Abstract: In one embodiment, a multiprotocol interface includes a physical layer transmitter unit configured to transmit data from synchronous media access control layer units and asynchronous media access control layer units. The multiprotocol interface also includes a physical layer receiver unit configured to receive data and to deliver the received data to the synchronous media access control layer units and the asynchronous media access control layer units. The physical layer transmitter unit and the physical layer receiver unit are both configured to operate in either an asynchronous mode or a synchronous mode. The physical layer transmitter unit and the physical layer receiver unit transmit and receive only with the asynchronous media access control units, and physical layer transmitter unit and the physical layer receiver unit transmit and receive only with the synchronous media access control units.

Abstract: An apparatus causes magnetic separation of a first component having relatively strongly magnetic properties from a mixture containing it and at least one other component having relatively weak magnetic properties. Included are a rotatable magnetic source configured for generation of a predetermined non-uniform magnetic field at a predetermined distance from an axis of rotation of the magnetic source, thereby creating a magnetic field region while rotating in a first predetermined direction, and also a rotatable shell mounted around the magnetic source. The rotatable shell is configured for rotating concentrically with the magnetic source in a second predetermined direction to form a conveying channel within the magnetic field region. The conveying channel is configured for conveying the first component within the magnetic field region owing to the attraction of the first component to the exterior surface of the rotatable tubular shell by the magnetic field developed by the rotatable magnetic source.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for automated isolation of selected analytes, to which magnetically-responsive solid supports are bound, from other components of a sample. An apparatus for performing an automated magnetic separation procedure includes a mechanism for effecting linear movement of a magnet between operative and non-operative positions with respect to a receptacle device. A receptacle holding station within which a receptacle device may be temporarily stored prior to moving the receptacle to the apparatus for performing magnetic separation includes magnets for applying a magnetic field to the receptacle device held therein, thereby drawing at least a proton of the magnetically-responsive solid supports out of suspension before the receptacle device is moved to the magnetic separation station. An automated receptacle transport mechanism moves the receptacle devices between the apparatus for performing magnetic separation and the receptacle holding station.

Abstract: A device for separating ferromagnetic particles from a suspension may include a tubular reactor through which the suspension can flow and which has an inlet and an outlet, and a means for generating a magnetic field, which means is designed to generate a magnetic travelling field which acts on the reactor.

Abstract: A separating device for separating a mixture of magnetizable and non-magnetizable particles present in a suspension conducted in a separating channel, has a ferromagnetic yoke, which is arranged on one side of the separating channel and made of sheet metal and which has at least one magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic deflecting field and a separating element arranged at the exit of the separating channel for separating the magnetic particles, wherein the magnetic field generator provided is a coil arrangement, having coils which can be controlled via a control device in grooves of the yoke along the separating channel such that a deflecting magnetic field, particularly a travelling wave, deflecting substantially toward the yoke; and being variable in terms of time is produced, having substantially field-free regions passing over the entire length of the separating channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and separating magnetic particles in a liquid comprises a holder having a plurality of apertures configured as an array of rows and columns and a plurality of containers capable of receiving liquid containing magnetic particles, each container being sized to be placed in one of the apertures; plural magnets capable of being moved relative to the containers between a first position and a second position to change the position of the magnets and magnetic particles in the container; and a drive mechanism for moving the magnets between positions at a sufficiently high speed that the particles do not settle down due to gravitational forces during motion between the first and second positions.

Abstract: Device for the separation of magnetic particles from a liquid, comprising a first vessel (10), a second vessel (20), a connecting surface (11, 21, 30; 200) that runs from the interior of the first vessel (10) to the interior of the second vessel (20), at least one magnet (40) for the provision of a magnetic field, and a guide element (50) by means of which the magnetic field can be guided along one side of the connecting surface (11, 21, 30; 200).

