Electrostatic Type Patents (Class 239/690)
  • Patent number: 8015724
    Abstract: This heating blower has a housing 1, a fan 2, a heater 3, and an electrostatic atomizing device 5. The electrostatic atomizing device 5 is provided in the housing 1 and discharges nanometer-size ion mist to the outside. The electrostatic atomizing device 5 comprises a discharging electrode 50, an opposed electrode 52 disposed opposite the discharging electrode 50, a cooling part 53 which cools the discharging electrode 50 to generate moisture from ambient air near the discharging electrode, and a high voltage applying part 55 which applies a high voltage between said discharging electrode and the opposed electrode to atomize water generated near the discharging electrode. Therefore, this heating blower can discharge nanometer-size ion mist to the outside without replenishment of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Imahori, Toshihisa Hirai, Kishiko Hirai, legal representative, Akihide Sugawa, Fumio Mihara, Shousuke Akisada, Hirokazu Yoshioka, Kousuke Katayama, Toshiyuki Yamauchi, Hiroshi Suda, Yasunori Matsui
  • Patent number: 8016213
    Abstract: A coating dispensing device includes a trigger assembly for actuating the coating dispensing device to dispense coating material and a nozzle through which the coating material is dispensed. The coating dispensing device further includes a first port adapted to supply compressed gas to the coating dispensing device and a second port adapted to supply coating material to the coating dispensing device. The coating dispensing device further includes a generator having a shaft and a turbine wheel mounted on the shaft. Compressed gas coupled to the first port impinges upon the turbine wheel to spin the shaft, producing voltage. The coating dispensing device further includes an electrode adjacent the nozzle and coupled to the generator to receive electricity therefrom to electrostatically charge the coating material and a regulator coupled to the generator for regulating the voltage generated by the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Gene P. Altenburger
  • Publication number: 20110210192
    Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a spray device including a frame having a receptacle configured to receive a self-contained spray can. The spray device further includes a first conductive element configured to contact the self-contained spray can, and a first electrical conductor extending between the first conductive element and an earth ground such that a first electrical potential of the self-contained spray can is substantially equal to a second electrical potential of the earth ground while the self-contained spray can is in contact with the first conductive element. The spray device also includes a corona-charging electrode positioned adjacent to a spray nozzle of the self-contained spray can. The corona-charging electrode is configured to emit a stream of ions toward the self-contained spray can such that a spray of fluid from the spray nozzle passes through the stream of ions and becomes electrostatically charged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Seitz, Daniel J. Hasselschwert, Roger T. Cedoz, James P. Baltz, Jessica Rose Bryant
  • Patent number: 8002208
    Abstract: A housing member includes a main housing body and an intermediate tube provided around the outer periphery of the main housing body. Located in a front portion of the main housing body is an atomizer including an air motor and a rotary atomizing head, while located in a rear portion of the main housing body is a high voltage generator to apply a high voltage to paint through the air motor. A multitude of hollow cavities are uniformly formed in the intermediate tube over the entire outer surface thereof by the use of through holes opened through the intermediate tube. A cover member is fitted on the outer surface of the intermediate tube in contact with the intermediate tube, thereby intensifying electric field strength in outer corner portions of the hollow cavities to prevent deposition of charged paint particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: ABB K.K.
