Special Application Patents (Class 209/215)
  • Patent number: 6142310
    Abstract: The magnetic sweeper of this invention includes a laterally elongated hollow body of non-magnetic material having an open top and containing a pair of laterally spaced permanent magnets. The elongated side walls of the body have outwardly extending flanges slidably receiving a pair of covers of non-magnetic material for the magnets, and the covers have outer downturned ends facing the closed end walls of the body. An opening in each downturned end removably receives a wheel axle having an enlarged end captured between the body end wall and the adjacent downturned end of the cover, and interengaging detents on the body and each cover secures the cover removably to the body. A wheel is mounted rotatably on each axle and a handle extends from the body member for manipulating the sweeper over a surface to be swept of metallic objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventors: Gerald Allen Haase, Gerald Andrew Haase
  • Patent number: 6117398
    Abstract: An instrument that can hold one or more sample processsing vessels, maintain the sample processing vessels at a constant temperature, shake the sample processing vessels and separate magnetic particles by means of magnetic force. This system greatly simplifies the isolation of nucleic acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Bienhaus, Ulrich Schubert, Uwe Kolb, Burkhard Stolz, Manfred Pasch
  • Patent number: 6113169
    Abstract: A magnetic device for picking up ferrous metal debris, such as nails, screws, sheet metal fragments, staples, rivets, and other ferrous metal objects from an environmental surface such as the ground or a floor by rolling along the surface, consists of: a magnetic pickup member; a pair of wheels mounted to the magnetic pickup member and supporting the magnetic pickup member slightly above the environmental surface; a handle; a wiper for scraping ferrous metal debris from the magnetic pickup member and biased against the magnetic pickup member; and a release rope for rotating the magnetic pickup member against the wiper, thereby dislocating ferrous metal debris from the magnetic pickup member. Optionally, a hopper may be attached to the device for receiving the ferrous metal debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Malco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret A. Gohman, Kyle A. Bjork
  • Patent number: 6095337
    Abstract: A system and method for separating an electrically conductive particulate material, such as gold, from other materials. A ferromagnetic core is formed in a torroidal-like shape and is provide with a gap. A coil is wound around the core and an alternating current is applied to the coil to induce an alternating magnetic field at the gap. A stream of particles is directed into the gap. The frequency of the alternating current is set according to the specific resistivity of the particulate material which is to be separated from the rest of the material and according to the size of the particles which are to be separated from the rest of the material. By properly adjusting or setting the frequency of the alternating magnetic field, the first particles are imparted a trajectory which is different than the trajectory of the second particles in the particle stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Particle Separation Technologies, LC
    Inventor: Vladimir Saveliev
  • Patent number: 5993740
    Abstract: Magnetic particles are used as the solid phase to carry out immunoassay. In a reaction vessel, the magnetic particles are mixed with a sample containing TSH as an analyte and a labeled antibody. A chemiluminescent label material is bound onto the magnetic particles with an immunoreaction. A fluid including the above mixture is introduced to a chamber inside a flow through cell, the chamber being sized to have a width greater than a depth. The magnetic particles in the fluid are trapped by a magnet so as to be spread in the planar form over a predetermined area within the chamber, while useless materials are discharged outwardly of the chamber. The chamber is then filled with a buffer solution containing an attractant. By applying a voltage to electrodes disposed in the chamber, the label material on the magnetic particles is excited to emit an electro-chemiluminescence. The luminescence is detected by a photomultiplier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Niiyama, Hiroyasu Uchida, Ryuji Tao
  • Patent number: 5979957
    Abstract: A plurality of essentially round wheel shaped magnets on an axle transverse to a handle. The magnets are polarized axially and positioned with like poles adjacent. The roller rake is rolled over a surface and sweeps a swathe clean of magnetically attractable debris. The roller rake is particularly suited for cleaning nails from grassy areas such as commonly found in re-roofing and other construction projects, and for sweeping large areas such as factory floors. The magnets are arranged to project a magnetic field before, under, and behind the operating head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignees: Michael L Baxter, James Conrad
    Inventors: James G. Conrad, Michael L Baxter
  • Patent number: 5931309
    Abstract: A device for separating metallic and non-metallic materials via an inclined conveyor belt and vibrating plate feed. Feed material is dropped from the feed plate onto the inclined portion of the conveyor. Magnetic material adheres to the inclined belt by attraction to a magnetic plate spaced such that the belt interposes between the magnetic plate and the materials to be separated. Non-metallic materials fall down the incline into a collection area. The device further includes a second magnetic plate, after the first, oriented to diverge from the belt in the direction of conveyance to provide a uniform, attenuating magnetic flux.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Almhults El Mek AB
