Abstract: An improved apparatus for removing magnetic material from a flowing fluid such as water by magnetic separation has a single set of electromagnets which are used with a plurality of magnetic filters for continuous magnetic separation operation alternately without obstructing the flow of the fluid being processed. A high-gradient magnetic filter arrangement which passes through a magnetic field generated by the magnets is made up of at least two magnetic filters separated by a watertight partition. When the fluid being processed is flowing through one of the magnetic filters, the other filter is removed from the flow of the fluid into a magnetic filter housing which is separated from the fluid flow through the magnetic filter by means of partitions. Backwashing of this other magnetic filter is carried out while purification of the fluid being processed by the former magnetic filter continues uninterrupted.

Abstract: A magnetizing apparatus mounted around periphery of a conduit for exerting magnetic fields to fluids such as water flowing through the conduit. The apparatus comprises a pair of cases being freely opened on one side; a pair of grooves formed inside the cases respectively, and a pairs of holders installed in the grooves for holding a plurality of permanent magnets with the magnets being aligned along the length of the grooves. On the cases being faced, the grooves are opposed to each other to form a hole for introducing the conduit, and the paired holders are opposed to each other, with the rows of the magnets being opposed to each other. Furthermore, one or both of the opposing holders are supported by elastic members.

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

Abstract: A magnetic separator apparatus having a configuration of barium ceramic magnets impregnated into polypropylene bars interspersed onto a conveyor belt which passes through an aqueous solution containing unwanted magnetic particulate. A plurality of spaced-apart magnet pairs embedded in each polypropylene bar are configured to provide maximum field penetration and holding strength of the magnets. Particulate attracted to the plurality of magnet pairs are scraped from the conveyor belt into a collection drawer.

Abstract: A process for reducing iron containing contaminants from a process stream of amine used for acid gas stripping by passing the process stream of amine adjacent a magnet sufficient to extract at least a portion of the iron containing contaminants from the process stream of amine, and an apparatus for removing iron containing contaminants from a process stream of amine used to strip acid gases from said amine in a cyclic flowpath having a main source of a process stream of amine, a conduit for containing the flow of a slipstream of the main source of the process stream of amine, a magnet adjacent the conduit sufficient to extract at least a portion of the iron containing contaminants from the process stream of amine, a filter for removing particulates from the slipstream upstream of the magnet, a filter for removing particulates from the slipstream downstream of the magnet, and a conduit for returning the slipstream to the main source of a process stream of amine with a reduced iron containing contaminant conten

Abstract: A device for removing magnetizable parts from a liquid, dry substance, or gas includes a housing and at least one magnet whose magnetic field extends into the space inside the housing. The magnet attracts magnetizable parts in the substance passing through the housing. Each magnet is positioned in a magnet holder. A spraying member is positioned in the space within the housing to clean the outside of each magnet holder.

Abstract: A method of generating an adsorbent product for use in magnetic separation of contaminants from an influent liquid comprises the steps of: (i) mixing at least one micro-organism with the liquid in a chemostat vessel; (ii) magnetically separating a magnetic fraction of liquid from the vessel from a non-magnetic fraction (iii) returning the magnetic fraction to the vessel; and (iv) collecting precipitated material from the vessel for use as the adsorbent product. In an embodiment, a solution comprising heavy metals is fed to a chemostat containing sulphur-generating micro-organisms, iron, sulphates and a nutrient compound together with N.sub.2. Liquid is drawn off to a high gradient magnetic separator where the non-magnetic fraction containing decontaminated liquid is separated off; the slurry is removed for use as an adsorbent. Sulphide generating micro-organisms are listed. Dy and Er salts or complexes can be added, as can other specified micro-organisms.

Abstract: Apparatus (14, 14a) for treating liquids flowing through a pipe (10, 10a) is formed by clamping magnet units (16) of the desired number to the pipe (10, 10a). The magnet units (16) are formed by permanent magnet structures (20) held in a plastic casing (18) by a potting compound (36). The permanent magnet structure (20) includes two pairs of permanent magnets (24, 26, 28, 30) having first surfaces (24N, 26N, 28S, 30S) projecting beyond the potting compound (36) and the open side (18d) of the casing (18) and second surfaces (24S, 26S, 28N, 30N) directly abutting with the upper surface of a ferromagnetic strip (22) providing a flux path between the second surfaces (24S, 26S, 28N, 30N) of the permanent magnets (24, 26, 28, 30). The magnet units (16) are clamped so that the first surfaces (24N, 26N, 28S, 30S) of the permanent magnets (24, 26, 28, 30) directly bear against the outside of the pipe (10, 10a).