    Inventor: Yukio Yamada
  • Publication number: 20110192920
    Abstract: An in-vehicle compartment electrostatic atomization device (A) for use in the passenger compartment of a vehicle. The in-vehicle compartment electrostatic atomization device (A) includes water supply unit (4) and a discharge electrode (2) which applies high voltage to water supplied from the water supply unit (4) to electrostatically atomize the water and generate electrostatically charged atomized water droplets (M). A housing (15) is formed integrally with an illumination device (B) arranged in a ceiling (14) of the passenger compartment above a front seat (13) of the vehicle. The in-vehicle compartment electrostatic atomization device (A) shares the housing (15) with the illumination device (B) so as to be arranged near the head of a vehicle occupant (H) seated on the front seat (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: PANASONIC ELECTRIC WORKS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinjirou Seto, Takeshi Yano
  • Patent number: 7992515
    Abstract: An electrode holder for a powder spraying device includes a powder channel and a bridge arranged into the powder channel for holding an electrode. In addition a wedge is provided, which can be fixed on the bridge, on the upstream side of the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: J. Wagner AG
    Inventors: Leopold von Keudell, Thomas Schwarz, Pierre Plascar
  • Publication number: 20110186731
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved LCMS technology and its uses in methods for the selective identification and characterization of immunogenic pathogen associated epitopes, and the use thereof in vaccine development. One way of bridging the knowledge gap on T cell epitopes is to apply a new platform technology, “immunoproteomics”, to directly assess the epitope display at the surface of antigen presenting cells by nanoscale mass spectrometry of extracted peptide samples. This is the only methodology that can provide unbiased insight into epitope features such as the exact molecular nature, diversity, abundance, dynamics and PTM of T cell epitopes originating from pathogen-derived proteins. Therefore, this platform technology and immunoproteomics should become an intrinsic part of vaccinology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: DE STAAT DER NEDERLANDEN, VERT. DOOR DE MINISTER V
    Inventors: Cécile Antoinette Carola Maria Van Els, Ernst Christiaan Soethout, Adrianus Petrus Josephus Maria De Jong, Hugo Derk Meiring
  • Publication number: 20110186646
    Abstract: Cooling water is pressurized and supplied via a pipe to an electrified atomization head installed in an atomization cooling area A, the jetted particles of the cooling water from the electrified atomization head are electrified and atomized. An electrification voltage is applied from a voltage application unit to the electrified atomization head, and the external electric field generated by applying a voltage between a water-side electrode unit and an induction electrode unit is applied to the cooling water in a jetting process so as to electrify the atomization water and facilitate adsorption to people.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Toshihide Tsuji, Tatsuya Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20110174304
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved electrohydrodynamic (EHD) apparatus having a time varying voltage component. The invention further relates to the use of such enhanced EHD apparatus to produce respirable and non-respirable aerosols from highly aqueous liquids, as well as the use of such aerosols. The combination of modifying surface rheology and superimposing a time varying waveform onto the direct current (DC) electrical field enables electrohydrodynamic aerosolization of high aqueous content formulations (>50% water) beyond what can be achieved through other means, including the individual gains by applying surface rheology modification and superimposing a sinusoidal waveform onto the DC electrical field individually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Michael D. Triplett, II, Brian A. Lipp
  • Publication number: 20110171065
    Abstract: An electrostatic spraying system for decontamination of a vehicle is described. The system includes a wheeled platform sized to fit inside the vehicle, at least one tank operable to contain one or more decontaminant agents, the tanks supported by said wheeled platform, a plurality of nozzles affixed to the wheeled platform, wherein each nozzle is positioned for distribution of the decontaminant agents in at least one pre-determined direction, an electrostatic charging system connected to each of the nozzles for applying an electrostatic charge to the decontaminant agents as the agents are dispersed, and at least one compressor in communication with the tanks for pressurizing the decontaminant agents. The one or more compressors are capable of providing a pressure sufficient to provide a constant distribution of the decontaminant agents through the electrostatic nozzles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Shawn Hyunsoo Park, James J. Sheahan, JR., Charles E. Morris
  • Publication number: 20110162528
    Abstract: A reduced water mist generating device (1) is provided with a water acquiring section (3) that acquires water for generating reduced water, a reduced water generating unit (U) that generates the reduced water from the acquired water, a reduced water atomizing section (6) that atomizes the generated reduced water, and a spraying section (7) that sprays the atomized water. With such a configuration, the reduced water can be generated from water, drifted in the form of a mist in a space, and caused to arrive at an object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: PANASONIC ELECTRIC WORKS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Yamaguchi, Junpei Ohe, Yukiko Mishima, Hiroshi Suda, Yukiyasu Asano, Yasuhiro Komura, Yoshinori Sainomoto
  • Publication number: 20110163176
