Abstract: This invention relates to the use of magnetic or magnetizable particles, and, in particular, to methods of mixing magnetic or (super)paramagnetic particles efficiently with a fluid and the separation of the magnetic particles from a fluid, optionally followed by resuspension of the particles in another fluid. The present invention provides a method of mixing, in one or more container(s), magnetic or (super)paramagnetic particles with a fluid, using more than one magnets, whereby the containers are subjected to magnetic fields with different and changing directions by moving the magnets with respect to the position of the container(s) and/or by moving the containers with respect to the positions of the magnets. The invention further provided a device for doing the same.

Abstract: A method for reducing the presence of ferritic particles in lubricant employed in the lubrication of rotary shaft bearing of the type comprising a first bearing contact surface, a second bearing contact surface and a plurality of rotatable bearing members disposed therebetween, a lubrication system employing such method and a lubricated assembly. The method comprises providing a ferritic particle collector element of magnetised material in close proximity to the bearing and the path of lubricant flowing to the bearing, the close proximity being within a distance from the bearing contact surface which is less than five times the maximum diameter of the bearing contact surfaces. The collecting element may comprise an existing component of a lubrication system or lubricated assembly which is rendered magnetic or may comprise a magnet or magnets secured to an existing component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to alternatively using magnetic or electric field devices to enhance combustion. More particularly, the present invention relates to alternatively using magnetic or electric field devices to enhance combustion and treat the corresponding products of combustion to increase fuel efficiency and reduce exhaust pollutants.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for water softening utilising magnetic pulses is provided. The magnetic pulses are presented to a volume of water within a water conduit 6 or water container over a predetermined time period with a relaxation time period between successive predetermined time periods of action upon the volume of water. The magnetic pulses are in the range 1.6 to 6.8 KHz and generally presented in a manner whereby the frequency is ramped in discrete frequency shifts over fixed time periods through the predetermined time period in order to facilitate greater water softening action. Normally, each frequency harmonic is initiated by an initiation spike of enhanced magnetic strength.

Abstract: A permanent magnetic liquid treatment device, including a tubular housing in which ring magnets and magnetizable spacer discs are located, coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the housing, and which has contact pieces at both ends. The device also has mechanisms which produce a screw motion in the liquid passing through and an inner tube which is located in the housing, coaxially to the longitudinal axis thereof and at a distance from the inner housing pieces. The ring magnet and spacer discs are in the liquid-free area between the inner tub and the tubular housing in such a way that they lie one behind the other in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the housing. The stacks of ring magnets and spacer discs are held in place in such a way that it cannot move and is tightly enclosed by means of sleeved screwed onto the contact pieces.

Abstract: A band gap mass filter for separating particles of mass (M1) from particles of mass (M2) in a multi-species plasma includes a chamber defining an axis. Coils around the chamber generate an axially aligned magnetic field defined (B=B0+B1 sin &ohgr;t), with an antenna generating the sinusoidal component (B1 sin &ohgr;t) to induce an azimuthal electric field (E&thgr;) in the chamber. The resultant crossed electric and magnetic fields place particles M2 on unconfined orbits for collection inside the chamber, and pass the particles M1 through said chamber for separation from the particles M2.

Abstract: A method for treating a fluid by providing raw fluid to a process tank, adding an ion exchange resin to the process tank to form a raw fluid/ion exchange resin mixture, removing treated fluid from the process tank through a membrane filter located within the process tank, and regenerating the ion exchange resin within the process tank. The method may be set up as a batch process or as a continuous process using a magnetic ion exchange resin and continuous withdrawal of the magnetic ion exchange resin from the process tank by use of a magnetic separator. The method may also consist of reusing the regenerant in multiple regeneration steps and periodically filtering the regenerant to restore its regenerative properties. Alternatively, an upflow bed of ion exchange resin may be used to treat the raw fluid before membrane filtration.

Abstract: A method is provided for the treatment of water so as to reduce or destroy micro-organisms therein as well as other causes of skin diseases or waterborne diseases in human beings and animals, wherein the water is passed through a magnetic field being presented by a permanent magnet showing an energy product (BH)max of more than 20 kJ/m3 to which the water is exposed and a coercive force Hc of more than of about 200 kA/m at 25° C.

