Abstract: A method for separating biological materials and other substances is disclosed, wherein a mixture containing desired and undesired components are exposed to magnetic particles having ligands capable of binding to the desired and/or the undesired components to form a magnetic mixture, placing the magnetic mixture onto a substrate material; exposing the substrate coated with the magnetic mixture to a magnetic field of sufficient strength to cause the magnetic components to migrate across the substrate; and repeatedly increasing and decreasing the magnetic field in a pulsing manner with a frequency sufficient to cause the desired magnetic components to separate spatially from the undesired magnetic components. A device for separating biological materials capable of being operated to increase and decrease magnetic field in a pulse fashion is also disclosed.

Abstract: A continuous magnetic separator and process for separating a slurry comprising magnetic particles into a clarified stream and a thickened stream. The separator has a container with a slurry inlet, an overflow outlet for the discharge of the clarified slurry stream, and an underflow outlet for the discharge of a thickened slurry stream. Magnetic particles in the slurry are attracted to, and slide down, magnetic rods within the container. The slurry is thus separated into magnetic concentrate and clarified slurry. Flow control means can be used to control the ratio of the rate of magnetic concentrate to the rate of clarified slurry. Feed control means can be used to control the rate of slurry feed to the slurry inlet.

Abstract: Systems and methods for disposing of waste material are disclosed, in which a cross-belt magnet configuration is employed to separate ferromagnetic substances from waste material. For some embodiments, the system includes a first conveyor belt, a magnet, and a second conveyor belt. The first conveyor belt is configured to carry waste materials in a first direction. The magnet is located in proximity to the first conveyor belt such that the first conveyor belt is within range of the attractive force of the magnet. The magnet attracts the ferromagnetic substances. The second conveyor belt is interposed between the magnet and the first conveyor belt. The second conveyor belt is positioned non-parallel to the first conveyor belt, and is configured to carry the attracted ferromagnetic substances in a second direction, which is non-parallel to the first direction.

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.

Abstract: A method of determining the number of magnetic particles within a sample using a tuned circuit having a capacitor and a coil. The method comprises: a. determining the difference in the resonant frequency of the tuned circuit when the sample is exposed to a magnetic field generated by the coil and when the sample is not exposed to the magnetic field generated by the coil; and b. using the difference in the resonant frequency to determine the number of magnetic particles within the sample.

Abstract: Method for the wet dynamic separation of a suspension in liquid phase, comprising microparticles comprising a magnetic material and a liquid medium in which said microparticles are in suspension, in which method: a) the suspension is confined in a chamber having a volume defined by at least two dimensions, for example length and depth; b) at least one plurality of elementary magnetic fields is set up, these magnetic fields being distributed in a “Halbach semi-configuration”, whose respective ends facing the chamber generate a vector sum of said elementary magnetic fields, corresponding to a magnetic capture field passing through said chamber and exerting a magnetic attraction on the microparticles, and whose opposite respective ends generate no magnetic field; and c) said capture magnetic field is generated, whereby a solid phase enriched with microparticles is captured in said chamber, and a liquid phase depleted in microparticles is extracted from said chamber.

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: Separation apparatus and method for separating magnetic and/or magnetically-labeled particles from a test medium. Test medium within a reaction chamber is caused to flow past a collecting surface, and a high-gradient magnetic field is applied to the surface to capture magnetically responsive particles in the test medium. The particles are deflected toward the collection surface by baffles, a spinner, or a sprayer, or are funneled past the surface by a plunger operable to be displaced into close proximity to the surface to provide a narrow flow path for the particle-laden test medium. The particles normally suspended in the medium are separated out of suspension by adhesion to the collection surface. The particles may be resuspended by removal of the surface from the high-gradient field, or removal of the high-gradient field from the surface. The collection surface is a thin-walled non-magnetic material having a plurality of magnetic pole faces positioned therearound.

Abstract: A particulate feed comprising a first particle type and a second particle type is separated by providing a separation apparatus having a separation vessel having a top and a bottom, and wherein the separation vessel includes inwardly sloping side walls. A magnet structure has a first pole positioned exterior of and adjacent to each of the side walls of the separation vessel, and a second pole positioned above the separation vessel. A mixture of the particulate feed and a ferrofluid is introduced into the separation vessel, and the particulate feed is separated into a first particle fraction comprising a majority of the first particle type, which sinks in the separation vessel, and a second particle fraction comprising a majority of the second particle type which floats in the separation vessel.

