Electrostatic Type Patents (Class 239/690)
  • Patent number: 8333164
    Abstract: A coating apparatus for serially coating workpieces with different shades or colors is disclosed. A metering device comprises a plunger-type dosing mechanism or a metering pump that has a separate inlet with an integrated color valve for each of the most commonly used colors is located in or near the sprayer of the coating apparatus. A separate color changer can be provided for less frequently used colors. The outlet of said color changer may be connected to another inlet of the metering mechanism or to the discharge valve of the sprayer via a separate metering mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Duerr Systems, GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Herre, Rainer Melcher, Manfred Michelfelder
  • Patent number: 8322301
    Abstract: An intermediate reserve tank for temporarily storing a conductive coating medium is provided in a coating medium supply passage for supplying the conductive coating medium from a color switch valve mechanism to a spray gun. A block valve mechanism for electrically insulating the color switch valve mechanism and the intermediate reserve tank is provided. A coating medium extrusion portion for supplying water or a cleaning solution is connected to a transmission passage between the intermediate reserve tank and the spray gun via a switch valve. When an amount of the coating medium necessary until an end of a coating operation becomes a predetermined amount, the conductive coating medium is extruded by the water or the cleaning solution by switching the switch valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Nakazono, Kohei Ogata, Masaki Shigekura
  • Patent number: 8317113
    Abstract: An electrostatic atomization device that electrostatically atomizes condensed water and emits atomized water. The electrostatic atomization device includes a discharge electrode. A water supplier unit includes a cooling unit coupled to the discharge electrode to cool the discharge electrode and a heat radiation unit coupled to the cooling unit to emit heat when the cooling unit performs cooling. The cooling unit cools air and produces condensed water on the discharge electrode. A controller includes electronic components mounted on a circuit board. A casing accommodates the discharge electrode, the water supplier unit, and the controller. First electronic components each of which temperature is increased by a predetermined value or greater are arranged in a heat radiation unit side region of the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hidesato Uegaki, Osamu Imahori, Kenji Obata, Atsushi Isaka
  • Patent number: 8302880
    Abstract: A method of creating substantially monodisperse droplets comprising supplying a first fluid (1) and a second immiscible fluid (2) within a set of channels, the second fluid surrounding the first fluid and filling the channels to form a composite jet. The composite jet passes through an entrance channel (4) into a wider cavity (3), where the first fluid breaks into droplets (5), the resulting composite of droplets of the first fluid within the second fluid passing through an exit channel (6). The cross sectional area of the exit channel perpendicular to the flow is smaller than the cross sectional area of the cavity and the passage of a droplet of the first fluid out of the cavity via the exit perturbs the composite flow field within the cavity such that the incoming jet of the first fluid is perturbed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Andrew Clarke
  • Publication number: 20120273584
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for decontaminating at least a portion of an object. A misting device is configured to discharge a cloud formed from a plurality of cloud droplets. At least some of the cloud droplets include a decontaminating agent. A spraying device is configured to discharge a stream including a plurality of stream droplets into the cloud. At least some of the stream droplets have an electrostatic charge. At least some of the cloud droplets are deposited on the portion of the object to facilitate decontaminating the portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Leora Peltz, Shawn H. Park, John E. Kuhn
  • Patent number: 8292202
    Abstract: An electrostatically atomizing device in this invention comprises an emitter electrode, cooling means, and a high voltage source. The emitter electrode has a rode and a discharge head which is formed at one axial end of the rod. The cooling means is coupled in a heat transfer relation to one axial end of the rod away from the discharge head in order to cool the emitter electrode for condensation of water thereon from within a surrounding air. The high voltage source is configured to apply a high voltage to the emitter electrode for electrostatically atomizing the water on the discharge head. The emitter electrode includes a flange which is provided at a juncture between the discharge head and the rod to extend radially outwardly of the discharge head and the rod over an entire circumference of the discharge head. The discharge head is tapered to have an outwardly bulged side contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Kouichi Hirai
  • Patent number: 8282028
