baber/WOPTO huggingface dataset:
Patent JP-H11506253-A (JP)
IPC: G11B20/10
Filed: 1997-03-03
Abstract: A dictation device for the storage of speech signals comprises processors and generators. The processors are adapted to digitize applied speech signals into data blocks (DB) of comprising digital data with data, a header portion (HP) and a data portion (DP). The data in each data block (DB) is organized in accordance with a specification comprising specification information. The generators are adapted to generate designation records which are each associated with specification. The processors are adapted to generate data blocks (DB) whose header portion (HP) has a first section (HSP-"1") and at least one further section (HSP-"2", HSP-"3", HSP-"4"). The generation means are adapted to generate a designation record (DS3) associated with a specification partner code associated with a specification partner, which designation record can be inserted in the first section (HSP-"1") of a data block (DB). There is also provided generation adapted to generate at least one additional designation record (DS2, DS4, DS5, DS6) associated with additional specification information, which additional designation record can be inserted in a further section (HSP-"2") of the header portion (HP) of a data block (DB).
Patent JP-2000509943-A (JP)
Title: 網目スクリーン化された原画の走査方法
IPC: H04N1/04
Filed: 1998-01-22
Abstract: (57)【要約】
本発明は、走査機器を用いた、網目スクリーン化された原画の画素毎およびライン毎のオプトエレクトロニック走査のための方法に関しており、この場合網目スクリーン化された原画においてラスタを含んだ少なくとも１つの原画領域が検出され、検出された原画のラスタ領域における、位置領域に存在する画像値がフーリエ変換によって空間周波数スペクトルとしての周波数領域へ移行され、空間周波数スペクトルから、原画のラスタのラスタ幅とラスタ角度が検出され、原画のラスタの検出されたラスタ角度とラスタ幅に対して、モアレなしの走査に最適な走査周波数が空間周波数スペクトルから求められ、走査精度を定める最適な走査周波数が走査機器に設定され、網目スクリーン化された原画の再現に必要な画像値を得るために、前記の設定された最適な走査周波数を用いて、網目スクリーン化された原画が走査される。
Patent JP-2000508638-A (JP)
Title: 新規のフランジアリールメチリデン誘導体、その製造方法及びその治療上の使用
IPC: A61K31/341
Filed: 1997-04-03
Abstract: (57)【要約】
式（Ｉ）で表されるフランジアリールメチリデン誘導体：
 並びに、特に抗炎症及び鎮痛薬としてのその治療上の使用を開示する。
Patent JP-2000513081-A (JP)
Title: ほぼ整合する２軸間の弾性連結装置
IPC: F16F15/123
Filed: 1998-04-10
Abstract: (57)【要約】
本発明は、駆動座金と連係して回転する第１案内座金（１）と、ハブ（１７）と一体化され、かつ第１案内座金（１）の方を向くディスク（１０）を具備し、その外周において、第２の案内座金に当接している弾性連結装置に関するものである。本発明は、自動車に応用できる。
Patent JP-2000511140-A (JP)
IPC: B67C3/32
Filed: 1998-04-08
Abstract: Disclosed is a method for filling barrels (4), specially kegs, with liquids, wherein at least one gas is dissolved. The barrel (4) is pre-stressed using a gas before the liquid is filled. Liquid is then fed into the barrel (4) by means of a filling valve (2) pertaining to a filling station (1) and connected to a feed line (3, 8). During filling, the pre-stress gas contained in the barrel (4) is evacuated. In order to guarantee economical and ecological product processing, the pre-stress gas in the barrel (4) is pre-stressed at only a partial pressure which corresponds approximately to the saturation pressure of the CO2 or N2 which is dissolved in the filled liquid. The flow rate speed is measured in the product feed line and is directly adjusted by adapting the volumetric flow rate of said product.