    Abstract: An electrostatic atomization device (A) for increasing hydrophilicity of collected matter (15) that has low hydrophilicity and is attached to a surface of a processing subject (1). The device includes an atomization electrode (6), which generates electrostatically charged atomized water droplets to increase the hydrophilicity, a water supply member (8), which supplies water to the atomization electrode (6), and a voltage application member (9), which applies voltage to the water supplied to the atomization electrode (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Yamaguchi, Junpei Ohe, Hiroshi Suda, Takayuki Nakada
  • Publication number: 20110147476
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling fluid flow utilizing a synthetic jet actuator, are provided. An example of a synthetic jet actuator system includes a synthetic jet actuator including a dual bimorph subsystem to provide low, medium, and high synthetic jet velocities and/or fine flow control response, and an arc-forming subsystem to provide enhanced pressure, velocity, and mass flow performance, enhanced flow control response, and/or heating of the fluid within the bimorph chamber to extend the performance or operating margin of the dual bimorph subsystem of the synthetic jet actuator. The arc-forming subsystem includes a pair of electrodes interfaced with inner surface walls of the dual bimorph subsystem. Various configurations of power supplies can be utilized to provide simultaneous function to both the subsystem and the arc-forming subsystem to allow selective activation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Seyed Gholami Saddoughi, Grover Andrew Bennett
  • Publication number: 20110133004
    Abstract: A spray nozzle system for skin treatments includes separate air outlets moving over the skin surface to deliver one or more streams of supplemental air for the purpose of warming or drying the skin surface to improve efficacy and comfort of the spraying experience. The drying air from the auxiliary ports may be applied while spray is emitted from the nozzle to increase the spray cloud temperature, or may be applied before or after the spray application, with the spray turned off, to warm or dry the skin. A heating source is provided to warm the air directed through one or more heated air ports. In the case of air-atomizing nozzles, the heated air is delivered through low pressure ports separately from the air emitted through the nozzle's higher pressure atomizing and pattern shaping orifices to minimize the expansion cooling effect inherent with the spray nozzle ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: MT INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Scott Thomason, Steven C. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20110126551
    Abstract: An electrostatic atomizing device includes an atomizing electrode which generates charged fine water particles negatively charged in the form of mist, by generating an electric field when a high negative voltage is applied thereto in a state in which water is supplied; a water supply portion which supplies the water to the atomizing electrode; a discharge detection portion which detects whether negative ion discharge, indicating discharge in which only negative ions are generated without generating the charged fine water particles, is occurring at the atomizing electrode or not; and a control portion which reduces the electric field intensity of the electric field generated by the atomizing electrode when the discharge detection portion detects the occurrence of the negative ion discharge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: PANASONIC ELECTRIC WORKS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yutaka Uratani, Kenji Obata, Takeshi Yano, Atsushi Isaka
  • Publication number: 20110121110
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided, wherein the apparatus includes an electrode and a control circuit. The electrode lacks a corresponding return electrode of opposite polarity on the apparatus. The control circuit is electrically coupled to the electrode and configured to generate and apply to the electrode a voltage having a sinusoidal waveform having at least one step on an edge of the waveform, wherein each step comprises a local peak. The apparatus is arranged to generate an alternating electric field between the electrode and a surface or volume of space in response to the applied voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: TENNANT COMPANY
    Inventor: Bruce F. Field
  • Publication number: 20110101134
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle that is mounted in a vehicle and purifies a vehicle interior, having: an electrostatic atomizer comprising an electrode that generates an electric field when high voltage is applied thereto in a state where water is being supplied, to thereby turn the water into charged corpuscle water in the form of mist which is charged in either plus or minus, a water supply unit that supplies water to the electrode, and an emission outlet that emits the charged corpuscle water into the vehicle interior; and a potential holding unit that is installed in an on-vehicle component which a passenger contacts, and is used for holding a potential of the on-vehicle component at a potential at which the charged corpuscle water is continuously attracted to and absorbed by the passenger in contact with the on-vehicle component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: PANASONIC ELECTRIC WORKS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi Yano, Shinjirou Seto, Shousuke Akisada, Akihide Sugawa, Atsushi Isaka
  • Publication number: 20110089268
    Abstract: The invention provides a hair building solids dispenser for storing and dispensing hair building solids comprising first electrostatic charge controller adapted for altering and/or maintaining an electrostatic charge on a surface of at least some of said solids contained within, and/or as dispensed from, said dispenser, wherein at least a substantial portion of the exterior surface of the dispenser comprises substantially electrically non-conductive material, the first electrostatic charge controller being an electrically conductive material for providing an electrical connection between the inside and outside of the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: PANGAEA LABORATORIES LTD.
    Inventor: Elliot Isaacs
  • Patent number: 7926443
    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: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: ABB K.K.