Abstract: A magnetic filtration system includes one or a plurality of collection units (1) comprising a magnet (4) disposed between a pair of plates (2, 3), one plate being magnetized North, the other, South. The plates are provided with facing apertures and facing pole pieces so that particles entering the recesses are both repelled from the apertures and attracted towards and retained in collecting regions between exposed facing plate portions.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of and apparatus for the removal of bacteria, microbes and other cell growth from a body of water by the application of an electromagnetic signal to a section of pipe communicable with the body of water.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manipulating and monitoring analyte flowing in fluid streams. A giant magnetoresistive sensor has an array of sensing elements that produce electrical output signals which vary in dependence on changes in the magnetic field proximate the sensing elements. The analyte is included in a stream, such that the stream has a magnetic property which is dependent on the concentration and distribution on the analyte therein. The stream is flowed past the giant magnetoresistive sensor and in sufficiently close proximity to cause the magnetic properties of the stream to produce electrical output signals. The electrical output signals are monitored as an indicator of analyte concentration or distribution in the stream flowing past the GMR sensor. Changes in the magnetic field produced by the background stream are introduced by analyte molecules, whose presence in the flow past the GMR will effect the output reading.

Abstract: A device for treating liquid medium has an ultrasound emitter located relative to a compartment of a container holding a liquid medium and a microbubble emitter located relative to the compartment. The ultrasound emitter emits high-frequency ultrasound between about 200 KHz and 10 MHz. The microbubble emitter emits bubbles with an average diameter of less than 1 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus for magnetically treating fluids produced from a hydrocarbon well includes a hydrocarbon section and a reactor section. The hydrocarbon section is designed to treat crude oil to inhibit the deposition of paraffins, asphaltines, and the like. The reactor section is designed to treat aqueous fluids to inhibit the deposition of mineral scale, and in particular the deposition of barium sulfate. The magnets in the two sections are arranged in a linear, co-axial relationship. Radial focusing magnets provided in the reactor section distort the magnetic field and inhibit dissolved minerals from forming scale on the production tubing. The apparatus is effective at preventing fouling by barium sulfate deposition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of fluid columns uses an air-cooled electromagnetic field generator to prevent the deposition and accumulation of contaminants within conduits and on equipment utilized in the transportation, delivery and processing of the fluid columns. The instant invention may be utilized to accelerate the separation of oil and water and increase the efficiency of such separation apparatus.

Abstract: Methods of using high-density microparticles to bind and remove pathogens from biological fluids are disclosed. Pathogens include prions, viruses, bacteria and protozoa.

Abstract: A device for separating the constituents of a multi-constituent material includes a substantially cylindrical plasma chamber and two, axially opposed plasma injectors. The injectors convert the multi-constituent material into a multi-species plasma and inject the multi-species plasma into a core portion of the plasma chamber. Ions in the plasma diffuse from the core portion to an annular volume within the chamber where the ions are separated according to their respective mass to charge ratios. To effect separation, electrodes and coils are provided to establish crossed electric and magnetic fields in the annular volume. With the crossed electric and magnetic fields, low-mass ions in the annular volume are placed on small orbit trajectories and drift axially for capture at the ends of the plasma chamber. High-mass ions in the annular volume are placed on large orbit trajectories for capture at the cylindrical wall of the chamber.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring and/or controlling membrane separation systems or processes are provided. The present invention utilizes measurable amounts of inert fluorescent tracers and tagged fluorescent agents added to a feed stream to evaluate and/or control one or more parameters specific to membrane separation such that performance thereof can be optimized. The methods and systems of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of different industrial applications including raw water processing and waste water processing.

Abstract: A tank [A] has a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a closure [B] wherein the tank may be positioned in line as a pressure vessel. A magnetic core assembly includes elongated permanent magnets [C] and magnet covers or tubes [D] constructed of non-magnetic material for collecting magnetic particles from a liquid. The core assembly is carried in the tank and is removable after the separate closure is removed from the tank. The method contemplates separating the magnets from the tubes for removal of the magnetic particles from the magnetic core assembly externally of the tank and independently of the closure.

