Abstract: A magnetic sweeper configured to collect magnetic metal debris, such as nails, screws, sheet metal fragments, staples, rivets and the like from a surface, and to permit easy removal of the collected debris from the sweeper is disclosed. The sweeper comprises a non-metallic body, a permanent magnet disposed within the body, a non-metallic cover hingably mounted to the underside of the body and an integrated latch configured to removably secure the cover to the body. The sweeper is configured to removably engage a handle for controlling the sweeper, and in another embodiment, an extendable, telescoping extender may be connected between the coupler and the handle to permit the sweeper to be used in a wide variety of locations. Preferably, the sweeper body is configured to swivel upon application of torque to the handle. In use, the sweeper is passed over metallic debris using the handle to guide the body.

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: A magnetic reagent contains magnetic microparticles and a compound of the formula (I) as defined herein. The magnetic reagent may be used in a magnetic separation process for the removal of impurities from mineral substrates.

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: 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: A magnetic sweeper includes an upper body portion and a base assembly disposed below the upper body portion and a frame. The body defines a cavity with an open bottom portion. The base assembly includes a non-magnetizable frame and a magnetizable plate supported by the frame and a non-magnetizable collection basket disposed below and offset from the magnetizable plate. A pair of wheels and handle are provided for guiding and propelling the sweeper over a selected area of ground. In addition, the sweeper includes a battery and a solar cell for charging and recharging the battery as well as a pair of coils connected to the battery for generating a magnetic field to thereby magnetize the plate to attract ferro-metallic debris. Further, a mechanism is provided for dropping the ferro-metallic material into a collection basket.

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 sweeper includes an upper body portion and a base assembly disposed below the upper body portion and a frame. The body defines a cavity with an open bottom portion. The base assembly includes a non-magnetizable frame and a magnetizable plate supported by the frame and a non-magnetizable collection basket disposed below and offset from the magnetizable plate. A pair of wheels and handle are provided for guiding and propelling the sweeper over a selected area of ground. In addition, the sweeper includes a battery and a solar cell for charging and recharging the battery as well as a pair of coils connected to the battery for generating a magnetic field to thereby magnetize the plate to attract ferro-metallic debris. Further, a mechanism is provided for dropping the ferro-metallic material into a collection basket.

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: The present invention is a device for cleaning surfaces comprising; a housing having a handle on one end and a cleaning head on the other end the cleaning head having an upper surface, a lower surface, a perimeter edge and a magnetic means. The magnetic means is removably attached to the cleaning head and provides a magnetic field to its lower surface. There is at least one attachment means provided on the upper surface or the perimeter for securing a cleaning sheet over the lower surface of the cleaning head.

Abstract: An apparatus to prevent workers from inadvertently discarding metal articles is used in the hospitality industry. The apparatus includes a base suitable for mounting to an open end of a waste receptacle, a tray pivotally mounted to the base, and a metal detector mounted to the underside of the tray. The metal detector detects the presence of metal articles deposited in the tray amidst food scraps or other waste. The metal detector signals an audible alarm alerting workers to the presence of metal articles in the waste. Once the metal articles are removed, the worker can use a handle or a button system to pivot the tray, so as to deposit the food scraps or other waste in the waste receptacle.

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: 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: In a food processing line, the equipment which is likely to fragment on breakage contains magnetically susceptible particles which are separated from the food by a magnetic separation stage. When the equipment is a starch carrying tray, the molding mix contains 5-50% of magnetic filler, such as magnetite. Reinforcement with glass fiber and jute fiber modifies the compositions for moulding the trays. Molding mixes based on polypropylene and thermosetting resins are described. A processing line using starch trays has a conveyor for food items and a conveyor for the starch in which the food items are molded. Both have magnetic separators.

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: A tool for the removal of magnetic debris from worksites. The tool comprises means for the collection and self-removal of magnetic debris from the tool. A magnetic portion resides within a non-magnetic portion and magnetic debris is collected on the exterior of the non-magnetic portion. Removal of the magnetic portion allows collected debris to be removed from the tool. One embodiment of the invention is a rake.

Abstract: An integral vacuum cleaner bumper is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The bumper includes a bumper shell formed of an at least partially resilient material and includes an inner surface that mates to the vacuum cleaner chassis and an outer surface. The bumper shell is affixed to the vacuum cleaner chassis as an integral component of the vacuum cleaner and the outer surface of the bumper shell becomes a portion of an outer surface of the vacuum cleaner. The bumper further includes one or more cavities formed along a bottom edge region of the bumper shell, one or more corresponding magnets designed to fit into the one or more cavities, a backing plate including one or more fastener apertures, and one or more fasteners that pass through the one or more fastener apertures of the backing plate and affix the backing plate to the bumper shell.

