Abstract: A guiding air ring for a rotary atomiser for coating components, such as motor vehicle body parts, is disclosed. The ring generally includes a front side facing a bell plate of the rotary atomiser in the operating state, and at least one guiding air nozzle for outputting a guiding air flow for forming a directed spray emitted from the bell plate. The ring may also include a cavity which is rotationally arranged in the front side of the guiding air ring in an annular manner. A correspondingly adapted bell plate is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is the apparatus that produces very small or nano-sized, charged droplets and the methods for producing such charged fluid droplets. This apparatus avoids the problems known to exist with using spray nozzles having very small orifices to produce such small fluid droplets, those problems including clogging of the nozzles.

Abstract: A method for delivering an aerosol, especially an aromatic aerosol, comprising the steps of contacting a capillary wick, comprising an EHD comminution site, with a liquid source, whereby at least a portion of the liquid transports to the EHD comminution site; applying a voltage to the liquid within the capillary wick at a location spaced apart from the liquid source and proximate the EHD comminution site; and applying a ground reference at a location external to the EHD comminution site, wherein at least a portion of the liquid EHD comminutes to form a spray having a generally-consistent flowrate and a device therefor.

Abstract: A catalytic burner wherein a liquid fuel is evaporated prior to catalytic combustion by employing an electrosprayer. The catalytic burner can be made into an electrical generator by the use of a thermal to electrical energy conversion (TEEC) module.

Abstract: A method for delivering an aerosol, especially an aromatic aerosol, comprising the steps of contacting a capillary wick, comprising an EHD comminution site, with a liquid source, whereby at least a portion of the liquid transports to the EHD comminution site; applying a voltage to the liquid within the capillary wick at a location spaced apart from the liquid source and proximate the EHD comminution site; and applying a ground reference at a location external to the EHD comminution site, wherein at least a portion of the liquid EHD comminutes to form a spray having a generally-consistent flowrate and a device therefor.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus to keep the electrospray ionization at a lower temperature than the heated chamber where the desolvation process occurs. The means to cool the electrosprayer is by actively removing heat from the apparatus through heat transfer methods. This apparatus and method can be used with any ionization apparatus at high temperatures preventing the ionization source from reaching a high temperature that may hinter the normal operation.

Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device for use in a chemical substance concentrating method, where the device includes a vessel, an injection port, a cooling part, an atomizing electrode section, and a unit for recovery of the chemical substance in the counter electrode section. Furthermore, the chemical substance concentration method includes the steps of: injecting a sample gas; producing a first condensate liquid from the sample gas; producing first charged fine particles from the first condensate liquid; producing second charged fine particles by mixing the first charged fine particles with the sample gas; and recovering the first charged fine particles and the second charged fine particles. According to a series of the operation described above, the chemical substances in the sample gas can be concentrated in a simple and efficient manner.

Abstract: A voltage block device, for preventing the negative electric potential from transferred to the coating material source, has a switching device including a slider which is selectively slidable between first and second positions and has an inlet port fluidly communicated with the coating material source and an outlet port fluidly communicated with the spray, a reservoir including first and second chambers, the inlet and outlet ports are fluidly communicated with the first and second chambers, respectively when the slider is at the first position, and the inlet and outlet ports are fluidly communicated with the second and first chambers, respectively when the slider is at the second position.

Abstract: Various exemplary illustrations of a piston rod seal are disclosed. An exemplary piston rod seal may include a piston rod guide for guiding a piston rod that supports a scraping piston configured to scrape paint residue from an inner wall of a pipeline cylinder. The piston rod may further include a first seal for sealing the piston rod guide relative to the piston rod, and a second seal for sealing the piston rod guide relative to the piston rod, where the second seal is arranged axially offset relative to the first seal.

Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device (1) and method for dispensing a controlled volume of liquid in pulses using an emitter (2) having a spray area (29) from which the liquid can be sprayed, a means for injecting charges into the liquid, whereby, in use, the liquid (3) is delivered to the spray area by electrostatic forces and electrostatic spraying occurs in one or more pulses whilst the charges are injected. The charges may be injected by a time-varying or constant non-zero electric field so that electrospray occurs above a threshold value.

Abstract: A cartridge for a handheld electrohydrodynamic (EHD) spraying device and a spraying device incorporating the cartridge. The cartridge is disposable, and can contain therapeutic products. The device includes a wetted lead screw with a compliant seal, where the placement of the seal relative to the screw inhibits leakage during both cartridge use and storage. A frame disposed within the cartridge acts as a load-transferring mechanism for the weight of the cartridge to a handle of the spraying device.

