Magnetic And Fluid Suspension Patents (Class 209/39)
  • Publication number: 20120085685
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating magnetic pieces of scrap-material of a first group from magnetic pieces of scrap-material of a second group, wherein a mixture of pieces of scrap-material from the first group and from the second group is collectively transported with a conveyor to a separating zone, in which separating zone the pieces or scrap-material are subjected to forces induced by a magnetic field and to gravitational forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITY DELFT
    Inventors: Peter Carlo Rem, Simon Peter Maria Berkhout
  • Publication number: 20120085684
    Abstract: Method for separating a non-ferrous metal-comprising fraction from ferrous scrap, wherein the ferrous scrap is conveyed to a processing device for separating the non-ferrous metal-comprising fraction from the remainder of the ferrous scrap. The processing device supplies a beam of water, and the ferrous scrap is conveyed and released into the waterbeam so as to cause that the ferrous scrap is allowed to fall and move further, subject to the forces of gravity and the waterbeam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: ReSteel B.V.
    Inventors: Peter Carlo Rem, Simon Peter Maria Berkhout
  • Patent number: 8110101
    Abstract: A system for enumeration of cells in fluids by image cytometry is described for assessment of target populations such as leukocyte subsets in different bodily fluids or bacterial contamination in environmental samples, food products and bodily fluids. Briefly, all cells in a biological sample are fluorescently labeled, but only the target cells are also magnetically labeled. A small, permanent magnet is inserted directly into the chamber containing the labeled sample. The magnets are coated with PDMS silicone rubber to provide a smooth and even surface which allows imaging on a single focal plane. The cells are illuminated and the images of the fluorescent light emitted by the target cells are captured by a CCD camera. Image analysis performed with a novel algorithm provides a count of the cells on the surface that can be related to the target cell concentration of the original sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Veridex, LLC
    Inventors: Arjan G. J. Tibbe, Leon W. M. M. Terstappen
  • Publication number: 20110278204
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for separating solid materials on the basis of a mutual difference in density, wherein the materials to be separated are brought into contact with a magnetic fluid across which fluid a density gradient is generated by means of a magnetic field such that fractions of solid materials of different densities are obtained, said device being provided with a magnet, an inflow chamber, a separation chamber, and means for discharging fractions of solid materials of different densities in separation, wherein the magnetic fluid flows from the inflow chamber to the separation chamber, wherein the magnet is arranged above the separation chamber, and wherein at least one duct for the supply of the solid materials to be separated is located below the inflow chamber and the separation chamber and encloses an angle with the inflow chamber and the separation chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Gerrit Dinand Klein Nagelvoort, Hendrik Jan Klein Nagelvoort, Erwin Johannes Bakker
  • Patent number: 7999012
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system to mechanically destroy printer toner cartridges and reclaim their constituent materials under a water shielded environment while providing a safer and more environmentally friendly recycling system. The present invention is an economical system that provides greater protection from possible fire or explosion and releases less irritating or possibly harmful airborne contamination than the currently available systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventors: Lacee Lamphere, Brian Ibarra, Donald Laffler, James Hardin
  • Patent number: 7935326
    Abstract: To provide a treatment method having excellent purification effect, in which impurities having high ionicity in a silica powder can be removed in a short time, a apparatus thereof, and a purified silica powder. A purification method of a silica powder comprises: making a silica powder into a fluid state; contacting a purified gas to the silica powder in the fluid state at high temperature; and thereby removing impurity components of the silica powder. In the method, the silica powder in the fluid state is positioned in a magnetic field region. Further, the silica powder is contacted with the purified gas, while applying voltage to the silica powder by an electric field generated by moving of the silica powder. Preferably, the silica powder in a fluid state is positioned in the magnetic region of 10 gausses or more, and contacted with the purification gas at a temperature of 1000° C. or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Japan Super Quartz Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Kanda, Yoshiyuki Tsuji
  • Publication number: 20110049017
    Abstract: A method for separating seeds of different densities in a process stream, wherein the seeds are introduced into a magnetic process fluid for the formation of the process stream, which process stream is subjected to a magnetic field for the realization of a density stratification in the process stream, such that the individual seeds in the process stream assume a density-dependent position, after which the seeds located in or near a predetermined position or positions in the process stream, are separated from the remaining seeds in the process stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicants: Technische Universiteit Delft, Western Seed International B.V.
