Abstract: A relatively simple and compact device is disclosed for monitoring ion imbalance at a preselected, or work, area. A collector is utilized that is charged due to ions contiguous thereto, with the charge at the collector being processed, preferably utilizing a charging capacitor and operational amplifier, to provide an output signal indicative of ion imbalance at the preselected area, which output signal is then utilized to produce an indication of ion imbalance at the preselected area and/or to correct the ion output of an ion generator directing ions toward the preselected area. A pair of collectors can be utilized to separately sense positive and negative ions separately generated by an ion generator with the acquired charge on each collector being separately processed, and the indication of ion imbalance can be accomplished utilizing a meter and/or alarm.

Abstract: A static charge control device is disclosed having an electrostatic focusing arrangement. The device requires no forced air element yet enables ions, produced at separate positive and negative needle electrodes, to be separately directed outwardly to a neutralizing area for neutralization of static charges thereat. The needle electrodes are mounted on a mounting plate so that the tips of the needles extend forwardly through different apertures in the forwardly positioned electrostatic focusing plate.

Abstract: A static charge control device is disclosed having laminar flow. The device utilizes a pair of spaced electrodes mounted adjacent to a pair of spaced apertures with the electrodes being positioned so as not to extend into the apertures. As specifically shown, a pair of needle electrodes are mounted on a mounting plate with each electrode being mounted above a different aperture in the plate with the needle electrodes extending outwardly from the mounting plate in a direction substantially normal thereto so that the tips of the electrodes extend in the direction of a laminar flow of air passing through the apertures in the plate, which air is provided by a fan positioned rearwardly of the mounting plate.