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: A magnetic scraper for manually cleaning contaminated surfaces, such as commercial kitchen exhaust duct systems, is disclosed. Two sharpened blades are positioned opposite one another secured to a body portion. An elongated, extendable arm pivotally connected to the body portion allows propelling the scraper blades either forward or backward in any direction over the extended distances imposed by duct geometry. A magnetic base surface provides self position maintenance of the body portion of the magnetic scraper. Precision dimensions over the length of the scraper body portion and the angle of blade placement permits smooth manual degreasing throughout the varying duct configurations.

Abstract: A magnetic sweeper configured to collect magnetic metal debris, such as nails, screws, sheet metal fragments, staples, rivets and the like from a surface, and to permit easy removal of the collected debris from the sweeper is disclosed. The sweeper comprises a non-metallic body, a permanent magnet disposed within the body, a non-metallic cover hingably mounted to the underside of the body and an integrated latch configured to removably secure the cover to the body. The sweeper is configured to removably engage a handle for controlling the sweeper, and in another embodiment, an extendable, telescoping extender may be connected between the coupler and the handle to permit the sweeper to be used in a wide variety of locations. Preferably, the sweeper body is configured to swivel upon application of torque to the handle. In use, the sweeper is passed over metallic debris using the handle to guide the body.

Abstract: A magnetic raking device that agitates a ground surface and uses magnetic attraction for collecting ferro-metallic debris, such as nails and screws, at construction jobsites and other locations, includes a release mechanism that temporarily eliminates magnetic attraction of the debris to the rake, thus allowing collected debris to drop from the rake, such as into a trash or recycling container. One type of release mechanism physically removes one or more magnets from the rake body to eliminate magnetic attraction to the rake body. One type of release mechanism uses electromagnets in the rake body that attract ferro-metallic debris when current is allowed to run through the electromagnets, and that allows the debris to drop from the rake when the current is interrupted. The magnetic rake may be used in an inverted position to attract ferro-metallic debris without agitating, and may be used in a non-magnetic state as a conventional rake.

Abstract: A pulse of over six kilovolts with a duration of 200 nanoseconds causes an explosion that fragments a mineral deposit with metals embedded therein. The fragmentation separates the metals from the mineral. A conditioning electromagnet temporarily magnetizes the metals. A sorting magnet attracts one of the magnetized metals.

Abstract: An electronic ferrous metal detector with an alarm includes a non-ferrous core positioned circumferentially about an opening in an object, such as a hole in a garbage can lid. A pick-up coil having a sufficient number of windings is wound about the non-ferrous core for detecting magnetized objects passing therethrough and generating a voltage. The voltage is passed through an op-amp and into a comparator/detector, where a preset reference point is compared to the voltage from the op-amp. Once the voltage passes the preset reference point, the comparator goes to a high output and powers a switch, such as a SCR or Triac, which is gated on and carries the current and feeds the voltage to an alarm that provides an audible or visual signal that a magnetized piece of ferrous material has passed through the metal detector.

Abstract: A device for attracting metal particles which comprises a longitudinal member having a first and second end and a first magnet connected to the first end. The first magnet has a surface. The device further includes a housing connected to the second end which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal member. The housing has a second magnet disposed therein. A plate having a surface area is secured to the housing and is positioned within a proximity to the second magnet such that the plate is capable of attracting metal pieces thereto. The surface area of the plate has a substantially larger square area than the surface of the first magnet.

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: The method for separating ferrate salts from a solution comprising providing contact between the solution of essentially of aqueous hydroxide and the ferrate salts and a surface having a magnetic attraction, magnetically securing the ferrate salts to the surface; and eliminating contact between the solution and the surface. Contact is provided by immersing the surface in the solution, passing the liquid ferrate mixture over the surface, or combinations thereof. The magnetic attraction may be induced by permanent magnets, electromagnets, and combinations thereof. The apparatus for ferrate production comprises an electrochemical cell having an iron-containing anode, cathode, and an aqueous hydroxide solution in fluid communication with both the anode and the cathode, and a magnetic separator in fluid communication with the aqueous hydroxide solution for separating ferrate salts from the aqueous hydroxide solution.

Abstract: In a method and a system for sorting shredder residues of metal-containing wastes, in particular of body shells, where shredder residues are separated into a shredder light fraction and a non-ferromagnetic fraction (shredder heavy fraction), the method and the system having corresponding arrangements provide that (a) during the sorting of the shredder light fraction and the shredder heavy fraction in preliminary processes and a main process, a crude-sand fraction is produced by separating out at least a ferromagnetic fraction, a fraction containing nonferrous metals, a fiber fraction, and a granulate fraction, and (b) in a refining process, the crude-sand fraction is separated into a residual fraction rich in organics, a dust fraction containing heavy metals, a sand fraction depleted in organics and metals, and a metallic fraction, using the sequential process steps of density separation and metal separation.