    Inventors: Peter Carlo Rem, Simon Peter Maria Berkhout, Jacques Rene Alphons De Koning
  • Patent number: 7886913
    Abstract: Methods to separate certain valuable elements and/or minerals that utilize wet screens, hydro-cyclones, low intensity magnetic separators and/or Mag Wheel™ separators, including a specially designed magnetic field amplifying matrix. The methods are applicable to mining, manufacturing, mineral processing, or other treatment processes or systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Magnetation, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan J. Fritz, Eugene R. Bergstrom, Edward J. Shaughnessy
  • Publication number: 20110017644
    Abstract: Recovering like-type materials from an electronic waste stream. The recovered materials can include, without limitation, ferrous and non-ferrous metals and plastics. Also, printed circuit board materials and precious metals can be recovered. Distinct technologies are combined to achieve the separation of the unique materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas A. Valerio
  • Patent number: 7828968
    Abstract: A system for enumeration of cells in fluids by image cytometry is described for assessment of target populations such as leukocyte subsets in different bodily fluids or bacterial contamination in environmental samples, food products and bodily fluids. Briefly, fluorescently labeled target cells are linked to magnetic particles or beads. In one embodiment, a small, permanent magnet is inserted directly into the chamber containing the labeled cells. The magnets are coated with PDMS silicone rubber to provide a smooth and even surface which allows imaging on a single focal plane. The magnet is removed from the sample and illuminated with fluorescent light emitted by the target cells captured by a CCD camera. In another embodiment, a floater having a permanent magnet allows the target cells to line up along a single imaging plane within the sample solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Veridex, LLC
    Inventors: Arjan G. J. Tibbe, Leon W. M. M. Terstappen
  • Publication number: 20100223206
    Abstract: A method of providing particles configured for use in magnetic recording media includes providing a set of particles having a size distribution, and removing a fraction of the set of particles from the size distribution. The fraction is less than approximately 50% by volume and includes the most massive particles in the size distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventor: Michael P. Sharrock
  • Publication number: 20100200471
    Abstract: A separator device comprising a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a magnetic separator rod or element being located within the housing to collect and separate from the flow of fluid through the housing magnetic particles carried by the flow of fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher Adey
  • Patent number: 7770666
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Barrett Allen
  • Publication number: 20100176035
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating a stream of particles with individual sizes smaller than 300 ?m and magnetic properties ranging from collective magnetism as in ferromagnetism to paramagnetism to diamagnetism. The apparatus includes a plurality of stages for separating a stream of particles. The apparatus includes a magnetic component producing a magnetic force associated with each stage. The apparatus includes an aerodynamic component producing an aerodynamic force associated with each stage, where the more magnetic component or components of a feed of particles for each stage is separated and either or both the less magnetic product and the more magnetic product of each stage are the feed for separate succeeding stages with each stage and where the magnetic and aerodynamic forces along with gravimetric forces of each stage are chosen to separate more strongly magnetic particles from less magnetic particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventors: Edward D. Brandner, Russell E. Jamison
  • Patent number: 7753211
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of separating solid particles, using a magnetic fluid, wherein the magnetic fluid is passed through a magnetic field for the purpose of changing the effective density of the magnetic fluid, and the particles are separated into fractions of different density. The present invention further relates to device for separating solid particles, using a magnetic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Bakker Holding Son B.V.
    Inventors: Peter C. Rem, Simon P. Berkhout, Erwin J. Bakker
  • Patent number: 7726492
    Abstract: A separator device comprising a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a magnetic separator rod or element being located within the housing to collect and separate from the flow of fluid through the housing magnetic particles carried by the flow of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher Adey
  • Publication number: 20100072112
    Abstract: A separation apparatus contains: a dispersion liquid introduction path to which a dispersion liquid containing particles is introduced; a separation path that has a inclined upper face inclined with respect to a direction of gravity and separates the particles; and a discharge path from which particles separated by the separation path are discharged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi KOJIMA, Kazuya HONGO, Seiichi TAKAGI, Tetsuo OHTA
  • Patent number: 7681736
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating a stream of particles with individual sizes smaller than 300 ?m and magnetic properties ranging from collective magnetism as in ferromagnetism to paramagnetism to diamagnetism. The apparatus includes a plurality of stages for separating a stream of particles. The apparatus includes a magnetic component producing a magnetic force associated with each stage. The apparatus includes an aerodynamic component producing an aerodynamic force associated with each stage, where the more magnetic component or components of a feed of particles for each stage is separated and either or both the less magnetic product and the more magnetic product of each stage are the feed for separate succeeding stages with each stage and where the magnetic and aerodynamic forces along with gravimetric forces of each stage are chosen to separate more strongly magnetic particles from less magnetic particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: EXPORTech Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward D. Brandner, Russell E. Jamison
  • Patent number: 7651870
    Abstract: A device for treating an analyte using magnetic beads is provided wherein the surfaces of the magnetic beads are effectively available as a whole. The device comprises a housing having a channel therein, through which channel the analyte is moved; a pair of electromagnets which are oppositely arranged in such a manner that the channel is interposed therebetween; a moving means for moving the pair of electromagnets along the channel while the electromagnets are facing the channel; and a controlling means for controlling magnetic forces generated by the electromagnets. The device is characterized in that the magnetic forces of the electromagnets are alternately generated with time. This will cause the magnetic beads to collide successively with the inner surface of the channel, which in turn gives a more efficient dispersion of the magnetic beads even if they are clustered or agglutinated to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Maxell, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Horita
  • Publication number: 20090134069
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing thermal and magnetic energy to a receptacle containing a reaction mixture and a magnetic retention member. The apparatus can also control heating of a reaction mixture, and bring about a separation of magnetic particles from the reaction mixture. The reaction mixture typically comprises polynucleotides from a biological sample that are being brought into a PCR-ready form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: HandyLab, Inc.
