Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating feed material, wherein the feed material comprises at least one ferromagnetic material fraction and a non-ferrous material fraction, wherein a conveying stream is fed to a first separation of a first ferromagnetic material fraction, in particular by means of a first magnetic separating device (1), wherein the conveying stream is subsequently fed to a second separation of a second ferromagnetic material fraction from the conveying stream, in particular by means of a second magnetic separating device (2), and wherein a redistribution and/or reallocation of the material of the conveying stream takes place between the first separation and the second separation.

Abstract: A magnetic separator apparatus for the removal of magnetic particles from gold bearing sands provides one or more magnetic separator assemblies along a sluice box channel to remove the magnetic particles using spinning strong earth magnets within a magnetic separator assembly, removing the magnetic particle where they are removed from the apparatus and evacuated as waste, while the valuable non-magnetic particles are left within the sluice for further separation, classification and processing to remove the precious metal particles contained therein, the apparatus used in a wet or dry application.

Abstract: The magnetic particle separator uses an induced magnetic field to separate magnetic particles held in solution by magnetophoresis. The magnetic particles may be, for example, inherently paramagnetic or superparamagnetic, may be magnetically tagged or the like. First and second magnetic particles initially flow along a longitudinal direction. An external magnetic field along a lateral direction, orthogonal (or near orthogonal) to the longitudinal direction, is applied to an externally magnetizable wire, which extends along a transverse direction orthogonal to both the longitudinal and lateral directions. The external magnetic field generates an induced magnetic field in the externally magnetizable wire, and the induced magnetic field generates repulsive magnetic force on the first and second magnetic particles.

Abstract: This separator by Foucault current comprises an endless conveyor belt designed to transport the mixture to a sorting section, rotary drums on which the endless conveyor belt runs, and a multipole magnetic rotor driven in rotation so as to generate an alternating induction magnetic field. The sorting section is offset with respect to each rotary drum along the path of the endless conveyor belt. The magnetic rotor is arranged outside each rotary drum. The path of the endless conveyor belt comprises a discharge area which follows on from the sorting section.

Abstract: A process of sorting metallic single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) from semiconducting types by disposing the SWNTs in a dilute fluid, exposing the SWNTs to a dipole-inducing magnetic field which induces magnetic dipoles in the SWNTs so that a strength of a dipole depends on a conductivity of the SWNT containing the dipole, orienting the metallic SWNTs, and exposing the SWNTs to a magnetic field with a spatial gradient so that the oriented metallic SWNTs drift in the magnetic field gradient and thereby becomes spatially separated from the semiconducting SWNTs. An apparatus for the process of sorting SWNTs is disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for processing extraterrestrial metal into a metal foam or gossamer structure in space, and delivering the metal foam or gossamer structure intact to the Earth's surface. Additionally, a structure is provided that is formed in space and consists essentially of an extraterrestrial metal.

Abstract: An installation for clear separation in one cycle of a conglomerate of different metals into individual material components. The installation involves the conglomerate of different metals being comminuted in a machine for producing a homogeneous mixture of metals and being transported to a feeding device. The conglomerate is transported to a highly magnetic rotating drum that separates ferrous-magnetic materials together with fluff and then conveys remaining nonferrous materials to a slowly running conveyor belt, underneath the conveyor belt, slowly rotating discs are mounted in a row that carry on their outer surface area a plurality of permanent magnets of an alternating pol direction. The nonferrous materials include particles that are stripped into a collection bin.

Abstract: A modular magnetic separation apparatus set has a processing capacity increased by increasing the number of the unit modules of the magnetic separation apparatus set, being suitable for all enrichment processes of magnetic minerals. One modular unit is defined with a separation wheel and its two neighboring magnet-concentration cores and two corresponding excitation coils and a charging hopper and a discharging hopper of magnetic materials, each unit being combined of multiple identical modular units. The modular magnetic separation apparatus solves the conflicts between the transportation of apparatus after the enlargement and the height and width restrictions on general roads, including more reasonable conditions for separate transportation.

Abstract: A system and method for magnetically separating diamagnetic and paramagnetic particulate material from a dry admixture comprises a rectangular block ramp formed of multiple rectangular block magnetic elements laterally alternating with multiple rectangular soft-magnetic spacer strips. The magnetic elements are arranged in “bucking mode,” with identical poles facing each other on either side of the spacer strips. The ramp is supported at an adjustable angular inclination by a hinged mounting bracket. Two sets of product receptacles are horizontally and laterally positioned to separately collect falling bands of diamagnetic and paramagnetic material.

