WO1995025596A1

WO1995025596A1 - Magnetic separator

Info

Publication number: WO1995025596A1
Application number: PCT/SE1995/000291
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jan Erik Johansson; Rolf Göran Anders LARSSON
Original assignee: Jan Erik Johansson; Larsson Rolf Goeran Anders
Priority date: 1994-03-23
Filing date: 1995-03-22
Publication date: 1995-09-28
Also published as: SE9400962L; SE9400962D0; SE503880C2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for attracting, from the ground or from the bottom of a water course or pool of water, objects containing magnetic material. In order to, in an as simple, quick and effective manner as possible, remove a large part of these objects contaminating the ground, water and subsoil water, the device comprises at least one electromagnet (1) which by its magnetic force attracts said objects, and a connecting means (2) for connecting the electromagnet (1) to a vehicle or mobile implement (3). Apart therefrom, the device also comprises a current generating means (4) for generating the magnetic force of the electromagnet (1) and/or at least one means (5) for processing the ground or the bottom of the water course or pool of water and for processing said ground or bottom before and/or simultaneously with moving the electromagnet (1) over it by means of the vehicle or implement (3).

Description

Magnetic separator.

The present invention relates to a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Objects on or in the ground, preferably under the ground surface, or at or in the bottom of water courses or pools of water are today many times a great environ¬ mental or biological danger. Recently, one has e.g. be¬ come aware of the problem all the lead in projectiles from small-bore firearms constitutes to the ground on military practice grounds and target ranges. If no measu- res are taken, the lead will soon, inter alia, have poi¬ soned the ground water to such an extent that it becomes unfit for use.

The object of the present invention is, in a simple, quick and effective manner, to remove from the ground or from water courses or pools of water a substantial por¬ tion of objects contaminating the ground, water and ground or subsoil water. This is arrived at according to the invention by means of a device of the abovementioned type, which device is further defined by the characterizing features of claim 1.

Since the device comprises at least one electro¬ magnet, objects containing magnetic material is attracted thereby. Except for the lead, projectiles from firearms and particularly small-bore firearms, also contain a smaller amount of magnetic material and therefore, very well suited for removal from the ground by magnetic force. A connecting means is also provided and preferably const¬ ructed so that the electromagnet can be moved over other than horizontal or substantially horizontal surfaces. A current generating means can also form a part of the pre¬ sent device, whereby there is never any problem of where to get the electric current for the operation of the electromagnet. As an alternative to the current genera¬ ting means, if e.g. electric current can be found from elsewhere, or together therewith, if e.g. the ground is packed and the removal of objects containing magnetic material thereby more difficult, the device can be provi¬ ded with means for processing the ground or the bottom of the water course or pool of water and for such pro- cessing or loosening of said ground or said bottom that said objects are faced with less resistance when attrac¬ ted by the electromagnet and moving upwards towards the ground surface or the water above said bottom and the mag¬ net above said ground surface or said bottom. Alternative embodiments of the device according to the invention and preferred further embodiments thereof as well as other advantages with the invention, are de¬ fined in the dependent claims.

The invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a wheel-mounted loader equipped with a device according to the invention; fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an excava¬ tor or digging machine equipped with a second embodiment of the device according to the invention; fig. 3 is a schematic plan view of the device accor¬ ding to the invention illustrated in fig. 2; fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of an excava¬ tor equipped with a third embodiment of the device accor- ding to the inven ion; fig. 5 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the device according to the invention; fig. 6 is a side view of the device according to the invention illustrated in fig. 5 and with the electromagnet in operating position; and fig. 7 is a side view of the device according to the invention illustrated in fig. 5 and with the electromagnet on its way towards cleaning position.

