate housing which contains the fluid stream. The separation forces are a resultant of the force propelling the fluid through the housing and the field forces produced by the field gradients. The resultant force direction is towards multiple openings along the outside length of the housing where a separate plenum flow of separated materials is created.

Abstract: A magnetic sector for charged particle beam transport that includes a magnetic field profile that achieves a linear dispersion from a collimated beam of charged particles proportional to their mass-energy-to-charge ratio. In one embodiment, the field profile necessary for the linear dispersion is obtained by the use of shaped, highly permeable poles powered by permanent magnets or electromagnetic coils.

Abstract: An apparatus for observation of magnetically labeled cells comprises an arrangement of magnets that are configured in confrontation across a horizontal gap. The magnets are further configured to produce a substantially uniform vertically-directed gradient in the gap. A sample vessel containing a fluid sample is positioned in the gap in order to allow the vertical gradient to cause collection of magnetically-labeled species on the interior upper surface of the vessel. The vessel is preferably transparent to allow observation of the collected species.

Abstract: A magnetic system and apparatus having a multi-dimensional gradient for continuous, on-line separation of components from a mixture of chemical entities which comprises at least one separation chamber with a plurality of channels and a plurality of magnets, and a method is provided for continuously and magnetically separating and treating components of a mixture of chemical entities using a multi-dimensional-gradient.

Abstract: A magnetic system and apparatus having a multi-dimensional gradient for continuous, on-line separation of components from a mixture of chemical entities which comprises at least one separation chamber with a plurality of channels and a plurality of magnets, and a method is provided for continuously and magnetically separating and treating components of a mixture of chemical entities using a multi-dimensional gradient.

Abstract: Provided is a magnetic separation device comprising a container having one or more outer surfaces; at least one magnetic sheet; and a physical coupler that is used to detachably secure the container to the magnetic sheet.

Abstract: Provided is a magnetic separation device comprising a container having one or more outer surfaces; at least one flexible magnetic sheet; and a non-permanent adhesive that is used to detachably secure an outer surface of the container to a flexible magnetic sheet.

Abstract: A magnetic system and apparatus having a multi-dimensional gradient for continuous, on-line separation of components from a mixture of chemical entities which comprises at least one separation chamber with a plurality of channels and a plurality of magnets, and a method is provided for continuously and magnetically separating and treating components of a mixture of chemical entities using a multi-dimensional gradient.

Abstract: Improvements in the existing procedures and materials for conduct of high gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) are disclosed. The use of plastic coated matrices especially small spheres or balls which form superior magnetic gradient-intensifying supports are disclosed, along with improved methods and apparatus to conduct HGMS. The selection of small spheres in combination with the coating provides for uniform matrices of high stability.

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 magnetic separation apparatus which coagulates substances to be removed in liquid by adding magnetic substances and a flocculent to liquid to be treated and adsorbs and captures the thus obtained magnetic aggregates by utilizing magnetic field of magnetic substances which move relative to the liquid to be treated, and other magnetic separation apparatus comprising a magnetic filter which contains charging magnetic metallic elements placed in a magnetic field and which magnetically adsorbs and captures the magnetic aggregates, are appropriately combined to remove the magnetic aggregates from the liquid to be treated with good efficiency. Substances to be removed in liquid can be removed with further good efficiency by employing a method of separating the magnetic aggregates separated by the magnetic filter from liquid with a centrifugal separator.

Abstract: A process for the qualitative and/or quantitative determination of an analyte in a sample. The process includes providing a sample containing an analyte of interest in a liquid phase, providing at least one reagent having super-paramagnetic reactive metal particles linked to a substance that binds to the analyte, contacting the sample and the reagent to allow binding of the analyte in the sample and the reagent, applying a magnetic field to the mixture of sample and reagent, and detecting the presence of the analyte in the sample. The device includes a support for the sample and reagent, means for contacting the sample and reagent, magnetic means for confining and separating the analyte from the other components of the sample, and detection means for qualitative and/or quantitative measurement of the analyte.