Abstract: A system and a method for separating rare earth element compounds from a slurry of mixed rare earth element compounds, comprising flowing the slurry of mixed rare earth element compounds through at least a first channel rigged with at least a first magnet along a length thereof and connected to at least a first output channel at the position of the magnet, and retrieving individual rare earth element compounds and/or groups of rare earth element compounds, separated from the slurry as they are selectively attracted by the magnet and directed in the corresponding output channel according to their respective ratio of magnetic susceptibility (??) to specific density (??).

Abstract: A preferred method of the invention separates metallic or charged nanostructures in solution. In preferred embodiments, metal and semiconducting nanostructures are separated in solution with use of a net Lorentz force applied to metallic or conductive nanostructures. In other embodiments, charged nanostructures are separated from other nanostructures in solution. The charge can be applied to semiconducting or insulating nanostructures of a predetermined size by application of appropriate radiation. The method is conducted on dispersed nanostructures suspended in solution in a vessel. The net Lorentz force to metallic, conductive or charged nanostructures within the solution moves the metallic, conductive or charged nanostructures toward a common volume in a portion of the vessel. Extraction of the common volume provides solution with a high ratio of the metallic, conductive or charged nanostructures. The solution left behind has a high ratio of semiconducting or insulating nanostructures.

Abstract: Among other things, for use in directional motion of chiral objects in a mixture, a field is applied across the chamber and is rotating relative to the chamber to cause rotation of the chiral objects. The rotation of the objects causes them to move directionally based on their chirality. The method applies to sugars, proteins, and peptides, among other things, and can be used in a wide variety of applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating magnetic constituents from an aqueous dispersion comprising these magnetic constituents and nonmagnetic constituents by passing the aqueous dispersion through a reactor space in which the aqueous dispersion is separated by means of a magnet installed on the outside of the reactor space into at least one stream I comprising the magnetic constituents and at least one stream II comprising the nonmagnetic constituents, wherein the magnetic constituents in stream I are treated with a flushing stream, a reactor comprising a reactor space, at least one magnet installed on the outside of the reactor space, at least one inlet, at least one outlet for a stream I and at least one outlet for a stream II and at least one facility for treating stream I with a flushing stream, and also the use of this reactor in the process of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus capable of continuously and accurately separating, by type, a mixture containing at least two types of particles, or capable of separating specific particles from the mixture, using a gradient magnetic field. In the present invention, a mixture containing at least two types of particles, particles of one type of which are made of a paramagnetic or diamagnetic substance, is treated. A magnetic field whose magnetic field gradient has a vertical component and a horizontal component is applied to a supporting liquid 21 stored in a separating tank 31. When the mixture is placed into the supporting liquid 21, the particles of the one type are guided such that they are positioned in the supporting liquid 21 at a predetermined height from a bottom face 39 of the separating tank 31 while horizontally traveling. Alternatively, the particles of the one type magnetically levitate at a liquid surface of the supporting liquid 21 and horizontally travel.

Abstract: A magnetic drum separator, for separating ferrous and non-ferrous materials from a material stream. The magnetic drum separator comprising an outer shell that is rotatable around a central axis by a drive mechanism. The outer shell having a tubular length parallel to the central axis and a circular cross-section perpendicular to the central axis. An electromagnet pickup magnet positioned at a fixed location within the circular cross-section has a cross-section perpendicular to the central axis. The pickup magnet has a first end closest to the inner circumference of the outer shell and a second end located near the central axis. The pickup magnet comprises a core, with a backbar abutting it at the second end. The core comprises a plurality of blocks of different widths, in a cross-section perpendicular to the central axis, with the narrowest block at the first end and the widest block abutting the backbar.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to processing of petroleum with a bed having a sorbent based diluent that the petroleum contacts upon passing through the bed. Magnetic properties of the sorbent and any other material, such as zeolite, used in the bed enable separation of such bed constituents based on a sulfided form of the sorbent being magnetic in contrast to a non-sulfided form of the sorbent being non-magnetic. Dividing the bed constituents into first and second portions by magnetic separation facilitates in selective replacing and/or regenerating the first portion independent of the second portion.

Abstract: A piece of material that includes low-Z elements is classified based on photonic emissions detected from the piece of material. Both XRF spectroscopy and OES techniques, for example, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and spark discharge spectroscopy, may be used to classify the piece of material. A stream of pieces of material are moved along a conveying system into a stimulation and detection area. Each piece of material, in turn, is stimulated with a first and second stimulus, of a same or different type, causing the piece of material to emit emissions, for example, photons, which may include at least one of x-ray photons (i.e., x-rays) and optical emissions. These emissions then are detected by one or to more detectors of a same or different type. The piece of materials is then classified, for example, using a combination of hardware, software and/or firmware, based on the detected emissions, and then sorted.