Various embodiments of a device according to the in- vention for attracting, from the ground or from the bot¬ tom of a water course or pool of water, objects containing magnetic material, preferably projectiles from firearms and particularly from small-bore firearms such as pistols, rifles, machine-guns etc., are thus shown in the drawings. The device comprises at least one electromagnet 1 which is adapted to be moved over the ground surface (preferably 5-10 cm above the ground surface) or the bottom of the water course or pool of water for attracting, by its mag¬ netic force, objects (not shown) containing magnetic mate¬ rial on or in the ground (preferably down to a depth of about 50 cm) and the bottom of the water course or pool of water respectively, and for drawing said objects there¬ to. The electromagnet 1, the magnetic force of which pre¬ ferably is adjustable, can be round as in fig. 2 and 3, square as in fig. 1, rectangular as in fig. 4-7 or have any other suitable shape. The device further comprises a connecting means 2 of a suitable design for connection of the electromagnet 1 to a vehicle or mobile implement 3 for moving the magnet over the ground surface or bottom of the water course or pool of water. Suitable vehicles or implements 3 therefor are e.g. wheel-mounted loaders as in fig. 1, excavators as in fig. 2 and 4, cranes, barge cranes, crawler-type vehicles, tractors etc.. The vehicles or implements can also be armoured or provided with protective shields. Additionally, the device accor¬ ding to the invention comprises a current generating means 4 for generating the magnetic force of the electro¬ magnet and/or at least one means 5 for processing the ground or the bottom of the water course or pool of water and for processing said ground or said bottom of the water course or pool of water before and/or simultaneously with moving the electromagnet 1 over it in order to facilitate for said electromagnet, by the processing, to attract the objects containing magnetic material on or in the ground and the bottom of the water course or pool of water respec¬ tively. In the embodiments according to fig. 2-4, the device according to the invention also comprises, except for the electromagnet 1 and the connecting means 2, the current generating means 4, while in the embodiment of fig. 5-7 the device comprises the electromagnet 1, the connecting means 2 and the means 5 for processing the ground or the bottom of the water course or pool of water. The embodi- ment of fig. 1 includes both means 4 and 5.

In fig. 1-4, the connecting means 2 and the current generating means 4 are mounted directly on the electro¬ magnet 1 which, as appear from the figures, gives a com¬ pact and easy to handle unit. On the electromagnet 1 one can also provide at least one means 5 for processing the ground or the bottom of the water course or pool of water. The means 2, 4 and 5 can be mounted on the electromagnet 1 where appropriate. Preferably however, the ground or bottom processing means 5 is provided on the side la of the electromagnet 1 facing the ground surface or said bot¬ tom during operation, while the connecting means 2 and the current generating means 4 preferably are mounted on the opposite side lb of the electromagnet as said pro¬ cessing means 5 (see fig. 1) . The processing means 5 may hereby be given the simplest form as may the connecting means 2, and the current generating means 4 is located such that it is not in the way and the risk for damages is minimized.

In order to increase the effect of the processing by said means 5 of the ground or bottom of the water course or pool of water, the electromagnet 1 can be mounted to vibrate when desired.

Alternatively, the means 5 for processing the ground or the bottom of the water course or pool of water can be mounted on the vehicle or implement 3 or as a separate unit upstream of the electromagnet 1 in the main direc¬ tion of movement A of the magnet during operation, i.e. preferably in the ordinary running direction of said ve¬ hicle or implement. In the embodiments of fig. 1-4 it is also possible, in order to avoid interferences in the electromagnet as much as possible, to provide a frame 6 (see fig. 5-7) on which the electromagnet 1 is mounted. Thereby, the connec¬ ting means 2 and/or the current generating means 4 are/is also mounted on the frame 6. Thus, it is also possible, despite the frame, to e.g. keep the current generating means 4 mounted on the electromagnet 1 to avoid unneces¬ sary circuitry. If both means 2 and 4 are mounted on the frame 6, they are preferably located on the same side there¬ of, as when they are mounted on the magnet 1 itself, i.e. particularly on top of the frame. As in the embodiments without a frame according to fig. 1-4, it is possible, when a frame is used, to mount on the frame 6 also at least one means 5 for processing the ground or the bottom of a water course or pool of water. The frame 6 is in the embodiment shown (see also below) rectangular, but may of course have any other suitable shape, preferably the same shape as the magnet, if possible. In the rectangular embodiment of the frame (according to e.g. fig. 5-7) , the electromagnet 1 is journalled in two opposite sides of the frame 6. The processing means 5 is in this embodi- ment preferably mounted at the front of the frame 6 in the main direction of movement A of the electromagnet 1 during operation. The electromagnet 1 is preferably also pivotally or in any other manner displaceably mounted in the frame 6 in order to facilitate cleaning of the magnet (see also below) .