    Inventor: Yukio Yamada
  • Publication number: 20110073686
    Abstract: An electrostatic atomizer includes a discharge electrode; a high-voltage applying unit for applying a high voltage to the discharge electrode; a water supply unit for supplying water to the discharge electrode; an outlet through which charged water particles and ozone generated by electrostatic atomization during application of the high voltage to the discharge electrode are fed into a vehicle room; a distance measuring unit for measuring the distance between the outlet and a human body; and a control unit for controlling the high-voltage applying unit and the water supply unit to thereby control a discharge current of the discharge electrode. The control unit changes the discharge current in response to a detection signal of the distance measuring unit to make the discharge current supplied when the human body exits closer to the outlet smaller than when the human body exits far away from the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidesato Uegaki, Junichi Matsumoto, Kenji Obata, Atsushi Isaka
  • Publication number: 20110073685
    Abstract: A blowing device includes an air flow path with an outlet from which to inject an air stream, and an electrostatic atomizer, arranged outside the air flow path, for generating charged water particles by electrostatic atomization. The charged water particles generated in the electrostatic atomizer are supplied into the air flow path through a communication path. A honeycomb filter containing active carbon is arranged within the communication path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi YANO, Akihide Sugawa
  • Patent number: 7913938
    Abstract: An electrostatic spray charging nozzle designed for optimum charge level over a wide range of liquid and air flow rates. The electrostatic spray charging nozzle includes a nozzle cap having an outlet, a nozzle body having a first bore, and a fluid tip assembly extending at least partially through the first bore. The fluid tip assembly further includes a liquid inlet adapted to be connected to a source of liquid, and a liquid outlet adapted to dispense the liquid through the outlet of the nozzle body. The electrostatic spray charging nozzle further includes an adjustment mechanism operable to move the fluid tip assembly within the first bore so as to adjust a longitudinal distance between the liquid outlet of the fluid tip assembly and the outlet of the nozzle cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Mystic Tan, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven C. Cooper
  • Patent number: 7914262
    Abstract: To improve the configuration of electrodes disposed in the fluid channel of EHD pumps, and to reduce of the fluid channel of EHD pumps, as well as to reduce the cost of producing EHD pumps, and to increase the pumping pressure of EHD pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Kanazawa Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Ryoichi Hanaoka, Shinzo Takata, Tadashi Fukami
  • Publication number: 20110068187
    Abstract: An electrostatic spray system, comprising a hand held device having an inlet and an outlet. The hand held device includes a charging device for producing a high voltage charging field and a spray nozzle having an outlet, the outlet being disposed within the charging field. The system further includes an air movement system disposed within the hand held device, the air movement system configured to produce an airflow around the spray nozzle and through the high voltage charging field to create a directionally controllable electrostatic charged mist existing the hand held device at low velocities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventor: Michael L. Sides
  • Patent number: 7908994
    Abstract: The piston dispenser for the measured supplying of material to the atomizer of a painting robot is arranged in the hand joint of the robot. Various feasible embodiments of the dispensing cylinder of this piston dispenser are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Duerr Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Herre, Jürgen Haas, Hans Vetters, Michael Baumann, Thomas Hezel, Bekim Maxharraj, Nedime Maxharraj, legal representative, Jan Grigoleit, Marcus Frey, Herbert Martin
  • Patent number: 7896265
    Abstract: The coating apparatus comprises a body part, a head part detachably installed to this body part, and a connecting ring connecting the body part with the head part. The body part is provided with a cascade that boosts and outputs electric power and a plurality of tubes and a passage in which at least one of the optical signal, air, and coating circulates. The head part is provided with the rotary atomization head, an electric power transmission line that transmits the electric power output from the cascade, and a passage. On the connecting face of the body part, at least part of the cascade projects, and third port of the passage is exposed. On the connecting face of the head part, the electric power transmission line is connected, and a cascade insertion part in which the projected part of the cascade is inserted is formed, and a fourth port connected to the third port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Takahashi, Masaaki Shoji, Masashi Honma
  • Patent number: 7891578
    Abstract: A method of providing a droplet spray, includes supplying a liquid polymer formulation within which substantially inert particulate material is suspended to an outlet and subjecting liquid issuing from the outlet to an electric field that causes the liquid to break up into droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: David Neville Davies, Marie Pollard, Ronald Alan Coffee
  • Patent number: 7891589
    Abstract: An electrical separating unit is disclosed for a fluid conveying line, in particular a paint conveying line, which has an elongated separating pipe that can be freed or closed at its ends by separating valves. The interior of the separating pipe can be brought by a compressor to a pressure that is significantly above atmospheric pressure or can be evacuated by a suction pump to a pressure that is significantly below atmospheric pressure. In both cases the electrical resistance of the separating unit has a significantly higher value than if a pipeline over a corresponding length was only freed from paint, solvent, or cleaning agent, and was filled with air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Eisenmann Anlagenbau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jan Reichler