Abstract: An installation for clear separation in one cycle of a conglomerate of different metals into individual material components. The installation involves the conglomerate of different metals being comminuted in a machine for producing a homogeneous mixture of metals and being transported to a feeding device. The conglomerate is transported to a highly magnetic rotating drum that separates ferrous-magnetic materials together with fluff and then conveys remaining nonferrous materials to a slowly running conveyor belt, underneath the conveyor belt, slowly rotating discs are mounted in a row that carry on their outer surface area a plurality of permanent magnets of an alternating pol direction. The nonferrous materials include particles that are stripped into a collection bin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating solid particles of different densities, using a magnetic process fluid. The solid particles are thoroughly mixed in a small partial flow of the process fluid. The small turbulent partial flow is added to a large laminar partial flow of the process fluid, after which the obtained mixture of the respective partial process fluids is conducted over, under, or through the middle of two magnet configurations, wherein the particles are separated into lighter particles at the top of the laminar process fluid and heavier particles at the bottom of the laminar process fluid, each of which are subsequently removed with the aid of a splitter. After that furthermore the particles of low density and the particles of high density are separated from the respective process streams, dried and stored. Finally, the process fluid from which the particles have been removed is returned to the original starting process stream.

Abstract: A method for separating seeds of different densities in a process stream, wherein the seeds are introduced into a magnetic process fluid for the formation of the process stream, which process stream is subjected to a magnetic field for the realization of a density stratification in the process stream, such that the individual seeds in the process stream assume a density-dependent position, after which the seeds located in or near a predetermined position or positions in the process stream, are separated from the remaining seeds in the process stream.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to processing of petroleum with a bed having a sorbent based diluent that the petroleum contacts upon passing through the bed. Magnetic properties of the sorbent and any other material, such as zeolite, used in the bed enable separation of such bed constituents based on a sulfided form of the sorbent being magnetic in contrast to a non-sulfided form of the sorbent being non-magnetic. Dividing the bed constituents into first and second portions by magnetic separation facilitates in selective replacing and/or regenerating the first portion independent of the second portion.

Abstract: An eddy current separator (“ECS”) separates electroconductive and non-electroconductive materials. The materials can include “fines” having diameters less than about 10 millimeters. The ECS includes first and second hubs coupled to opposite ends of a magnet support tube. Magnets are coupled to the magnet support tube, substantially between the hubs. A motor coupled to one or both of the hubs rotates the magnet support tube and magnets to generate an eddy current in electroconductive material conveyed proximate the separator. The material in which the eddy current is created is repelled and projected away from the ECS along a predictable trajectory. An eddy current is not generated in nonconductive material conveyed proximate the separator. Therefore, that material is not projected away. A jacket tube may house the magnets and contain centrifugal forces of the magnets during rotation thereof. That tube may comprise a Ti60 titanium alloy or other material.

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: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing carbon nano tubes of an aspect of the present invention including an introducing unit commonly introducing a first carbon nano tube having first magnetic characteristics and a second carbon nano tube having second magnetic characteristics different from the first magnetic characteristics, first and second collecting units collecting the first and second carbon nano tubes, respectively, a transport unit transporting the first and second carbon nano tubes from the introducing unit to the first and second collecting units, and at least one of a magnetic field generating unit which is provided adjacent to the transport unit and applies a magnetic field to the first and second carbon nano tubes, wherein the first carbon nano tube and the second carbon nano tube are sorted by the magnetic field generating unit.

Abstract: Magnetic separator devices that are useful in separating finely divided solids in the presence of liquids, vapors, and gases that are hazardous, that is, they may be corrosive, flammable, toxic, or a combination of such hazards, and the use of such devices in processes for the manufacture of chlorosilanes.

Abstract: The disclosure describes apparatuses and methods of use that may be used to remove material with magnetic properties from compositions, particularly pharmaceutical compositions. The apparatuses provide a conduit or column in which a magnetic field exists and through which a composition flows. Magnetic material in the composition is substantially reduced after flowing through the conduit or column.

Abstract: A method and system for providing multilevel information about video-on-demand services. The method comprises the steps of generating a display, on a computer display screen, of a tree having a plurality of nodes; and embedding in the nodes information about video-on-demand services. Preferably information is embedded in these nodes in the form of matrices. A wide range of information about the video-on-demand service may be embedded in the display. For instance, information may be embedded about usage patterns between the supplier of the video services and the consumer, a list of users, user statistics, satisfaction rates, failure rates, failure causes, rates of view to completion, cost monitor information, customer payment information, menus of videos, charge variations, special features and offers, user age, user education, geography, and any combination of the above.