Abstract: A separation apparatus and method for use in separating magnetic material from non-magnetic material that includes the use of a magnetic grid, e.g., a permanently magnetic grid, which defines a plurality of openings. The grid assists in preventing magnetic material from being transported to an overflow.

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 exposed to microwave/millimeter wave energy in order to differentially heat the first and second group of particles, thereby increasing differences in magnetic susceptibility between the first and second group of particles. The mixture of particles is then passed through a magnetic field gradient, which causes the particles to separate into magnetic and non-magnetic fractions.

Abstract: Under a magnetic field gradient, solid particles floating and/or sinking in a supporting liquid (most suitably a paramagnetic one) are levitated or anti-levitated at different locations depending on their densities and diamagnetic susceptibilities.

Abstract: Methods for detecting gold and quantitating gold in ore samples utilizing a gold-specific protein are provided, including methods for multiple sample handling. Also provided are methods for extracting gold from mineral suspensions utilizing a magnetic mineral binding reagent and gold-specific protein, or hydrophobic reagent and gold-specific protein in conjunction with a flotation reagent.

Abstract: A magnetic sensing element detects the presence of magnetic particles in a binding assay. The magnetic sensing element has at least one planar layer of electrically conductive ferromagnetic material that has an initial state in which the material has a circular magnetic moment within the plane of the layer. The magnetic sensing element has molecules of a first specific binding member attached to it. The device also includes a fluid test medium to which the magnetic sensing element is exposed during the course of a binding assay. The fluid test medium includes magnetizable particles that become immobilized during the assay in relation to the amount of analyte in the test medium.

Abstract: A microchip comprises a flow pass in which a solution containing particles can flow, and a deflection mechanism for deflecting a portion of the particles as the particles flow through the flow pass.

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

Abstract: A method of making a high efficiency magnetic sensor for determining the presence or amount of an analyte in a test sample. The method typically includes providing a sensing device with a magnetic sensing element, exposing the sensing device to a fluid test medium suspected of containing an analyte and monitoring the resistance of the magnetic sensing element to detect any change in the electrical resistance of the magnetic sensing element in response to the immobilization of a magnetizable particle. The magnetic sensing element comprises at least one planar layer of electrically conductive ferromagnetic material having an initial state in which the material has a circular magnetic moment within the plane of the layer, a means to immobilize a magnetizable particle at a point along an axis that is perpendicular to the plane of the layer and passes through the center of the circular magnetic moment, and a means for detecting the change in the electrical resistance of each magnetic sensing element.

Abstract: An ultrasonic energy source is used to provide a variable force for measuring the binding forces between molecular entities and for sensing the presence of an analyte in a test sample. The device includes a surface that has a first binding member attached thereto and one or more particles that have a second binding member attached thereto. A reaction vessel is provided for exposing the surface to the particles whereby, if the first binding member has a binding affinity for the second binding member, a complex is formed between individual first binding members and individual second binding members and the particles thereby become immobilized with respect to the surface. The ultrasonic energy source is positioned for applying a variable ultrasonic force onto the surface, and the position of the particles is monitored as the intensity of the ultrasonic force is varied.

Abstract: Method for the wet dynamic separation of a suspension in liquid phase, comprising microparticles comprising a magnetic material and a liquid medium in which said microparticles are in suspension, in which method:

Abstract: A device for concentrating cells of interest from a fluid sample comprises an array of electromagnets associated with an array of holders for containers of the fluid samples, said electromagnets controlled by a microprocessor to generate controllable magnetic fields. Magnetic beads having an affinity for certain of the cells in the fluid sample are added to the fluid sample. When the microprocessor applies electrical current to the electrical magnet(s), the cells linked with magnetic beads will be attracted to the tube wall. Liquid aspirated from the sample will contain comparatively few of the cells for which the magnetic beads have an affinity, thereby allowing concentration of cells of interest. Optionally, aspiration may be accomplished using a robotic pipette system.