The electromagnet 1 or the frame 6 with the electro¬ magnet is through the connecting means 2 fixedly or mov- ably mounted on the vehicle or implement 3. The connec¬ ting means 2 is preferably of the so called rototilt type or as in fig. 2 and 4 connected to a so called rototilt 7 on the vehicle or implement, whereby the electromagnet 1 can be swung or pivoted in any direction. The connecting means 2 of fig. 1 is either of the same construction as in fig. 2-4 or also includes the coupling member 8 with the lever 9, piston and cylinder unit 10 and coupling por¬ tion 11. The bearing of the lever 9 at, in the embodiment shown, wheel-mounted loader 3, permits pivoting of the electromagnet 1 in horizontal direction, while the piston and cylinder unit 10 permits pivoting in vertical direc¬ tion.

The device according to the invention, with electro- magnet 1 with or without a frame 6, connecting means 2 and current generating means 4, may also be designed as a separate mobile unit (see fig. 5-7) with wheels 12 and connecting means in the shape of a hanger-on device 2 for connection after the vehicle or implement 3 alternatively a connecting means for connection in front of the vehicle or implement in the main direction of movement A thereof during operation.

In fig. 5-7, the device principally comprises, as stated above, except for the electromagnet 1 and the con- necting means 2, also at least one means 5 for processing the ground or the bottom of the water course or pool of water.

As stated above, not shown however, the connecting means 2 and processing means 5 can thereby be provided on the electromagnet 1, whereby the electromagnet also here can be mounted so that vibration thereof is permitted.

Alternatively, as in fig. 5-7, the electromagnet 1 can also be mounted on a frame 6 on which the connecting means 2 and/or the processing means 5 are mounted too. The frame 6 may have, as mentioned, any suitable shape, preferably adapted however, to the shape of the electro¬ magnet 1.

The electromagnet 1, which in the embodiment of fig. 5-7 is rectangular, is in this embodiment operated with the longer sides facing in and away from respectively, the main direction of movement A of the magnet during operation, but can of course also operate with the shor¬ ter sides facing forwards and backwards respectively, in said direction of movement A. The electromagnet 1 is in the illustrated embodiment pivotally mounted in a four side rectangular frame 6. Pivoting of the electromagnet 1 is carried through by means of a piston and cylinder device consisting of at least one, here two piston and cylinder units 13 located on one of the longer sides 6a of the frame 6 and on the upper side or surface lb of the mag¬ net 1 respectively. The electromagnet 1 is pivotally moun- ted on the frame 6 adjacent one of the longer sides or side surfaces lc of the magnet 1 and hereby, with the opposite shorter sides or side surfaces Id and le, jour- nalled in the frame 6 at preferably a pivot 14 on each shorter side 6b and 6c respectively of the frame adjacent to said longer side 6a thereof, said pivot 14 being in¬ serted into holes 15 and 16 in the magnet 1 and frame 6 respectively. Fig. 6 illustrates the electromagnet in an operating position turned or pivoted downwards with the lower side or surface la of the magnet 1 located sub- stantially horizontally and parallel with a plane through the frame 6. Fig. 7 illustrates the electromagnet 1 pivo¬ ted partially upwards towards the cleaning position where¬ in said lower surface la is located substantially verti¬ cally and easily accessible for the removal of objects containing magnetic material adhering thereto. The electro¬ magnet 1 can also be displaceably mounted on the frame 6 in other ways for exposing the lower surface la of the magnet 1 for cleaning at regular intervals during opera¬ tion. Alternatively, the electromagnet 1 can in a corre- sponding manner, with its opposite longer side surfaces lc. If, be journalled on the frame 6 in the corresponding longer sides 6a, 6d thereof.