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.

Abstract: Among other things, to cause directional motion of chiral objects in a mixture in a chamber, a field is rotated relative, to a chamber to cause rotation of the chiral objects. The rotation of the objects causes them to move directionally based on their chirality.

Abstract: A process for concurrently fractionating and treating a full range naphtha stream. The full boiling range naphtha stream is first subjected to simultaneous thioetherification and splitting into a light boiling range naphtha, an intermediate boiling range naphtha and a heavy boiling range naphtha. The intermediate boiling range naphtha containing thiophene and thiophene boiling range mercaptans is passed on to a polishing hydrodesulfurization reactor where a low sulfur, low olefin gas oil is concurrently fed to the polishing reactor to insure that a liquid phase is present.

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: An apparatus for sorting particles. The apparatus includes a magnet mechanism for separating the particles with a magnetic force. The apparatus includes an electric mechanism for separating particles with an electrical force disposed adjacent to the magnet mechanism. The apparatus includes a mechanism for providing the particles to the magnet mechanism and the electric mechanism. The providing mechanism is engaged with the magnet mechanism and the electric mechanism. A method for sorting particles. The method includes the steps of providing the particles to a magnet mechanism and electric mechanism disposed adjacent to the magnet mechanism. Then there is the step of separating the particles with the magnetic force from the magnet mechanism and the electric force from the electric mechanism.

Abstract: A method for providing an alternative periodic cover material for landfills by separating materials in a salvage operation. A non-sorted material stream including metallic and non-metallic components, which preferably includes automobile scrap, is fed to a shredder. After shredding, the non-sorted material stream is separated. The non-sorted material stream is first separated into two streams, namely, a heavy material stream and a light material stream. The heavy material stream is conveyed to a magnetic separator where ferrous metals are separated from non-ferrous materials. The light material stream is passed under a cross belt magnetic separator where the light ferrous metals are separated. The remaining light material stream is conveyed to a rotary trommel which separates the light material stream into two fractions based on size, with the fine material becoming relatively inert through processing and being used as a cover material for landfills.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting particles. The apparatus includes a magnet mechanism for separating the particles with a magnetic force. The apparatus includes an electric mechanism for separating particles with an electrical force disposed adjacent to the magnet mechanism. The apparatus includes a mechanism for providing the particles to the magnet mechanism and the electric mechanism. The providing mechanism is engaged with the magnet mechanism and the electric mechanism. A method for sorting particles. The method includes the steps of providing the particles to a magnet mechanism and electric mechanism disposed adjacent to the magnet mechanism. Then there is the step of separating the particles with the magnetic force from the magnet mechanism and the electric force from the electric mechanism.

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: A method for recovering a fuel substance by separating materials in a salvage operation based on BTU content is provided. A non-sorted material stream including metallic and non-metallic components, which preferably includes automobile scrap, is fed to a shredder which shreds or fragments the materials. After shredding, the non-sorted material stream is separated by a series of separators. The non-sorted material stream is first conveyed to a gravity separator where the materials are separated into two streams, namely, a heavy material stream and a light material stream. The heavy material stream is then conveyed to a magnetic separator where ferrous metals are separated from a number of non-ferrous materials. The heavy ferrous metals are collected for recycling whereas the heavy non-ferrous materials are conveyed to a screen and further separated into non-ferrous metal and non-metallic material.

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: 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 method and system for diamagnetic manipulation of an object in a surrounding medium in a low gravity environment is provided. The system can be used in various applications such as containerless materials processing, protein crystal growth, and particulate filtering. If the application requires directional manipulation of the object, at least one magnet or electromagnet is required. The object is repulsed by the magnet if the object is more strongly diamagnetic than the surrounding medium. If the object is less diamagnetic than the surrounding medium, however, then the object is effectively attracted to the magnet. For an application that requires suspension of the object, two oppositely polarized magnets are used to generate an appropriate magnetic field gradient to suspend the object in a location where opposing field vectors generated by the two magnets cancel each other out, producing a net field strength of zero.

Abstract: A system and method for separating an electrically conductive particulate material, such as gold, from other materials. A ferromagnetic core is formed in a torroidal-like shape and is provide with a gap. A coil is wound around the core and an alternating current is applied to the coil to induce an alternating magnetic field at the gap. A stream of particles is directed into the gap. The frequency of the alternating current is set according to the specific resistivity of the particulate material which is to be separated from the rest of the material and according to the size of the particles which are to be separated from the rest of the material. By properly adjusting or setting the frequency of the alternating magnetic field, the first particles are imparted a trajectory which is different than the trajectory of the second particles in the particle stream.