    Abstract: The liquid supplied to an emitter electrode located at a tip of an atomization nozzle receives the high-voltage and electrically charged. The mist of the charged minute water particles of nanometer sizes is generated from the emitter electrode. A pressure regulating means regulates a pressure applied to the liquid on the tip of the emitter electrode. Therefore, the mode of generating the mist of the charged minute water particles of nanometer sizes or the mode of generating the mist of the charged minute water particles of nanometer and micron size is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Nakada, Hiroshi Suda, Masaharu Machi, Sumio Wada, Atsushi Isaka, Akihide Sugawa
  • Patent number: 8282027
    Abstract: An electrostatic atomizing device for ejecting a mist of charged minute particles includes metal ion elution means for eluting sterilizing metal ions into a liquid to be electrostatically atomized. The metal ions are taken up by the charged minute particles, and are ejected into an environment space together with the charged minute particles, thereby eliciting a sterilizing effect. The elution amount of the metal ions is regulated by varying the voltage applied between two kinds of metal bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Suda, Takayuki Nakada, Takahiro Miyata, Masaharu Machi
  • Publication number: 20120248229
    Abstract: An ultra-low voltage microfluidic device for manipulating droplets of liquid by inducing Marangoni stress therein includes a plurality of smart-polymer electrodes having films of smart polymer exposed at their surfaces. The surface of the smart polymer becomes hydrophobic or hydrophilic in response to different electromagnetic potentials. The smart polymer is reversibly oxidized by applying an electrical potential such that the smart polymer acquires a positive electrical charge. The oxidized smart polymer is reduced by applying an electrical potential such that it loses its positive electrical charge. The smart polymer is doped with a chemical compound having a negatively-charged end and a long-chain hydrophobic tail. The smart polymer is a polypyrrole and the dopant is a dodecylbenzene sulfonate. The microfluidic device includes a plurality of individually-addressable control electrodes, each of which is electrically-connected with smart-polymer electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Eui-Hyeok Yang, Yao-Tsan Tsai, Chang-Hwan Choi
  • Patent number: 8276539
    Abstract: An observation sample is prepared by immobilizing a nanomaterial on a substrate 10 by applying a voltage between a nanomaterial dispersion liquid 13, filled in an interior of an electrostatic spray nozzle 20, and the observation substrate 10 to electrostatically spray and dry the dispersion liquid 13 and electrostatically deposit the nanomaterial. With respect to the observation substrate 10, including a conductive grid portion 11 and a supporting film 12, a reference electrode 81 is disposed below the substrate 10 and a bias voltage of the same polarity as the electrostatic spraying voltage is applied to the grid portion 11 of the substrate 10 to adjust immobilization positions of the nanomaterial on the substrate 10. An observation sample, with which the nanomaterial is immobilized in a satisfactory state on the substrate, can thereby be prepared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Hamamatsu-Photonics K.K.
    Inventor: Tomonori Kawakami
  • Publication number: 20120228410
    Abstract: A spray device includes a nozzle that forms a channel for supplying liquid to at least one opening for spraying the liquid outside the device, and, close to the opening, a first and a second electrode arranged in such a way as to inject electric charges into the liquid. The edge of the opening includes, on one side of the channel, at least one projecting end of the first electrode that projects into the channel and is to be brought into contact with the liquid, and on the other side of the channel, an electrically insulating nozzle body in which the second electrode is embedded adjacently to the first electrode, in such a way that the intensity of the electrostatic field in the or each projecting end is maximised.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicants: UNIVERSITE DE POITIERS, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE
    Inventors: Christophe Laurent Louste, Hubert Romat
  • Patent number: 8245951
    Abstract: Use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a charge injector to assist in atomizing fuel for engine applications. A CNT charging unit is positioned in front of a fuel injector. A voltage is applied on a CNT coated mesh to charge the fuel stream when it passes. Then the charged stream goes through a grounded metal cage. The fuel is thereby electrostatically charged causing repulsive forces on surfaces of liquid in the fuel resulting in the liquid splitting into droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Nanotech Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Lee Fink, Nan Jiang
  • Patent number: 8235312
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electrostatic atomizer, which comprises a high-voltage applying section adapted to apply a high voltage between an atomizing electrode and a counter electrode so as to electrostatically atomize water supplied onto the atomizing electrode, wherein the high-voltage applying section is operable to set an absolute value of a voltage to be applied to the atomizing electrode smaller than an absolute value of a voltage to be applied to the counter electrode. This allows a physical object, such as an article stored in a mist-receiving space or an inner wall of a structural member defining the mist-receiving space to become less likely to be electrostatically charged, and makes it possible to avoid causing a problem about discomfort due to discharge of static charges when a user touches the physical object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Suda, Takayuki Nakada, Masaharu Machi, Tomohiro Yamaguchi, Sumio Wada