In the downwards pivoted position, as in fig. 5 and 6, the electromagnet 1 can preferably be locked so that it, while in function, is always held in correct operating position in parallel or substantially in parallel with the ground surface or the bottom of the water course or pool of water. Locking is carried through by means of e.g. one or more displaceable lock pins, e.g. one lock pin (not shown) on each shorter side 6b, 6c of the frame 6, which are insertable into holes (not shown) in the magnet 1 or into loops (not shown) on the upper surface lb of the mag- net 1. Preferably however, the lock pins 17 are located on the magnet 1, e.g. on the upper surface lb or on the shorter side surfaces Id and le thereof, and they are in- sertable into holes 18 or loops on the shorter sides 6b, 6c of the frame 6. Alternatively, one or more fixed stop mem¬ bers (not shown) can be used, which, if they are provided on the magnet 1, can be brought to rest upon or engage the upper surface of the shorter sides 6b, 6c of the frame 6 or, if they are located on said shorter sides 6b, 6c of the frame 6, against which the magnet 1, e.g. the lower surface la of the magnet 1, may rest. Alternatively, at least one lock pin (not shown) and hole, loop etc. coope¬ rating therewith and at least one stop member (not shown) respectively, can also be located/designed, in the embodi- ment shown, somewhere along the longer side surface If and longer side 6d of the magnet 1 and frame 6 respective¬ ly, opposite to the longer side surface lc and longer side 6a respectively.

The device according to the invention comprises as defined at least one means 5 for processing the ground or the bottom of the water course or pool of water, said means then preferably being mounted on the frame 6, par¬ ticularly on the side of the frame facing in the main di¬ rection of movement A of the electromagnet during opera- tion, in fig. 5-7 one of the longer sides 6d of the frame. If the device includes several frames 6, each frame is provided with, except for the electromagnet 1, a proces¬ sing means 5. However, only one connecting means 2 common to all frames 6 is then provided. Also in these embodiments of the device according to the invention including an electromagnet 1 with or without a frame 6, the electromagnet or the frame may, through the connecting means 2, be fixedly or movably mounted on the vehicle or implement 3. Hereby, the connec- ting means 2 is preferably of so called rototilt type or connected to a so called rototilt on the vehicle or imple¬ ment, as above. The device including an electromagnet 1 with or with¬ out a frame 6, connecting means 2 and means 5 for proces¬ sing the ground or bottom of the water course or pool of water is however, in fig. 5-7, designed as a separate mo- bile unit having wheels 12 and connecting means in the form of a hanger-on device 2 at the front of the frame 6 (the longer side 6d thereof in the embodiment shown) seen in the direction of movement A, for connection after a traction vehicle (not shown) . With the frame 6 with elec- tromagnet 1 designed as a separate mobile unit, it is easier to enlarge or add to the device according to the invention. Thus, the frame 6 can e.g. be enlarged and pro¬ vided with a larger electromagnet 1 and/or can several frames 6, each with one electromagnet 1, be located in a suitable arrangement relative to each other, e.g. beside or after each other, obliquely behind each other etc., and interconnected in a suitable manner, whereby a larger ground area can be cleared of objects at the same time and/or the cleaning more effective. Alternatively, the device can be placed in front of the vehicle or implement seen in the main direction of movement thereof during operation.

Said latter embodiments of the device comprising an electromagnet 1 with or without a frame 6, a connecting means 2 and at least one processing means 5, can be comp- leted by mounting a current generating means 4 on the electromagnet 1 or on the frame 6 on which the electromag¬ net is mounted. The current generating means 4 is hereby mounted preferably on the same side of the electromagnet 1 or the frame 6 as the connecting means 2 for reasons en- tioned above.