Abstract: In an embodiment, a separating member is introduced into the compound, the member comprising a separating surface, the particles are pulled from the compound, by using a magnetic field, to be adhered to a separating surface, the effect of the magnetic field is eliminated, and the particles (16) are collected thereafter from the separating surface. In this way, it is possible to collect particles effectively even from a large volume. It is also easy to transfer particles into a small volume. The invention can be employed in various applications, especially in the fields of biotechnology, biochemistry, and biomedicine.

Abstract: In an apparatus for treating liquid with electromagnetic flux, one or more coils surrounding a liquid conducting pipe are excited by a switching circuit including a triode switch turned on and off in response to the voltage applied to the coil or coils in such a way that during each operative half cycle of the supply voltage a current is conducted through the coils during an initial portion of the half cycle and then at a substantial time before the end of the half cycle, the switch is turned to an open condition causing the current built up in the coils to be taken up by a series resonant circuit, formed by the inductance of the coil or coils an associated given capacitance and the power supply, to produce a ringing current in and a ringing voltage across each coil and consequent ringing electromagnetic flux in the liquid passing through the pipe. The apparatus may have either a half wave or full wave mode of operation.

Abstract: The device and methods herein disclosed were developed to allow a large number of small samples of organic tissue to be processed. The goal was to allow for the capture of these intracellular contents for study, use, and/or amplification. Though the device and specific protocols can be used to retrieve a variety of intracellular molecules one of the preferred embodiments particularly lends itself to the extraction of DNA. The electromagnetic device uses a set of terraced coils controlled in such a matter as to continually alternate polarity and thereby emulate the random motion of a manual mortal and pestle. This simulation of random motion is created through the arrangement of coils found in this invention. Methods were also developed to aid in the retrieval of DNA or other intracellular components using this device such that these components can be isolated and then used for study, amplification, or a variety of different purposes.

Abstract: To improve the affinity between a gas and a liquid, the liquid is passed through an enclosure where it contacts a portion of the magnets of a magnetic field generating device and passes through the magnetic field created by the magnets while a gas is in contact with the other portion of the magnets. A liquid level control device maintains and controls the liquid level so that the magnets simultaneously extend about equally into the gas and liquid with both contacting the magnets and being within the magnetic field created by the magnets. The gas in the enclosure increases the effectiveness that the magnetic field and magnets have on the liquid. The gas used in the enclosure can optionally subsequently be mixed with the liquid or another gas can be mixed with the liquid. Additional gases and liquids can be mixed together. The device and process associated with it can be used on different liquids and different gasses, including fuel mixed with air in a combustion process.

Abstract: A system and method for handling magnetic particles, as in an immunoassay. A remover having a magnetic body and covering sleeve is inserted in a vessel containing magnetic particles and a liquid. The remover is moved up and down with the particles adhered to agitate the liquid and improve adherence of the particles.

Abstract: A magnetic system and apparatus having a multi-dimensional gradient for continuous, on-line separation of components from a mixture of chemical entities which comprises at least one separation chamber with a plurality of channels and a plurality of magnets, and a method is provided for continuously and magnetically separating and treating components of a mixture of chemical entities using a multi-dimensional gradient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for providing absorption of two fluid phases with one another and for the magnetic treatment of the phases for molecular realignment for effective separation of contaminants.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed which activate aqueous liquids, particularly water, and liquid polymers, resulting in enhanced properties in chemical and biological processes in which the activated liquids are used. The device includes a liquid reservoir; an activation body formed of a polymeric matrix containing a number of finely divided materials, with the body disposed in a strong (2,500-25,000 Oersted) magnetic field and responsive to visible electromagnetic radiation having a frequency of 7.2-7.8 Hz and a wavelength of 400-800 nm, and with one end disposed proximate to the surface of the liquid; and an electrical circuit adjacent the other end of the body, activating diodes to emit flashes of light having that wavelength and frequency, so that the materials and the polymeric body are energized and emit low frequency oscillations, which activate the liquid contained in the reservoir. Polymers include polyurethanes and epoxies.