    Inventor: Einar Andersson
  • Patent number: 5927508
    Abstract: Recovery of gold fines from gold-bearing ores is achieved by flowing an aqueous slurry of particulate gold-bearing ore over a sluice supporting a mat of magnetically susceptible particulate material, which preferably includes the magnetite content of the ore or a quantity of magnetite added to the ore, the mat being disposed over a sheet of magnetic material in which magnetic poles extending across the sluice and alternate in polarity at spaced intervals along the length of the sluice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: David C. Plath
  • Patent number: 5888027
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of removing and transporting empty, recyclable, aluminum and plastic beverage containers returned to redemption centers without requiring the redemption centers to sort the containers by distributor and then separate the containers into like materials for removal. The present invention also illuminates the burden imposed on the distributors from having to pick up the containers from the redemption centers, then shred or bale the materials, and then sell the materials to recyclers. The invention comprises the steps of collecting and depositing the aluminum and plastic containers into a single holding bin at the redemption center's facilities. Using a blower such as a centrifugal fan and chute to blow the contents of the holding bin into a transporter such as a semi-trailer or compactor. Transporting the transporter to a separating facility which automatically separates the aluminum and plastic containers into like materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Buer
  • Patent number: 5887728
    Abstract: A mixture of electronic component chips 2 and media 3 is placed in a planar state on a transport surface 4 of a conveyor 5. Only the media 3 are collected onto a first circulating circumferential surface 18 by a magnetic force provided by a first collection member 12 and are thereafter collected by a media collecting box 22. Then, only electronic component chips 2 having a plating film of a proper thickness formed thereon are attracted onto a second circumferential surface 28 by a magnetic force provided by a second collection member 23 and are thereafter collected by a good product collecting box 31. Electronic component chips 2a having a plating film of an insufficient thickness formed thereon are collected by a defective product collecting box 32.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Muranaka, Shigeo Yaichi
  • Patent number: 5873313
    Abstract: In a vacuum housing (1), an inner duct (17) is disposed. Quadrupole magnets (superconducting coils) (4) is placed around the inner duct (17) is excited by a DC power supply (10). Quadrupole magnets (4) are cooled by liquid helium contained in a helium housing and outer tubes (2, 3) and is brought into a superconducting state. Pulverized coal X is ejected together with air Y from a header (11) through piping (12) and a valve (13) to a baffle plate (14). Pulverized coal is made to fall into the inner duct (3). Paramagnetic materials such as ash are attracted by magnetic force to the tube and are then collected by a collection tube (26). Combustible diamagnetic materials are collected by a combustible collecting tube (18) extending in the central axis. Intermediate materials are collected by an intermediate collection tube (23) and are put back to the head (11) through a bypass tube (25). There are no mechanical parts in the inner duct (3). Consequently, rotation loss and eddy-current heating are prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaharu Minami, Hiroyuki Katayama, Takuya Kimura
  • Patent number: 5868257
    Abstract: A magnetic separator for separating magnetisable particles from a slurry is described. The separator includes means for establishing a magnetic field (10) in a separation zone. At least one separation chamber (12) with an inlet and outlet containing a fluid permeable magnetizable separating packing material, and, at least one compensating chamber (4) containing a magnetizable compensating packing, are linked and are movable such that movement of the separation chamber or chambers into the separation zone results in movement of the compensating chamber or chambers out of the separation zone and vice-versa. The magnetization characteristics and/or the demagnetization factors of the separating and compensating packings are substantially the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Carpco, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam Antoni Stadtmuller
  • Patent number: 5868255
    Abstract: A magnetic ore purification system for enriching magnetic ore concentration in a feed material. The system includes an elutriator, an alternating current magnet, and an ultrasonic separator. The elutriator has a feed port for introducing the feed material into the elutriator and an enriched material port for collecting an enriched material having a magnetic ore concentration that is greater than the feed material. The alternating current magnet generates a uniform low strength magnetic field within the elutriator. The ultrasonic transducer introduces ultrasonic energy into the elutriator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: John R. McGaa
  • Patent number: 5868258