Abstract: In a vacuum housing (1), an inner duct (17) is disposed. Quadrupole magnets (superconducting coils) (4) is placed around the inner duct (17) is excited by a DC power supply (10). Quadrupole magnets (4) are cooled by liquid helium contained in a helium housing and outer tubes (2, 3) and is brought into a superconducting state. Pulverized coal X is ejected together with air Y from a header (11) through piping (12) and a valve (13) to a baffle plate (14). Pulverized coal is made to fall into the inner duct (3). Paramagnetic materials such as ash are attracted by magnetic force to the tube and are then collected by a collection tube (26). Combustible diamagnetic materials are collected by a combustible collecting tube (18) extending in the central axis. Intermediate materials are collected by an intermediate collection tube (23) and are put back to the head (11) through a bypass tube (25). There are no mechanical parts in the inner duct (3). Consequently, rotation loss and eddy-current heating are prevented.

Abstract: A magnetic separator for separating magnetisable particles from a slurry is described. The separator includes means for establishing a magnetic field (10) in a separation zone. At least one separation chamber (12) with an inlet and outlet containing a fluid permeable magnetizable separating packing material, and, at least one compensating chamber (4) containing a magnetizable compensating packing, are linked and are movable such that movement of the separation chamber or chambers into the separation zone results in movement of the compensating chamber or chambers out of the separation zone and vice-versa. The magnetization characteristics and/or the demagnetization factors of the separating and compensating packings are substantially the same.

Abstract: A species such as a microorganism, e.g. Legionella, Giardia or Cryptosporidium, is captured by first attracting plastic coated magneticbeads or other magnetically attractable particles to a solid support such as stainless steel mesh, which particles have a selective affinity for the species, e.g. by virtue of an antibody coating, and contacting a sample containing the species with the particles on the solid support. The beads bearing the captured species may be released by reduction of the magnetic attraction of the support for the beads, e.g. by turning off an electromagnet used to magnetize the support.

Abstract: A super-conducting magnet includes a vessel (8) defining a separation zone through which material to be separated passes. The magnet includes a super-conducting coil (4) located in the vessel and surrounding the separation zone for providing a magnetic field therein. A tube (6) holds the coil and liquid helium to provide a liquid helium reservoir around the coil. At least one radiation shield (12) is positioned between the tube and the vessel. The magnet is a closed system with no helium circulation from the reservoir to outside the vessel and back and the tube is sized to provide a reservoir of sufficient capacity for operation without helium addition for a number of months, preferably a year. A helium reliquifier (46) is positioned in the neck assembly (16), and a non-return valve (49) is located on the neck assembly for release of helium gas from the reservoir.

Abstract: A method for separation of a mixture of biological entities into at least three distinct, subpopulations. Different antibodies are provided, with each antibody bound to a solid support in a unique manner such that by a manipulation of the physical or chemical environment, the bonds between the antibodies and the solid supports can be selectively broken. The mixed population of cells is incubated with the antibodies. The cells are magnetically separated from a test medium and collected in a monolayer upon a collection surface. Then by manipulation of the physicochemical environment, specific linkages can be broken and desired cell subpopulations released from the collection surface. This method has medically significant diagnostic and therapeutic applications, as entire cell types can be separated from non-malignant medically vital cell types. Cancer can be diagnosed, staged, and monitored. Genetic analysis from maternal blood, CVS, or amniocentesis samples is possible.

Abstract: It is often important for medical purposes to obtain nucleated fetal cells during pregnancy. For example, the procedures of amniocentesis or chrionic villae extraction are carried out for this purpose. But these methods are invasive, and carry a small but positive risk to the patient, and are complicated to perform. On the other hand, the purpose of my invention is to obtain nucleated fetal cells (fetal nucleated reticulocytes) from maternal blood, which eliminates the need for invasive methods. There are a small number of nucleated fetal red blood cells (reticulocytes) in maternal blood and my invention is a method and apparatus for separating these fetal cells from maternal blood.

Abstract: Optimized utilization of combinations of fluid catalyst magnetic separator, classifier, and/or attriter can be used to achieve lower catalyst cost, and better catalyst activity and selectivity through control of metal-on-catalyst, particle size and particle size distribution. This process is especially useful when processing high metal-containing feedstocks. This provides a catalyst recovery unit (RCU.TM.) ancillary to an FCC or similar unit.