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

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of purifying capacitor grade powders. The capacitor grade powder is initially placed into a purifying machine that disperses at least one contaminate into the capacitor grade powder. The powder is then placed into a magnetic separation device that separates at least one contaminate from the capacitor grade powder. The capacitor grade powder is then processed into an electrical energy storage device, wherein the capacitor grade powder has minimal contaminates therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of separating integrated circuit (IC) devices according to magnetic properties of the devices is disclosed. A plurality of IC devices are subjected to a magnetic field. The IC devices containing only nonferrous material are not responsive to the magnetic field and are thus gathered to a first collection site. The IC devices containing ferrous material adhere to a moving surface proximate the magnetic field and are transported to a second collection site. The sorted devices are then transported to separate locations for further processing. The apparatus used for separating the IC devices may include a conveyor having a magnetic drum and an antistatic belt which travels about the magnetic drum. The conveyor allows nonferrous IC devices to fall off the edge of the magnetic drum into the first collection site while transporting the ferrous IC devices to another location for collection.

Abstract: A garbage disposal protection device prevents the entry of ferro-magnetic objects into the disposal unit while maintaining an unobstructed path for items intended for the disposal to freely pass through the entry of the disposal. The device is an annular magnetic ring which fits into the drain at the bottom of a standard household sink and captures the ferro-magnetic objects before they enter the disposal unit. An alternative embodiment utilizes a magnetic ring that is made up of multiple magnetic elements contained in a retaining member.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed which facilitate immobilization of magnetically labelled particulate entities, e.g., cells, preferably in a defined pattern, on a collection surface via binding between specific binding pair members, as an aid to particle analysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a MEMS-based integrated particle identification system having a substrate, a magnetic structure, and a bioferrograph. The substrate includes a topside portion, backside portion and a flow system. The flow system includes a flow channel for accepting the flow of a stream of particles to identified. The magnetic structure is in physical communication with the topside and backside portions of the substrate and has at least two pole pieces. A plurality of pole piece embodiments are provided for generating a magnetic field that acts on magnetically susceptible particles in the flow stream. The bioferrograph has at least one sensor for identifying the presence and quantity of magnetically susceptible particles. A plurality of sensor embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of separating integrated circuit (IC) devices according to magnetic properties of the devices. A plurality of IC devices are subjected to a magnetic field. The IC devices containing only nonferrous material are not responsive to the magnetic field and are thus gathered to a first collection site. The IC devices containing ferrous material adhere to a moving surface proximate the magnetic field and are transported to a second collection site. The sorted devices are then transported to separate locations for further processing. The apparatus used for separating the IC devices may include a conveyor having a magnetic drum and an antistatic belt which travels about the magnetic drum. The conveyor allows nonferrous IC devices to fall off the edge of the magnetic drum into the first collection site while transporting the ferrous IC devices to another location for collection.

Abstract: In a method of the magnetic loading of a sintering material, magnetically susceptible sinterable substances of high magnetization and fine substances of slidable dropping at low speed are segregated in great amounts in an upper portion of a sintering material layer deposited on a pallet. More of magnetically susceptible sinterable substances such as mill scale, returned ore and the like of good magnetic attachment and fine substances of low drop speed are caused to be segregated in the upper portion of that layer. A magnetic force is applied to a starting sintering material, during movement of the latter having been facilitated in its particle size segregation on a sloping chute, by means of a cylindrical magnetic drum having built therein a permanent magnet and disposed downwardly of the sloping chute.

Abstract: The method includes placing a vessel containing a solution having magnetized substances into a magnetic device. The solution is then incubated in the device for a period of time sufficient to allow the magnetized substances to migrate radially toward the interior wall of the vessel, and a sample of the solution removed from the center of the vessel would contain non-magnetized particles. The magnetic device is made of four polar magnets and a plurality of interpolar magnets disposed therebetween. The interpolar magnets are positioned to progressively rotate towards the orientation of the four polar magnets creating an even flux within the solution thereby causing the radial movement of the magnetized substances toward the inner wall of the surrounding magnets.

Abstract: A magnetic biological particle separation device comprising positioning a magnetic arrangement comprising a first magnet to generate a first north-south magnetic field in a plane co-planer with a horizontal cross-sectional plane of a container, positioning a second magnet in the magnetic arrangement to generate a second north-south magnetic field substantially opposing the first north-south magnetic field in a plane co-planer with the horizontal cross-sectional plane of the container, positioning a third magnet in the magnetic arrangement to generate a third north-south magnetic field substantially perpendicular to the first and the second north-south magnetic fields, directed radially away from the container, in a plane co-planer with the horizontal cross-sectional plane of the container, and pouring from the container a fluid containing magnetic beads, without a substantial loss of the magnetic beads.