Here, it is also possible to connect the electromag¬ net 1 to a current generating means on the vehicle or im¬ plement in order to thereby generate the magnetic force of the electromagnet. The means 5 for processing the ground or bottom of the water course or pool of water may, as in the embodi¬ ment shown, comprise at least one, preferably several scari- fiers 19 and/or at least one vibrator (not shown) . Each scarifier 19 is designed or constructed and/or mounted so that it pulls up the ground or the bottom of the water course or pool of water in front of the electromagnet 1 or the magnet in the frame 6, seen in the main direction of movement A of said magnet during operation, and/or direct¬ ly beneath or under the magnet 1, so that said ground or said bottom is loosened while at the same time the magnet 1 begins to attract the objects thereon or therein contai- ning magnetic material. The ground or bottom processing depth of each scarifier 19 is adjustable, whereby said depth can be adjusted to the type of ground or bottom and to how hard the ground or bottom is packed. Each scari¬ fier 19 is preferably also designed from magnetizable material so that the scarifier 19 can attract and draw thereto objects containing magnetic material in the ground or said bottom, and designed, preferably with a channel (not shown) extending in the longitudinal direction of the scarifier, so that feeding upwards towards the ground surface or from said bottom of the objects containing magnetic material, is facilitated, whereby the attrac¬ tion of the objects to the electromagnet 1 increases.

If one or more vibrators (not shown) is/are used as ground or bottom processing means instead of scarifiers 19 or in combination therewith, each vibrator is, as the scarifiers 19, designed and/or mounted so that it permits vibration of the ground or said bottom in front of the magnet 1 or the magnet in the frame 6 in the main direc¬ tion of movement A of the magnet 1 during operation and/ /or directly under the magnet 1. The vibrators, as well as the scarifiers 19, may also, as stated above, be pro¬ vided as separate units coupled e.g. between a traction vehicle and a wheeled mobile frame with magnet. The pro¬ cessing depth of each vibrator is also adjustable. The magnetic force of the electromagnet 1 or electro¬ magnets 1 used is also adjustable, e.g. depending on the size of the objects containing magnetic material to be picked up from the ground or bottom of a water course or pool of water, how far down into the ground or said bot¬ tom the magnetic force shall reach (eventually in coopera¬ tion with the processing means 5) , how much magnetic mate- rial the objects to be picked up contain, the speed of movement of the magnet, the hardness of the ground or bottom (eventually in cooperation with the processing means) , the shape of the objects, the distance of the electromagnet 1 to the ground or said bottom and so on. An alternative embodiment of the device having anot¬ her type of means 5 for processing the ground or the bot¬ tom of a water course or pool of water, wherein the mag¬ netic force does not require adjustment to the same ex¬ tent as embodiments with scarifiers 19 and/or vibrators as processing means 5, unless said various types of pro¬ cessing means 5 are used in combination, comprises as processing means 5 any suitable type of digging means (not shown) which dig up the ground or the bottom of the water course or pool or water in front of the magnet 1 or the magnet in the frame 6, seen in the main direction of movement A of the magnet 1 during operation, and feed the dug up ground or bottom material on at least one con¬ veyor (not shown) which runs past or, alternatively, through the electromagnet 1 so that the magnet attracts objects containing magnetic material in the ground or bottom material on the conveyor. The digging depth of the digging means is of course adjustable for adaptation to the present conditions and to the desired effect. The dri¬ ving speed of the conveyor is hereby, for as efficient separation as possible, preferably synchronized with the speed of movement of the electromagnet 1. The electromag¬ net 1 may also be designed for optimum effect, i.e. be¬ yond what is stated above also be given e.g. the shape of a cylindrical or four side tube, whereby the conveyor runs through the magnet, or are several electromagnets provided, whereby the conveyor can run under and/or over the magnets. A possible complement is also to magnetize the conveyor along the part thereof carrying the ground or bottom mate¬ rial.

As the other types of processing means 5, the digging means and conveyor can be mounted on the electromagnet 1 or on the frame 6 with electromagnet, or be provided as separate units e.g. between a vehicle or implement and the magnet or the frame with magnet.

It should be noticed that the device according to the invention in any embodiment may be provided with any suitable type of sensing and control means (not shown) , e.g. feelers or laser devices which can influence a stee¬ ring control of any type for the device, which contribute in holding the electromagnet 1 or the magnet with the frame 6 in correct operating position relative to the ground surface or the bottom of the water course or pool of water.