Abstract: An isotope separator includes a cylindrical chamber having first and second ends, and a length “L.” Inside the chamber, an E×B field is applied to produce plasma rotation. The energy in the plasma rotation is chosen to be much higher than the electron temperature which is clamped by radiation. As the plasma then transits the chamber through the length “L”, the electrons cool the thermal temperature of the isotope ions while maintaining the rotation. Under these conditions, the minority and majority isotopes become substantially separated from each other before they exit the chamber. To achieve this result, E×B is determined using mathematically derived expressions and, in compliance with these parameters, the length “L” of the chamber is determined so that the plasma residence time in the chamber, &tgr;1, will be greater than the cooling time, &tgr;2 (&tgr;1>&tgr;2) necessary to affect isotope separation.

Abstract: A high throughput plasma mass filter includes a substantially cylindrical shaped plasma chamber with structures for generating a magnetic field (B) that is crossed with an electric field (E) in the chamber (E×B). An injector introduces into the chamber a multi-species plasma having ions of different mass to charge ratios. To obtain high throughput (&Ggr;), the initial density of this multi-species plasma is considerably greater than a collisional density wherein there is a probability of “one” that an ion collision will occur within a single rotation of the ion under the influence of E×B. The length of the chamber is chosen to insure heavy ions can make their way to the wall before transiting the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a concentration device using magnetic particles and a method therefor aimed at performing concentration of a large volume of liquid efficiently and reliably with a simple structure and on a small device scale. The construction involves having: a liquid suction passage in which liquid can pass through only in a suction direction; a liquid discharge passage in which liquid can pass through only in a discharge direction; a magnetic force device which can exert a magnetic field from outside of the liquid passage on at least one liquid passage thereof or remove the magnetic field, and which can separate magnetic particles having directly or indirectly captured a target substance suspended in the liquid by having the magnetic particles adhere to the inner wall of the liquid passage; a storage section communicated with each liquid passage, for storing the sucked liquid; and a pressure adjustment device for sucking and discharging the liquid by adjusting the pressure in the storage section.

Abstract: Generally, a magnetically enhanced oil filter apparatus includes a cartridge housing which includes an oil input channel and an outlet channel. The cartridge housing defines a cartridge interior space. A magnet unit is affixed to an outside portion of the cartridge housing, whereby a magnetic field from the magnet unit extends into the cartridge interior space providing an interior magnetic field zone. A hollow annular (e.g. cylindrical) filter element is employed. Filter positioning means are provided for supporting and positioning the hollow cylindrical filter element. Oil flow control means are positioned so that portions thereof enter the interior magnetic field zone, for directing oil flow to and from the hollow cylindrical filter element.

Abstract: A device and method for selectively establishing predetermined orbits, relative to an axis, for ions of a first mass/charge ratio (m1), requires crossing an electric field with a substantially uniform magnetic field (E×B). The magnetic field is oriented along the axis and the electric field has both a d.c. voltage component (∇&PHgr;0) and an a.c. voltage component (∇&PHgr;1). In operation, voltage &PHgr;0 is fixed to place the ions m1 on confined orbits around the axis when &PHgr;1 is zero. On the other hand, when &PHgr;1 is tuned to a predetermined value, the ions m1 are ejected away from the axis. With E×B established in a chamber, the ions m1 will pass through the chamber when on confined orbits (&PHgr;1=0), and they will be ejected into the wall of the chamber when on unconfined orbits (&PHgr;1=predetermined value).

Abstract: A fluid magnetizer having magnets that are arranged at the two sides of the route of the fluid. Two magnets are arranged on one side such that the N-pole of both magnets are faced toward each other and joined to form a N-magnetic packet, and two magnets are arranged at the other side such that the S-pole of both magnets are faced toward each other and joined to form a S-magnetic flux. Through the attraction caused by the opposite magnetism of the magnetic fluxes at the two sides, magnetic lines of forces having stronger strengths are generated and then linearly penetrated through the section of the fluid. Therefore, the fluid is fully magnetized when passing through the magnetizing segment, thereby increasing the magnetization efficiency of the fluid.

Abstract: A method of removing phosphoric acid contained in wastewater which comprises comprehensively immobilizing calcium or a compound thereof with a solid polymer optionally together with magnetite and contacting the calcium-containing polymer with the wastewater to react the phosphoric acid contained in the wastewater with the calcium and thereby yield calcium apatite.