    Inventor: Kalyan Handique
  • Publication number: 20090117664
    Abstract: A liquid sending method includes the step of introducing either one fluid of a gas or an insulating liquid into a channel disposed on a substrate, thereby dividing a liquid flowing in the channel and sending the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Masataka SHINODA
  • Publication number: 20090078614
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously separating or concentrating particles that includes flowing two fluids in laminar flow through a magnetic field gradient which causes target particles to migrate to a waste fluid stream, and collecting each fluid stream after being flowed through the magnetic field gradient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Mathew Varghese, Jason O. Fiering, Donald E. Ingber, Nan Xia, Mark J. Mescher, Jeffrey T. Borenstein, Chong Wing Yung
  • Patent number: 7389880
    Abstract: A method and system are for sorting shredder residues of metal-containing wastes, in particular of body shells Shredder residues are separated into a shredder light fraction and a non-ferromagnetic fraction (shredder heavy fraction). 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. 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Daniel Goldmann, Bram den Dunnen, Michael Knust
  • Patent number: 7380670
    Abstract: A compact housing for a dedusting apparatus utilizes a magnetic flux field to disrupt the static charge attracting dust particles to product particles, which along with fluidization and counter current airflow principles that are proven to dislodge dust particles from the product, provides a highly efficient, compact deduster. The housing supports a double wash deck with product flow separated between the back-to-back primary wash decks. A deflector directing the flow of product onto the primary wash decks is provided with an extension that extends parallel to the wash deck to eliminated product bouncing off of the wash deck. The lower air outlets are eliminated, while the upper air outlets are positioned in extensions to the main housing above the product inlet opening. Air flow through the Venturi zone is enhanced by re-directing clean air directly to the backside of the Venturi panels, thereby eliminating the extraneous by-pass boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Pelletron Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome I. Paulson, Heinz Schneider, Paul Wagner
  • Patent number: 7367456
    Abstract: An improved air jig apparatus and method is disclosed in which a dry magnetic separator is used to separate paramagnetic and ferromagnetic minerals from the dust component of coal cleaned with the air jig. The cleaned product of the dry magnetic separator is combined with the cleaned product of the air jig thereby improving both the quality and the quantity of the unmodified air jig product. The dry magnetic separator may be of a variety of types including but not limited to separators made from permanent magnets, electromagnets, and superconducting magnets, each of which may also employ triboelectric and/or aerodynamic means to enhance the separation of the dust material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: EXPORTech Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin R. Oder, Richard S. Weinstein
  • Patent number: 7331467
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for separating non-magnetic mineral values from a source containing magnetic material and non magnetic material. The apparatus includes first and second conveyers in overlying relation which counter-rotate relative to one another. One of the conveyers includes a magnetic assembly which cooperates with paddles on the upper conveyer to progressively isolate values from magnetic material. Multiple stages are provided for intermittent magnetic interactions such that the non-magnetic materials are effectively isolated from the magnetic materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Magnetic Torque International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Richard J. Wise
  • Patent number: 7168568
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for separating non-magnetic mineral values from a source containing magnetic material and non magnetic material. The apparatus includes first and second conveyers in overlying relation which counter-rotate relative to one another. One of the conveyers includes a magnetic assembly which cooperates with paddles on the upper conveyer to progressively isolate values from magnetic material. Multiple stages are provided for intermittent magnetic interactions such that the non-magnetic materials are effectively isolated from the magnetic materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Magnetic Torque International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Richard J. Wise
  • Patent number: 7022224
    Abstract: The invention relates to the concentration of useful minerals and may be used in the concentration of iron ores. The magnetic hydroseparator includes a body with an upper drain, a supply device, a driving scraping device, set up with the possibility of interacting with the inner surface of an annular magnetic system and made with a changing number of revolutions, the annular magnetic system being set up within the upper part of the body, an unloading device with a washing device made with the possibility of regulating the supply of the washing liquid, gas or mixture of these, the lower part of the body being made in the shape of a cone. The claimed invention permits increasing the efficiency of concentration. One dependent claim, two illustrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Aleksei Alekseevich Stafeev
  • Patent number: 6994219
