Magnetic separators and apparatus for making the same

Claim 1

Apparatus for making a filter cell having a base and a plurality of fibrous filter elements secured to said base, comprising: (i) a container for holding a plurality of discrete fibrous filter elements in random orientation, said container having an opening, (ii) a feed conduit having a first end and a second end, and a lateral opening adjacent said first end, said container opening communicating with said lateral opening, (iii) means, for delivering a stream of compressed air, communicating with said first end of said conduit, (iv) a pair of spaced magnets for developing a magnetic field therebetween, said magnetic field having a zone in which there is a stronger magnetic force than in the remaining zone of the field, said magnets being disposed one at each side of said second end of said conduit, and (v) means for supporting said base in a position between said magnets and closer to one of said magnets than to the other of said magnets and transverse to the magnetic lines of force extending between said magnets.