Abstract: A method for removing a solute from a fluid using magnetically conditioned coagulation includes magnetically conditioning the fluid by applying a conditioning magnetic field to enhance the precipitation of solute particles for coagulation; adding a coagulant to the fluid before, during, or after application of the conditioning magnetic field to coagulate the increased available solute particles to form colloids; and collecting the colloids for removal from the fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide fluid treatment at a plurality of distinct points using a length of energized magnetically conductive conduit in fluid communication with non-magnetic coupling devices. The instant invention prevents the formation and accumulation of contaminants within conduits and on equipment utilized in the transportation, delivery and processing of fluid columns. It may also be utilized to accelerate the separation of oil and water and increase the efficiency of oil/water separation equipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water magnetizer including a permeance member and a cooking recipient. The permeance member consists of two parallel disks spaced apart each other by a plurality of partitions located along the periphery of the disks, such that there is clearance between the two parallel disks. The permeance member is placed into the cooking recipient that is charged with water. Then, the cooling recipient is placed onto an electromagnetic heater. When the electromagnetic heater powers on, inner coils of the electromagnetic heater regularly vibrate at high frequency to change the direction of electric current and then induce a swirled magnetic field in the clearance. The water would be boiled by a lot of heat generated from electron movement in the induced magnetic field.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved techniques for separating cells, particles and molecules important to medical science and biotechnology because separation is frequently the limiting factor for many biological processes. The apparatus and method of use provides an innovative method for quantitatively separating cells, proteins, or other particles, using multistage, magnetically, electromagnetically assisted separation technology, (“MAGSEP”). The MAGSEP technology provides a separation technology applicable to medical, chemical, cell biology, and biotechnology processes. Moreover, the instant invention relates to a method for separating and isolating mixtures of combinatorial synthesized molecules such that a variety of products are prepared, in groups, possessing diversity in size, length, (molecular weight), and structural elements. These are then analyzed for the ability to bind specifically to an antibody, receptor, or other ligate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for contaminant separation utilizes an interleaved array of oppositely charged electrode plates for fluid treatment. Spacing between the parallel electrode plates is graduated so that the volume of the cavities between the opposing electrodes provides varying levels of treatment of a broad range of contaminants from a variety of fluid columns. A fluid flow path extending substantially orthogonal to the direction of the electrical field established between opposing electrode plates provides a feed stream with exposure to the varying levels of electrical charges between the electrode plates. The method and apparatus provides an effective means of contaminant separation by a device having a small footprint and requiring low amounts of electrical energy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating ions from a stream of fluid containing ions. A magnetic field and an electrostatic field are established across a processing zone through which the fluid stream flows so that the flow vector of the fluid stream, the flux lines of the magnetic field, and the vector of the electrostatic field are mutually orthogonal. The resulting high and low ion effluents may be further processed. No thermal input is required. No vacuum, reverse osmosis or reduced pressure distillation is involved. Large volumes of fluid may be processed at relatively low cost. The disclosed method and apparatus is suitable for desalinating seawater, or for removing arsenic or other contaminants from ground water, to produce potable water. Additionally, the invention permits the recovery of valuable constituents from ground or sea water; precious metals may be recovered from sea water and gypsum may be collected from ground water.

Abstract: Approaches are described for separating plasma from whole blood samples and include the use of magnetically attractable particles associated with an agglutinating agent. The magnetically attractable particles bind the cellular components in a whole blood sample. Application of a magnetic field gradient to a container with the blood sample and the magnetically attractable particles draws the particles to the surface of the container near the source of the magnetic field gradient. The plasma can be removed and stored or used for monitoring or detecting analytes in the plasma.

Abstract: A method and system for softening water or other fluids is disclosed. A flow of fluid is treated such as by exposing it to a magnetic field to cause a chemical reaction in the flow, whereby a product in the fluid breaks down into a gaseous byproduct and a particulate byproduct. The flow is then agitated by, for example, repeatedly cycling the flow through an undulating path of travel to cause the gaseous byproduct to become disassociated from the fluid. The undissolved gaseous byproduct may then be vented. The particulate byproduct may then be separated from the fluid by, for example, a cyclone separator. The separated particulate byproduct may then be flushed from said flow.