It is obvious to a skilled person that beyond what is stated above, the device according to the present in¬ vention can be modified and amended further within the scope of the following claims without departing from the idea and purpose of the invention. Thus, it is obvious that size, shape and number of the components forming part of the device may vary as desired and required, and so also the way said components are combined and arranged relative to each other. Beyond e.g. mounting on a vehicle or construction as a separate mobile unit and coupling after a traction vehicle, it is of course also possible to construct the device itself as a vehicle. If several frames 6 with electromagnets 1 and eventually with ground or bottom processing means 5 are interconnected, then, preferably, some of the frames are hinged to facilitate transport of the device between different places. It is obvious to a skilled person that also other objects con¬ taining magnetic material than the abovementioned can be removed or brought up from the ground or from under water by means of the device according to the present invention. It should further be noticed that at very great explosion hazard, vehicles or implements and the attached device according to the invention can be adapted or designed for remote control.

Claims

Claims :

1. Device for attracting, from the ground or from the bottom of a water course or pool of water, objects contai¬ ning magnetic material, preferably projectiles from fire¬ arms and particularly from small-bore firearms such as pistols, rifles, machine-guns etc., c h a r a c t e r i ¬ z e d i n that the device comprises at least one elec¬ tromagnet (1) which is adapted to be moved over the ground surface or the bottom of the water course or pool of water for attracting, by its magnetic force, objects containing magnetic material on or in the ground and the bottom of the water course or pool of water respectively, and for drawing said objects thereto, and a connecting means (2) for connection of the electromagnet (1) to a vehicle or mobile implement (3) for moving the magnet over the ground surface or the bottom of the water course or pool of water, and also a current generating means (4) for generating the magnetic force of the electromagnet (1) and/or at least one means (5) for processing the ground or the bot¬ tom of the water course or pool of water and for proces- sing the ground or the bottom of the water course or pool of water before and/or simultaneously with moving the electromagnet (1) over it in order to facilitate for said electromagnet, by the processing, to attract and thereto draw the objects containing magnetic material on or in the ground and the bottom of the water course or pool of water respectively.

2. Device according to claim 1, whereby the device except for the electromagnet (1) and connecting means (2) further comprises the current generating means (4) , c h a- r a c t e r i z e d i n that the connecting means (2) and current generating means (4) are mounted directly on the electromagnet (1) .

3. Device according to claim 2, c h a r a c t e r i¬ z e d i n that on the electromagnet (1) there is also mounted at least one means (5) for processing the ground or the bottom of the water course or pool of water.

4. Device according to claim 3, c h a r a c t e ¬ r i z e d i n that the means (5) for processing the ground or the bottom of the water course or pool of water is provided preferably on the side surface (la) of the electromagnet (1) facing the ground surface or the bottom of the water course or pool of water during operation and that the connecting means (2) and current generating means (4) are provided preferably on the opposite side surface (lb) of the electromagnet (1) as said ground or bottom processing means (5) .

5. Device according to claim 3 or 4, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d i n that the electromagnet (1) is provi¬ ded to be vibrated.

6. Device according to claim 2, c h a r a c t e ¬ r i z e d i n that at least one means (5) for proces¬ sing the ground or the bottom of the water course or pool of water is provided on the vehicle or implement (3) or as a separate unit upstream of the electromagnet (1) seen in the main direction of movement (A) of said magnet du¬ ring operation.

7. Device according to claim 1, whereby the device except for the electromagnet (1) and connecting means (2) further comprises the current generating means (4) , c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the electromagnet (1) is mounted on a frame (6) on which said connecting means (2) and current generating means (4) are mounted too.

8. Device according to claim 7, c h a r a c t e r i¬ z e d i n that the connecting means (2) and current generating means (4) preferably are mounted on the same side of the frame (6) .

9. Device according to claim 7 or 8, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d i n that on the frame (6) there is also mounted at least one means (5) for processing the ground or the bottom of the water course or pool or water.