    Abstract: The Plastic Magnetic Sweeper is designed with lightweight plastic. Its overall weight is eighteen pounds or less. The load release system is contained inside handle. The Plastic Magnetic Sweeper is light weight for easy storage. The Plastic Magnetic Sweeper has a removeble wheel support bracket that is optional for use. The overall design of this tool is new to the art of removing metal objects from floors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: DeHart Hubbard, Jr.
    Inventor: DeHart Hubbard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5772043
    Abstract: A system and method for separating an electrically conductive particulate material, such as gold, from other materials. A ferromagnetic core is formed in a torroidal-like shape and is provide with a gap. A coil is wound around the core and an alternating current is applied to the coil to induce an alternating magnetic field at the gap. A stream of particles is directed into the gap. The frequency of the alternating current is set according to the specific resistivity of the particulate material which is to be separated from the rest of the material and according to the size of the particles which are to be separated from the rest of the material. By properly adjusting or setting the frequency of the alternating magnetic field, the first particles are imparted a trajectory which is different than the trajectory of the second particles in the particle stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Particle Separation Technologies
    Inventor: Vladimir Saveliev
  • Patent number: 5743410
    Abstract: A super-conducting magnet includes a vessel (8) defining a separation zone through which material to be separated passes. The magnet includes a super-conducting coil (4) located in the vessel and surrounding the separation zone for providing a magnetic field therein. A tube (6) holds the coil and liquid helium to provide a liquid helium reservoir around the coil. At least one radiation shield (12) is positioned between the tube and the vessel. The magnet is a closed system with no helium circulation from the reservoir to outside the vessel and back and the tube is sized to provide a reservoir of sufficient capacity for operation without helium addition for a number of months, preferably a year. A helium reliquifier (46) is positioned in the neck assembly (16), and a non-return valve (49) is located on the neck assembly for release of helium gas from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Carpco, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam Antoni Stadtmuller
  • Patent number: 5685952
    Abstract: A method for removal of magnetic ink from pulp stock formed from xerographic and laser printed paper waste comprising feeding such pulped paper waste past one or more magnets for removal of all or substantially all of such magnetic ink. The magnetic ink can be removed by capture or deflection techniques. The preferred pulp slurry has a concentration of 4% or less by weight pulp. The preferred magnetic force to be applied utilizes background magnetic fields in excess of 2000 Gauss and a field gradient in excess of 500 Gauss/cm. Also, a method for improving the recyclability of paper waste having ink thereon which does not normally contain a magnetic component, by utilizing one or more magnetic carriers in the formulations of the printing ink utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventor: David Malcolm Owen
  • Patent number: 5678696
    Abstract: A compact aluminum can separator have a a continuous conveyer belt, means mounting the conveyer belt to have an upper layer and a lower layer and for revolving said belt to cause the upper layer to travel generally horizontally from an input end of the separator to an output end of the separator and means for positioning cans and bottles on the belt proximate the input end of the separator an a forced air-magnet separator for separating aluminum from steel cans is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Joseph R. Goetz
  • Patent number: 5624146
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for use in picking up metallic objects. More specifically, the present invention includes a frame having an upper extent and a lower extent with a handle bar positioned at the upper extent and a pair of wheels rotatably positioned at the lower extent. A magnetic head housing is slidably positioned at the lower extent of the frame. This housing includes an opening with a plurality of circular magnetic elements disposed therein. Furthermore, the present invention includes adjustment means for use in the positioning of the magnetic head housing relative to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventors: Elmer De Los Reyes, Robert R. Hernandez, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5571481
    Abstract: A magnetic capture rack is disclosed for holding a plurality of tubes, the magnetic capture rack including a primary housing member having a stepped upper surface, a substantially planar base surface, and a longitudinal bore formed in the primary housing. The longitudinal bore is open at least at one end thereof, and a plurality of linearly arranged wells are formed in the stepped upper surface of the housing on opposing sides of the longitudinal bore and along substantially an entire length of the primary housing. A slidable magnetic member is provided which conforms in outer surface shape to an inner surface shape of the longitudinal bore, the magnetic member being selectively slidable into and out of the longitudinal bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Vicam, L.P.