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

Abstract: Apparatus and method for increasing dissolved oxygen levels in a liquid. An oxygenation system (100) includes a liquid source (102) from which liquid is introduced into a piping network (106) by a pump (104). Colloidal minerals are injected into the liquid in a dwell chamber (110). The mixture of liquid and minerals flows into an oxygenator (118) where gaseous oxygen is injected into the liquid. The resulting two-phase flow stream is accelerated to supersonic speeds through a linear flow accelerator (126) comprising a flat Venturi (130) and electromagnets (128) positioned adjacent the flat Venturi. The electromagnets generate an electromagnetic field to exert a force on the two-phase mixture in the direction of the flow. The flow stream then passes through a laminar flow grid (132) to remove turbulence, after which the oxygenated liquid is bottled at a bottling system (134).

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.

Abstract: A magnetic sludge which is suitable for use in waste water treatment, is easy to prepare, contains microbes and interacts with a magnetic field; and a method for treating waste water with improved efficiency comprising employing a biological membrane which uses the magnetic sludge and hence is easy to control its movement.

Abstract: A method of producing fiber having functional mineral powders includes the steps of a first pulverizing functional mineral which crystal form of is pinacoid, a second closely pulverizing the first pulverized functional mineral powders to be less than ⅓ granularity of desired fineness, mixing and synthesizing 0.1-10 weight % of the second pulverized functional mineral powders and 90-99.9 weight % of a chemical resin, and spinning the mixture of functional mineral powders and the chemical resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water treatment, in particular to a process for the removal of dissolved organic carbon from water. The process includes the following steps, adding an ion-exchange resin to water containing a contaminant such as dissolved organic carbon, dispersing the resin in the contaminated water to enable adsorption of the dissolved organic carbon onto the resin, and separating the resin loaded with contaminant from the water. In a preferred embodiment the process employs a magnetic ion-exchange resin.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a method for treating a wastewater containing heavy metals using a used iron oxide catalyst, which is to treat an acidic wastewater having a pH value of about 1.0 and containing Cu, Fe, Ni, Cr or Zn, the method including: adding the used iron oxide catalyst containing at least 70% magnetite (Fe3O4) to the wastewater at a weight ratio of 1:0.05; stirring the wastewater mixed with the iron oxide catalyst at a speed of 60 rpm for 15 minutes in a stirrer; and subjecting the wastewater to solid-liquid separation using a magnet for adsorption and removal of the heavy metals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for water purification characterized in that a catalyst supporting iron and titanium oxide is mixed into the water to be treated containing suspended matter, and the suspended matter is adsorbed, decomposed, and precipitated, and the above-mentioned method for water purification is also characterized in that a catalyst supporting iron and titanium oxide and supported on a carrier is brought into contact with the wastewater or other water to be treated containing suspended matter, and the suspended matter is adsorbed, decomposed, and precipitated and further provides a water purifying agent produced by compounding an iron component with titanium oxide, and containing as an active component a catalyst supporting iron and titanium oxide, and a system thereof.

Abstract: An isotope separator includes a cylindrical chamber having first and second ends, and a length “L.” Inside the chamber, an E×B field is applied to produce plasma rotation. The energy in the plasma rotation is chosen to be much higher than the electron temperature which is clamped by radiation. As the plasma then transits the chamber through the length “L”, the electrons cool the thermal temperature of the isotope ions while maintaining the rotation. Under these conditions, the minority and majority isotopes become substantially separated from each other before they exit the chamber. To achieve this result, E×B is determined using mathematically derived expressions and, in compliance with these parameters, the length “L” of the chamber is determined so that the plasma residence time in the chamber, &tgr;1, will be greater than the cooling time, &tgr;2 (&tgr;1>&tgr;2) necessary to affect isotope separation.

