Abstract: In a method and apparatus for treating fluid flowing through piping so as to prevent the deposition of a calcium and magnesium scale on the piping, for example, positive and negative electrodes of electrically conductive materials having different electrochemical potentials are provided on the outer peripheral surface of an electrically insulative tubular member through which the fluid flows. Because the electrodes are disposed out of physical contact with the flowing fluid, the electrodes do not pose an obstacle to the fluid flow nor are the electrodes abraded or worn by particles that may be entrained in the fluid. Nonetheless, an electroconductive connection between the electrodes is established through the body of fluid by a capacitive effect so that the fluid is ionized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus produces an ionic change in fluid by causing the fluid to flow in specified sequence over electrodes having different electrochemical potentials. The last electrode which the fluid contacts is so selected as to provide the desired ionic change. The electrodes are provided in a tube of electrically insulative material such as plastic. At least some of the electrically conductive material of one of the electrodes is disposed downstream of all of the electrically conductive material of the other of the electrodes, so that fluid flowing axially through the tube sequentially contacts the electrodes and is only acted on by the downstream electrode before flowing from the tube. By appropriately selecting the material of the downstream electrode, decoloration of fluid having metal oxides or a REDOX reaction can be carried out.

Abstract: A self-contained water treatment device to facilitate the washing of articles, such as clothes in a conventional washing machine, includes a body, a first electrode in the form of a layer of paint of an electrically conductive material integrated with the body, and a second electrode of a layer of paint of an electrically conductive material integrated with the body. The electrically conductive paints of the first and second electrodes have different electrochemical potentials and are at least in part spaced apart from one another on an electrically insulative surface of the device so as to be electrically isolated from one another. The device also has sufficient buoyancy so as to float in water. In use, the device is placed into a reservoir of water, such as the tub of a conventional clothes washing machine or dish washing machine, and the tub is filled with water and the articles to be washed.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a method and apparatus for treating electrically conductive fluid. Positive and negative electrodes of electrically conductive materials having different electrochemical potentials are spaced apart and electrically isolated from one another so that the only electroconductive connection that develops an electrochemical potential between the electrodes is established by fluid to be treated flowing between the electrodes. Such fluid is therefore ionized which will both prevent the precipitation of solids from the fluid which would tend to form a scale on the inner surface of piping through which the fluid flows, and aid in the removal of a previously formed scale. On the other hand, a third electrode is also provided so as to be electroconductively connected with the positive electrode but electrically isolated from the negative electrode. Therefore, the third electrode will release metal ions into the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a method and apparatus for treating electrically conductive fluid. In once such apparatus, positive and negative electrodes of electrically conductive materials having different electrochemical potentials are spaced apart. At least one of the electrodes has a covering of electrically insulative material extending substantially therearound. Thus, the only electroconductive connection that develops an electrochemical potential between the electrodes is established by a capacitive effect through the fluid to be treated, which fluid is passed between the electrodes. Accordingly, when a body of electrically conductive fluid to be treated is interposed between the electrodes, an electroconductive connection between the electrodes is established through the body of fluid by a capacitive effect and the fluid is ionized.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a method and apparatus for treating electrically conductive fluid. Positive and negative electrodes of electrically conductive materials having different electrochemical potentials are spaced apart and electrically isolated from one another so that the only electroconductive connection that develops an electrochemical potential between the electrodes is established by fluid to be treated extending between the electrodes. Fluid passing between the electrodes is therefore ionized. Because it has been found that superior effects can be achieved when the fluid is ionized under a voltage only condition in which there is relatively little current flow through the fluid, an electrical insulator is disposed between the positive and negative electrodes as extending across any shortest direct path therebetween.

Abstract: A method of ionizing a fluid uses the principle of a Voltaic cell wherein, first and second electro-conductive members formed of materials having different electrochemical potentials are spaced from each other and are immersed in fluid such as water to be ionized, the fluid serves as an electrolyte, and these electro-conductive members are electrically connected to cause electric energy to flow in the fluid, whereby the fluid is ionized. A device for carrying out this method includes first and second electro-conductive members formed of materials having different electrochemical potentials and spaced from each other to permit the fluid to flow therebetween, the members being electrically connected to each other.

Abstract: An insole employing a sheetlike battery is formed in conformity to the sole of a foot, and includes a positive electrode in the form of sheet densely containing carbon fibers or fine carbon particles, a negative electrode of a metal foil such as aluminum or zinc, and an electrolyte interposed between the two electrodes.

Abstract: A therapeutic method includes placing a sheetlike battery with a negative electrode thereof in contact with an affected part and attaching the battery to the skin by a covering member which covers the positive electrode of the battery. A therapeutic device is formed by the sheetlike battery and covering member which has an area larger than the battery and which is attached to the positive electrode side of the battery. The covering member is attached to the skin at the peripheral portion thereof after placing the negative electrode side of the battery in contact with an affected part of a human body.

Abstract: A battery includes ion-permeable sheeting densely filled with carbon fiber or fine carbon particles, and aluminum, zinc, or other metal foil or fine powder, such two members being bonded together with an electrolyte interposed therebetween.

Abstract: An electrostatic air cleaner includes positive and negative plates disposed alternately at predetermined intervals. Each electrode plate is formed by a plate member which, when supplied with a voltage of +7000 volts, has a surface potential above 30 volts at a distance of 15 mm from its surface, and at least one of the electrode plates comprises a nonmetallic plate.

Abstract: An improved spark plug is provided wherein a part of a ground electrode facing an exposed end part of a central electrode is angled to the vertical and horizontal planes of the spark plug so as to deflect the movement of a flame front into a swirling movement.

Abstract: A carburettor for an internal combustion engine is provided with a porous material of very fine porosity of less than 12.mu. at a part or parts where a difference in pressure is developed within the carburettor from a relatively low pressure to a relatively high pressure in the direction of the air-fuel stream by a displacement of linear flow of the air-fuel stream.

Abstract: In a device for introducing additional air into an air-fuel mixture flowing through an intake passage to combustion chambers of an internal combustion engine, means is provided for maintaining the pressure of the additional air or gas introduced into the intake passage from the periphery thereof to more than twice as high as the internal pressure in the intake passage.

Abstract: A vaporization device is provided which is adapted to be mounted in an intake passage between a carburetor and combustion chambers in an internal combustion engine. The device comprises a porous member partially extending into the intake passage to create a pressure difference between the front up-stream side and the back down-stream side of the porous member wherein the porous member has porosity fine enough to substantially restrict the flow of mixture of air and vaporized fuel therethrough.