Abstract: The inventive device for electrostatically projecting a coating product comprises a spray gun provided with voltage increasing means for producing a high direct voltage for a product electrostatic charge, wherein said spray gun is provided with a controllable valve for controlling an atomizing air flow inside the spray gun in the direction to a spraying head. A pressure sensor integrated into the spray gun is used for detecting the atomizing air pressure (P) representative value downstream of the valve and for delivering a signal (S1) for controlling the power supply of the voltage increasing means. Said invention makes it possible to control the power supply of the voltage increasing means according, in particular, to the signal (S1) received from the sensor.

Abstract: Glycolic disinfectant compositions and related methods and apparatus for electrostatic dispensation.

Abstract: An electrostatic painting method is disclosed in which air inside a paint feed channel is expelled when a color for painting is changed. An electrically conductive paint is channeled into a discharge channel of a fluid pathway, and the flow rate of the paint is measured. The fluid pathway is provided, via a paint valve, to a color changing valve mechanism, and communicates with a paint cartridge. The changing valve mechanism is provided in a distant position relative to a painting gun. Electrically conductive paint is channeled through a paint feed channel, which extends from the color changing valve mechanism to the painting gun, and air inside the paint feed channel is expelled. The paint feed channel is then filled with the electrically conductive paint according to the value measured for the flow rate.

Abstract: A method for atomizing active substances contained in a liquid, where: the method uses electrohydrodynamic means with at least one nozzle and at least one electrode, the nozzle and the electrode being formed and/or arranged in such a way and a voltage that is applied to the electrode being selected in such a way that a molecularization of the active substances contained in the liquid takes place and parasitic effects and/or disturbing influences that occur during the atomization, and in particular production of ozone, are reduced to the greatest extent. A nozzle for use in the method, where: an outer capillary tube of nonconducting material and an electrode in wire form arranged in the capillary tube, wherein the capillary tube and/or the electrode are formed and/or arranged in such a way that, during operation of the nozzle and atomization of the active substances contained in the liquid, the electrode is constantly wetted and no oxygen from the ambient air has contact with the surface of the electrode.

Abstract: Fluid ejection using multiple voltage pulses and removable well modules is provided. Ejection of an electrically conductive fluid is accomplished by the application of two or more high voltage pulses. The high voltage pulses are applied across a conducting nozzle for transporting the fluid and a grounded conducting ring positioned below the nozzle. Ejected fluid droplets fall through the center of the conducting ring and onto a substrate. The presence and approximate size of the ejected droplets can be sensed and used for feedback for the high voltage pulses. The conductive fluids are stored in well modules that are not permanently attached to a well plate. Each removable well module includes a conducting nozzle and can include valves and a memory chip. Control circuits are also provided to independently control the high voltage pulses applied to the individual well modules.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a device for generating particles comprising: a perforated plate comprising at least one orifice; an electromechanical transducer operably connected to said perforated plate or an optional base plate; a liquid source comprising: a liquid reservoir; and a liquid conductor in fluid communication with said perforated plate and in fluid communication with said liquid reservoir, said liquid conductor comprising at least one open cell composition and at least one stiff-wick composition, wherein said compositions are affixed to one another by sintering.

Abstract: A cartridge for a spraying device, as well as a spraying device incorporating the cartridge. The cartridge includes fluid reservoir a wetted lead screw and piston that upon rotation can pressurize a fluid within the reservoir. A self-actuating seal is placed between the piston and the lead screw, and extends into the reservoir such that the pressurized fluid applies a compressive force to the outer surface of the seal, causing the seal to clamp down on the lead screw. Such sealing is especially beneficial in electrohydrody?amic spraying devices and electrostatic spraying devices.