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Paul Gregory Roth, Richard Frederick Halter
  • Patent number: 6968956
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventor: Iwao Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 6953517
    Abstract: In order to make it possible for an inhomogeneous residue generated in a pyrolysis plant to be separated continuously and in as fully graded a way as possible, specially selected components are combined with one anther in an advantageous configuration. An essential element of the plant is the separation of a coarse residue in a coarse screen and the subsequent separation of the remaining residue in a zigzag separator into a light residue and a heavy residue. By use of the plant, in particular, the carbon-containing constituents are separated from the remaining residue. The individual components are mostly configured to be self-cleaning for fault-free operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Boretzky, Anton Ebert, Leonhard Teschers, Winfried Von Rhein, Helmut Werdinig
  • Patent number: 6902065
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
    Inventors: Tsunehisa Kimura, Shogo Mamada, Masafumi Yamato, Koichi Kitazawa
  • Patent number: 6851557
    Abstract: The invention concerns in one aspect, a ferrohydrostatic separation method in which a ferrofluid is used to separate materials of different density. In the method, the apparent density of the ferrofluid is controlled by means of a vertically orientated magnetic field generated by a C-dipole, open dipole (O-dipole) or split pair electromagnet or permanent magnet. Other aspects of the invention include an apparatus for use in this method and a process for separating materials of different density using the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Jan Svoboda
  • Patent number: 6821437
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of separating a machining suspension into fractions including abrasive grains and attrition material, such as a suspension produced in the course of the mechanical machining of silicon, quartz or ceramic material, from a cutting fluid in which abrasive grains and the attrition material are dispersed that originates from the machined material and from the machining equipment. In the method, the suspension is separated by means of wet classification, with the liquid used for the sizing process being selected in such a way that it can be mixed with the used cutting fluid and with the mixture so formed, which contains the attrition material originating from the machined material in particular, forming a stable suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Peter Eisner, Andreas Malberg, Michael Menner, Axel Borcherding
  • Patent number: 6722503
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Sedgman, LLC
    Inventors: Larry A. Watters, Daniel S. Placha
  • Publication number: 20040069687
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for sorting shredder residues of metal-containing wastes, in particular of vehicle bodies, where the shredder residues are separated into a light shredder fraction (SLF) and a non-ferromagnetic fraction (heavy shredder fraction (SSF); as well as to a system for implementing the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel Goldmann, Bram den Dunnen, Michael Knust
  • Publication number: 20040035760
    Abstract: This invention relates to magnetic separators and in a particular embodiment the separator includes a chamber 11 having inlets and outlets 12, 13 which together define a flow path 14. Axially extending tubes 15 are disposed in an array around the cross-section of the chamber 11 and the perforated baffle plate 18 divides the chamber 11 into top and bottom compartments 16, 17. Each tube contains a magnetic shuttle 19, which can be moved up and down the tube between separator and release positions using a pneumatic control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Nicholas Mark Alford, William Frederick Smith-Haddon
  • Patent number: 6688473
    Abstract: In a high gradient magnetic separator with a separation zone consisting of a matrix of parallel magnetic wires arranged in parallel planes and channels formed by a non-magnetic material and extending in each plane between adjacent parallel magnetic wires for conducting a fluid including magnetic particles through the matrix, and a magnetizing structure disposed adjacent the matrix for generating a magnetic field with field lines which extend essentially normal to the parallel planes, separating walls are disposed in parts of the channels in the area ahead of the end of the magnetic field generated in the matrix and adjacent the flow exit end of the matrix so as to extend parallel to the planes and normal to the magnetic field lines and form partial flow channels receiving partial fluid flows of magnetic particle-enriched and, respectively, magnetic particle-depleted flow volumes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Franzreb, Wolfgang Höll, Christian Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20030201208
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Martin Koch, Bernhard Wolf, Ernst Stetter
  • Publication number: 20030173260
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Larry A. Watters, Daniel S. Placha
  • Patent number: 6595369
