Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods for recovering silicon from saw kerf, or an exhausted abrasive slurry, resulting from the cutting of a silicon ingot, such as a single crystal or polycrystalline silicon ingot. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to methods for isolating and purifying silicon from saw kerf or the exhausted slurry, such that the resulting silicon may be used as a raw material, such as a solar grade silicon raw material.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods for recovering silicon from saw kerf, or an exhausted abrasive slurry, resulting from the cutting of a silicon ingot, such as a single crystal or polycrystalline silicon ingot. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to methods for isolating and purifying silicon from saw kerf or the exhausted slurry, such that the resulting silicon may be used as a raw material, such as a solar grade silicon raw material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for axial separation by an eccentric inner surface of a permanent magnetic drum, comprising: adsorbing materials to be selected that flow through the inner surface field strength and the gradient area of a rotating eccentric drum (2) by using the energy on the inner surface of a rotating permanent magnetic drum (1), wherein materials with lower specific susceptibility pass through a selected material channel (14) consisted of the eccentric drum (2) and the outer surface of the arched drum of a field strength gradient regulating mechanism (5), and flow out of a low magnetic material outlet (9); materials with higher specific susceptibility are absorbed on the rotating eccentric drum (2), and in an area with higher eccentricity, materials with higher specific susceptibility are stripped off, fall into a high magnetic material groove (7), flow to a high magnetic material outlet (8), and then are collected.

Abstract: The present application discloses a process for the high throughput separation of at least one distinct biological material from a sample using magnetic tags and a magnetic separation set up capable of processing at least about 106 units/second. A magnetic field gradient is used to deflect target material bearing a magnet tag from one laminar flow stream to another so that the magnetically tagged target material exits a separation chamber via a different outlet than the rest of the sample. The process is applicable to isolating several distinct biological materials by directing each via magnetic deflection to its own unique outlet. The application also discloses a system for performing the process and a kit that includes the system and the magnetic tags.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for carrying out continuous or batch centrifugation solid-liquid separation processes in which the solid-liquid mixture is subjected to magnetic field gradients and centrifugation.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and medium for distinguishing a vocal sound. The apparatus includes: a framing unit dividing an input signal into frames, each frame having a predetermined length; a pitch extracting unit determining whether each frame is a voiced frame or an unvoiced frame and extracting a pitch contour from the voiced and unvoiced frames; a zero-cross rate calculator respectively calculating a zero-cross rate for each frame; a parameter calculator calculating parameters including a time length ratio of the voiced frame and the unvoiced frame determined by the pitch extracting unit, statistical information of the pitch contour, and spectral characteristics; and a classifier inputting the zero-cross rates and the parameters output from the parameter calculator and determining whether the input signal is a vocal sound.

Abstract: A process for the beneficiation of carbonate mineral substrates by magnetic separation is defined herein wherein a phosphorus or nitrogen containing organic compound or reagent and a plurality of magnetic particles are intermixed with a carbonate containing mineral substrate, a magnetic field is applied to the mixture and a value mineral is thereby separated from a non-value mineral.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuous separation of magnetic particles from non-magnetic fluids including particular rods, magnetic fields and flow arrangements.

Abstract: A metal recycling separator comprising a shredder having a sloped shaking table disposed entirely within the shredder. The shredder shreds materials into ferrous and non-ferrous materials and the sloped shaking table disperses the ferrous and non-ferrous materials onto a first conveyor belt. Non-ferrous materials are separated from ferrous materials by conveying such through two drum electromagnets, wherein the ferrous material and the remaining non-ferrous materials are transferred to a water receptacle. The water receptacle is filled with water, wherein a part of the remaining non-ferrous materials float out of the water receptacle, and the remaining ferrous materials sink to the bottom of the water receptacle. The ferrous materials and residual non-ferrous materials are then conveyed out of the water receptacle and onto two conveyor belts and a third drum electromagnet. Ferrous material is removed from the two conveyor belts and is also removed via the third drum electromagnet.

Abstract: This invention relates to a continuous or batch centrifugation solid-liquid separation process comprising simultaneously subjecting the solid-liquid mixture to localized magnetic field gradients and the centrifugation and to improved centrifugation solid-liquid separation processes wherein the improvement comprises simultaneously subjecting the solid-liquid mixture to a homogeneous magnetic field, a magnetic field gradient or both prior to and/or during the centrifugation.