    Inventors: Ralph Powell, Alisa Phillips, Barbara Jackson
  • Patent number: 5549207
    Abstract: A hand held tool for gathering and later releasing metallic particles such as paper clips or a spilled box of pins or tacks includes a handle with a magnetic attached at the bottom and a sweeper cover covering the magnet and hinged to the handle. Ferrous particles are gathered on the surface of the sweeper cover and later released by pivoting the magnet away from the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventors: Kathleen Busico, Cynthia C. McCreery
  • Patent number: 5481983
    Abstract: A magnetic sweeper 20 is disclosed for capturing airborne particles which exhibit ferromagnetic behavior. The magnetic sweeper 20 uses a magnet(s) 43 having a magnetic field strength which captures particles coming within a predetermined distance of the magnet 43. A non-magnetic endless belt 31 is arranged about the magnet 43, wherein the particles are impinged against the belt 31 by the magnetic field lines of flux. This area is defined as a particle capturing first station. The belt 31 moves the captured particles further away from the magnet 43 to a second station. Located at the second station is a collector which includes a vacuum, a brush 41 and a particle flange. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the magnetic field strength diminishes with distance from the magnet 43. Accordingly, after a certain distance from the magnet 43, the field strength drops to a point where the particles fall from the belt 31.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Burlington Northern Railroad Company
    Inventors: Alberto M. Guzman, Hodge E. Jenkins, III, Ronald R. Newman, Suryanarayan G. Sankar, John G. Tabacchi
  • Patent number: 5461746
    Abstract: A magnetic disc for a cleaning device which is passed through a pipeline having a cylindrical internal wall. The magnetic disc includes a flexible circular disc body perpendicular to the cylindrical wall, the disc body having a plurality of radially spaced openings therethrough. A magnet is installed in each opening in the disc body, each magnet having poles oriented axially with the cylindrical wall. A pair of opposed retainer plates for each magnet are fastened to the disc body to retain the magnet in the disc body and to extend the magnetic field of action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: TDW Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Niranjan Banik, Harry M. Land, Edward W. Levy
  • Patent number: 5429402
    Abstract: Magnetic finder fingers, made of a flexible magnetic material are positioned in a holder in a manner to provide independent movement for each. The independent movement permits the fingers to be swept over a surface to retrieve metallic objects. An alternate arrangement has the magnetic finder fingers in a holder so that the entire length of each magnetic finder finger may be placed in contact with the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventor: Patricia B. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 5413225
    Abstract: A magnetic sweeper for collecting magnetically attractable debris from parking areas and the like using magnets in an aluminum tube. A collector plate is hinged to the tube in the magnetic zone so that the collector plate can be pivoted away from the magnet to release accumulated debris from the influence of the magnets. Steel latch plates on the collector plate hold it against the magnets in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Shields Company
    Inventor: Charles W. Shields
  • Patent number: 5395148
    Abstract: A magnetic sweeping device includes an integral non-metallic housing with a longitudinal slot containing spaced apart magnets, the housing having a streamlined shape with rounded ends and having a non-metallic semi-circular cylindrical cuff with a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the housing. In use, the housing is directed over, under or in contact with a surface which bears ferro-metallic particles or debris. The debris is attracted to the surface areas of the housing which are immediately adjacent to the magnets. When sufficient debris has been collected on the surface of the housing, the cuff is slid across the housings surface pushing the debris toward one end of the housing. Since either end of the housing has an area where there is a magnetic flux void, the debris will freely fall off the housing to be collected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Electro-Wave Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali G. Jameson, Barbara S. Jameson
  • Patent number: 5394448