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for automated isolation of selected analytes, to which magnetically-responsive solid supports are bound, from other components of a sample. An apparatus for performing an automated magnetic separation procedure includes a mechanism for effecting linear movement of a magnet between operative and non-operative positions with respect to a receptacle device. A receptacle holding station within which a receptacle device may be temporarily stored prior to moving the receptacle to the apparatus for performing magnetic separation includes magnets for applying a magnetic field to the receptacle device held therein, thereby drawing at least a proton of the magnetically-responsive solid supports out of suspension before the receptacle device is moved to the magnetic separation station. An automated receptacle transport mechanism moves the receptacle devices between the apparatus for performing magnetic separation and the receptacle holding station.

Abstract: Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) requires high-performing tracer materials that are highly magnetic monodispersed particles with fast remagnetization behavior. Known separation techniques only allow for fractionation of magnetic particles based on differences in magnetic volume. Proposed is a separation method, which allows for separation of magnetic particles with respect to their dynamic response onto an oscillating high gradient magnetic field.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and separating magnetic particles in a liquid comprises a holder having a plurality of apertures configured as an array of rows and columns and a plurality of containers capable of receiving liquid containing magnetic particles, each container being sized to be placed in one of the apertures; plural magnets capable of being moved relative to the containers between a first position and a second position to change the position of the magnets and magnetic particles in the container; and a drive mechanism for moving the magnets between positions at a sufficiently high speed that the particles do not settle down due to gravitational forces during motion between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A method of removing iron from waste slag from a steel producing furnace that reduces the size of the waste slag to slag particles in a reduction zone. The slag particles are advanced along a conveyor in a first direction. A first and second magnet are positioned adjacent the conveyor to remove slag particles that have a sufficient iron content to be attached by the first and second magnets. A first removal belt is advanced between the first magnet and the conveyor to remove slag particles removed from the conveyor by the first magnet. A second removal belt is advanced between the second magnet and the conveyor to remove slag particles removed from the conveyor by the second magnet. A first and second separation screens are positioned along the conveyor to remove particles not removed by the first or second magnets that are small enough to pass through the first and second separation screens.

Abstract: The disclosed device is directed toward an apparatus for the separation of ions. The apparatus for the separation of ions comprises a vessel including an inlet fluidly coupled to an outlet. A magnetic field is applied substantially orthogonal to the flow of the fluid. The magnetic field applies a force that separates the oppositely charged ions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying out the affinity separation of a target substance from a liquid test medium by mixing magnetic particles having surface immobilized ligand or receptor within the test medium to promote an affinity binding reaction between the ligand and the target substance. The test medium with the magnetic particles in a suitable container is removably mounted in an apparatus that creates a magnetic field gradient in the test medium. This magnetic gradient is used to induce the magnetic particles to move, thereby effecting mixing. The mixing is achieved either by movement of a magnet relative to a stationary container or movement of the container relative to a stationary magnet. In either case, the magnetic particles experience a continuous angular position change with the magnet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying out the affinity separation of a target substance from a liquid test medium by mixing magnetic particles having surface immobilized ligand or receptor within the test medium to promote an affinity binding reaction between the ligand and the target substance. The test medium with the magnetic particles in a suitable container is removably mounted in an apparatus that creates a magnetic field gradient in the test medium. This magnetic gradient is used to induce the magnetic particles to move, thereby effecting mixing. The mixing is achieved either by movement of a magnet relative to a stationary container or movement of the container relative to a stationary magnet. In either case, the magnetic particles experience a continuous angular position change with the magnet.

Abstract: A device for separating ions from a fluid stream is disclosed. The device includes multiple chambers in fluid communication with one another. A first chamber has an inlet, and a last chamber has an outlet. The inlets and outlets of intermediate chambers are connected to one another so that fluid flows in a circular pattern through each chamber. A magnetic field extends through the chambers perpendicular to the flow. The magnetic field induces a force on the ions, moving ions of one polarity to ward the center of the chambers and ions of the opposite polarity toward the periphery of the chambers. Each chamber has an outlet for drawing fluid from the chamber center. The circulation direction reverses in each chamber allowing both positive and negative ions to exit via the outlets. Fluid of reduced ion concentration exits the outlet channel.