Abstract: A magnetic separation apparatus (10) for separating magnetic materials from non-magnetic materials in a material flow comprising self cleaning magnetic separators (15) comprising: a cylinder (20) having a first end closer to a material flow than its second end in use, a piston (25) slidingly mounted within the cylinder (20), and a magnetic shaft (30) extending from the piston (25), the piston (25) and cylinder (20) adapted to move the magnetic shaft (30) between an extended position (31) and a retracted position (32), such that in the extended position (32), at least a sleeveless portion of an outer surface of the magnetic shaft (30) is exposed to the material flow and in the retracted position the magnetic portion is retracted substantially or wholly within the cylinder (20), the apparatus including a protected shaft wiper (120) and shaft seal (125) within the first end of the cylinder (20) for removing extracted magnetics.

Abstract: A separating device (1, 10, 14, 16, 17) for separating particles able to be magnetized and particles not able to be magnetized transported in a suspension flowing through a separating channel (3), has at least one permanent magnet (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) arranged on at least one side of the separating channel (3) for producing a magnetic field gradient which deflects particles able to be magnetized to said side, wherein a yoke (5) is provided for closing the magnetic circuit from the permanent magnet (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) to the side of the separating channel (3) opposite the permanent magnet (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) and/or between two permanent magnets (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d).

Abstract: Provided is a novel method and system to separate magnetically non-susceptible impurities from coal intended for combustion, and it includes the removal of such impurities together with magnetically susceptible impurities that are collocated within the same lump of coal, prior to the combustion of the coal, by the use of the magnetic properties of the magnetically susceptible impurities. The described subject matter is based on the fact that the former impurities are normally collocated in the same lumps of coal as the latter, especially as far as pyrite and cinnabar are concerned, provided the lumps have not been liberated, in particular, they meet the requirement that at least 50% by mass of the coal lumps should be at least 2 mm in maximum dimension.

Abstract: A magnetic separation device is provided, including a first magnetic field unit and a first separation unit disposed at a side of the first magnetic field unit. The first magnetic field unit includes a first magnetic yoke having opposite first and second surfaces, and a plurality of first magnets respectively disposed over the first and second surfaces, wherein the same magnetic poles of the plurality of first magnets face the first magnetic yoke. The first separation unit includes a body made of non-magnetic materials and a continuous piping disposed in the body, including at least one first section and at least one second section, wherein at least one second section is perpendicular to at least one first section, and at least one second section is adjacent to, and in parallel to a side of the first magnetic yoke not in contact with the plurality of first magnets.

Abstract: Methods for separating magnetic nanoparticles are provided. In certain embodiments, a method is provided for separating magnetic nanoparticles comprising: providing a sample comprising a plurality of magnetic nanoparticles; passing the sample through a first magnetic field; at least partially isolating nanoparticles of the first nanoparticle size desired; altering the strength of the first magnetic field to produce a second magnetic field; and at least partially isolating nanoparticles of the second nanoparticle size desired.

Abstract: A system and method for recovering ferrous material from the boiler grit of burnt tires used to create electricity or heat at industrial locations. The system includes a magnetic separator for attracting the ferrous material out of the boiler grit, and a series of conveyors for transporting the ferrous and non-ferrous materials away from the system.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for manipulating particles on a micro- or nano-scale. An embodiment of the present invention includes a magnetic micro-manipulation technique that utilizes micro-coils and soft magnetic microscopic wires for localized manipulation of particles. Another embodiment of the present invention uses magneto-static interaction between two magnetic microscopic wires to mechanically manipulate particles. Yet another embodiment of the present invention combines a magnetic particle with a magnetic manipulator or other device for generating magnetic fields to operate as a micro-fluidic micro-motor. Other embodiments of the present invention employ a magnetic separation system employing porous membranes partially filled with magnetic wires.

Abstract: Methods to separate certain valuable elements and/or minerals that utilize wet screens, hydro-cyclones, low intensity magnetic separators and/or Mag Wheel™ separators, including a specially designed magnetic field amplifying matrix. The methods are applicable to mining, manufacturing, mineral processing, or other treatment processes or systems.

Abstract: A material separator system and method for magnetically separating components of feedstock by directing the feedstock onto a thin rotating shell enclosing one or more rotating magnetic rolls capable of riding upon the interior of the shell. In one embodiment, a cam-and-bearing arrangement is used to permit the magnetic roll and shell each to rotate on its own independent axis. This provides the ability to adjust clearance, the line of contact, and the degree of contact between the magnetic roll and the shell. In another embodiment, a different arrangement provides the same capabilities. The system can be configured to drive a magnetic roll, which then drives the shell, or it can be configured to drive the shell, which then drives the magnetic roll. The system can also be configured as a retreater for retreating feedstock.