    Abstract: The activated elements (4) comprise two constituents having different magnetic characteristics. The first constituent has high activity and the second constituent substantially lower activity. The activated elements (4) are ground to obtain unit fragments, each consisting mainly of the first or of the second constituent. The fragments consisting of the first constituent are separated and sent towards a first discharge and storage station (18, 19, 20), and the fragments consisting mainly of the second constituent are separated and sent towards a conveyor (21). Detection of fragments of the first constituent is carried out on the conveyor, and the fragments deposited on the conveyor (21) are removed to the second discharge and packaging station (24, 25, 26) in the event that fragments of the first constituent are not detected on the conveyor (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Framatome
    Inventors: Jean J. Guiroy, Remi Thouvenot
  • Patent number: 5352469
    Abstract: Food and other contents of non-metallic containers are recovered from the containers by cutting the container bodies into fragments, advancing along a vibrating conveyor section through a liquid spray while simultaneously tumbling the fragments and the contents, continuing to advance the fragments and contents across strainer sections in the conveyor section to remove at least a part of the contents, lifting the fragments off of the conveyor section and advancing along a separate path of travel away from the conveyor section for collection together with any fragments and food contents remaining on the conveyor section after passing over the strainer sections. In converting food contents into usable food or feed values, the contents recovered through the strainer sections may be dried to reduce their moisture level either by mechanical dehydration or the addition of bulking agents, or both, and may be advanced through an extruder to convert the dried food contents into a complete ration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: SSDE Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J. Peters
  • Patent number: 5307744
    Abstract: A magnetic skirt assembly is provided which is used as a metallic particle and grit collector on a railroad car to protect transported products. The magnetic skirt (20) includes a supporting frame structure (21) and a magnetic material (36) operatively attached thereto. The magnetic skirt is installed on the underside of the railroad car, preferably one skirt at each end of the railroad car adjacent to the outboard side of the wheel trucks. The magnetic skirts of the invention attract and collect fine metallic particles and grit on their magnetic surfaces which come off the railroad bed during transit of the railroad car. The design of the magnetic skirt particularly addresses the primary flow of air through the railroad car wheel trucks directed outboard and the airstream carrying the metallic particles flowing upward between rail cars which can potentially enter the gaps in the railroad car end doors. Periodically, the magnetic skirts can be cleaned or rinsed off to remove the accumulated grit or particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Burlington Northern Railroad Company
    Inventors: Ronald R. Newman, Roger D. Sims
  • Patent number: 5285904
    Abstract: A hand-operated or vehicle-supported magnetic sweeper has a longitudinally elongated, hollow magnet-containing body member preferably formed in one piece of non-magnetic material which may include wheels mounted on its ends and a handle socket disposed centrally between the ends of the body member for reception of a handle member for hand operation of the sweeper over a floor surface. A rigid top cover plate is secured to the body member to cover and enclose the magnets contained in the hollow body and to provide rigidity to the sweeper construction. A catcher member formed of non-magnetic material is removably mounted on the body member so that metallic objects attracted to the magnet-containing body member are captured against the surface of the overlying catcher member and retained thereagainst until the catcher member is manually removed, whereupon the metal objects will simply fall away for discard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Inventor: Gerald A. Haase
  • Patent number: 5273193