Abstract: A magnetic drum separator for separating components having different magnetic properties out of an aggregate material employs a drum rotatably driven on a longitudinal axis. The drum has a cylindrical shell sidewall to have an open interior wherein a magnetic array is disposed. The magnetic array is formed by a plurality of longitudinally extending and circumferentially spaced ferromagnetic bars. A first magnet is disposed between each pair of circumjacent bars, and circumjacent first magnets have similar magnetic poles facing the bar located therebetween. Second magnets extends longitudinally and a second magnet is located radially inwardly of each of a majority of the bars. Circumjacent second magnets have oppositely oriented polarities, all in the radial direction, and each second magnet has a similar pole facing the respective bar as those of the first magnets. The array is supported by an arcuate support plate and a pair of brackets secured to a rigid shaft about which the drum rotates.

Abstract: Improvements in the existing procedures and materials for conduct of high gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) are disclosed. Superior superparamagnetic particles, optionally coated with a polysaccharide or other, usually organic, materials can be prepared in uniform compositions with homogeneous magnetizations. The coating can conveniently be conjugated to a specific binding moiety complementary to a biological material whose purification or separation is desired. In addition, plastic coated matrices which form superior magnetic gradient-intensifying supports are disclosed, along with improved methods and apparatus to conduct HGMS.

Abstract: A material separator apparatus having a continuous conveyor belt for support and transportation of materials to be separated and a motor to rotate the conveyor belt. The apparatus includes an electromagnet within the continuous belt to produce a magnetic field at the belt. An alternating current drives the electromagnet. This produces a magnetic field which in turn induces an eddy current in the materials to be separated. The eddy currents form the basis of a repulsive force which will produce different material trajectories based on the material properties such as conductivity and permeability. The wave form of the driving current is controlled to improve repulsive efficiency and help assist in differentiating among several classes of materials.

Abstract: Improvements in the existing procedures and materials for conduct of high gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) are disclosed. Superior superparamagnetic particles, optionally coated with a polysaccharide or other, usually organic, materials can be prepared in uniform compositions with homogeneous magnetizations. The coating can conveniently be conjugated to a specific binding moiety complementary to a biological material whose purification or separation is desired. In addition, plastic coated matrices which form superior magnetic gradient-intensifying supports are disclosed, along with improved methods and apparatus to conduct HGMS.

Abstract: Improvements in the existing procedures and materials for conduct of high gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) are disclosed. Superior superparamagnetic particles, optionally coated with a polysaccharide or other, usually organic, materials can be prepared in uniform compositions with homogeneous magnetizations. The coating can conveniently be conjugated to a specific binding moiety complementary to a biological material whose purification or separation is desired. In addition, plastic coated matrices which form superior magnetic gradient-intensifying supports are disclosed, along with improved methods and apparatus to conduct HGMS.

Abstract: A magnetic field separation system includes a magnet unit having first and second pole members forming a linear gap with a relatively high magnetic field density therebetween. A flow chamber comprised of first and second optically transparent slides mounted so as to define a generally planar fluid pathway therebetween, passes a biological fluid over the linear gap at an angle, with flow through the pathway being accomplished by gravity and capillary action. Biological fluid, when sensitized to magnetic reaction, passes through the fluid pathway, thereby resulting in perceivable separation of the sensitized particles.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for separating magnetized particles from biological fluids. Cells such as cancer cells coated with magnetized particles can be separated from uncoated healthy cells. A fluid mixture of cancer cells, healthy cells and magnetizable particles is introduced into a container such as a disposable blood bag which is attached in a cassette on an underlying plane magnetic plane that provides a magnetic field. Incubation is carried out during which the cancer cells become coated with the magnetizable particles. The magnetic field pulls the coated cells down towards the bottom of the bag and anchors them, and uncoated healthy cells are removed from the bag. The separated uncoated healthy cells may be advanced through a final separation unit where any loose magnetizable particles are removed. There is provided means for adjusting vertical distance between the cassette and the magnetic plane and for agitating fluid within the container attached to the cassette.