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: A magnetic separation purifying apparatus includes a cylindrical-shaped sludge recovery rotating body rotating to place sludge and a magnetic substance on a surface thereof to convey the same; a magnetic rotating body, which has an axis in the sludge recovery rotating body and includes a rotating body and a plurality of magnets mounted on its circumference, at least a side of which is arranged close to an inner peripheral surface of the sludge recovery rotating body, by which a magnetic substance is magnetically attracted to a surface of the sludge recovery rotating body whereby sludge is transported onto the surface of the sludge recovery rotating body; and a scraping device that scrapes sludge and a magnetic substance being transported on the surface of the sludge recovery rotating body.

Abstract: A method and device for separating from samples magnetic particles that contain capture compounds on their surfaces. The device includes a sheath including a magnet and including orienting pin adapted to concentrate or direct a magnetic field of the magnet; and a magnetizable plate with lid holes for receiving a vessel lid of a vessel, the magnetizable plate configured to receive the sheath and position the orienting pin over the vessel lid. In one method, magnetic beads with attached molecules are collected in the lids of the reaction vessel by the magnetic separator device provided herein and the separated magnetic particles, which carry the molecules of interest through affinity-based attachment chemistry and are held in the lid by the magnet of the device, are released into a new vessel containing a solution by removal of the separator device without the need for pipettes or liquid handling devices.

Abstract: A method to recover a lost circulation material from a drilling fluid used in a drilling operation comprising the steps of: directing a drilling fluid containing a lost circulation material into a drill string positioned in a well bore, the lost circulation material having a magnetic property; recovering the drilling fluid containing at least a portion of the lost circulation material from the well bore; and magnetically separating the lost circulation material from the drilling fluid.

Abstract: A process for beneficiation of trona includes supplying a trona feedstream that is crushed and dried. The trona is then separated into a first size fraction and a second size fraction. Impurities are removed from the first size fraction using at least one magnetic separator. The magnetic separator includes a plurality of stages. Each stage includes a conveyer system including a first end, a second end, and a conveyer belt. Each stage also includes a magnetic roller disposed at the second end of the conveyer system and a splitter disposed adjacent the second end of the conveyer system for separating a fraction of magnetic impurities from the trona to create a beneficiated fraction. At least one conveyer belt is deionized. Airborne dust particles are removed from an area surrounding at least one conveyer system.

Abstract: A molecular arrangement magnetic treatment apparatus and method includes an apparatus including a material passageway configured for having material flow therethrough and at least one pair of magnets oriented such that material in the material passageway passes through a magnetic field effect produced by the at least one pair of magnets. Further, each magnet of the at least one pair of magnets is allowed to move independent of each other such that the magnetic field effect at least partially influences relative placement of each magnet of the at least one pair of magnets.

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 Particle Imaging (MPI) requires high-performing tracer materials that are highly magnetic monodispersed particles with fast remagnetization behaviour. 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: A molecular arrangement magnetic treatment apparatus and method includes an apparatus including a material passageway configured for having material flow therethrough.

Abstract: A molecular arrangement magnetic treatment apparatus and method includes a material container with an inlet and an outlet where the material to be treated is introduced at the inlet and is released at the outlet and where the material container is sized so as to provide an enclosed space into which the material expands and loses velocity. A material passageway is connected at one end to the inlet and at another end to the outlet such that the material must pass through the material passageway. And at least one pair of magnets is provided that are oriented such that material in the passageway must pass between a north pole and a south pole of the pair of magnets. In one embodiment, the at least one pair of magnets is self aligning such that the north pole and the south pole are free to move so that the north pole and the south pole are always facing each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a stream of particles with individual sizes smaller than 300 ?m and magnetic properties ranging from collective magnetism as in ferromagnetism to paramagnetism to diamagnetism. The apparatus includes a plurality of stages for separating a stream of particles. The apparatus includes a magnetic component producing a magnetic force associated with each stage. The apparatus includes an aerodynamic component producing an aerodynamic force associated with each stage, where the more magnetic component or components of a feed of particles for each stage is separated and either or both the less magnetic product and the more magnetic product of each stage are the feed for separate succeeding stages with each stage and where the magnetic and aerodynamic forces along with gravimetric forces of each stage are chosen to separate more strongly magnetic particles from less magnetic particles.