Abstract: A permanent magnet assembly comprising an essentially tubular magnet element which is radially magnetized, inner and outer members of a magnetic material resting against inner and outer sides, respectively, of the magnet element, and an annular top plate placed on one end of the outer member. The annular top plate and an end portion of the inner member form an annular air gap which is axially separated from the magnet element and across which the magnetic flux of the magnet element extends radially. The inner member has a polygonal outer surface. The magnet element is divided axially into a number of separate magnet segments having inner surfaces fixed to corresponding outer surfaces of the inner member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating magnetic particles from a composition in a vessel. In the method, particles are first concentrated on the wall of the vessel and collected from this area by using a separation means (1) to which the magnetic particles adhere. In this way, particles can be collected efficiently. The invention can be used in different applications especially in the fields of biotechnology, biochemistry, and biomedicine.

Abstract: A magnetic inductor for inducing a magnetic field and electromagnetic effects upon water passing through a conduit, the magnetic inductor having two semi-cylindrical halves, each half having a longitudinal channel such that when the two semi-cylindrical halves are juxtaposed, there is defined a throughbore for receipt of a water conduit, each semi-cylindrical half having a plurality of semi-annular permanent magnets positioned therein such that they form an annular ring permanent magnet when the two semi-cylindrical halves are juxtaposed about a water conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus for magnetizing liquid matter including two magnetically conductive, substantially U-shaped shells connected together, two magnets mounted in the shells between upright side walls of the shells, two pairs of aluminum packing strips respectively mounted around the magnets within the shells, a packing resin covered over the shells and the magnets and filled in gaps within the shells around the magnets, and a curved liquid delivery pipe mounted in between the packing resin coated magnets within the shells for permitting a liquid carried therein to be magnetized by magnetic lines of force emitted from the magnets.

Abstract: A magnet holder accessory for releasable solely magnetic mounting to a metal oil filter cartridge has a magnet housing wherein the magnet housing consists essentially of an upper surface member an opposite lower surface member and side surface members extending around so as to enclose a magnet retaining cavity within the magnet housing, the side surface members contiguous to the perimeter of the lower surface member and the upper surface member, the magnet retaining cavity sized to snugly retain a magnet within the cavity a first distance from a lower surface of the lower surface member and a second distance from an upper surface of the upper surface member, wherein the first distance is a relatively small distance for minimizing attenuation of magnetic force of a magnet within the magnet retaining cavity, and the second distance is a distance significantly larger than the first distance so as to attenuate the magnetic force from the magnet retained within the magnet retaining cavity.

Abstract: A metal particle removal and retention apparatus includes a canister-retention bracket, a liquid inlet channel connected to the canister-retention bracket, a liquid outlet channel connected to the canister-retention bracket, and a canister assembly connected to the canister-retention bracket. The canister assembly is in communication with the liquid inlet channel and the liquid outlet channel. A magnet attachment assembly attached to the canister assembly. The canister assembly includes a canister housing which includes an exterior magnet-attachment-reception portion which receives the magnet attachment assembly. The canister assembly includes an interior particle-reception pan attached to an interior pan-reception portion of the canister housing. The interior pan-reception portion is in registration with the exterior magnet-attachment-reception portion. An interior funnel element is supported inside the canister housing.

Abstract: Magnetic composites exhibit distinct flux properties due to gradient interfaces. The composites can be used to improve fuel cells and batteries and effect transport and separation of different species of materials, for example, transition metal species such as lanthanides and actinides. A variety of devices can be made utilizing the composites including a separator, an electrode for channeling flux of magnetic species, an electrode for effecting electrolysis of magnetic species, a system for channeling electrolyte species, a system for separating particles with different magnetic susceptibilities, improved fuel cells, batteries, and oxygen concentrators. Some composites can be used to make a separator for distinguishing between two species of materials and a flux switch to regulate the flow of a chemical species. Some composites can control chemical species transport and distribution. Other composites enable ambient pressure fuel cells having enhanced performance and reduced weight to be produced.

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.

Abstract: A ceramic filter containing at least one functional material and method of manufacturing, a ceramic filter whose surface through which a liquid to be purified flows into is densest and the average particle size of the filter continuously increases toward the interior thereof, a method of manufacturing the ceramic filter including ultrasonic vibration, an extrusion molding die used to manufacture the ceramic filter and an extrusion molding apparatus using the die.