10. Device according to claim 9, c h a r a c t e ¬ r i z e d i n that the frame is a four side, preferably rectangular frame, that the electromagnet (1) - is journal- led in two opposite sides (6b, 6c) of the frame and that the means (5) for processing the ground or the bottom of the water course or pool of water is mounted at the front of the frame (6) seen in the main direction of movement (A) of the electromagnet during operation.

11. Device according to claim 7 or 8, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d i n that at least one means (5) for pro¬ cessing the ground or the bottom of the water course or pool of water is provided on the vehicle or implement (3) or as a separate unit upstream of the electromagnet (1) in the frame (6) seen in the main direction of movement (A) of the magnet (1) during operation.

12. Device according to any of claims 7 - 11, c h a - r a c t e r i z e d i n that the electromagnet (1) is pivotally or in any other way displaceably mounted in the frame (6) .

13. Device according to any of claims 2 - 12, c h a ¬ r a c t e r i z e d i n that the electromagnet (1) or the frame (6) with the electromagnet (1) through the con¬ necting means (2) is fixedly or movably mounted on the vehicle or implement (3).

14. Device according to claim 13, c h a r a c t e ¬ r i z e d i n that the connecting means (2) is of so called rototilt type.

15. Device according to claim 13, c h a r a c t e ¬ r i z e d i n that the connecting means (2) is connec¬ ted to a so called rototilt (7) on the vehicle or imple¬ ment (3) .

16. Device according to any of claims 2 - 12, c h a ¬ r a c t e r i z e d i n that the device is constructed as a separate mobile unit with wheels (^'12) and a connec¬ ting means (2) in the form of a hanger-on device for coup¬ ling after or behind the vehicle or implement (3) alterna- tively a connecting means (2) for connection in front of the vehicle or implement (3), seen in the main direction of movement (A) thereof.

17. Device according to claim 1, whereby the device except for the electromagnet (1) and connecting means (2) further comprises the means (5) for processing the ground or the bottom of the water course or pool of water, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the connecting means (2) and said ground or bottom processing means (5) are mounted directly on the electromagnet (1) .

18. Device according to claim 17, c h a r a c t e ¬ r i z e d i n that the electromagnet (1) is provided to be vibrated.

19. Device according to claim 1, whereby the device except for the electromagnet (1) and connecting means (2) further comprises the means (5) for processing the ground or the bottom of the water course or pool of water, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the electromagnet (1) is mounted on a frame (6) on which the connecting means (2) and said means (5) for processing the ground or the bottom of the water course or pool of water are mounted too.

20. Device according to claim 19, c h a r a c t e ¬ r i z e d i n that the frame is a four side, preferably rectangular frame, that the electromagnet (1) is journal- led in two opposite sides (6b, 6c) of the frame and that the means (5) for processing the ground or the bottom of the water course or pool of water is mounted at the front of the frame (6) seen in the main direction of movement (A), of the electromagnet during operation.

21. Device according to claim 19 or 20, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d i n that the electromagnet (1) is pivo- tally or in any other way displaceably mounted in the frame (6) .

22. Device according to any of claims 17-21, c h a ¬ r a c t e r i z e d i n that the electromagnet (1) or the frame (6) with the electromagnet (1) through the con- necting means (2) is fixedly or movably mounted on the vehicle or implement (3).

23. Device according to claim 22, c h a r a c t e - r i z e d i n that the connecting means (2) is of so called rototilt type.

24. Device according to claim 22, c h a r a c t e ¬ r i z e d i n that the connecting means (2) is connec- ted to a so called rototilt (7) on the vehicle or imple¬ ment (3) .

25. Device according to any of claims 17-21, c h a ¬ r a c t e r i z e d i n that the device is constructed as a separate mobile unit with wheels (12) and a connec- ting means (2) in the form of a hanger-on device for coup¬ ling after or behind the vehicle or implement (3) alterna¬ tively a connecting means (2) for connection in front of the vehicle or implement (3), seen in the main direction of movement (A) thereof.

26. Device according to any of claims 17-25, c h a ¬ r a c t e r i z e d i n that a current generating means (4) is mounted on the electromagnet (1) or on the frame (6) on which the magnet (1) is mounted.