Abstract: With a micro nozzle in which the fluid discharge head has a nozzle with a micro hole having a diameter of 0.01 ?m to 25 ?m, the drive voltage during discharging operation is reduced. Further, by disposing an electrode section for applying a drive voltage to a discharge fluid on an external wall of a nozzle section, a distance between the electrode section and the nozzle hole is shortened. With this structure, the subject invention achieves both miniaturization of nozzle and reduction in drive voltage in an electrostatic suction type fluid discharge device. The subject invention also achieves an increase in discharge limit frequency while allowing use of materials with higher resistance for the fluid to be discharged.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an apparatus having a tube with an ingress opening to receive a liquid, and an egress opening to release the liquid, a conductor positioned in a conduit of the tube, the conductor and the conduit having dimensions to cause a surface tension of the liquid to prevent a constant flow of the liquid from the egress opening, and a power supply coupled to the conductor to apply a charge to the liquid to overcome the surface tension and form at the egress opening a single jet stream of the liquid applicable on a substrate to create a pattern. The single jet stream can be controllable in part by a viscosity of the liquid. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An electrospray apparatus for dispensing a controlled volume of liquid in pulses at a constant frequency is provided. The apparatus comprises an emitter (70) having a spray area from which liquid can be sprayed, a means for applying an electric field (78) to liquid in, on or adjacent to the emitter (70). In use, liquid is drawn to the spray area by electrostatic forces and electrospray occurs in pulses at a constant frequency whilst the electric field (78) is applied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating articles with a coating material comprise forming a charged body of coating material, atomizing coating material from the charged body to form charged atomized coating material particles, and repelling the charged coating material particles from an apparatus which forms the charged body of coating material and atomizes the coating material from the charged body to form charged atomized coating material particles.

Abstract: A tube-array showerhead for CVD or PECVD on large substrates delivers precursors to a process chamber via an array of tubes drilled with precision holes. The tubes rapidly become contaminated with use and must be changed frequently to maintain process quality. An improved manifold for a tube-array showerhead, intended for processes with a low pressure differential between the tubes and process chamber, includes holding-stubs to hold each tube by its ends outside the manifold block. At least one holding-stub for each tube is spring-loaded along the direction of the tube's operating axis. Contaminated tubes can be removed, and clean tubes installed, without disassembling the manifolds or disturbing any high-pressure-differential seals to the ambient atmosphere or precursor supplies. This invention reduces production costs by decreasing chamber down-time and reducing the risk of creating leaks when tubes are changed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering therapeutic or diagnostic agents as a low pressure high velocity spray into tissue. According to the particular desired spray characteristics, the spray may be generated via the combined use of pressure atomization and electrostatic spray charging, or via the combined use of pressure atomization and electrostatic atomization. Particle velocity, spray flow-rate, and spray dispersion are further controlled via electrostatic means.

Abstract: A lubricant dispensing system is provided. The dispensing system includes a lubricant supply, a lubricant dispensing nozzle and a control panel. The dispensing nozzle includes a nozzle body with a fluid passageway therein which is in fluid communication with the lubricant supply, an electrode assembly for electrostatically charging lubricant in the fluid passageway and at least one discharge orifice through which electrostatically charged lubricant can be discharged. The discharge orifice is defined by at least one spray needle having a first end in fluid communication with the fluid passageway and a second end that extends outward of the nozzle body. The control panel directs the flow of lubricant from the lubricant supply to the lubricant dispensing nozzle and controls the electric power supplied to the electrode assembly.

Abstract: A rotary atomizer spray coating device, in certain embodiments, has a bell cup with a generally parabolic flow surface. This generally parabolic flow surface provides additional surface area for dehydration of coating fluids, thereby improving color matching as compared to traditional bell cups, for example, by affording capability for higher wet solids content. In addition, the coating fluid accelerates along the generally parabolic flow surface, resulting in the fluid leaving the bell cup at a greater velocity than in traditional bell cups. Furthermore, a splash plate disposed adjacent the bell cup, in certain embodiments, is designed such that fluid accelerates through an annular area between the splash plate and the generally parabolic flow surface.

Abstract: Charged fine particulate water is provided, which has a nanometer particle size, for example, a particle size of 3 to 100 nm, and contains radicals such as hydroxyl radicals and superoxides. This charged fine particulate water can be generated by applying an electric-field intensity of 700 to 1200 V/mm between a pair of electrodes, while supplying water between the electrodes. By allowing the thus obtained charged fine particulate water to diffuse into an indoor space, it is possible to effectively remove bad odor components/bacteria from the indoor space.

Abstract: The invention is directed to devices and methods for electrohydrodynamic (EHD) aerosolization of liquids utilizing a dissociated discharge electrode and an electric field shield disposed between the nozzle and the discharge electrode. Preferred embodiments are designed as inhalers suitable for administration of therapeutic compounds to the respiratory tract of a patient, preferably the lungs.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for directing aerosol are disclosed.

