Importance

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Abstract

Method, apparatus and system for controllably conveying magnetic particles between closed chambers. Magnetic particles are magnetically attracted from a first solution-containing chamber into a motive cavity, such as may be formed in a rotor of a pump. The magnetic particle-containing motive cavity is then moved out of fluid communication with the first solution-filled chamber and moved into fluid communication with a second solution-filled chamber. Finally, the magnetic particles are magnetically releasing from the motive cavity into the second solution-containing chamber. The first and second chambers are preferably never in direct fluid communication. Because the rotor is sealed with the pump body and there is no direct fluid communication between the first and second chamber, contact between the first solution and the second solution is limited by the size of the motive cavity. Optionally, the particles are magnetically attracted by temporarily inserting a magnet into a rotor. This method has significant advantages over existing magnetic particle manipulation systems because it can be utilized as a closed system with a very innovative and low-cost approach.

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First Claim