Abstract: A method for recovering noble metal from scrap generated during the manufacture of noble metal units. The method includes providing a cast metal unit such as a dental crown or a jewelry item. The unit is made of some noble metal. The surface of the unit is prepared with an abrading element. A magnetically attractive particulate contaminated scrap is generated. The scrap includes some noble metal and particulate contaminate. The noble metal is magnetically separated from the contaminate. The system includes an abrading element and a rotary tool for operating the element at a speed sufficient to prepare the surface of the units. A collection unit is provided for operation of the element therein. The scrap generated includes a percentage of magnetically attractive contaminate. A refining unit is provided including a magnet positioned therein for magnetically removing the contaminate from the scrap.

Abstract: The method for manufacturing alloy powder for R—Fe—B type rare earth magnets of the present invention includes a first pulverization step of coarsely pulverizing a material alloy for rare earth magnets and a second pulverization step of finely pulverizing the material alloy. In the first pulverization step, the material alloy is pulverized by a hydrogen pulverization method. In the second pulverization step, easily oxidized super-fine powder (particle size: 1.0 &mgr;m or less) is removed to adjust the particle quantity of the super-fine powder to 10% or less of the particle quantity of the entire powder.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods of manipulating biological or chemical species. The species may be attached to a magnetic particle which is manipulated using micro-magnetic fields. In some cases, the magnetic fields are generated by current carrying wires that are patterned on a substrate. The magnetic fields define channels on the surface of the substrate in which the magnetic particles and attached species may be transported, positioned and stored. Thus, the systems and methods can manipulate biological or chemical species on a microscale (e.g., less than 5 cm). Applications of the systems and methods are in, but are not limited to, the fields of biotechnology, microanalysis, and microsynthesis.

Abstract: A magnetic ore purification system for enriching magnetic ore concentration in a feed material. The system includes an elutriator and at least one alternating current magnet. The system may also optionally have a device, which may be an ultrasonic transducer, for introducing vibrational energy into the elutriator, and a feedback control system. The elutriator has a feed port for introducing the feed material and an enriched port for collecting an enriched material having a magnetic ore concentration that is greater than the feed material. As the feed material passes between the feed port and the enriched port, the feed material is subjected to a low strength magnetic field generated by the alternating current magnet. The feed material may also be subjected to vibrational energy.

Abstract: Under a magnetic field gradient, solid plastic particles floating and/or sinking in a suspending liquid (most suitably a paramagnetic one) are levitated or anti-levitated at different locations depending on their densities and diamagnetic susceptibilities.

Abstract: A magnetic sensing element detects the presence of magnetic particles in a binding assay. The magnetic sensing element has at least one planar layer of electrically conductive ferromagnetic material that has an initial state in which the material has a circular magnetic moment within the plane of the layer. The magnetic sensing element has molecules of a first specific binding member attached to it. The device also includes a fluid test medium to which the magnetic sensing element is exposed during the course of a binding assay. The fluid test medium includes magnetizable particles that become immobilized during the assay in relation to the amount of analyte in the test medium.

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

Abstract: A plasma mass filter for separating low-mass particles from high-mass particles in a multi-species plasma includes a substantially cylindrically shaped barrier surrounding a chamber and defining a longitudinal axis. Helically shaped coils are mounted on the barrier to establish a magnetic field in the chamber. Conducting rings are provided to establish a radially directed electric field in the chamber. The plasma is injected into the chamber for interaction with the electric and magnetic fields, placing the high-mass particles onto trajectories rotating about a guiding center that travels within a surface having a hyperbolic shape. The low-mass particles are placed onto trajectories rotating about a guiding center that travels within a surface having an elliptical shape. The fields create an axial force directing the particles away from the injection point. As such, the high-mass particles strike the inner wall of the barrier, while the low-mass particles transit through the chamber.

Abstract: Magnetic separators are used for treating silicon-containing materials from chlorosilane reactors to remove magnetically influenced components in the silicon-containing materials. The removal of such impurities allows for enhanced reactivity of the silicon-containing materials in processes wherein the silicon-containing materials are raw materials for the production of silicon based compounds, such as, for example, basic alkylhalosilanes such as dimethyldichlorosilane, methyldichlorosilane, and other chlorosilanes such as trichlorosilane, which chlorosilanes are useful in the preparation of valuable silicon-containing products.