    Abstract: A welding fuel tank has a magnet 3 disposed on the inside or outside thereof in the vicinity of a fuel pump 12 which is housed inside the fuel tank. The magnet collects magnetic spatter which remains inside the fuel tank after welding and prevents the spatter from entering the fuel pump. The magnet may be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet, and it may be disposed outside the pump or in the fuel filter of the fuel pump. A cleaning method for a welded fuel tank comprises introducing a magnet into a fuel tank after welding, vibrating the fuel tank so that the magnet will move about the inside of the fuel tank and collect magnetic spatter, and then removing the magnet and spatter from the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sadatoshi Murakami, Satoru Yamasaki, Tatsumi Harada
  • Patent number: 5271119
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for protectively covering a floor appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner. Such a floor appliance includes a body section having a bottom surface, which is disposed adjacent to a floor when the appliance is in use, a top surface opposite the bottom surface, and a side surface between and connecting the top and bottom surfaces. The cover includes a removable bonnet that substantially covers the top and side surfaces of the body section. The bonnet absorbs abrasive forces, such as impact with furniture, walls, and the like. A retaining strap is further included with the cover for removably attaching the bonnet to the body section of the appliance. A pouch of soft material includes an interior space for encompassing a permanent magnet. The pouch is fixed to the bonnet in such a position that the pouch extends crosswise to the direction of motion of the appliance for positioning the permanent magnet parallel to and adjacent to the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Inventors: Thomas G. Myers, Laura H. Dexter
  • Patent number: 5252008
    Abstract: A material transfer system for loading lightweight granular plastic material into injection molding machines and the like includes a reservoir sight glass assembly connected to the associated machine and a lightweight pressure relief chamber attached to the reservoir sight glass assembly, both connections being by quick disconnect devices. The reservoir sight glass assembly includes, a sensor which responds to the level of material in the sight glass and a magnet assembly which traps ferrous contaminates and prevents their entering the machine. The flow of material to the pressure relief chamber is controlled by the sensor which turns a regulated source of compressed air on or off depending upon the level of material in the sight glass. The air source is connected to an accelerator and vortex unit which is, in turn, connected to a source of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Autoload, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter P. May, III, Daniel T. Harnish
  • Patent number: 5230917
    Abstract: Food contents are separated from ferrous metal cans for conversion into useful byproducts by lacerating the can bodies into strips of metal to expose their contents, advancing along a vibrating conveyor section through a liquid spray, followed by magnetic separation to remove the metal strips and separately collect the food contents and metal strips for recycling. In order to convert the food contents into animal feed, the contents are first dried to reduce their moisture level either by mechanical dehydration or by the addition of bulking agents and then advanced through an extruder section to convert the food contents into dry particle form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: SSDE Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J. Peters
  • Patent number: 5179756
    Abstract: A magnetic pick up bar for vacuum cleaners made of flexible material to prevent marring and disfigurement of furniture, appliances, and the like, with which it may make contact and covered with a flexible plastic to prevent unwanted marking, streaking and staining of the furniture and appliances. An attachment of hook-loop material between the magnetic pickup bar and the vacuum cleaner provides secure engagement, yet permits ready removal of the bar for cleaning purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Inventor: David W. Korsen
  • Patent number: 5168727
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating waste comprising the steps of:i) shredding the waste;ii) separating liquid;iii) subjecting the separated solid waste to a cold treatment; andiv) separating product remnants,and to a device for treating waste, comprising:i) a shredder unit;ii) a unit for separating liquid out of the shredded material;iii) a cold treatment unit for the shredded material; andiv) a unit for separating product remnants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Leto Recycling B.V.