27. Device according to claim 26, c h a r a c t e - i z e d i n that the current generating means (4) is mounted preferably on the same side surface of the elec¬ tromagnet (1) or the same side of the frame (6) with the electromagnet (1) as the connecting means (2) .

28. Device according to any of claims 17-25, c h a - r a c t e r i z e d i n that the electromagnet (1) is connected to a current generating means on the vehicle or implement (3) for generating the magnetic force of the electromagnet.

29. Device according to any of claims 1, 3-6 and 9-28, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the means (5) for processing the ground or the bottom of the water course or pool of water comprises at least one scarifier (19) and/or at least one vibrator.

30. Device according to claim 29, c h a r a c t e - r i z e d i n that the scarifier (19) is constructed and/or mounted so that it pulls up the ground or the bot¬ tom of the water course or pool of water in front of the electromagnet (1) or the electromagnet (1) in the frame (6), seen in the main direction of movement (A) of said electromagnet during operation, and/or directly beneath or under the electromagnet (1) .

31. Device according to claim 30, c h a r a c t e ¬ r i z e d i n that the ground or bottom processing depth of the scarifier (19) is adjustable.

32. Device according to claim 30 or 31, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d i n that the scarifier (19) is designed from magnetizable material so that said scarifier (19) can be brought to attract and draw thereto objects contai¬ ning magnetic material on or in the ground and the bottom of water courses or pools of water respectively, and const^ ructed, preferably with a channel extending in the longi- tudinal direction of the scarifier, so that feeding up¬ wards towards the ground surface and from the bottom of the water course or pool of water respectively, of the objects containing magnetic material is facilitated, where¬ by the attraction of the objects to the electromagnet (1) increases.

33. Device according to any of claims 29-32, c h a ¬ r a c t e r i z e d i n that the vibrator is construc¬ ted and/or mounted so that it permits vibration of the ground or the bottom of the water course or pool of water 5 in front of the electromagnet (1) or the magnet (1) in the frame (6) , seen in the main direction of movement (A) of the magnet during operation, and/or directly beneath or under said magnet (1) .

34. Device according to claim 33, c h a r a c t e - Q r i z e d i n that the ground or bottom processing depth of the vibrator is adjustable.

35. Device according to any of claims 1, 3-6 and 9-34, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the means (5) for processing the ground and/or the bottom of the water course 5 or pool or water comprises at least one digging means which digs up the ground or the bottom in front of the electro¬ magnet (1) or the magnet in the frame (6) , seen in the main direction of movement (A) of said magnet during ope¬ ration, and feeds the dug up or excavated ground or bot¬ tom material on at least one conveyor which runs past or, alternatively, through the electromagnet (1) so that the magnet can attract objects containing magnetic material in the ground or bottom material on the conveyor.

36. Device according to claim 35, c h a r a c t e ¬ r i z e d i n that the digging depth of the digging means is adjustable.

37. Device according to claim 35 or 36, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d i n that the driving speed of the con¬ veyor is synchronized with the speed of movement of the electromagnet (1) or the electromagnet (1) in the frame (6)

38. Device according to any of claims 35-37, c h a - r a c t e r i z e d i n that the electromagnet (1) is in the form of a cylindrical or four side tube, whereby the conveyor runs through the magnet, or are several elec¬ tromagnets (1) provided, whereby the conveyor runs under and/or over the magnets (1) .

39. Device according to any preceding claim, c h a ¬ r a c t e r i z e d i n that the magnetic force of the electromagnet (1) is adjustable.

40. Device according to any of claims 7-15 and 18-38, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the device comprises several frames (6) , each with one electromagnet (1) , and a connecting means (2) common to all the frames (6) .

41. Device according to any preceding claim, c h a ¬ r a c t e r i z e d i n that the device comprises sen¬ sing and control means which contribute in^' holding the electromagnet (1) or the electromagnet in the frame (6) in correct operating position relative to the ground sur¬ face or the bottom of the water course or pool of water.