Abstract: A separation operation for particles includes loading particles of various sizes and responsive to electromagnetic forces into a starting position upon a separation collection component, sending a first current through a first set of conductors in a first direction drawing a subset of larger particles toward a first adjacent position to the starting position and sending successively lower currents compared to the first current through a second set of conductors in the first direction drawing a subset of smaller particles toward a second adjacent position to the starting position. A collection operation includes sending a lower current through a first set of conductors near a subset of smaller particles that forces the smaller particles into a first particle collection point and sending a higher current through the second set of conductors to collect a subset of larger particles into a second particle collection point.

Abstract: A device for separating high mass to charge particles (M1) from low mass to charge particles (M2) in a plasma includes a cylindrical wall that surrounds a chamber and defines an axis. Rectangular shaped coils are mounted on the wall to establish a magnetic field, B0, in the chamber that is aligned substantially perpendicular to the axis and which rotates about the axis. Circularly shaped coils are provided to generate a time-constant, axially aligned magnetic field, Bz, in the chamber. Passive, ring-shaped electrodes are positioned at the ends of the wall and connected to resistors which are then grounded. The rotating magnetic field, B0, rotates the plasma in the axially aligned magnetic field, Bz, which in turn, induces a radially oriented electric field, Er, in the chamber. The crossed fields (i.e. Er×Bz) cause the particles, M1, to strike the wall while the particles, M2, transit through the chamber.

Abstract: A material separator includes a chamber and electrode(s) to create a radially oriented electric field in the chamber. Coils are provided to generate a magnetic field in the chamber. The separator further includes a launcher to propagate a high-frequency electromagnetic wave into the chamber to convert the material into a multi-species plasma. With the crossed electric and magnetic fields, low mass ions in the multi-species plasma are placed on small orbit trajectories and exit through the end of the chamber while high mass ions are placed on large orbit trajectories for capture at the wall of the chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of magnetic or magnetizable particles, and, in particular, to methods of mixing magnetic or (super)paramagnetic particles efficiently with a fluid and the separation of the magnetic particles from a fluid, optionally followed by resuspension of the particles in another fluid. The present invention provides a method of mixing, in one or more container(s), magnetic or (super)paramagnetic particles with a fluid, using more than one magnets, whereby the containers are subjected to magnetic fields with different and changing directions by moving the magnets with respect to the position of the container(s) and/or by moving the containers with respect to the positions of the magnets. The invention further provided a device for doing the same.

Abstract: An isotope separator includes a cylindrical chamber having first and second ends, and a length “L.” Inside the chamber, an E×B field is applied to produce plasma rotation. The energy in the plasma rotation is chosen to be much higher than the electron temperature which is clamped by radiation. As the plasma then transits the chamber through the length “L”, the electrons cool the thermal temperature of the isotope ions while maintaining the rotation. Under these conditions, the minority and majority isotopes become substantially separated from each other before they exit the chamber. To achieve this result, E×B is determined using mathematically derived expressions and, in compliance with these parameters, the length “L” of the chamber is determined so that the plasma residence time in the chamber, &tgr;1, will be greater than the cooling time, &tgr;2 (&tgr;1>&tgr;2) necessary to affect isotope separation.

Abstract: A high throughput plasma mass filter includes a substantially cylindrical shaped plasma chamber with structures for generating a magnetic field (B) that is crossed with an electric field (E) in the chamber (E×B). An injector introduces into the chamber a multi-species plasma having ions of different mass to charge ratios. To obtain high throughput (&Ggr;), the initial density of this multi-species plasma is considerably greater than a collisional density wherein there is a probability of “one” that an ion collision will occur within a single rotation of the ion under the influence of E×B. The length of the chamber is chosen to insure heavy ions can make their way to the wall before transiting the device.

Abstract: A device for transporting particles of a magnetic material in a selected direction, having a support member having a support surface for supporting the particles, the support surface extending in a selected direction, a magnet arranged to generate a magnetic field retaining the magnetic particles on the support surface, the magnetic field having at least one region of reduced field strength at the support surface relative to a field strength of the magnetic field at the support surface outside said region, and drive means for moving each region of reduced field strength relative to the support surface in a direction having a component in the selected direction.