Abstract: A measuring system and method are provided for performing luminometric series analyses on reaction components to be investigated and the liquid samples containing the magnetizable carrier particles binding said components. Sample chambers receive the liquid samples. These sample chambers are transported to a measuring station on a conveyor. Permanent magnets act on the sample chambers with magnetic fields during transport. A separating station is also provided, which is preferably equipped with a suction and rinsing device to remove the surplus reaction components separated from the carrier particles that accumulate on wall areas of the sample chambers under the influence of the magnetic fields.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for separating, immobilizing, and quantifying biological substances from within a fluid medium. Biological substances are observed by employing a high internal gradient magnetic capture structure formed within a vessel, in conjunction with an externally-applied force for transporting magnetically responsive material toward the capture structure. The invention is also useful in conducting quantitative analysis and sample preparation in conjunction with automated cell enumeration techniques.

Abstract: A cylindrical tube magnet assemblies and their manufacture by the end-rolled capture technique. The assemblies are particularly useful in industrial separators wherein so-called tramp metals are passed through a conduit or hopper provided with a metal separation device comprising a plurality of cylindrical tube magnets typically contained in stainless steel tubes and used in grates, drawers, and stand-alone applications.

Abstract: This method and apparatus for detecting target molecules in a liquid phase. The apparatus monitors whether the target molecule has selectively bound to recognition agents on the surface of a magnetic field sensor by monitoring the output of the sensor. The recognition agents which selectively bind target molecules are covalently bound to microfabricated magnetic field sensors. These sensors are then exposed to a sample suspected of containing the target molecules, whereupon the recognition agents bind to and immobilize any target molecules present. Depending on the embodiment, recognition agents that selectively bind the target molecule, or recognition agents that selectively bind the sensor-bound recognition agents, are covalently bound to magnetizable particles. These particles are then added to the sensors and, again depending on the embodiment, attach either to any immobilized target molecules or to sensor-bound recognition agents.

Abstract: Biological assay systems often involve suspending magnetically attractable particles in a liquid, and later bringing down the particles from suspension and separating the formed pellet from the supernatant liquid. The invention provides magnetic systems for this purpose, shaped to form an annular or part-annular pellet close to the bottom of the vessel. The systems are suitable for automation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for immunomagnetic separation and concentration of target biological materials is disclosed. The immunomagnetic separation is performed by a magnetic flow cell, or filter block, as part of an automated mostly continuous immunomagnetic assay system. The magnetic flow cell has two bundles of ferromagnetic rods or pins positioned inside an internal chamber so that a fluid sample flowing through the flow cell passes through the pins. A pair of cobalt magnets flank the flow cell so that the pins concentrate and sufficiently increase the magnetic fields so that even nanometer size magnetic beads can be captured. The overall system combines a reaction subsystem for reacting coated magnetic beads with a sample, a collection subsystem for capturing magnetic beads, a rinsing subsystem for removing debris and a filtering subsystem for removing captured magnetic beads from the collection subsystem. The new magnetic flow filter is the key component for the collection and filtering subsystems.

Abstract: A disc drive system includes a hydrodynamic bearing. The disc drive system includes a disc drive chassis, a storage disc, and a read/write transducer adjacent to the disc for reading and writing information on the disc. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly rotatably couples the storage disc to the disc drive chassis. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly includes a fluid path therethrough for circulating a fluid. A permanent magnet is placed in the fluid path and used for attracting magnetic particles carried in the fluid.

Abstract: An improved metal particle removal and retention apparatus includes an input end wall which includes a fluid input connector. An output end wall includes a fluid output connector which includes a first connector end and a second connector end. A magnet support housing is connected between the input end wall and the output end wall. The magnet support housing includes an internal housing diameter. The magnet support housing includes one or more external magnet-reception areas. The first connector end of the fluid output connector is contained within the internal fluid reception chamber. The second connector end of the fluid output connector extends out from the output end wall and outside of the internal fluid reception chamber. The fluid input connector extends out from the input end wall and outside of the internal fluid reception chamber. One or more magnets are retained on the external magnet-reception areas. A flow guide is connected to the first connector end of the fluid output connector.