Patent JP-2001522553-A (JP)
Title: 移動通信システムにおいてパケット交換データを伝送するための方法
IPC: H04L1/18
Filed: 1998-04-27
Abstract: (57)【要約】
本発明は、ＡＲＱプロトコルを使用して移動通信システムでパケット交換データを伝送するための方法に係わる。この方法では、最初に送られた伝送単位とその再伝送複製とで形成される（２０８）結合伝送単位の品質が予め決められた品質レベルに合致する（２１０）まで、受信機が、必要に応じて、最初に送られた伝送単位（２１２）の再伝送を要求する（２１２）。これが完了するまで信号は検出されない（２１４）。パケットがインタリーブされて符号化されており、そしてそのパケットが不完全であることがわかる（２１８）と、より低品質のパケット伝送単位の再伝送が要求される（２２０）。本発明は、さらに、本発明の方法を実現する移動通信システムにも係わる。
Patent JP-2002514116-A (JP)
Title: 聴覚スクリーニング装置とともに使用するイヤホン組立
IPC: H04R1/10
Filed: 1998-05-20
Abstract: (57)【要約】
子供の聴覚障害を調べるための聴覚スクリーニング器具とともに使用するイヤホン組立を提供する。このイヤホンは、一般にD字型の再使用可能カバー（10）と、一般にD字型の使い捨て要素（20）とを備えている。再使用可能カバー（10）は外周部を設けた裏壁と、子供の耳を受容するための空洞を画定するために前記外周部からのびる側壁と、変換器を受容且つ支持するためにカバー内に設けられたポートとを備えている。使い捨て要素（20）の2つの側部には接着剤がコーティングされているため、カバー（10）と患者の頭部とに固定することができる。カバー（10）は、使い捨て要素（20）を除去するための、再使用可能本体の外周部に沿って配置された切り欠きを備えていてもよい。パッケージングの最中と使用前に、汚染から保護するために使い捨て要素（20）を覆うライナー（38）が使用されている。使い捨て要素（20）はダイカットを有することが可能であるため、イヤホンを耳の大きな子供に調整するためにその1部を除去することができる。イヤホンは低コストであり、あらゆる従来の聴覚スクリーニング装置とともに使用することができる。
Patent NZ-202649-A (NZ)
Title: Imidazole derivatives and pharmaceutical compositions
Inventor: KURKELA K O A
IPC: C07D233/64
Filed: 1982-11-29
Abstract: The invention provides novel compounds of the formula:orwherein each of R<sub>1</sub>, R<sub>2</sub> and R<sub>3</sub>, which can be the same or different, is hydrogen, chloro, bromo, fluoro, methyl, ethyl, methoxy, amino, hydroxy or nitro; R<sub>4</sub> is hydrogen or alkyl of 1 to 7 carbon atoms; R<sub>5</sub> is hydrogen or a straight or branched alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a phenyl group; R<sub>6</sub> is hydrogen or an alkyl group of 1 to 7 carbon atoms or a substituted or unsubstituted benzyl group; and n is 0 or 1; provided that when R<sub>2</sub>, R<sub>3</sub>, R<sub>4</sub>, R<sub>5</sub> and R<sub>6</sub> are all hydrogen and R, isa) chloro, R, must be in the 3-positionb) methyl or methoxy, then R<sub>1</sub> must be in the 2- or 3- positionc) hydrogen, then n must be other than 1and their non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts. Processes for the preparation of these compounds are described, as are novel pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds or their salts. These compounds exhibit valuable pharmacological activity and are useful in the treatment of mammals, e.g. as diuretic agents. Furthermore, they have antithrombotic and anti-hypertensive effects.
Patent NZ-207154-A (NZ)
Title: Current limiting high voltage fuse:conductor configuration
Inventor: VAN DER SCHEER D
IPC: H01H69/02
Filed: 1984-02-15
Abstract: A current limiting high voltage fuse comprises a preferably tubular support body (1), consisting of quartz glass, and fusible conductors (2) attached over their entire length to the support body, which conductors (2) are of a width of minimum 0.5 mm and maximum 1 mm and of a thickness of maximum 50 micrometer. 
<??>These fusible conductors are applied in parallel paths, the distance between the paths being at least twice as large as the width of the fusible conductors. Also the fusible conductors are provided with narrow sections (4) separated in longitudinal direction of the fusible conductor over regular distances, and interconnected at both ends by an electrically conducting sleeve (3) applied to the support body (1).
Patent NZ-224922-A (NZ)
Title: Frozen bread dough
Inventor: MINORU KAGEYAMA
IPC: A21D6/00
Filed: 1988-06-07
Abstract: A method of producing frozen dough for baking or frying to form bread comprises stretching the dough on a series of conveyors (1,2,3) while subjecting it to vibrations by means of rollers (5) so that the dough can be stretched without imparting pressure exceeding the yield point of its elasticity. Thus the gluten network structure is unharmed. Then the dough is frozen for preserving, and after a desired period of preservation the dough may be baked. By avoiding damage to the gluten network structure, the dough deflates less than conventionally treated dough during freezing and expands mo during the baking step, so that puffy and tasty bread results.