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: The invention relates to a device and a method for blowing out metal fractions from a stream of bulk material that is conveyed by bulk material means. The device comprises blow-out nozzles which are located on a drop section, and which are arranged along a width-wise extension of the stream of bulk material, for blowing against individual particles of bulk material in order to modify the trajectory in such a way as to produce a second sub-stream that branches off. The blow-out nozzles can be controlled according to the sensor coil scanning results relating to the bulk material particles. A plurality of sensor coils is provided underneath an essentially horizontal section of the stream of bulk material in the form of an LC oscillating circuit. Said sensor coils are provided for detecting the eddy currents that are induced. Optoelectronic means are also provided for determining the blow-out position and for determining the location of each of the particles of bulk material.

Abstract: A method to switch a dual-mode serializer-deserializer for data networks. In one embodiment, the present invention recites a method for configuring the communication mode of a device having a Media Access Control-Physical Layer (MAC-PHY) interface for communicating with another device. One step receives a control signal at a device having a MAC-PHY Interface. The control signal indicating whether the device will communicate data over its data path in an aggregate mode or in a non-aggregate mode. In another step, the device is configured to communicate in the mode selected by said control signal. In another step, data is communicated over the data path of the device in a synchronous manner when the device is in an aggregate mode, and is communicated over the data path of the device in an asynchronous manner when the device is in a non-aggregate mode.

Abstract: An assembly and method for collecting and releasing magnetic materials includes an elongated permanent magnet (A) within an elongated cover (B) constructed from non-magnetic material for providing a collection area for the magnetic materials thereon opposite the magnet. Apparatus (C) separates the magnet to a more remote position in relation to the collection area for releasing magnetic materials from the elongated cover. The magnet and the cover may be moved while in superposed closely adjacent relation for collecting magnetic material and thereafter separated for releasing magnetic material collected on the cover. A driven conveyor (D) may be included Ln the assembly for transporting the magnet and the cover through a coolant liquid containing magnetic materials in the form of particulate matter formed during a machining operation.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for classifying and recovering the main components of used batteries, particularly, a method and an apparatus by which the batteries are conveyed on a conveyor while an alternating magnetic field of a plurality of frequencies is applied to each and a detection means detects what sort of induced magnetic field has resulted from the eddy current induced in the battery. The orthogonal components in the change of the induced magnetic field are detected; the relationship between these orthogonal components and the frequencies are compared with the database of the same which is previously obtained, and the batteries are sorted according to their classification and size. This method can sort large amounts of used batteries continuously. In this invention, the battery will be drawn down into the detection region either magnetically or mechanically while the stable transport of the battery is achieved.

Abstract: A plasma filter for separating particles includes a hollow semi-cylindrical chamber that is enclosed by a wall. At least one plasma source is mounted in the chamber between the longitudinal axis of the chamber and the wall for generating a multi-species plasma containing light mass particles (M1) and heavy mass particles (M2). A magnetic coil is used to generate a magnetic field, Bz, in the chamber that is aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis, and electrodes at each end of the chamber generate an electric field, Er, in the chamber that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. These crossed electric and magnetic fields rotate the multi-species plasma on a curved path around the longitudinal axis, and in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, to separate M1 from M2.

Abstract: A plasma filter for separating positive ions from negative ions in a multi-species plasma includes a cylindrical shaped chamber. Magnetic coils surrounding the chamber generate a magnetic field that is aligned substantially parallel to the chamber's longitudinal axis. An electrode generates an electric field that is substantially perpendicular to the magnetic field to create crossed magnetic and electric fields inside the chamber. The inward directed electric field has a negative potential on the longitudinal axis and a substantially zero potential at the wall of the chamber. An injector injects the multi-species plasma into said chamber to interact with said crossed magnetic and electric fields.