Abstract: An improved metal particle removal and retention apparatus includes a canister-retention bracket, a liquid inlet channel connected to the canister-retention bracket, a liquid outlet channel connected to the canister-retention bracket, and a canister assembly connected to the canister-retention bracket. The canister assembly is in communication with the liquid inlet channel and the liquid outlet channel, and a plurality of magnet attachment assemblies are attached to the canister assembly. The canister assembly includes a plurality of interior particle-reception pans attached to a plurality of interior pan-reception portions of the canister housing. The interior pan-reception portions are in registration with the exterior magnet-attachment-reception portions. An outflow tube is connected to the canister-retention bracket and is in communication with the liquid outlet channel. The outflow tube includes a plurality of oil receiving apertures.

Abstract: A magnetic disc drive system includes a hydrodynamic bearing. The magnetic disc drive system includes a disc drive chassis, a magnetic storage disc, and a read/write transducer adjacent to the disc for reading and writing information on the disc. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly rotatably couples the magnetic storage disc to the disc drive chassis. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly includes a fluid path therethrough for circulating a fluid. A permanent magnet is placed in the fluid path and used for attracting magnetic particles carried in the fluid.

Abstract: The "hardness" of water flowing through a pipe, and attributable to ions dissolved in the water, is reduced by producing molecular agitation in the water to transform the ions into much larger crystals, followed by filtration using a conventional filter having a mesh size much larger than the size of the ions, but smaller than the size of the crystals.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method of providing a water-based fluid with active hydrogen having selected characteristics including providing at least one material (10) having selected characteristics and supply of hydrogen atoms from at least one material (10) to fluid, whereby the fluid receives hydrogen atoms from the material (10), which hydrogen atoms have the selected characteristics.

Abstract: There are provided water treatment devices which include a hollow member comprising copper, an inside layer comprising silver on the inside surface of the hollow member, an outside layer comprising silver on the outside surface of the hollow member, a first end cap attached to a first end of the hollow member, a second end cap attached to a second end of the hollow member, the first and second end caps each having an outer surface layer comprising silver, a magnet positioned within an interior space inside the hollow member, and a mixture comprising at least two materials selected from the group consisting of powdered iron, powdered manganese, powdered zinc, powdered copper, powdered graphite, cellulose and propylene glycol positioned within the interior space. In addition, there are provided methods of making water treatment devices, and methods of treating water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a means for separating magnetic particles from a composition and for transferring them into a liquid in a vessel. The means comprises an elongated body (1) that comprises a device which can be used to align the longitudinal magnetic field of a protective cover with the lower end of the cover and eliminate the effect of the field from the lower end, and a tip part (8) at the lower end of the body, which is tapered in a concave manner. The means is especially well-adapted for transferring particles to very small vessels. The invention can be used in different applications, especially in the fields of biotechnology, biochemistry, and biomedicine.

Abstract: A liquid management unit uses a) a shaft mounted disc rotor partially submerged into a liquid for introducing flow-inducing energy and air or treatment gas into the liquid, b) a first baffle for receiving liquid from below the surface of a body of liquid and directing the liquid to the rotor, and c) a second baffle for receiving treated liquid from the rotor and directing the treated liquid below said surface of the body of liquid. The rotor and baffles may be mounted in various orientations including both horizontal and vertical positions. The disc rotor and first and second baffles are mounted on a frame that is supported by pontoons. A shroud placed over the disc rotor and input and output baffles with an air passage through them form a pressurized three-point aeration system in which the input baffle pre-aerates the water to satisfy chemical oxygen demand, the disc rotor transfers additional air to the water, and the output baffle post-aerates the water to satisfy the overall oxygen demand of the liquid.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the purification and treatment of liquids which are used for cooling and/or lubricating and contain impurities of metal and other materials, particularly for separating scale from the process water of cooling cycles in the metallurgical industry, wherein the liquid to be purified flows through intermediate spaces between plates arranged parallel next to each other in a container, and wherein the plates are arranged horizontally and are moved upwardly and/or downwardly transversely of the flow direction of the liquid. The solid particles are removed from the process water by sedimentation on the plates and additionally by a magnetic force which emanates from the upper sides of the plates.

Abstract: An arrangement for, and a method of, treating fluids, e.g., conditioning water in a pipe to resist scale deposits from building up in the pipe, comprise a primary coil mounted exteriorly of the pipe, and an electronic circuit for energizing the primary coil to generate a succession of radio frequency signals that form an electromagnetic field in the water. The field has generally circular flux lines in generally co-axial relation with the pipe, and is propagated along the entire pipe.