Abstract: A centrifugal extractor of non-contact journaled construction is provided in which, even under the environments of corrosive gase and mist-like liquid such as nitric acid mist generated in the reprocessing of a spent nuclear fuel, no problem in corrosion or deterioration of parts occurs and high reliability is obtained, and operation is enabled for a long period of time free from maintenance. A rotor 12 housed in a rotor housing 10 is journaled by a main shaft 14 and rotated and driven by a motor 16. The main shaft is surrounded by a drive-portion housing 30, and has a thrust magnetic disk 36 on the upper end and radial magnetic disks 46, 48 and a motor-rotor portion 54 in the circumference thereof.

Abstract: In a coal preparation plant which receives a raw coal feed and separates the raw coal feed into a clean coal feed and a refuse feed, an apparatus is provided for receiving and mixing the raw coal feed with water. The inventive apparatus includes a deslime screen assembly including a feedbox, magnetic separator and a deslime screen. The feedbox receives the raw coal feed and directs the raw coal onto the deslime screen for separation into coarse and fine sized raw coal fractions. The magnetic separator is provided which is integrally formed with the feedbox. The magnetic separator receives an input slurry of magnetic solid particles and water from the coal preparation plant, and separates the magnetic solid particles from the input slurry. The overflow tailings slurry output by the magnetic separator from which magnetic solid particles have been removed is received directly by the feedbox and mixed with the raw coal feed particles received thereby.

Abstract: A metal-debris magnetic scavenging tool useable inside a buried, horizontal metallic pipeline through an access opening which has been cut into the upper wall portion of the pipeline overhead where the resulting debris has collected. A raiseable/lowerable and rotatable array of magnets, surface exposed, and operating moveably as a unit, agitate and collect debris principally within an area-footprint which allows for clearance lifting and removal of collected debris through the access opening.

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: The magnetic susceptibility of one or more plastic articles is enhanced to enable their separation from a waste stream using magnetic separators. An amount of paramagnetic material is added to the plastic formulation to influence magnetic susceptibility without affecting the properties associated with the function of the plastic article. The material is preferably selected from a group consisting of magnetite, ferro-silicon and ferromagnetic particles (e.g., iron filings). The amount or material can be varied in the range of between 0.05% and 5% by weight of the plastic formulation. The plastic with altered magnetic susceptibility and a method separating that plastic from a waste stream are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sweeper magnet for attracting magnetic debris from a pick-up surface includes a base assembly and a magnet having a first surface supported by the base assembly and a second surface. A cover extends over the magnet second surface and includes a projection having a projection height extending away from the magnet. The projection automatically creates a space distance of at least the projection height between the pick-up surface and at least a portion of the cover to provide clearance for attracting the magnetic debris.

Abstract: A magnetic sweeper includes a tubular body made of a non-magnetic material, a magnet unit, and a slider made of a non-magnetic material. The magnet unit is disposed inside the tubular body, and is capable of attracting and retaining magnetically attractable pieces on an attracting portion of the tubular body. The slider is mounted on and is slidable along the tubular body such that movement of the slider on the tubular body can result in pushing of the magnetically attractable pieces out of the magnetic range of the magnet unit such that the magnetically attractable pieces can fall freely from the tubular body.

Abstract: A sweeper magnet for attracting magnetic debris from a pick-up surface includes a base assembly and a magnet having a first surface supported by the base assembly and a second surface. A cover extends over the magnet second surface and includes a projection having a projection height extending away from the magnet.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of dynamic magnetic fields (DM fields) or DM-field generators for identifying and/or sorting cells, cell components or pathogens, the use of said fields or field generators in the purification of liquids from pathogens, methods or processes for the treatment of infected cells or tumor cells, the use of super-paramagnetically labelled active substances for the preparation of a composition for use in a process for the treatment of infected cells or tumor cells, comprising treatment with a DM field or DM field generator, as well as the combination of super-paramagnetically labelled active substances or superparamagnetically labelled beads with a generator of a DM field. FIG. 3 shows, as example, a microscope (12) under which a super-paramagnetically labelled sample (15) is exposed to a DM alternating field by a field generator (11) and thus the moved labelled objects (e.g. cells) are put into movement and thus become specifically identifiable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system that includes a plurality of cache engines coupled to a computer network such as the Internet, and a cache memory associated with each of the plurality of cache engines. The cache memory is allocated to store information of a plurality of users participating in an online communication session. Each user is allocated a normal section and an exception section in the cache memory, the normal section storing predictable behavior of the user and the exception section storing unpredictable behavior of the user. All users' session environment is updated by sending information on whether a specific user's behavior is predictable or unpredictable and by retrieving the appropriate user behavior from the normal or exceptions sections in the local cache memory.