  • Patent number: 8225740
    Abstract: An arm of a coating robot is used to prevent external leakage of a high voltage. A tank is installed on a robotic arm and contains water as an actuating liquid. The water is supplied to a paint cartridge by a pump controlled by a controller. The water sent from the pump under pressure is supplied to the paint cartridge by a conduit tube. A high voltage generator and a bleeder resistor are combined with the tank such that a high voltage generated by the high voltage generator is supplied to the electrostatic paint applicator via the water. For replenishment of water to the tank is attained by relatively connecting a nozzle in communication with a water source to a main pipe. While the high voltage generator generates a high voltage, the nozzle and the main pipe are kept disconnected to maintain electrical insulation between the nozzle and the main pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Ransburg Industrial Finishing K.K.
    Inventors: Michio Mitsui, Ryuji Tani, Sadao Inose
  • Publication number: 20120178807
    Abstract: A method of the present invention, for controlling a harmful arthropod employs an ester compound which has a specific structure. Accordingly, with the method of the present invention, it is possible to control a wide variety of harmful arthropods effectively, without carrying out any heating process (e.g., a smoking process) for spraying the composition or any pressure process (e.g., a gas-pressure process or a mechanical pressure process) for spraying the compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Takahisa HIRAYAMA, Timothy C. HADINGHAM
  • Publication number: 20120175440
    Abstract: A discharge device comprises: a discharge electrode; an electrically insulating portion including an atomization room accommodating the discharge electrode; a water supplier configured to supply water to a surface of the discharge electrode; a high voltage supply configured to apply a high voltage to the discharge electrode to atomize the supplied water as charged water fine particles from a tip portion of the discharge electrode; and an electromagnetic shield provided at least around the atomization room, the electromagnetic shield having an opening to discharge the charged water fine particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hidesato Uegaki, Kenji Obata, Atsushi Isaka
  • Publication number: 20120175439
    Abstract: An electrostatic atomization device having a simple structure and allowing for reduction in size. The electrostatic atomization device has an atomization electrode including a P type Peltier element and an N type Peltier element joined with the P type Peltier element. The atomization electrode is cuspate so as to form a projection with a joined portion of the P type Peltier element and the N type Peltier element. High voltage is applied to the P and N type Peltier elements so that discharging occurs at a distal portion of the atomization electrode, current flows to the P and N type Peltier elements to produce a cooling effect at the joined portion, and condensed water generated by the cooling effect is atomized by the discharging to generate charged fine water droplets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Junpei Oe, Hiroshi Suda, Takafumi Omori, Takayuki Nakada, Kentaro Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8209990
    Abstract: An electrostatically atomizing unit for use in a temperature regulating appliance to add a function of generating a mist of charged minute water particles for deodorization and/or sterilization of a temperature-regulated space. The appliance has a cold space of which air is cooled by cooling means and is fed to cool the temperature-regulated space divided from the cold space by a partition. The atomizing unit has an emitter electrode which is configured to condense water from within a surrounding air. A high voltage source applies a high voltage to the emitter electrode to atomize the condensed water into the charged minute water particles which are discharged from the emitter electrode into the temperature-regulated space. The emitter electrode is provided with a cooling coupler which establishes a heat transfer relation through the partition to the cold space to cool the emitter electrode by making the use of the cooling means inherent to the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Nakada, Hiroshi Suda, Masaharu Machi, Tomohiro Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20120160941
    Abstract: A silicon-based showerhead electrode is provided that can include a backside, a frontside, and a plurality of showerhead passages extending from the backside of the silicon-based showerhead electrode to the frontside of the silicon-based showerhead electrode. The silicon-based showerhead electrode can comprise single crystal silicon. The silicon-based showerhead electrode may further include a plurality of partial recesses formed within the single crystal silicon along the backside of the silicon-based showerhead electrode. The plurality of partial recesses can leave a thickness of single crystal silicon between each of the partial recesses and the frontside of the silicon-based showerhead electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: LAM RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Greg Bettencourt, Raj Dhindsa, George Diercks, Randall A. Hardin, Jon Keihl, Duane Lytle, Alexei Marakhtanov, Roger Patrick, John Pegg, Shannon Spencer