Abstract: A system for separating non-magnetizable metals from a mixture of solid with a feed device; an endless conveyor belt with belt drums supported on a frame, of which the head drum at the discharge end is provided with a driven, eccentrically mounted and adjustable magnet rotor; and a separation area downstream of the head drum. To improve the degree of separation achieved, the system is provided with a vibrating channel (2) with an additional slope; means for adjusting the speed of the conveyor belt (3); means for generating a variable force of repulsion (Fvar); a controlled rotational speed adjustment unit (nvar) for the magnet rotor (3.4); and adjustable separating elements (4.1, 4.2, 4.3), each of which is located between two adjacent throwing parabolas of the separated fractions.

Abstract: An eddy current separator (10,10a,10b,10c,10d, 10e,10f,10g) and a separation method for separating non-ferromagnetic particles (14) by engaging the particles from above by a distal end (50) of an inclined engagement member (42, 42', 42") to force the particles into a primary magnetic field (34) below a conveyor surface (28) to increase the induced eddy current flow that generates particle magnetic fields such that subsequent release of the particles allows increased magnetic field propulsion to propel the particles distances that vary according to their electrical resistance, densities, shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A material separator separates non-magnetic particulate material into components having differing electrical conductivities and comprises a support frame, a drum rotatably journaled with respect to the support frame, a magnetic assembly in the drum interior and a drive system. The drum's sidewall is cylindrically shaped and the magnetic assembly incudes longitudinally extending magnetic arrays, each angularly spaced from one another and rotatably journaled on a respective array axis that is radially spaced from the drum axis. The magnetic arrays include opposite magnetic poles located along a rotational surface such that when they rotate, an oscillating magnetic field is induced through the drum's sidewall. The drive system rotates the magnetic arrays and the drum so that particulate material placed on an outer surface of the drum sidewall is subjected to the oscillating magnetic field whereby components having different electrical conductivities are discharged with differing discharge trajectories.

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 system and method for separating an electrically conductive particulate material, such as gold, from other materials. A ferromagnetic core is formed in a torroidal-like shape and is provide with a gap. A coil is wound around the core and an alternating current is applied to the coil to induce an alternating magnetic field at the gap. A stream of particles is directed into the gap. The frequency of the alternating current is set according to the specific resistivity of the particulate material which is to be separated from the rest of the material and according to the size of the particles which are to be separated from the rest of the material. By properly adjusting or setting the frequency of the alternating magnetic field, the first particles are imparted a trajectory which is different than the trajectory of the second particles in the particle stream.

Abstract: The disclosed eddy-current separator has several new features. One includes a magnet assembly which is metal-sleeved for protecting the magnets from impact by particles or objects piercing the waste-carrying conveyor belt with which the separator is used. A low-rotating-speed epoxy-layered shell surrounds the sleeve for additional protection. A conveying extension carries ferrous "fines" from the conveyor into the receptacle used to collect waste from which non-ferrous material has been separated. Such extension permits such fines to be under the substantial influence of the magnet assembly over an arc well less than 180.degree.. The conveyor belt uses relatively-closely-spaced cleats of reduced height to reduce the "loading" of an individual cleat with potentially-piercing ferrous fines. A two pole magnet assembly may be used and/or a magnet assembly in which the magnet pole faces are curved for air gap reduction.

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: Magnetic separations are made by feeding material to a magnetic separator having elongated ferromagnetic bodies that are disposed parallel to each other with spaces therebetween, the bodies being disposed at an angle to the magnetic field direction. The magnetic particles are deflected away, while the nonmagnetic particles pass through the spaces between the ferromagnetic bodies. In one embodiment, the separator includes a magnetic circuit including an array of elongated ferromagnetic bodies, parallel to each other with spaces therebetween, and on the same side of a common tangential plane that is positioned substantially perpendicular to the direction of the field created by the magnetic system and at an acute angle to the direction of particle feed towards the ferromagnetic bodies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing scraps by separating and recovering various nonferrous metals from a mixture of scraps comprising nonferrous metals and nonmetals, wherein scraps which have been crushed and cleared of magnetic substance parted from long-size material and washed out of the adhering fine dust and oily substance, and separated into light and heavy materials based on the difference in the specific gravity thereof by use of a heavy liquid made up of water and magnetic powder body and by the effect of an upward flow of the heavy liquid which increases its own apparent specific gravity; the separated light material is further sorted into nonferrous metals and nonmetals based on the difference in the electric conductivity thereof by the application of a moving magnetic field thereto, being recovered as resources.