    Inventors: Jan H. Snellink, Adrianus J. Visser
  • Patent number: 5143221
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises a container mounted on a chassis having wheels and a supporting structure. A powered vertical auger is provided inside the container for mixing animal fodder therein. A side wall of the container is provided with an opening which can be selectively closed by a door. A conveyor belt having side walls and a lower chute is located adjacent the opening in the container, for transporting fodder therefrom upon opening the door. Permanent magnets are fixed to the side walls and lower chute of the conveyor and to a tubular element of the supporting structure arranged above the conveyor for removing and retaining any ferromagnetic material contained in the animal fodder being conveyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Inventor: Tiziano Faccia
  • Patent number: 5116434
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for forming a high magnetic parameter ferromagnetic material. The material has a distribution of magnetic parameters as solidified, and is separated into a first fraction having relatively high magnetic parameters and a second fraction having relatively low magnetic parameters. The method comprises applying a magnetic field to the materials, the magnetic field being high enough to magnetize the low magnetic parameter fraction, but low enough to avoid substantially magnetization of the high parameter fraction. Thereafter the fractions of material are magnetically separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: Ovonic Synthetic Materials Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John Keem, Jun S. Im
  • Patent number: 5100538
    Abstract: A magnetic trap in the pan floor of a vibratory conveyor comprises a recess in the pan floor for momentarily receiving articles falling therein. A magnet is provided beneath the recess to retain magnetic articles in the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Edem Steel Ltd.
    Inventor: Glenn E. Howes
  • Patent number: 5052074
    Abstract: A magnetic pick up device for a vacuum cleaner, including a first elongated strip of magnetized material affixed to and along the front lower face of a vacuum cleaner housing and a second elongated strip of magnetized material magnetically held in place by the first strip. The second strip may be magnetically secured to the front face of the first strip to accumulate magnetic debris such as pins, staples, needles, screws, and the like, from the surface being vacuumed. The second strip is then simply pulled from the magnetic attraction of the first strip and the debris removed. In this manner, the first strip remains relatively free from debris. The second strip may also be magnetically attached to the bottom-most edge of the first strip for placement closer to the carpet or floor being cleaned for more powerful attraction with the debris. The strips are preferably constructed of flexible material and include beveled ends to minimize damage to furniture or other objects which may be contacted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Inventor: David W. Korsen
  • Patent number: 5053344
    Abstract: A magnetic field separation system includes a magnet unit having first and second pole members forming a linear gap with a relatively high magnetic field density therebetween. A flow chamber comprised of first and second optically transparent slides mounted so as to define a generally planar fluid pathway therebetween, passes a biological fluid over the linear gap at an angle, with flow through the pathway being accomplished by gravity and capillary action. Biological fluid, when sensitized to magnetic reaction, passes through the fluid pathway, thereby resulting in perceivable separation of the sensitized particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventors: Maciej Zborowski, Paul S. Malchesky
  • Patent number: 4978442
    Abstract: A large magnetic separator for separating magnetic fines from nonmagnetic product is equipped with a dual mode power supply. A first mode of the dual power supply is provided for accelerated imposition of the design magnetic field. A second mode of the dual power supply is provided for the maintenance of the desired magnetic field at an improved power factor, which field is in the range of 20 kilogauss. With the field imposed, a canister centrally placed in the magnet with a magnetic stainless steel wool matrix separates magnetic fines from nonmagnetic product until the matrix is saturated. Upon saturation of the matrix, the power supply dissipates to the power grid electrical energy from the collapse of the magnetic field. There results a larger classifying duty cycle of the high stationary magnetic fluid utilized for classification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Pacific Electric Motor Co.