  • Publication number: 20120160940
    Abstract: An electrostatic atomization device that prevents the cooling capability from being lowered due to contact of an atomization electrode with another ember, while effectively preventing surplus production of condensed water that would destabilize discharging at the distal end of the atomization electrode. the electrostatic atomization device includes an atomization electrode having a cylindrical electrode body and a base which is informed at a basal end of the electrode body and has a larger diameter than the electrode from the base to produce condensed water on the atomization electrode. Voltage is applied to the atomization electrode when the condensed water is produced to generate charged fine water droplets. A partition plate includes an insertion hole that receives the electrode body of the atomization electrode. The partition plate and the base of the atomization electrode form a water collection region in between.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takafumi Omori, Takayuki Nakada, Hiroshi Suda, Junpei Oe, Kentaro Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20120153055
    Abstract: An electrostatic atomization device provided with a transformer including primary and secondary coils. A switching element is connected in series to the primary coil. A switching element drive circuit provides the switching element with a pulse signal to perform a switching operation and generate high voltage from the secondary coil. A discharge unit including a discharge electrode performs electrostatic atomization on liquid supplied to the discharge electrode to generate charged fine liquid droplets when high voltage generated by the secondary coil is applied to the discharge electrode. The switching element drive circuit generates a pulse signal having an oscillation frequency set so that the transformer has drooping characteristics that prevent air discharge from occurring between the discharge electrode and ground even when load on the discharge unit varies and prevents the generation of ozone having a predetermined concentration or greater when the liquid undergoes electrostatic atomization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Bungo Imai, Hiroyasu Kitamura, Mikihiro Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20120138714
    Abstract: An electro-spray delivery device for delivering a stream of charged micro-droplets of a conductive fluid, and which a capillary tube having a proximal end in fluid communication with a source of conductive fluid and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The device also includes a solid guide wire coaxially disposed at least partially within the capillary tube to form an annular passage therein, and which has a distal tip projecting beyond the distal end of the capillary tube. At least one of the capillary tube and guide wire is conductive and in electrical communication with a high-voltage source to electrically charge the conductive fluid flowing through the annular passage and wetting the distal tip of the guide wire. The electrospray delivery device further includes a grounding electrode that is located a predetermined distance from the distal tip of the guide wire and which is in electrical communication with a source of ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Marc X. Olivier
  • Publication number: 20120138701
    Abstract: An electrospray dispensing system for delivering a controllable quantity of charged micro-droplets of a conductive fluid, and which includes an elongate fluid supply cylinder having a first end, a second end, a sidewall (e.g., forming a circular or other polygonal cross-section) between the first and second ends, and an interior hollow that is in fluid communication with a source of conductive fluid. The dispensing system also includes an array of selectively-activated capillary tubes having proximal ends that are in fluid communication with the interior hollow and distal ends extending radially outward through the sidewall, and which are configured so that any conductive fluid flowing outwardly through one or more activated capillary tubes is electrically-charged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Marc X. Olivier, Stephen C. Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 8191805
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electrostatic atomizer, which comprises a cooler adapted to cool an atomizing electrode so as to allow moisture in air to be frozen onto the atomizing electrode, a melter adapted to melt ice frozen on the atomizing electrode so as to supply water onto the atomizing electrode, a high-voltage applying section adapted to apply a high voltage to the atomizing electrode, and a control section adapted to activate the high-voltage applying section in a state after supplying water onto the atomizing electrode by melting the ice frozen thereon, so as to apply a high voltage to the atomizing electrode to electrostatically atomize the water supplied on the atomizing electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Nakada, Hiroshi Suda, Masaharu Machi, Tomohiro Yamaguchi, Sumio Wada