Abstract: An insulated hose for a high voltage paint application apparatus comprising an inner hose containing a fluid or paint charged at a high voltage. The inner hose is arranged inside at least one second insulating layer. A system for applying paint or other fluid materials at a high voltage is also described.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electrostatically induced liquid spray includes the steps of: (1) generating a liquid spray from a liquid sample with an electrostatic spray nozzle device using an applied electric field, wherein at least a nozzle portion of the spray device is formed of an insulating material; (2) sensing a current of the liquid spray with a spray current sensing means placed in relation to the spray device; (3) comparing the sensed current of the liquid spray with a pre-selected current value, with a difference between the two representing a control signal; and (4) varying the applied electric field using a computer-controlled positioning mechanism that moves the spray device relative to an inlet of the object that receives the liquid spray and acts as a counter-electrode.

Abstract: A system for controlling an electrostatically induced liquid spray includes an electrostatic spray device for generating a liquid spray from a liquid sample; a spray current sensing means placed in relation to the spray device and configured to generate a current output signal that represents a current of the liquid spray; and a mechanism that receives the current output signal and compares it to a pre-selected current value, with a difference between the two representing a control signal that is sent to one of (1) a pump that regulates the flow rate of the liquid sample and (2) a power supply to regulate an electric field associated with the spray device that generates the liquid spray according to a set level of current.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems, as well as methods and articles, may operate to charge a quantity of flux using a first charge to provide a charged flux portion, dispense the charged flux portion toward a circuit, and direct distribution of the charged flux portion using a second charge to attract or repel the charged flux portion. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a nozzle device and method for forming a composite fluid. The nozzle device generally comprises a nozzle portion connected to a main body. The main body includes an inner axial bore extending therethrough. An annular wall extends radially therefore and an annulus extends from an outer perimeter of the annular wall. The annulus and the annular wall define an annular chamber at least partially open to the atmosphere. A portal fluidly communicates the bore with the annular chamber. The nozzle portion includes a converging nose section also having an internal axial bore extending therethrough. An annular collar extends from the nose section and disposes at least partially within the annular chamber. A first tube for transporting a first fluid disposes within the axial bore of the main body and nose section, terminating at an exit port of the nozzle section.

Abstract: A plasma spray apparatus in the form of a gun is utilized to apply an antifoulant coating to marine vessels. The apparatus includes a plasma generator, an electrophoresis element, a heating element, a shield gas element, a liquid cooling system, a forced air system, and a vacuum system. The plasma generator ionizes gas to create a plasma stream, which is utilized in part to supply energy to the heating element that heats a powder material. The heated powder material is exposed to the electrophoresis element to create a covalently bonded coating material. The coating material is injected into the plasma stream and is applied to a target surface. The shield gas element injects a gas flow to surround and protect the plasma and coating material stream as the stream is in flight to the target surface. The liquid cooling system cools portions of the plasma generator and heating element. The forced air system cools a portion of the target surface as the coating material is being applied.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus that use electrostatic and/or electromagnetic fields to enhance the process of spray forming preforms or powders. The present invention also describes methods and apparatus for atomization and heat transfer with non-equilibrium plasmas. The present invention is also directed to articles, particularly for use in gas turbine engines, produced by the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The inventive device for electrostatically projecting a coating product comprises a spray gun provided with voltage increasing means for producing a high direct voltage for a product electrostatic charge, wherein said spray gun is provided with a controllable valve for controlling an atomising air flow inside the spray gun in the direction to a spraying head. A pressure sensor integrated into the spray gun is used for detecting the atomising air pressure (P) representative value downstream of the valve and for delivering a signal (S1) for controlling the power supply of the voltage increasing means. Said invention makes it possible to control the power supply of the voltage increasing means according, in particular, to the signal (S1) received from the sensor.

Abstract: An atomization device comprises a conduit containing liquid to be atomized, a spray electrode (1) and a discharge electrode (3). Each electrode is adjacent to a dielectric (5) and they are connected in an electrical circuit (10) to enable a potential difference to be applied between them to atomize the liquid and to generate charge carriers of a first polarity in the proximity of the spray electrode (1) and ions of a second polarity in the proximity of the discharge electrode (3). Some of the first polarity charge carriers deposit on the dielectric adjacent to the spray electrode (1) and some of the second polarity ions deposit on the dielectric (5) adjacent to the discharge electrode (3) so that the atomized liquid is repelled from the dielectric (5) adjacent to the spray electrode (1) and electrically discharged by second polarity ions that are repelled by the dielectric (5) adjacent to the discharge electrode (3).