    Inventors: James A. Tillotson, III, Kenneth M. Crowe
  • Patent number: 4967912
    Abstract: A method utilizing a simple mechanism to circumvent the effect of the magnetic conveyor head (12) of a magnetic separator (11), whereby ferrous material such as steel cans can be diverted from the stationary reject chute (13) to go instead to the place where nonferrous materials go. The mechanism, called a movable chute (14), is actually a movable extention of the stationary reject chute (13) and pivots up or down on a hinge device (15) that connects it to the stationary reject chute (13). It can be secured in the up position by a latching device (16). It can be maintained at a constant angle in the down position by a stopping device (17). Edges (18) to the movable chute are provided to prevent material from falling off the sides. These edges are mounted either on the movable chute or on the sides of the magnetic separator. In the latter case they are called stationary guides (19). When the movable chute (14) is in the up position it forms a straight extension to the stationary reject chute (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Inventor: David J. Schonberg
  • Patent number: 4929342
    Abstract: An apparatus for sorting recyclable materials including an inlet conveyor with a magnetic pulleys that directs magnetic objects out of the flow of recyclable materials. A vacuum inlet is positioned adjacent a stepped region of the conveyor so as to pull lighter weight materials out of the material flow. A size sorting conveyor separates larger objects from the smaller lighter weight objects, and heavier objects such as glass are conveyed to still another collecting region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: Lenco Machines & Tool Co.
    Inventor: Gerald Johnston
  • Patent number: 4929345
    Abstract: A carpet sweeper for removing metallic staples, paper clips and the like from carpet wherein a semi-circular wire mesh fabric is secured to the forward end of a housing or base member and a magnet is secured to the bottom of the base member and extends along the trailing edge of the wire mesh fabric. The wire mesh fabric dislodges the metallic fasteners from the carpet and the magnet attracts and accumulates the dislodged fasteners. A scraper is removably mounted on the housing for removing the accumulated fasteners from the surface of the magnet, and a rod having a slotted magnetic end is provided for manually removing deeply embedded metallic fasteners from the carpet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Inventor: Hilman J. Meador
  • Patent number: 4904376
    Abstract: A removable cover for my earlier patented magnetic cleaning devices, the cover comprising a plurality of hollow pockets interconnected at their rear, open ends by thin webs which permit longitudinal flexiblity. The interconnected pockets are configured and positioned to receive the projecting magnet pockets of a magnetic cleaning device attached to a vacuum cleaner or a sweeper in a snug, friction fit engagement, thereby securing the cover releasably onto the magnetic cleaning device. When the magnetic cleaning device passes over a floor surface and picks up magnetically attracted objects, the magnetic attraction holds the magnetically attracted objects firmly against the overlying cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Inventor: Gerald A. Haase
  • Patent number: 4903856
    Abstract: A magnet for protecting a vehicle tire from metallic debris is suspended from a web having an upper portion, an intermediate portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of this web is fixed to the vehicle with the intermediate portion of the web hanging in a vertical planar relationship facing the forward treaded surface of the tire. The magnet is at least approximately as wide as the treaded surface of the tire. The foward portion of the magnet is hinged to the lower portion of the web and rotation of the magnet about the hinge is restricted to a preselected maximum angle below horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Inventor: Frank Watts
  • Patent number: 4867101
    Abstract: Contaminant magnetic dust particles and flakes generated during the thin film coating of a substrate 9 in a vacuum chamber 1 are gravitationally collected in catch pans or troughs 8 disposed below the deposition zones. Magnets 10 are provided under the bottoms of the pans to enhance the attraction and retention of the particles. The contaminants may alternatively or additionally be removed directly from an upper surface of the substrate web by sandwiching one or more of its horizontal conveyance runs between a pair of magnets 22, 23, with the pole face area of the lower magnet being larger than that of the upper one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fusao Yamanaka, Makoto Nagao, Akira Nahara
  • Patent number: 4851129
    Abstract: A process for treating effluents contaiing cyanide from mining operations wherein magnetic separation is used prior to treatment with hydrogen peroxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: Degussa Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andrew Griffiths, Roy Norcross
  • Patent number: 4834811
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for separating initially non-magnetized ferromagnetic material. The material has a distribution of magnetic parameters, and is separated into a first fraction having relatively high magnetic parameters and a second fraction having relatively low magnetic parameters. The method comprises applying a magnetic field to the materials, the magnetic field being high enough to magnetize the low magnetic parameter fraction, but low enough to avoid substantial magnetization of the high parameter fraction. Thereafter the fractions of material are magnetically separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Ovonic Synthetic Materials Company
    Inventors: John Keem, Jun S. Im