  • Publication number: 20120104111
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a system and method for spray drying a fluid. The system comprises a fluid reservoir (2), a spraying device (3) that comprises at least one outflow opening (4) for projecting droplets of fluid (5) from the reservoir (2) out of the at least one outflow opening (4) and at least one energy source (6) for at least partially drying the droplets. The spraying device (3) is arranged to project the droplets into a determinable droplet trajectory and the at least one energy source (6) is arranged for providing energy focused substantially on the droplet trajectory. It is an object of the invention to provide a system and method for reducing the amount of energy required for spray drying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: René Jos Houben, Leonardus Antonius Maria Brouwers, Gerrit Oosterhuis, Frits Verhoeven, Gerben Pieterse
  • Publication number: 20120091234
    Abstract: Provided are electro-hydrodynamic (EHD) system for extracting energy from wind. Also provided are injectors for producing particles in an EHD system. Additionally, methods for producing particles in an EHD system is also provided. Further provided are displays comprising an EHD wind energy system. Also, an electro-hydrodynamic wind energy system integrated with a display is provided. A method of generating electricity is also provided. Additionally, a method of displaying a message is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: David Carmein, Dawn White
  • Publication number: 20120085843
    Abstract: A system to apply mainly phytosanitary products that use the principle of electrostatic attraction. A high static charge is imprinted on the microdrops in the nozzle with high flows of water using a simple industrial design and very low probabilities of failure. The system is very stable and reliable. An active water provider capillary tube is optionally used in the nozzles (as opposed to a fixed one), which results in a more efficient use of the air to micronize drops. The nozzles can be fixed or dirigible nozzles. A chemical product doser system is optionally used with injection in the nozzle itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Carlos Alberto Moreno Ramos
  • Publication number: 20120080544
    Abstract: [Object] To provide a substance mixing apparatus that is capable of uniformly mixing a certain amount of trace substances and also mixing minute particles. [Solving Means] Provided is a substance mixing apparatus including: two or more flow paths (11, 12, 13) in which orifices (111, 121, 131), from which a fluid that flows therethrough is externally discharged, are formed; oscillation devices (112, 122, 132) that form droplets of the fluid discharged from each of the orifices (111, 121, 131) by oscillating at least the orifice (111, 121, 131) part of the flow paths at a predetermined oscillation frequency and discharge the droplets; and means for causing the droplets (A, B, C) discharged from the orifices (111, 121, 131) of the flow paths (11, 12, 13) to collide with one another. [Selected Drawing] FIG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Masataka Shinoda
  • Publication number: 20120083046
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hybrid digital and channel microfluidic device in the form of an integrated structure in which a droplet may be transported by a digital microfluidic array and transferred to a microfluidic channel. In one aspect of the invention, a hybrid device comprises a first substrate having a digital microfluidic array capable of transporting a droplet to a transfer location, and a second substrate having a microfluidic channel. The first and second substrates are affixed to form a hybrid device in which an opening in the microfluidic channel is positioned adjacent to the transfer location, so that a droplet transported to the transfer location contacts the channel opening and may enter the channel. The invention also provides methods of performing separations using a hybrid digital and channel microfluidic device and methods of assembling a hybrid digital microfluidic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
    Inventors: Michael W. L. Watson, Mohamed Abdelgawad, Mais Jebrail, Hao Yang, Aaron R. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 8141795
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: James E. Dvorsky, Beverly A. Piatt
  • Publication number: 20120067986
    Abstract: An electrostatically atomizing device in this invention comprises thermoelectric elements being different in type from each other and an emitter electrode being configured to cause the electrostatically atomization. The emitter electrode is provided with a mounting member for mounting the thermoelectric elements different in type from each other. The mounting member is provided with the electrical conductive path between the thermoelectric elements. Consequently, it is possible to achieve the downsizing of the device and the saving energy of the device while keeping the cooling performance of creating the condensation water on the emitter electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Kentaro Kobayashi, Hirokazu Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 8134066