Abstract: A plasma mass filter using a helical magnetic field for separating low-mass particles from high-mass particles in a multi-species plasma includes a cylindrical outer wall located at a distance “a” from a longitudinal axis. Also included is a coaxial cylindrical inner wall positioned to establish a plasma chamber between the inner and outer walls. The magnetic field is generated in this chamber with an axial component (Bz) and an azimuthal component (B&thgr;), which interact together with an electric field to create crossed magnetic and electric fields. The electric field has a positive potential, Vctr, on the inner wall and a zero potential on the outer wall.

Abstract: A method for separating charged particles according to their mass requires providing a multi-species plasma in a chamber. The plasma includes both relatively low-mass charged particles (M1) and relatively high-mass charged particles (M2) which are influenced by crossed electric and magnetic fields (E×B) in the chamber. Specifically, the crossed fields (E×B) rotate the particles M1 and M2 in respective orbits that are characteristic of the mass of the particular particle. Inside the chamber, each charged particle has a respective cyclotron frequency (&OHgr;), and the plasma is maintained with a density wherein the collisional frequency (&ngr;) of particles in the chamber relates to the cyclotron frequency such that their ratio is greater than approximately one (&OHgr;/&ngr;≧1). Additionally, a collector is positioned to intercept the particles (M2) in their orbits and to thereby separate the particles (M2) from the particles (M1).

Abstract: A tandem plasma mass filter for separating low-mass particles from high-mass particles in a multi-species plasma includes a cylindrical shaped wall which surrounds a hollow chamber. A magnet is mounted on the wall to generate a magnetic field that is aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chamber. Also, an electric field is generated which is substantially perpendicular to the magnetic field and which, together with the magnetic field, creates crossed magnetic and electric fields in the chamber. Importantly, the electric field has a positive potential on the axis relative to the wall which is usually zero potential. When a vapor is injected into the chamber and ionized, the resultant multi-species plasma interacts with the crossed magnetic and electric fields to eject high-mass particles into the wall surrounding the chamber.

Abstract: A centrifugal filter for separating low-mass particles from high-mass particles in a rotating multi-species plasma includes a pair of annular shaped coaxially oriented conductors. The conductors are both aligned along a central axis and are spaced apart to create a plasma passageway between them. In this configuration, the conductors generate respective magnetic field components which interact to create a magnetic field having an increased magnitude in the passageway and a decreased magnitude along the central axis. The filter also includes an electric field which has a positive potential along the central axis and a decreasing potential in an outwardly radial direction from the central axis. Specifically, this electric field is crossed with the magnetic field in the passageway to confine low-mass particles in the passageway and to eject high-mass particles from the passageway.

Abstract: A toroidal shaped plasma mass filter for separating heavy mass ions (M2) from light mass ions (M1) includes a platform having an annular shaped surface with a circular axis of rotation located midway between the inner and outer circumferences of the platform. An arched wall covers the platform to create a plasma chamber with the wall at least at a distance “a” from the axis of rotation. A plasma source is mounted on the platform in the chamber between the axis of rotation and the wall to generate a multi-species containing light mass particles (M1) and heavy mass particles (M2). In the chamber, the toroidal component, B&phgr;, of a helical magnetic field, B, is crossed with an electrical field, Er, having a positive potential Vctr along the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A plasma mass filter for separating low-mass particles from high-mass particles in a multi-species plasma includes a cylindrical shaped wall which surrounds a hollow chamber. A magnet is mounted on the wall to generate a magnetic field that is aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chamber. Also, an electric field is generated which is substantially perpendicular to the magnetic field and which, together with the magnetic field, creates crossed magnetic and electric fields in the chamber. Importantly, the electric field has a positive potential on the axis relative to the wall which is usually zero potential. When a multi-species plasma is injected into the chamber, the plasma interacts with the crossed magnetic and electric fields to eject high-mass particles into the wall surrounding the chamber. On the other hand, low-mass particles are confined in the chamber during their transit therethrough to separate the low-mass particles from the high-mass particles.