Abstract: A magnetic sweeper includes an elongated mounting frame, a pair of rotating wheels, and a universal caster. The frame includes a barrier wall disposed behind a guide wall so as to define an axial hole therebetween, and a bottom plate. At least one magnetically attracting wheel is disposed in the axial hole, and is sleeved fixedly on a rotating shaft. The rotating wheels are rotatable relative to the frame to rotate the magnetically attracting wheel within the axial hole so as to magnetically attract metal objects onto the guide wall of the frame. Thereafter, the objects move from the guide wall to the barrier wall, and drop from the barrier wall to the bottom plate.

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: 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: A method and apparatus for magnetically separating target particles of a selected type from a sample in order to produce a concentration of the target particles in the sample, or a depletion of the sample with respect to the target particles, by producing a sample mixture of the sample with magnetic particles having a selective affinity to magnetically stain the target particles; producing a flow of a buffer liquid through a tube which includes an inlet connectable to a source of buffer liquid, and an outlet for the buffer liquid; after a flow of the buffer liquid has been produced through the tube, introducing the sample mixture into the buffer liquid flowing through the tube such that the buffer liquid forms a continuous liquid carrier for the sample mixture as both are fed through the tube; and applying a magnetic field across the tube at a magnetizing station therein to cause the magnetically-stained target particles to be separated and retained in the buffer liquid within the tube at the magnetizing stat

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: 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 magnetic sweeper includes a mounting frame with left and right side walls, a rotating shaft with ends journalled in the left and right side walls, and a cylindrical body rotated with and surrounding the rotating shaft. A plurality of permanent magnets are disposed in a circumferential wall of the cylindrical body and define uppermost and lowermost magnetic linear limits. A guiding member, formed from a non-magnetic material, is secured to the left and right side walls, and includes a major wall with leading and tailing ends that are respectively spaced non-equidistantly from the uppermost and lowermost magnetic linear limits. A collecting member is disposed downstream of and below the uppermost magnetic linear limit for receiving magnetic metal objects captured by means of the permanent magnets. A mounting axle is disposed on the mounting frame and is spaced apart from the rotating shaft for mounting of a wheel member.

Abstract: The invention provides a two-way protecting guard for a vacuum cleaner bumper that picks up magnetic metal objects in rugs or carpets prior to such objects entering the vacuum cleaner housing and that prevents damage to furniture and other objects from contact with the vacuum cleaner. The guard of the present invention covers the front and sides of the vacuum cleaner housing, while leaving the top of the housing open or easily accessible. The guard is made of a durable outer covering and contains, disposed within the outer covering, a magnet and padding. The bumper can be secured to the vacuum cleaner by a strap that can be removably fastened to the bumper, or alternatively the bumper can be directly affixed to the vacuum cleaner housing with an adhesive.

Abstract: The invention relates for separating different electrically conductive particles, especially of waste materials, by means of an eddy-current separation, whereby the supplied particles to be separated are cooled. The invention also relates to an eddy-current separator provided for carrying out said method. The separator has a rotational magnet system and a transport system for guiding the particles to be separated along the magnet system. A cooling chamber through which the particles are guided is located immediately upstream from the magnet system. The conductivity of the non-iron metallic particles is increased by cooling thus allowing differential separation of these materials.

Abstract: A magnetic separator apparatus for use in separating magnetic material from a mixture of at least magnetic material and a liquid includes an endless belt defining a channel. A portion of the endless belt is movable up an incline relative to horizontal through a separation zone. The endless belt includes an endless base section having a predetermined length and first and second sidewalls extending from the endless base section along the entire predetermined length thereof. The endless base section and the first and second sidewalls define the channel wherein the mixture is received. Further, the apparatus includes a ferromagnetic collection matrix positioned in the channel and one or more magnets positioned for generating a magnetic field in the separation zone. A method for use in separating magnetic material from a mixture using such an apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A magnetic sweeper device is constructed with a structural integrating bracket which provides structural interconnection between one or more magnets, conveyance devices such as wheels, and a manipulation device such as a handle. The bracket includes a main section against which one or more magnets are attached by through-fit fasteners, conveyance attachment structures at distal ends for attachment of wheels, and a centrally disposed stem for attachment of a handle. The bracket also functions to direct the magnetic field downward by attachment of the magnet to a lower underside surface of the main section of the bracket. A magnet cover can also be attached to the magnet by the magnet supporting fasteners attached to the bracket.