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a vortex tube has a gas inlet port, a cold gas outlet port and a hot gas outlet port. A thermoelectric potential generator having hot gas inlet port coupled to the hot gas outlet port of the vortex tube, a cold gas inlet port coupled to the cold gas outlet port of the vortex tube, and a thermoelectric element coupled in heat conducting relationship between the cold gas inlet port and the hot gas inlet port to promote the flow of heat/cold through the thermoelectric element from the hot gas flowing into the hot gas inlet port to the cold gas flowing through the cold gas inlet port. In another, a compressed gas source, a thermoelectric element having first and second sides, and an expansion nozzle are coupled in series. The expansion nozzle is coupled between the compressed gas source and the first side. The thermoelectric element includes an electrical output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Yury Shkolnikov, Zinovy Royzen, Anatoly Gosis, Steven E. Broerman
  • Publication number: 20120052002
    Abstract: A compact multi-functional fuel converter and a process for converting liquid fuel to a product, which includes providing a supply of oxygen gas, providing a supply of liquid fuel, electrically atomizing the fuel, evaporating the fuel and catalytically reacting the liquid fuel and oxygen in the reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: U.S. Government as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: IVAN C. LEE, CHRISTOPHER M. WAITS
  • Patent number: 8123147
    Abstract: A nozzle for a powder spray gun optionally includes an internal filter that allows air to be added to the powder flow within the nozzle shell. The nozzle may optionally include an off-axis outlet slot relative to a main flow axis of the powder into the nozzle shell so that powder encounters an obstruction before exiting through the outlet slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Terrence M. Fulkerson, Michael R. Sanner, Brian D. Mather, Joseph G. Schroeder, Jeffery Edward Dailidas
  • Patent number: 8109452
    Abstract: An electrostatic atomizer, for use in a motor vehicle, includes a discharge electrode, a water supply unit for cooling the discharge electrode to generate water condensed on the discharge electrode, and a high voltage applying unit for applying a high voltage to the water on the discharge electrode to electrostatically atomize the water. The electrostatic atomizer is arranged in a ceiling of the motor vehicle. The electrostatic atomizer further includes an ejection portion provided in the ceiling of the motor vehicle for ejecting electrically-charged water particles generated by electrostatic atomization and an ejection direction changing unit provided in the ejection portion for changing an ejection direction of the electrically-charged water particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shousuke Akisada, Takeshi Yano, Akihide Sugawa
  • Publication number: 20120017628
    Abstract: It is an object to provide an electrostatic atomizing apparatus which is simply structured, is easy to assemble, is low in cost, has clogging resistance against foreign matter, can be used for a long time, and is highly reliable, or a home electrical appliance such as a refrigerator, air conditioner, etc. including the electrostatic atomizing apparatus. A discharge electrode formed of foam metal, whereto water that attaches to a surface is supplied by capillary action, a counter electrode provided so as to be opposed to the discharge electrode, and a water supply means that is provided directly above the discharge electrode via a predetermined clearance, supplying water to the discharge electrode or the electrode holding part, are included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto OKABE, Katsumasa Sakamoto, Reiji Morioka, Masumi Handa, Hiroshi Nakashima
  • Publication number: 20120017630
    Abstract: It is an object to provide an electrostatic atomizing apparatus which is simply structured, is easy to assemble, is low in cost, has clogging resistance against foreign matter, can be used for a long time, and is highly reliable, or a home electrical appliance such as a refrigerator, air conditioner, etc. including the electrostatic atomizing apparatus. A discharge electrode formed of foam metal, whereto water that attaches to a surface is supplied by capillary action, a counter electrode provided so as to be opposed to the discharge electrode, and a water supply means that is provided directly above the discharge electrode via a predetermined clearance, supplying water to the discharge electrode or the electrode holding part, are included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Okabe, Katsumasa Sakamoto, Reiji Morioka, Masumi Handa, Hiroshi Nakashima
  • Publication number: 20120006915
    Abstract: An electrostatic atomization apparatus (4) includes a discharge electrode (1) and a liquid supplying device (2), which supplies liquid to the discharge electrode. A high voltage application device (3) that applies high voltage to the discharge electrode and performs electrostatic atomization on the liquid supplied to the discharge electrode. A discharge optimization unit electrically coupled to the high voltage application device so that potential at the discharge electrode is such that electrostatic atomization is performed in an acyclic manner without stopping discharging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: Panasonic Electric Works Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Suda, Junpei Ohe, Takafumi Omori, Takayuki Nakada