Patent NZ-225381-A (NZ)
Title: Sanitary napkin: side flap with adhesive tape of specified adhesive strength
Inventor: KORPMAN RALF
IPC: A61F13/15
Filed: 1988-07-12
Abstract: A sanitary napkin (10) having side panels (12,13) intended to be folded around the crotch portion of an undergarment (30) includes an adhesive tape tab (14) secured to the apertured film facing of one panel (12) with a free end overlying the opposite panel (13) in the folded configuration. The adhesive coating on the tape tab (14), an A-B-A/A-B polymer having an adhesion to steel value of 837-1563 g/cm (75-140 oz./inch) width, provides secure attachment of the tape tab while permitting detachment without substantial tearing of the aperture film facing.
Patent NZ-226755-A (NZ)
Title: Communication by backscatter modulation
Inventor: NYSEN PAUL ANTON
IPC: H04W88/02
Filed: 1988-10-27
Abstract: An apparatus is described for two-way communication between a controller and a communicator. The controller comprises a series of means adapted to generating a carrier signal and to deal with said signal to produce an informational signal. The communicator likewise comprises a series of means directed at producing a electromagnetic wave signal. In accordance with the invention the first means of the controller comprise means to vary the frequency or phase of said carrier signal, and the means for demodulating a second modular carrier signal include means for mixing said carrier signal with said modulated carrier signal.
Patent NZ-242041-A (NZ)
Title: Gels comprising a polyurethane and an hydrophilic n-vinyl lactam, tacky
Inventor: LORENZ DONALD H
IPC: A61P31/04
Filed: 1992-03-18
Abstract: A dressing includes a stable, tacky gel of polyurethane and poly(N-vinyl lactam), the poly(N-vinyl lactam) having a K-value of at least about 60 and mole equivalents of acid groups above about 1.4. The dressing may also include a substrate and various additives incorporated with the gel.
Patent NZ-261582-A (NZ)
Title: Lyophilized preparation (typically an injection) comprising vecuronium bromide (a monoquaternary androstane derivative)
Inventor: JANSEN FRANS HERWIG JAN
IPC: A61K9/08
Filed: 1994-02-08
Abstract: PCT No. PCT/EP94/00358 Sec. 371 Date Aug. 8, 1995 Sec. 102(e) Date Aug. 8, 1995 PCT Filed Feb. 8, 1994 PCT Pub. No. WO94/17808 PCT Pub. Date Aug. 18, 1994The invention relates to a process for preparing a pharmaceutical preparation having neuromuscular blocking activity in a vial by dissolving vecuroniumbromide or an analogue thereof in water saturated with carbondioxide or an organic solvent, filling the solution thus obtained into the vial to provide therein the required unit dosage form of vecuronium bromide or an analogue thereof, removing the solvent, i.e. water or organic solvent in the vial by lyophilization or evaporation, and hermetically closing the vial. The invention also relates to a method of preparing an aqueous injection solution starting from said vial by dissolving the contents of the vial either in an amino acid solution of sufficient concentration so as to obtain a final physiological pH or in a pharmaceutically acceptable buffer system of pH 7 to 7.4.
Patent NZ-268500-A (NZ)
Title: Extended residual, controlled release, polymer topcoated, sulphur coated, urea cored fertilizer compositions
Inventor: TIMMONS RICHARD J
IPC: C05G3/00
Filed: 1994-06-13
Abstract: Extended residual, controlled release sulfur coated fertilizers having polymeric topcoats applied over a sulfur coating layer are prepared wherein the sulfur coating contains a sufficient amount of a crystalline sulfur allotrope in combination with at least a minimal level of carbon disulfide insoluble amorphous sulfur to maintain the sulfur coating in a pliable, resilient condition at the time at which the polymeric topcoat is applied over the sulfur coating. The presence of such sulfur allotrope is demonstrated by a shoulder endotherm appearing on a differential scanning calorimetry thermogram within a transition temperature range of about 84 DEG  C.-97 DEG  C.