    Abstract: A compact dedusting apparatus is mounted on the machine utilizing particulate material requiring contaminant cleansing to provide an economical and effective decontamination of particulate material immediately before utilization of the material. The dedusting apparatus includes a downwardly sloped infeed chute having an opening at the bottom thereof. A metering device in the form of a rotatable finned hub blocks the opening to constantly meter the flow of particulate material through the dedusting apparatus. The metering device is formed with flexible blades oriented at a slight angle to the slope of the infeed chute to provide a constant flow of material through the opening. A flow of air is directed through a wash deck positioned below the infeed chute to cleanse the particulate material. The air flow is directed along multiple paths including a path defining an air knife associated with the wash deck to facilitate the cleansing of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Jerome I. Paulson
  • Patent number: 6588597
    Abstract: A treating system for selecting and recovering reusable materials from used composite plastics is constituted by a crushing process, a cleaning and grading process and a plastics separation process. The treating system for the composite plastics is constituted by combining the cleaning and grading process in which a mechanical impact force and a friction force are applied to the plastic crushed pieces so as to clean the plastics and form the gain size of the plastics, and the plastics separation process with using a hydrocyclone. Accordingly, a selecting accuracy of the selected and recovered plastics is significantly improved and the plastics are separated to high-purity plastics, whereby it is possible to utilize the recovered plastics as recycled materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuaki Arakane, Masakatsu Hayashi, Yoshiyuki Takamura, Tsutomu Hasegawa
  • Publication number: 20020157992
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: John R. McGaa
  • Publication number: 20020153295
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Tsunehisa Kimura, Shogo Mamada, Masafumi Yamato, Koichi Kitazawa
  • Publication number: 20020134708
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Tihiro Ohkawa
  • Publication number: 20020108889
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: MINOLTA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhisa Fujii, Yasuhiro Sando
  • Patent number: 6386374
    Abstract: A multi-mass filter for separating particles of a multi-species plasma includes a chamber, which defines an axis. A radial electric field is crossed with a magnetic field (E×B) to move the particles of different mass (M1, M2 and M3) on respective trajectories into respective first, second and third regions. Specifically, particles M1 are confined in the first region, while both particles M3 and M2 are ejected from the first region into the second region and only the particles M3 are ejected from the second region into the third region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Archimedes Technology Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Miller, Tihiro Ohkawa, Richard L. Freeman
  • Patent number: 6355176
    Abstract: An assembly and method for collecting and releasing magnetic materials includes an elongated permanent magnet (A) within an elongated cover (B) constructed from non-magnetic material for providing a collection area for the magnetic materials thereon opposite the magnet. Apparatus (C) separates the magnet to a more remote position in relation to the collection area for releasing magnetic materials from the elongated cover. The magnet and the cover may be moved while in superposed closely adjacent relation for collecting magnetic material and thereafter separated for releasing magnetic material collected on the cover. A driven conveyor (D) may be included Ln the assembly for transporting the magnet and the cover through a coolant liquid containing magnetic materials in the form of particulate matter formed during a machining operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Insul-Magnetics, Incorporated
    Inventors: William R. Schaaf, Ray R. Arel, Donald L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20020020657
    Abstract: A multi-mass filter for separating particles of a multi-species plasma includes a chamber, which defines an axis. A radial electric field is crossed with a magnetic field (E×B) to move the particles of different mass (M1, M2 and M3) on respective trajectories into respective first, second and third regions. Specifically, particles M1 are confined in the first region, while both particles M3 and M2 are ejected from the first region into the second region and only the particles M3 are ejected from the second region into the third region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Robert L. Miller, Tihiro Ohkawa, Richard L. Freeman
  • Publication number: 20020014443
    Abstract: A system and method for manipulating magnetically responsive particles in a solution to separate nucleic acid molecules from cell components in a cell solution. The system and method employ a device capable of receiving a plurality of tubes, each of which contain respective sample and magnetically responsive particles. The device includes heating and cooling devices to facilitate a lysing step to release the nucleic acid molecules from the cells in the cell solution. The device further includes moveable magnets which can be moved proximate to and away from the tube to hold the magnetically responsive particles to which the nucleic acid molecules become bound, so that the molecule-bound particles can be separated from the remainder of the solution, and washed as appropriate. The system also employs an electromagnet which is capable of demagnetizing the particles to allow the particles to freely mix with solution, such as elution solutions which are used to unbind the molecules from the particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventors: Timothy Roy Hansen, Bradley Scott Thomas, John Joseph Bianco, Matthew P. Collis