Abstract: Fluids are atomized using a miniaturized electrostatic microinjector. The microinjectors are capable of producing uniform droplets in several spray modes, and metering and dispersing very small volume fluids. The atomizer is useful in carburetion systems for internal combustion engines, to prepare samples for analytical methods such as MALDI, for fluid filtration and separation, and in other applications.

Abstract: An intermediate storage vessel has a cylinder container, a piston provided in the cylinder container so as to be slidable in a reciprocating manner, and an inpour hole portion is provided above the discharge hole portion. An insulation cover is provided so as to cover the intermediate storage vessel and an insulation mechanism, and the cover is removable from the insulation mechanism side.

Abstract: A voltage block comprises first and second reservoirs and a switching device including an inlet port, an outlet port, a first reservoir port and a second reservoir port. The switching device is mounted in a third reservoir for movement between a first position and a second position. The third reservoir includes an electrically non-conductive fluid medium in which at least a portion of the switching device is immersed.

Abstract: An electrospraying apparatus and/or method is used to coat particles. For example, a flow including at least one liquid suspension may be provided through at least one opening at a spray dispenser end. The flow includes at least particles and a coating material. A spray of microdroplets suspending at least the particles is established forward of the spray dispenser end by creating a nonuniform electrical field between the spray dispenser end and an electrode electrically isolated therefrom. The particles are coated with at least a portion of the coating material as the microdroplet evaporates. For example, the suspension may include biological material particles.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a HVAC control system. An apparatus, includes: a microcontroller; a digital temperature sensor coupled to the microcontroller; a liquid crystal display coupled to the microcontroller; a set of cursor buttons coupled to the microcontroller; a first data structure of personal identification numbers coupled to the microcontroller; a second data structure of historical system usage data coupled to the microprocessor; an upload software thread coupled to the microprocessor and to the first data structure; a billing computer coupled to the second data structure; a real time clock coupled to the microcontroller; and a back up power supply coupled to the real time clock.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrospray apparatus with an auxiliary electrode, and a method of using.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing electrically charged particles of a coating material. A source provides the coating material to a coating material dispenser. An electrical supply supplies electrical charge. A first electrode provides charge to the coating material as it is dispensed. At least one second electrode is provided at a location removed from the first electrode. Both the first electrode and the at least one second electrode are coupled to the supply of electrical charge.

Abstract: The method of and the apparatus for the formation of a high-speed fluid or slurry jets of a desired geometry are invented. According to the present invention a fluid or slurry jet is formed by the expelling of a compressed fluid via a slot formed by two attached plates separated by the insertion. The shape of the slot is determined by the forms of the plates and the insertion. This shape is also determined by the deformation of the plates and the insertion by the external forces applied to the plates, for example by the fasteners connecting the plates.

Abstract: Fluids are atomized using a miniaturized electrostatic microinjector. The microinjectors are capable of producing uniform droplets in several spray modes, and metering and dispersing very small volume fluids. The atomizer is useful in carburetion systems for internal combustion engines, to prepare samples for analytical methods such as MALDI, for fluid filtration and separation, and in other applications.

Abstract: A droplet formation method of a mixed liquid is a method that the droplets 71, 72 and 73 are each delivered from each capillary tip to form the droplet 74 of the mixed liquid consisting of a raw material liquid on a substrate by applying a pulse voltage between the raw material liquids stored for each of a plurality of capillaries 1, 2 and 3 and the substrate disposed opposite to each capillary tip. In addition, a droplet formation device of the mixed liquid is provided with a plurality of capillaries for realizing formation of the droplet 74 of the aforementioned mixed liquid, a substrate, a voltage applying device for applying a pulse voltage and a controller for controlling the voltage applying device.

Abstract: A method for depositing a substance on a substrate that involves forming a supercritical fluid solution of at least one supercritical fluid solvent and at least one solute, discharging the supercritical fluid solution through an orifice under conditions sufficient to form solid particles of the solute that are substantially free of the supercritical fluid solvent, and electrostatically depositing the solid solute particles onto the substrate. The solid solute particles may be charged to a first electric potential and then deposited onto the substrate to form a film. The solute particles may have a mean particle size of less than 1 micron.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus that use electrostatic and/or electromagnetic fields to enhance the process of spray forming preforms or powders. The present invention also describes methods and apparatus for atomization and heat transfer with non-equilibrium plasmas. The present invention is also directed to articles, particularly for use in gas turbine engines, produced by the methods of the invention.