Abstract: A device is provided for the treatment of water so as to reduce or remove micro-organisms therein as well as possible other causes of skin diseases or waterborne diseases in human beings and animals. The device comprises at least one permanent magnet provided with an axially extending opening, said magnet subjecting passing water to a magnetic field and being made of a magnet material presenting an energy product of more than approximately 20 and preferably more than approximately 40 kJ/m3 and a coercive force of preferably more than approximately 200 kA/m at 25° C., the north pole of said magnet being positioned at one axial end face and the south pole at the opposite axial end face, and where the water is passed through the axially extending opening in the magnet. Moreover, a method of treating the water is provided, whereby the water is allowed to pass said device immediately before or adjacent a tapping point.

Abstract: In a magnetic filter apparatus in which permanent magnets are arranged to oppose each other with a container therebetween so as to generate a magnetic line of force in a direction substantially orthogonal to the moving direction of the fluid in the interior of the container, while regulating a filter passage time of the fluid in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 seconds, the permanent magnets are arranged so that the distance L (mm) between the permanent magnets in relation to the residual magnetic flux density B (T) of the permanent magnets satisfies the relationship: B×100≦L≦B×250 In this manner, the highest possible performance can be obtained from the filter using general-purpose permanent magnets such as ferrite or neodymium magnets, thereby achieving size reduction of the apparatus at low equipment cost.

Abstract: A system and method are provided which removes bromine biocide used in effluent process streams without the use of chemicals or complex mechanical systems. In particular, the system and method of the present invention remove bromine biocide by photodissociating the bromine, thereby forming innocuous salts. Ultraviolet energy may be used to provide the energy for photodissociation, in particular ultraviolet energy supplied by medium pressure Hg vapor lamps.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus for automated magnetic separation of materials in laboratory trays, including: a frame upon an upper surface of which a multiwell laboratory tray may be placed; a base plate on which is mounted a plurality of upstanding magnets disposed below the upper surface; and apparatus to raise the base plate such as to insert the upstanding magnets into interwell spaces in the laboratory tray.

Abstract: A method of making an oxygen-rich and stabilized oxidizing agent in a liquid, preferably water, involves exposure of aerated liquid to repeated bursts of ringing magnetic flux having a primary frequency of 10 kHz to 80 kHz, with the bursts repeated at a frequency of 1 Hz to 100 Hz, and with the water being kept basic at a pH level between pH 7 to pH 10. The oxidizing agent is believed to be a relatively stable complex of hydrogen peroxide, and has a significant anti-microbial effect on microorganisms, including biofilms, in the water achieved by oxidation of the oxidizing agent with chemical components of the microorganisms.

Abstract: A magnetic separator and process involving a train of parallel, spaced magnetic bars connected together to form a closed loop disposed in a tank able to receive a liquid containing ferromagnetic particles which are to be removed from the liquid. The liquid is introduced by an inlet extending within the closed loop so that the liquid is constrained to flow out through spaces between the magnetic bars. Flow out of the tank is through perforate distributor plates and over a pair of weirs, the perforate plates and weirs extending along a respective side of the closed loop to distribute the flow through all of the bar spaces.

Abstract: A device for separating a chemical mixture into its constituents includes a central cathode that is aligned axially within a cylindrical plasma chamber. An anode, made of the chemical mixture requiring separation is positioned near the cylindrical wall of the plasma chamber. A working gas is introduced into the chamber to sputter the chemical mixture into the plasma chamber where it is dissociated and ionized. To reduce the unwanted loss of the central cathode due to sputtering by the working gas, the central cathode is formed with a plurality of radial projections that extend outwardly from the axis of the cylindrical plasma chamber. These radial projections act to capture sputtered cathode material before it is lost to the plasma. Once the chemical mixture has been ionized in the plasma chamber, the ions are separated, according to their respective mass to charge ratio, using crossed electric and magnetic fields.

Abstract: A continuous, hybrid magnetic field gradient device for colloidal magnetic affinity separation having an axially-rotating horizontal glass tube, and a plurality of axially located repeating magnetic units. Each magnetic units consists of an alternating current solenoid that surrounds the chamber followed by computer-controlled electromagnets carrying a direct current. The on-off cycle of the electromagnets is used to control the residence time of target-bound magnetic particles in the chamber thereby allowing the separate collection of the particle and target rich fractions and the target-lean fractions without interrupting the feed flow. The azimuthally flowing alternating current in the solenoid introduces transient axial and radial forces as well as torque on the magnetic particles, promoting mixing.