Patent ID: 7517457

Claim:
A method for mixing and separating magnetic or paramagnetic particles in a liquid by changing the relative angular position between said particles and a magnet comprising the steps of: providing one or more containers having the liquid and said particles therein; providing at least two staggered magnets disposed alternately on opposite sides of said one or more containers, the magnets arranged so that each container can have a magnet proximate only one side for generating a magnetic field therein; providing motion which causes periodic changes in the relative angular position between said particles and said magnets by altering the side of each container to which a magnet is proximate at a speed that provides sufficient angular acceleration that said particles remain aggregated during said motion with a sufficient delay time between successive changes to allow said magnetic particles to move to the side to which a magnet is proximate thereby promoting mixing by breaking up and dispersing aggregated particles and moving said particles within said liquid while the said liquid remains relatively motionless; and stopping motion to leave at least one magnet in proximity to an outside wall of at least one container, whereby said particles become immobilized on an inside wall of said at least one container adjacent said at least one magnet.