Abstract: The invention describes a process and an appliance for separating non-magnetic materials and objects with the use of magnetic fluids. With this invention a restoration of the magnetic fluid adhering to the separated material is made possible, by removing the magnetic liquid still adhering to the separated product both through magnets as well as through water. The magnetic fluid in the separating chambers is constantly monitored as regards volume and concentration via a monitoring installation. An appropriate area of use for the invention is the separation of fragmented materials, the separation of capacitors in capacitators containing polychlorinated biphenylenes (PCB) and PCB-free capacitors. The invention described, moreover, the composition, manufacture and use of environment-friendly diluted magneto-fluids, which can be especially suitable in employment in the separation of non-magnetic materials using the sink-float process in the magnetic field gradient.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating and sorting non-ferrous metals from other materials is provided which has a ferromagnetic core, an infeed conveyor for positioning materials to be separated and sorted, and a collecting bin or container located at a selected distance from the infeed conveyor for collecting separated and sorted non-ferrous metals, and which produces an electromagnetic field which provides a non-steady state, non-uniform magnetic field, and a sharp skin effect in the non-ferrous metal piece. Also provided is a method for separating and sorting non-ferrous metal pieces from other materials wherein non-ferrous metal pieces are subjected to a non-steady state, non-uniform magnetic field so that a sharp skin effect is produced in the non-ferrous metal piece so that the non-ferrous metal piece is separated and sorted according to its density and independent of its conductivity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated separation of fluid borne magnetically responsive spheres into different populations by carefully manipulating forces of gravity, buoyancy, fluid friction, and magnetism. Distinct homogeneous sphere populations are separated from a non-homogeneous population including a plurality of intermixed homogeneous sphere populations, without significant manual processing, by: effecting magnetic distancing of an initial non-homogeneous sphere population; facilitating enhanced separation of the non-homogeneous population in accordance with rate of descent of spheres within homogeneous populations; providing magnetic acceleration of the separation process; and effecting magnetic concentration of the separated homogeneous sphere populations. The process and apparatus provide for improved bio-sensing resulting from the automated condensing of homogeneous groups of spheres from a non-homogeneous sphere population.

Abstract: An eddy current separator made up of a body made of magnetic material and having a surface curved about an axis. Spaced slots in the magnetic body extend shaped like part of a hollow cylindrical body having an outer surface and an inner surface. The surfaces and electrical coils are disposed in the slots. The coils can be connected to a source of multiphase electricity forming a traveling magnetic field projection from the curved surface. The field will induce eddy current in electrically conductive material supported on the curved surface thereby, separating electrically conductive material from other material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering metallic aluminum from furnace dross. The method includes reducing the particle size of the dross and passing the resulting dross particles over the surface of an inclined linear induction motor to separate the more conductive, aluminum-metal-containing particles from the less or non-conductive particles that contain little or no metallic aluminum. The linear induction motor provides an electromagnetic field that operates to levitate the conductive, aluminum-containing particles, while those particles that include little or no aluminum are not affected by the electromagnetic field. A flow splitter positioned at the lower end of the motor separates the conductive particles from the substantially non-conductive particles. Metallic aluminum recovery rates of about 55% and higher of the aluminum contained in the furnace dross have been achieved. The resulting product has been enriched by a factor of twelve times over that of the infeed material.

Abstract: Electrodynamic separation of non-ferromagnetic, free-flowing materials, in which at least one component of the material to be processed is electrically conductive, whereby such material is caused to free-fall into a region of space permeated by time and space varying magnetic fields which induce eddy currents in the electrically conductive particles which produce forces on such particles that result in substantially different free-fall trajectory than that of nonconductive particles. Conductive particles are separated on the basis of mass, electrical conductivity and magnetic susceptibility. The time and space varying magnetic fields are generated by a plurality of permanent magnets or electromagnets attached to a rotor assembly such that the polarity of adjacent magnets is caused to reverse so that rotation of the rotor assembly generates magnetic fields which may vary in time and space to the maximum extent.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of separating predetermined non-magnetic electrically conductive items from a flow of non-magnetic electrically conductive materials containing such items and other non-magnetic electrically conductive materials comprising the steps of passing the flow of materials adjacent to electromagnetic field generating apparatus; controlling the flux field generated by the apparatus such as to create electrical currents within the predetermined electrically conductive items which react with the generated electromagnetic flux field causing the creation of a directional force upon the predetermined items such as to move only the predetermined electrically conductive items out of and away from the flow of material.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for cleaning ferromagnetic chip from a lubricant-coolant the chip is heated, held at a preset temperature, and acted upon by a rotating electromagnetic field within a temperature range from 105.degree. C. to 310.degree. C.