  • Publication number: 20120006916
    Abstract: Various exemplary illustrations of an electrode assembly for an electrostatic atomizer, for example for a rotation atomizer, and exemplary methods of making and/or using the same, are disclosed. An exemplary electrode assembly may include an electrode holder arrangement for holding at least one electrode creating an electrostatic field about a symmetrical axis, wherein there is a dielectric material for influencing a discharge current component extending in the direction of the symmetrical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Hans-Jurgen Nolte, Andreas Fischer, Peter Marquardt, Jurgen Berkowitsch, Joachim Schneider
  • Patent number: 8083161
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: James J. Lind, Gregory Trees, Joseph E. Zambanini, Brian Graham, R. Reade Harpham
  • Patent number: 8074640
    Abstract: A housing has a dispensing outlet (400) and contains: a liquid supplier (7) for supplying liquid containing at least one volatile component to a liquid outlet (7a); an electric field provider (41, 42, 7) for causing liquid issuing from the liquid outlet to provide electrically charged droplets from which at least a part of the at least one volatile component evaporates to produce vapour; a collection receptacle (92) for collecting electrically charged droplets to inhibit the electrically charged droplets from passing through the dispensing outlet; an attraction electrode (91) for attracting electrically charged droplets into the collection receptacle (90); and a flow director (95) for directing vapour away from the collection receptacle (92) and towards the dispensing outlet (400).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: David Neville Davies, Alastair Bruce Pirrie, Ronald Alan Coffee
  • Patent number: 8070077
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for dispensing liquid material to a substrate comprising a housing having a bore and an inlet for supplying liquid material from a material source to the bore. A nozzle communicates with the inlet and includes a discharge opening for dispensing the liquid material. A movable plunger is mounted for reciprocal movement between a closed and an open position. In the open position, liquid material is dispensed from the discharge opening and in the closed position, liquid material is prevented from being dispensed from the discharge opening. An actuator moves the plunger between the closed and the open position. The plunger has at least one slot extending from the outer periphery toward the center of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Victor de Leeuw
  • Patent number: 8056839
    Abstract: An electrostatic atomizer includes an atomizing electrode, a water supply unit for supplying water to the atomizing electrode, a high voltage power circuit and a control unit. The high voltage power circuit applies a high voltage to the atomizing electrode to electrostatically atomizing water supplied to the atomizing electrode and to generate electrically charged water particles. The control unit controls the high voltage power circuit such that the voltage applied to the atomizing electrode is gradually increased at the time of starting the electrostatic atomizer. Further, the control unit may control the high voltage power circuit such that the voltage is increased to a target voltage in steps at the time of starting the electrostatic atomizer, and an increment of the voltage at each step is decreased as the voltage approaches the target voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Uratani, Kenji Obata, Atsushi Isaka
  • Publication number: 20110259980
    Abstract: An electrostatic atomizing apparatus is used in a vehicle having an air conditioning system equipped with an air duct for delivering air into a passenger compartment, comprising a discharge electrode, an opposite electrode opposed to the discharge electrode, a cooler for cooling the discharge electrode, a high voltage power source for applying a high voltage between the discharge electrode and the opposite electrode so as to electrostatically atomize the condensed water deposited on the predetermined portion of the discharge electrode into mist, and a mist introducing pipe that introduces the mist into the air duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: PANASONIC ELECTRIC WORKS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Syousuke AKISADA, Takeshi YANO, Akihide SUGAWA
  • Patent number: 8042488
    Abstract: A current sensor for detecting a full return current is connected to a high voltage generator. A leakage current detector including current sensors for detecting a leakage current is provided at the surface of the cover of a coating machine, air passages and a paint passage. Based on current detection values obtained by the current sensors, a high voltage control unit controls a power supply voltage control unit and a high voltage to be output from the high voltage generator can be raised or dropped. By employing the current detection values, the high voltage control unit can identify and provide notification of a location where the leakage current is increased and the insulation is deteriorated, and can request an operator to perform maintenance for the pertinent location. Further, upon occurrence of the insulation being deteriorated, the high voltage control unit can stop the high voltage supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: ABB K.K.
