AGGREGATION AND CONTROL OF MAGNETO-RESPONSIVE ENTITIES
First Claim
1. An apparatus for controlling aggregation of magneto-responsive self-propelled entities in a body comprising:
- at least three sets of magnetic field sources arranged in three axes for generating a magnetic field; and
a controller connected to at least one of said magnetic field sources to create a three dimensional convergence point.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Applicants have discovered a novel apparatus and method to aggregate and displace a plurality of magneto-responsive entities (steerable self-propelled entities or SSPEs) in three dimensions using time-multiplexing. The apparatus for controlling aggregation of SSPEs in a body comprises at least three sets of magnetic field sources arranged in three axes for generating a controlled magnetic field and a controller connected to at least one of said magnetic field sources to create a three dimensional convergence point. The method for aggregating the entities can comprise using a first set and a second set of said magnetic field sources to generate opposed magnetic field gradients in each said set to cause aggregation of said magneto-responsive entities in two axes and wherein the controller is configured to reverse a direction of said magnetic field gradient in a third set of magnetic field sources in a third axis according to a first pre-determined program.
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Citations
39 Claims
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1. An apparatus for controlling aggregation of magneto-responsive self-propelled entities in a body comprising:
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at least three sets of magnetic field sources arranged in three axes for generating a magnetic field; and a controller connected to at least one of said magnetic field sources to create a three dimensional convergence point. - View Dependent Claims (2, 4, 5, 9, 12, 13, 16, 24, 25, 26, 39)
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3. (canceled)
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6-8. -8. (canceled)
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10-11. -11. (canceled)
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14-15. -15. (canceled)
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17-23. -23. (canceled)
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27. (canceled)
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28. A method of aggregating magneto-responsive self-propelled entities in a body comprising:
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generating in said body a magnetic field having a three dimensional convergence point; and allowing said entities to move toward and aggregate near said convergence point. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38)
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32-33. -33. (canceled)
Specification