Patent NZ-280506-A (NZ)
Title: Detecting changes in oligonucleotide length using light emitting labels and dna binding compounds
Inventor: PICONE TERESA KIM HUFF
IPC: C12Q1/68
Filed: 1995-11-21
Abstract: The present invention provides methods of detecting a change in the length of an oligonucleotide labeled with a light-emitting label by measuring the light emission in the presence of a DNA binding compound that interacts with the label to modify the light emission of the label, wherein the degree of interaction depends on the length of the oligonucleotide. The methods are applicable in general to nucleic acid sequence detection assays that utilize a reaction that results in the selective cleavage of hybridized oligonucleotide probes, and, in particular, to amplification/detection assays wherein hybridized probes are cleaved concomitant with primer extension. <IMAGE>
Patent NZ-286711-A (NZ)
Title: Macrocyclic polyamine derivatives and pharmaceutical compositions thereof
Inventor: BRIDGER GARY JAMES
IPC: C07D255/02
Filed: 1996-05-31
Abstract: Macrocyclic compounds having a total of 9 to 24 ring members and from 3 to 6 optionally substitiuted amine nitrogens spaced by two or more optionally substituted carbon atoms from each other, which may optionally comprise a fused aromatic or heteroaromatic ring, linked to a substituted methylamine chain, show good selectivity against HIV-1 and HIV-2 in in vitro tests.
Patent NZ-295422-A (NZ)
Title: Reduction of contaminants of cellulosic liquors using a polymeric emulsion
Inventor: CUTTS PAUL KENNETH
IPC: C08F220/18
Filed: 1995-11-16
Abstract: Stickies derived from pulping or deinking of cellulosic material are controlled by adding to the cellulosic liquor containing the stickies an emulsion in water of cross-linked, insoluble, ionisable and swellable polymer particles.
Patent NZ-300888-A (NZ)
Title: Spectacles with artificial horizon
Inventor: TASSIER PHILIPPE
IPC: G02C7/10
Filed: 1996-02-08
Abstract: PCT No. PCT/BE96/00010 Sec. 371 Date Feb. 2, 1998 Sec. 102(e) Date Feb. 2, 1998 PCT Filed Feb. 8, 1996 PCT Pub. No. WO96/25685 PCT Pub. Date Aug. 22, 1996A spectacles frame optionally including lenses and comprising an artificial horizon which is held in a horizontal position at all times regardless of the movement of the frame or the wearer's head.
Patent NZ-315740-A (NZ)
Title: Oral fast-dissolving compositionsfor dopamine agonists
Inventor: JOHNSON EDWARD STEWART
IPC: A61K31/485
Filed: 1996-08-16
Abstract: In one embodiment, this invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for oral administration consisting essentially of a gelatin at a concentration up to 5% by weight as a carrier, a solvent, and, as an active ingredient, a dopamine agonist. Alternatively, the invention relates to a composition that takes the form of a solid, unitary fast-dispersing dosage form comprised of a network of an active ingredient after and a water-soluble or water dispersible matrix forming agent or carrier which is inert towards the active ingredient after subliming solvent from the composition in the solid state. The dosage is designed to completely disintegrate within 1 to 30 seconds of being placed in the oral cavity. Compositions which further comprise an anti-emetic and/or an opioid antagonist are also provided herein.
Patent NZ-329134-A (NZ)
Title: 7,12-dioxabenzo[a]anthracene derivatives
Inventor: COUDERT GERARD
IPC: A61P35/00
Filed: 1997-11-07
Abstract: 7,12-Dioxabenz(a)anthracene derivatives of formula (I) and their isomers and addition salts are new: R1 = H or OR; R = H or 1-6C alkyl (optionally substituted by aryl or heteroaryl); R2 = H, halo, OH, 1-6C alkoxy, CHO, CF3SO3, CN, 2-7C alkyloxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, NRa'Rb' or BNRa''Rb''; Ra', Ra'' = di(1-6C alkyl)amino(1-6C alkyl); or Ra'' = 1-6C alkyl optionally substituted by OH; Rb', Rb'' = H or 1-6C alkyl; B = CO or CH2; X = N (optionally substituted by Rc') or X'; X' = CR3; Rc' = 1-6C alkyl; R3 = H, 2-7C alkoxycarbonyl or BNRa''Rb'' or CX'R2 = a group of formula (a): Y = N or CR4; R4 = H or OR''; R'' = H, 1-6C alkyl (optionally substituted by OH), aryl or heteroaryl; aryl = Ph or naphthyl (optionally substituted by halo, 1-6C alkyl, OH, 1-6C alkoxy or trihalomethyl); heteroaryl = mono- or bicyclic aromatic group containing 1-2 heteroatoms comprising O, S and/or N (optionally substituted by halo, 1-6C alkyl, OH, 1-6C alkoxy or trihalomethyl); provided that when X = N and Y = CH, or when X = CH and Y = N, or when X=Y = CH, then R1 and R2 are not both H. N2-(7,12-dioxa-3-hydroxybenzo(a)anthracene-5,6-maleimido)-N1,N1-dimeth ylethylenediamine hydrochloride is specifically claimed.