Abstract: Ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic particles are used for selective separation of affinity bound partners in solution. The magnetic particles have large magnetic moments which can be made such that different strengths of magnetic moments and/or different magnetic field dependencies can be used to allow for separation of several affinity partners simultaneously.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for removing magnetic material from a flowing fluid such as water by magnetic separation has a single set of electromagnets which are used with a plurality of magnetic filters for continuous magnetic separation operation alternately without obstructing the flow of the fluid being processed. A high-gradient magnetic filter arrangement which passes through a magnetic field generated by the magnets is made up of at least two magnetic filters separated by a watertight partition. When the fluid being processed is flowing through one of the magnetic filters, the other filter is removed from the flow of the fluid into a magnetic filter housing which is separated from the fluid flow through the magnetic filter by means of partitions. Backwashing of this other magnetic filter is carried out while purification of the fluid being processed by the former magnetic filter continues uninterrupted.

Abstract: A process for the qualitative and/or quantitative determination of an analyte in a sample. The process includes providing a sample containing an analyte of interest in a liquid phase, providing at least one reagent having super-paramagnetic reactive metal particles linked to a substance that binds to the analyte, contacting the sample and the reagent to allow binding of the analyte in the sample and the reagent, applying a magnetic field to the mixture of sample and reagent, and detecting the presence of the analyte in the sample. The device includes a support for the sample and reagent, means for contacting the sample and reagent, magnetic means for confining and separating the analyte from the other components of the sample, and detection means for qualitative and/or quantitative measurement of the analyte.

Abstract: A water charging machine wherein the water being treated is moved downwardly through a vertically extending outer vortex and then moved in an upwardly extending inner vortex within the outer vortex. Oxygen may be introduced into the stream of water either upstream of the outer vortex or at the point of reversal of the water between the outer vortex and the inner vortex, or both, to provide a long shelf life incorporation of the gaseous oxygen in the water. The water and oxygen may also be exposed to a negative or positive magnetic field and a piezoelectric field to provide a substantial Zeta potential.

Abstract: An agglutination immunoassay method and apparatus therefor in which there are conducted the steps of contacting, in a container, a test sample suspected of containing a desired analyte and a reagent comprising sensitized magnetic-material containing particles capable of reacting with and binding to a desired analyte; precipitating the particles on the bottom of the container by the application of magnetic force; allowing the container to stand at an inclination so as to cause the particles to flow along the bottom of the container to form a developed pattern of the particles; obtaining a representative length of the developed pattern of the particles by an imaging device; and detecting the presence or absence of an immune reaction from the representative length of the pattern of the particles which has flowed from the bottom of the container, thereby detecting the presence or absence of the desired analyte in the test sample.

Abstract: A fuel economizer device including a conduit through which fuel flows, a Faraday housing around part of the conduit and end caps at each end of the housing for mounting the housing to the conduit. Magnets of Neodymium material are mounted in the housing along the conduit. The conduit is flattened at respective magnet receiving locations and the magnets themselves are of a flattened construction to engage as much as possible of the flattened face of the magnets with the conduit, thereby concentrating the magnetic field.

Abstract: A flow-through system for determining the particle size distribution of iron oxide particulate matter in a reactor water sample. The system includes a magnetic filter having a chamber through which a stream of reactor water. The chamber is surrounded by a winding which is coupled to an electrical circuit for generating a varying magnetic field which interacts with any magnetic particulates entrained in the water sample flowing through chamber. When a strong magnetic field is established, magnetic particles are filtered out of the water stream flowing through the chamber by magnetic attraction. Therefore, only particles which are non-magnetic or slightly magnetic pass through the magnetic filter. The particles which pass through the magnetic filter then enter a conventional particle distribution analyzer which counts and sizes the particles in the water stream flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A chamber for exerting an ultrasound beam on a sample solution containing particles to be concentrated, separated or arranged is provided with a view toward arbitrarily controlling the shape of a spatial distribution of potential energy created by the ultrasound beam and concentrating, separating or periodically arranging the particles. In contrast to the chamber, irradiation ultrasound sources for generating ultrasound beams are provided to create an ultrasonic intensity distribution for producing a position potential energy distribution used to exert a force forwarded in a predetermined direction or a force staying at a predetermined region to each particle. Thus, a specific spatial distribution of potential energy can be realized by ultrasound beams each having a specific intensity, a specific frequency and a specific phase or an ultrasound beam formed by superimposing these on one another.