Abstract: In a method of the magnetic loading of a sintering material, magnetically susceptible sinterable substances of high magnetization and fine substances of slidable dropping at low speed are segregated in great amounts in an upper portion of a sintering material layer deposited on a pallet. More of magnetically susceptible sinterable substances such as mill scale, returned ore and the like of good magnetic attachment and fine substances of low drop speed are caused to be segregated in the upper portion of that layer. A magnetic force is applied to a starting sintering material, during movement of the latter having been facilitated in its particle size segregation on a sloping chute, by means of a cylindrical magnetic drum having built therein a permanent magnet and disposed downwardly of the sloping chute.

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

Abstract: A garbage disposal protection device prevents the entry of ferro-magnetic objects into the disposal unit while maintaining an unobstructed path for items intended for the disposal to freely pass through the entry of the disposal. The device is an annular magnetic ring which fits into the drain at the bottom of a standard household sink and captures the ferro-magnetic objects before they enter the disposal unit. An alternative embodiment utilizes a magnetic ring that is made up of multiple magnetic elements contained in a retaining member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for the treatment of pipes, pipe systems and related equipment, and the fluid and gas carried in the pipes to prevent scaling and build-up of deposits in the pipe. A first exemplary embodiment of the system comprises a pipe for carrying a fluid and at least one magnet assembly abutting portions of the exterior of the pipe to be treated. The magnet assembly preferably includes a plurality of magnet structures, the magnet structures being disposed at different radial positions around the exterior of the pipe.

Abstract: An ultrasonic energy source is used to provide a variable force for measuring the binding forces between molecular entities and for sensing the presence of an analyte in a test sample. The device includes a surface that has a first binding member attached thereto and one or more particles that have a second binding member attached thereto. A reaction vessel is provided for exposing the surface to the particles whereby, if the first binding member has a binding affinity for the second binding member, a complex is formed between individual first binding members and individual second binding members and the particles thereby become immobilized with respect to the surface. The ultrasonic energy source is positioned for applying a variable ultrasonic force onto the surface, and the position of the particles is monitored as the intensity of the ultrasonic force is varied.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method of separating iron sheets from washed iron products. The method includes the following steps: crushing wasted iron products into pieces; transporting the crushed pieces on a conveyer; and separating iron sheet pieces from the crushed pieces on the conveyer by virtue of a magnetic separator placed over the conveyer, wherein the iron sheet pieces staying on the conveyer in a standing state are selectively subjected to an upward force. By applying the upward force to the sheet-shaped iron pieces staying on the conveyer, the balance between magnetic and gravitational force is lost and the iron sheet pieces are smoothly attracted by the magnetic separator.

Abstract: Separation apparatus and method for separating magnetic and/or magnetically-labeled particles from a test medium in a reaction chamber which incorporates baffles, a spinner, a stirrer, or a plunger operable to be displaced along a collection surface to define a narrow flow path through which the particle-laden test medium must flow. The collection surface is a thin-walled non-magnetic material having a plurality of magnetic pole faces positioned therearound. Test medium within a reaction chamber is caused to flow past a collecting surface, and a high-gradient magnetic field is applied to the surface to capture magnetically responsive particles in the test medium. The particles are deflected toward the collection surface in the flow path for the test medium. The narrow flow path assures that substantially all of the particles pass within the high-gradient magnetic field along the collection surface.

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: In a method of the magnetic loading of a sintering material, magnetically susceptible sinterable substances of high magnetization and fine substances of slidable dropping at low speed are segregated in great amounts in an upper portion of a sintering material layer deposited on a pallet. More of magnetically susceptible sinterable substances such as mill scale, returned ore and the like of good magnetic attachment and fine substances of low drop speed are caused to be segregated in the upper portion of that layer. A magnetic force is applied to a starting sintering material, during movement of the latter having been facilitated in its particle size segregation on a sloping chute, by use of a cylindrical magnetic drum having built therein a permanent magnet and disposed downwardly of the sloping chute.

Abstract: A slowly rotating separation chamber with an oscillating axial magnetic field gradient created by an alternating current solenoid superimposed on a steady radial gradient in a horizontal chamber is used as part of a flow-through multiunit colloidal magnetic affinity separation device including magnets. The field-gradient induced microscale particle motion, as well as particle resuspension by chamber rotation, significantly enhances particle-target contact without generating damaging shear forces. Chamber rotation also minimizes sedimentation of non-neutrally buoyant magnetic particles. The alternating current solenoid are a series of coils arranged along the axial flow direction, a single chamber is utilized as a flow-through multistage separation device, leading to a major increase in volume and reduced “down” times as compared to batch equipment.

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.