Patent NZ-331496-A (NZ)
Title: Collapsible luggage trolley, telescopic handle concealed in housing when in retracted position
Inventor: LOWENSTEIN FRANK
IPC: A45C13/26
Filed: 1997-02-24
Abstract: A luggage trolley comprises a strut 54 and a wheel 57 at each end thereof.  A support member 53 is secured to strut 54 and disposed transversely to the longitudinal axis thereof.  A rigid housing 49 at the end of support member 53 remote from strut 54 contains at least one telescopic member 51, 52 attached to a handle 5.  The handle is moveable between a stored position, inside or adjacent to the housing, and an extended position.  In the stored position the or each member 51, 52 is protected by the housing.
Patent NZ-332383-A (NZ)
Title: Acyl urea compounds and salts thereof for the treatment of coccidioidomycosis (Coccidioides immitis infections) in warm-blooded animals and a method thereof
Inventor: GREENE RUSSELL THOMAS
IPC: A61K31/00
Filed: 1997-04-23
Abstract: The use of acyl urea compounds of formula (I), wherein R1 is unsubstituted or substituted phenyl, naphthyl, pyridyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl or pyrazinyl, R2 is hydrogen or C1-C6alkyl, R3 is (A) or (B), R4 to R8 are each independently hydrogen, halogen, C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C6haloalkyl, C1-C6alkoxy, C1-C6-haloalkoxy or C1-C6alkylthio, R9 is hydrogen or C1-C6alkyl, and X+ is a pharmaceutically or agronomically acceptable inorganic or organic cation; and pharmaceutically or agronomically acceptable salts thereof, for the treatment or prophylaxis of Coccidioides immitis infections in warm-blooded animals, especially dogs and cats
Patent NZ-336200-A (NZ)
Title: Activating expression of an amplifying endogenous gene by homologous recombination
Inventor: TRECO DOUGLAS A
IPC: C12N15/18
Filed: 1993-12-02
Abstract: Disclosed is a method of activating and amplifying the expression of an endogenous gene in genomic DNA of a vertebrate cell.  The DNA to be amplified is not expressed in the cell as obtained or is not expressed at significant levels in the cell as obtained.  The method comprises the following steps: a) providing a cell, the genome of which comprises i) a targeted gene having an endogenous regulatory region; ii) a target site; b) providing a DNA construct comprising i) a targeting sequence homologous to the target site; ii) an exogenous regulatory sequence; iii) an exon; iv) a sequence encoding an amplifiable marker permitting selection of cells containing multiple copies of the sequence encoding the amplifiable marker; v) an unpaired splice-donor site at the 3' end of the exon c) transfecting the cell with the DNA construct, thereby producing a transfected cell; d) maintaining the transfected cell under conditions appropriate for homologous recombination, thereby producing a homologously recombinant cell, the genome of which comprises the exogenous regulatory sequence, the construct -derived exon, and the construct-derived splice-donor site, in addition to all exons of the targeted gene; e) culturing the homogenously recombinant cell under conditions which select for cells having multiple copies of the sequence encoding the amplifiable marker;  f) maintaining the homogenously recombinant cell under conditions appropriate for transcription under the control of the exogenous regulatory  sequence, to produce a transcript of the construct-derived exon, the targeted gene,  and any sequence lying between the construct-derived exon and the targeted gene, wherein the RNA of the transcript corresponding to the construct-derived splice-donor site directs splicing to a splice-acceptor site in the transcript which corresponds to a site within the targeted gene.