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: Magnetic nanoparticles and methods for their use in detecting biological molecules are disclosed. The magnetic nanoparticles can be attached to nucleic acid molecules, which are then captured by a complementary sequence attached to a detector, such as a spin valve detector or a magnetic tunnel junction detector. The detection of the bound magnetic nanoparticle can be achieved with high specificity and sensitivity.

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). V-shaped grooves on the inner surface of the viewing face of the chamber provide uniform. The invention is also useful in conducting quantitative analysis and sample preparation in conjunction with automated cell enumeration techniques.

Abstract: A magnetic separator vessel (1) for separating magnetic particles from non-magnetic fluid includes a separation chamber having an interior and exterior wall, a top and bottom portion; a magnet (3) having first and second poles (2) positioned adjacent to the exterior wall, wherein the first pole is substantially diametrically opposed to the second pole; a inlet port (5) is directed into the top portion of the separation chamber, wherein the inlet port (5) is positioned adjacent to one of the first and second poles (2), wherein the inlet port (5) is adapted to transfer a mixture into the separation chamber; an underflow port (6) in communication with the bottom portion, wherein the underflow port (6) is adapted to receive the magnetic particles; and an overflow port (9) in communication with the separation chamber, wherein the overflow port (9) is adapted to receive the non-magnetic fluid.

Abstract: Electromagnetic separator comprising two or more solenoids (6, 7) arranged inside a rotatable drum (1) and connected to a continuous current power supply (8) for generating a magnetic field suitable for separating ferromagnetic parts, wherein said power supply (8) supplies a current being substantially constant in time. The invention also relates to a separation method that can be carried out by means of said electromagnetic separator.

Abstract: Methods for separating magnetic nanoparticles are provided. In certain embodiments, a method is provided for separating magnetic nanoparticles comprising: providing a sample comprising a plurality of magnetic nanoparticles; passing the sample through a first magnetic field; at least partially isolating nanoparticles of the first nanoparticle size desired; altering the strength of the first magnetic field to produce a second magnetic field; and at least partially isolating nanoparticles of the second nanoparticle size desired.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic sifter that is small in scale, enables three-dimensional flow in a direction normal to the substrate, allows relatively higher capture rates and higher flow rates, and provides a relatively easy method of releasing captured biomolecules. The magnetic sifter includes at least one substrate. Each substrate contains a plurality of slits, each of which extends through the substrate. The sifter also includes a plurality of magnets attached to the bottom surface of the substrate. These magnets are located proximal to the openings of the slits. An electromagnetic source controls the magnitude and direction of magnetic field gradient generated by the magnets. Either one device may be used, or multiple devices may be used in series. In addition, the magnetic sifter may be used in connection with a detection chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining magnetic particles within a segment of a flow-through cell during flow of a fluid through the cell comprises (a) optionally, an electrical current source; (b) an electromagnet having a winding connected to the current source and an air gap between at least one pair of poles each of which has a corrugated outer surface and (c) a flow-through cell which is configured and dimensioned to receive an amount of magnetic particles to be retained within the flow-through cell and to allow flow of a liquid through the flow-through cell. The liquid carries molecules or particles to be captured by means of the magnetic particles. A portion of the flow-through cell is inserted in air gap.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for separating metal values, such as nickel and nickel compounds, from mineral ores, including lateritic ores are disclosed. The method includes providing a mixture of particles (e.g., crushed and sized ore) that is composed of at least a first group of particles and a second group of particles. Group members have similar chemical composition, while particles belonging to different groups have dissimilar chemical compositions. The mixture of particles is concurrently, or generally concurrently, heated (using microwave/millimeter wave energy) and exposed to a reactant. The wave energy and the reactant act to increase the difference in either the magnetic susceptibility or other separation properties between the first and second group of particles. The mixture of particles is then passed through an appropriate separator to separate the particles of interest. Optional steps are disclosed for purifying selected particles.

Abstract: A method for recovering a catalyst for a fuel cell includes a collection step in which a catalyst is collected by attracting, using a magnetic force, a magnetic material contained in at least one of the catalyst and a carrier on which the catalyst is supported. A system for recovering a catalyst for a fuel cell includes a collection device that attracts, using a magnetic force, a magnetic material contained in at least one of a catalyst and a carrier on which the catalyst is supported.