    Inventor: Yukio Yamada
  • Patent number: 8033485
    Abstract: An electrostatic atomizer includes an atomizing electrode to which a high voltage is applied to atomize water held on the atomizing electrode so as to generate charged water particles; and a cooling unit for producing water, to be supplied to the atomizing electrode, through condensation. The cooling unit is made using a cooling part of a cooling cycle which circulates a coolant between a heat-radiating part and the cooling part. A coolant-circulating equipment incorporating the electrostatic atomizer therein includes a condensation space in which the atomizing electrode is disposed to produce condensate water; a cooling space in which the cooling section of the cooling cycle is disposed to produce cold air; and a partition wall for separating the condensation space from the cooling space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomohiro Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20110239684
    Abstract: A nozzle electrode (44) is connected to a drain pan (30), with the other end of the nozzle electrode (44) pointing upward and open. A ring electrode (45) is positioned so as to face the nozzle electrode (44). When a positive voltage is applied to the nozzle electrode (44), an electric field is created at a location close to the tip of the nozzle electrode (44). As a result, a drain water is sprayed from the nozzle electrode (44) as positively-charged small droplets. The sprayed droplets are discharged to the outside of the system through a flow-in pipe (51) and a flow-out pipe (53).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Kenji Masuda
  • Publication number: 20110240772
    Abstract: An electrostatic atomizer equipped with an electrostatic atomization pole having superior migration-proof. The atomizer comprises the electrostatic atomization pole, a liquid supply mechanism that supplies the pole with liquid, and a power supply that supplies the pole with high voltage to electrostatically atomize the liquid held on the pole. A coating is formed on the surface of the pole, and the coating is formed of simple metal or alloy, which displays resistance to migration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sumiaki Nakano, Akihide Sugawa, Toshihisa Hirai, Kishiko Hirai, Fumio Mihara, Yasunori Matsui
  • Publication number: 20110233313
    Abstract: An injection device for injecting pressurized fluid includes a housing, an actuator, and an energizing unit. The housing includes at least one axial cavity filled with pressurized fluid. The actuator includes a stack with a first transverse face extended axially by a penetrating member and a second transverse face axially opposite the first. The stack includes at least one electroactive part including an electroactive material. The member includes a piston engaged in the cavity and forming a fluidic connection between the actuator and the housing. The energizing unit sets the electroactive part of the actuator in vibration with a set period ?. The penetrating member includes an axial length such that the propagation time T of the acoustic waves produced by the vibrations of the electroactive part of the actuator and traveling along this length satisfies the following equation: T=[2n+1]*[?/4], where n is a positive integer coefficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: RENAULT S.A.S.
    Inventors: Andre Agneray, Nadim Malek, Laurent Levin
  • Patent number: 8025026
    Abstract: An installation for spraying a multi-component coating material composed of at least one robot having a moving portion carrying at least one electrostatic sprayer, the coating material having an electrically-conductive component together with at least one second component that is electrically insulating or poorly conductive. The installation further includes a main tank fitted with a unit for making a temporary connection with a circuit for dispensing the first component, and being raised to a high voltage when the connection unit not connected, and a feed circuit for continuously feeding the at least one second component. The main tank and the at least one second component feed circuit are carried by the moving portion of the robot and connected to feed the sprayer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Sames Technologies
    Inventors: Cédric Le Strat, Caryl Thome