Patent NZ-336246-A (NZ)
Title: Degenerate primers suitable for use in production of alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase
Inventor: JACKSON RONALD JAMES
IPC: C07H21/04
Filed: 1999-06-11
Abstract: The set of primers 1) GGGATCCAT[A/T/C]TC[T/C]AG[A/G]CA[T/C]AA[A/GCG and 2) GGGATCCGC[A/G]CA[T/C]AA[A/T/CG]CC[T/G/A]ATCAT are use in production of alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase.
Patent NZ-505706-A (NZ)
Title: Coin discrimination apparatus with shallow section and then steeper section along which coins travel upright with other objects
Inventor: MARTIN DOUG
IPC: G07D3/14
Filed: 1997-06-27
Abstract: The coin rail has a change in inclination from a first portion 2121a (inclined at 0 to 15 degrees) and a subsequent steeper path 2121b (inclined at 40 to 50 degrees).  Coins and other objects (such as slugs) travel along these paths.
Patent NZ-506487-A (NZ)
Title: A release composition for stabilising biological components for storage and method of preparation, so that the composition is water degradable
Inventor: JOHNSON VON WALTER
IPC: A01N25/04
Filed: 2000-08-22
Abstract: A method for the preparation of a release composition comprises the steps of: a) Preparing a bio-degradable bio-matrix either as a gel or a liquid, incorporating a biological material b) Preparing a dry powder of one or more inert compounds c) Mixing the preparations of step a) and b) to from a homogenous mix The biomatrix is selected from xanthan gum, acacia gum, guar gum, gellan, starch or a combination. The biological material is selected from a bio-inoculant, a microorganism, biological cell, parts of a biological cell, a vaccine, pharmaceutical compound, an enzyme, a hormone, a protein, a bio-chemical and a biologically unstable composition or a combination. The inert compounds are selected from, inorganic compounds, powdered sterilized solid, powdered silica and powdered dry organic materials or a combination. A slow release composition and a fast release compositions and methods to prepare are described. The release composition prepared by the method can be used in a spray solution for the delivery of biological material that includes an active ingredient for application to plants and animals. The release composition can also be used in a method for inoculating a plant seed with a biological material. Addition to 506487
Patent NZ-507072-A (NZ)
Title: Method and arrangement for transferring information using an existing message based service in a digital network
Inventor: WERKANDER PETER
IPC: G06F13/00
Filed: 1999-03-18
Abstract: Methods and arrangements for transmitting information in a message using an existing message based service in a digital mobile network. A message is provided with an information field intended to be extracted from said message by said receiver. Furthermore, said message is provided with a pointer field in a position which is given by a predetermined rule while using a predetermined syntax and comprising information which indicates where in said message said information field is arranged.
Patent NZ-507561-A (NZ)
Title: A rigid and reinforced container (plastic) abled to be stacked in two with grooves to direct a pair of straps to hold the boxes together
Inventor: ELSKAMP ERIC R
IPC: B65D19/04
Filed: 2000-10-16
Abstract: A plastic container (10) for carrying heavy loads having a receptacle (12) and a lid (14). The receptacle being formed of upright walls joined together at a lower edge by a bottom so as to define an open cavity closable by the lid. The lid has a support surface on which the bottom of a second container stacked thereon is supported characterised that an elongated reinforcing member (18) is secured to the lid beneath the bottom of the second container so as to support the second container. The reinforcing member (18) spans the upright walls by a saddle (22) which cradles the reinforcing member (18) and distributes loading from the reinforcing member to the lid.
Patent NZ-508773-A (NZ)
Title: Method and apparatus for concentrating and/or positioning particles or cells
Inventor: ARNOLD WILLIAM MICHAEL
IPC: G01N27/26
Filed: 1999-05-29
Abstract: A method for concentrating and/or positioning and/or separating particles or cells comprises placing a liquid medium containing the particles and/or cells over a surface having an electrode array associated with the surface, applying an alternating voltage to the electrode array to create an electric field above the surface within the medium to repel the particles or cells from the electrode array and thereby levitate the particles or cells above the surface, within the medium, by negative dielectrophoresis, and heating the liquid medium so as to cause convection currents to circulate within the medium which concentrate or relocate the levitated cells within the medium. Apparatus for concentrating and/or positioning and/or separating particles or cells are also disclosed