Abstract: Presented herein is a method and devices for identifying biological molecules and cells labeled by small magnetic particles and by optically active dyes. The labeled molecules are typically presented in a biological fluid but are then magnetically guided into narrow channels by a sequential process of magnetically trapping and releasing the magnetic labels that is implemented by sequential synchronized reversing the magnetic fields of a regular array of patterned magnetic devices that exert forces on the magnetic particles. These devices, which may be bonded to a substrate, can be formed as parallel magnetic strips adjacent to current carrying lines or can be substantially of identical structure to trilayered MTJ cells. Once the magnetically labeled molecules have been guided into the appropriate channels, their optical labels can be detected by a process of optical excitation and de-excitation. The molecules are thereby identified and counted.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for automated separation of a target compound from a sample using magnetic particles, which apparatus comprises a pipette head assembly for dispensing liquid through one or more pipette tips attachable thereto to one or more vials and a magnetic rod which is movable within the apparatus to a position adjacent to the one or more vials for attracting the magnetic particles; wherein the pipette head assembly has a pipette tip ejector for ejecting the one or more pipette tips from the pipette head assembly; and wherein the pipette tip ejector is operable by the magnetic rod.

Abstract: An analytical instrument for the immobilization of antigens to be detected in an immunoassay using mangetizable beads. The instrument includes a probe containing magnetizable particles and a plurality of magnetic devices for applying a magnetic field gradient to the particles in the probe reservoir. The probe is movable between the plurality of magnetic devices and at least one of the probe positions may be used to immobilize the magnetic particles in the fluid medium and at least another position may be used to resuspend the particles in a fluid medium.

Abstract: A system and method to identify and extract metallic items from impacted soil to isolate ordnance-related items is disclosed. A feeder feeds impacted soil onto a first conveyor belt that conveys the impacted soil towards a screener. The screener screens particles from the impacted soil received from the first conveyor belt, and if the particles are smaller than an ordnance-related size of concern, the particles pass through the screener. If the particles are larger than the ordnance-related size of concern, the larger particles are passed onto a second conveyor belt. The second conveyor belt conveys the impacted soil towards a magnet positioned above the second conveyor belt. The magnet is utilized to pull metallic items away from the impacted soil for inspection by an ordnance inspector to determine if a metallic item is ordnance-related. Impacted soil is cycled back to the screener and the magnet in a closed-loop system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting lunar soil is disclosed. A magnetic field is generated in a transport tube which attracts and moves the lunar soil through the tube. The magnetic field may be generated by multiple electrically conductive coils that are positioned coaxially and along the length of the transport tube.

Abstract: System and method for a continuous process for separating particles according to their magnetic properties such as Curie point includes a feed of hot particles having different magnetic properties on a moving surface spaced above a stationary magnetic assembly. The temperature of the bed of particles is controlled to enable selective separation of different factions of particles based upon the temperature of the particles. The magnets are maintained substantially below their Curie point. Gaseous nitrogen is fed into and from the inside of the magnetic assembly to enhance the cooling of the magnetic assembly and to inhibit oxidation. The gas exits through high temperature bearings to inhibit debris therein. A thermal shield is placed between the moving surface and the magnets and below tubes carrying a cooling fluid to maintain magnets substantially below their Curie point. The entire process is contained with an inert gas-purged cabinet.

Abstract: A process for beneficiation of trona includes supplying a trona feedstream that is crushed and dried. The trona is then separated into a first size fraction and a second size fraction. Impurities are removed from the first size fraction using at least one magnetic separator. The magnetic separator includes a plurality of stages. Each stage includes a conveyer system including a first end, a second end, and a conveyer belt. Each stage also includes a magnetic roller disposed at the second end of the conveyer system and a splitter disposed adjacent the second end of the conveyer system for separating a fraction of magnetic impurities from the trona to create a beneficiated fraction. At least one conveyer belt is deionized. Airborne dust particles are removed from an area surrounding at least one conveyer system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the creation of macroscopic materials and objects comprising aligned nanotube segments. The invention entails aligning single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) segments that are suspended in a fluid medium and then removing the aligned segments from suspension in a way that macroscopic, ordered assemblies of SWNT are formed. The invention is further directed to controlling the natural proclivity or nanotube segments to self assemble into or ordered structures by modifying the environment of the nanotubes and the history of that environment prior to and during the process. The materials and objects are “macroscopic” in that they are large enough to be seen without the aid of a microscope or of the dimensions of such objects.

Abstract: An improved collection system for a wet drum magnetic separator including a tank for receiving a flow of a mixture of magnetic and non-magnetic particles in a feed port.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for recovering magnetically attractable wellbore casing fragments from drilling fluid used in hydrocarbon-producing formations.