Abstract: A magnetic process and apparatus for separating out small electrically conductive particles dispersed in a finely ground, relatively non-conductive medium by means of magnetic fields. More specifically, a steady or relatively slowly varying field is provided, and a higher frequency magnetic field induces magnetic dipoles into the conducting particles, which are displaced by the steady magnetic field to thereby effect separation. The magnetic separation process selectively applies a force on a conductive particle so as to either remove it from the bulk of the non-conductive material or increase the concentration of conductive particles in a given volume of space. The effectiveness of the separation process improves with increasing size of the particle; however, the process can be used for particle sizes that would be classed as "very fine".

Abstract: A gravity-magnetic ore separator for concentrating magnetic or weakly magnetic minerals having a relatively high specific gravity is disclosed. The ore separator utilizes codirectional magnetic and gravitational forces to achieve separation capabilities in excess of that which can be achieved using gravity forces alone. Typically, the gravity-magnetic ore separator is formed by retrofitting a conventional gravity separator such as a spiral, cone, pinched sluice, etc. with magnets so as to enhance the separation capability of the conventional gravitational ore separator. Means are provided to prevent build up of magnetic material on the surface over which the ore flows.

Abstract: A gravity-magnetic ore separator for concentrating magnetic or weakly magnetic minerals having a relatively high specific gravity is disclosed. The ore separator utilizes codirectional magnetic and gravitational forces to achieve separation capabilities in excess of that which can be achieved using gravity forces alone. Typically, the gravity-magnetic ore separator is formed by retrofitting a conventional gravity separator such as a spiral, cone, pinched sluice, etc. with magnets so as to enhance the separation capability of the conventional gravitational ore separator. Means are provided to prevent build up of magnetic material on the surface over which the ore flows.

Abstract: A system for sorting non-ferromagnetic metals from a mixture of material containing such metals and rubber and plastics material including a conveyor belt system and an associated linear induction motor the frequency and power of operation of which is chosen to deflect selected metals from the conveyor belt. The linear induction motor is placed beneath the conveyor belt and oriented with respect to the conveyor to produce a field of magnetomotive force in which the lines of the magnetic field are at right angles to the direction of motion of the conveyor, and in which the direction of travel of the field is orthogonal to both the lines of force and the direction of motion of the conveyor. The mixture of material subjected to the force of the linear induction motor may initially be treated by presizing or flattening, to enhance the effectivity of the induction motor in separating non-ferromagnetic material.

Abstract: An eddy current magnetic ore concentrator, using parallel cup cores, where an alternating and direct independent field with phase offset removes and sorts metallic ore components from ferrous and nonferrous ore, where the metal may be in solution or the native form.

Abstract: A system for separation of non-magnetic metal particles in a mixture using an inclined rotating drum and the action of a travelling electromagnetic field. The mixture is introduced at the upper end of the inclined drum which is externally driven about its outer circumference in one direction. Simultaneously, a shifting electromagnetic field is generated along the lower part of the outer periphery of the drum in an opposite direction to rotation of the drum. The mixture as it travels through the drum is repeatedly moved upward in the direction of drum rotation along the inner wall due to frictional forces or in the direction of the shifting electromagnetic field. The successive raising and tumbling to the bottom of the drum provides complete stirring and promotes separation irrespective of particle size. The force of the electromagnetic field is not reduced by coverage with non-magnetic particles and a clear path exists since the interior of the drum is free of any obstructions.

Abstract: A magnetic particle separating device in which magnetic particles entrained or contained in coolants, lubricants or working fluids are separated and removed by the application of magnetic fields.