  • Publication number: 20110040147
    Abstract: An electrospray head for use in an electro-spraying apparatus comprises a body with an internal surface defining a conduit having an inlet for receiving a fluid to be sprayed and an outlet for emitting the fluid. A movable wall forms a part of the internal surface defining the conduit, the movable wall being arranged to constrict or dilate the conduit upon operation of the actuator. The movable wall can thus control the delivery of fluid through the outlet from the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Shirley O'Dea, Michael Maguire
  • Patent number: 7886990
    Abstract: An atomizing device, comprising a fine liquid tube, a holder to permanently fix the tube proximate to its exit end and an optional cap to homogeneously and repeatably disintegrate small liquid amounts is disclosed. A manufacturing method for reproducibly machining the atomizer assembly of the present invention is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Ingo Werner Scheer
  • Publication number: 20110031335
    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: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: PANASONIC ELECTRIC WORKS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kouichi Hirai
  • Patent number: 7882799
    Abstract: A method for establishing a calibrating standard for wafer inspection includes depositing solid ionized particles of a known size range with an aerosol onto a wafer. The method also includes depositing particles onto a wafer in a deposition chamber by using an aerosol stream and the solid particles suspended in a gas; ionizing the aerosol stream with a negative or positive charge polarity or both by passing the aerosol stream through a non-radioactive ionizer to produce charged particles and supplying such aerosol stream to the deposition chamber. An apparatus for producing charged particles includes an atomizer and a non-radioactive ionizer in fluid communication with each other. The apparatus may also include an electrospray droplet generator for producing an aerosol with dry-solid particles and an ionizer that ionizes the molecules of the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: MSP Corporation
    Inventors: William Dick, Benjamin Y. H. Liu
  • Patent number: 7883034
    Abstract: An electrostatic atomizing device, which is capable of increasing the generation of a fine mist, while suppressing abnormal discharge and the generation of ozone. This electrostatic atomizing device is equipped with a plurality of atomizing electrodes, to which a high voltage is applied by a single high voltage generating circuit, counter electrodes disposed so as to face the atomizing electrodes; and a liquid transfer means for transferring a liquid (e.g., water) to each of the atomizing electrodes. The atomizing electrodes are connected in parallel to the high voltage generating circuit, and a resistive element for suppressing discharge current is inserted between the high voltage generating circuit and each of the atomizing electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasunori Matsui, Kazumi Okawa, Atsushi Isaka, Shinya Murase, Tomohiro Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7883032
    Abstract: Methods are described of delivering biological material, which methods include the steps of providing a liquid formulation containing the biological material, supplying the liquid formulation to an outlet and subjecting liquid issuing from the outlet to an electrical field thereby causing electrohydrodynamic processing of the liquid without denaturing the biological material. In one example, the liquid formulation is provided by removing salts from a formulation containing biological material that does not denature in alcohol and then adding an alcohol to the formulation before supplying the liquid formulation to the outlet. An acid may be added to the liquid formulation before supplying the liquid formulation to the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Lee Adrian Davies, David Neville Davies, Margaret Sin Ka Wan, Ronald Alan Coffee
  • Patent number: 7883033
    Abstract: A cartridge for an electrohydrodynamic spraying device and a spraying device incorporating the cartridge, where the cartridge includes a locking mechanism. The cartridge is disposable, and can contain therapeutic or other fluid products. The fluid is delivered from the cartridge by a shaft-mounted piston, while the locking mechanism can be selectively engaged with the shaft such that in the engaged position, the locking mechanism prevents the piston from advancing by inhibiting movement of the shaft. When the locking mechanism is disengaged from the shaft, the shaft and piston are free to move, such as in response to a power source in the spraying device. The selective engagement between the locking mechanism and the shaft during periods of inoperability of the spray device prevents the buildup of fluid pressure in the cartridge that otherwise could blurt out upon subsequent operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventor: James Lind
  • Publication number: 20110006139
    Abstract: The electrostatic atomizing device includes a discharge electrode and an opposed electrode provided with an aperture. The opposed electrode has its inner surface opposed to the discharge electrode. The inner surface is a recessed surface which surrounds a tip of the discharge electrode. The inner surface has at least one part shaped into a spherical surface which is centered on the tip of the discharge electrode and has a constant radius. The opposed electrode is provided with a cylindrical electrode extending from a periphery of the aperture away from the discharge electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Yukihiro Masuda
  • Publication number: 20110000986
    Abstract: This invention provides a method of combining an array-type nanospray ionisation source comprising a set of externally wetted proud features and a contact electrode with a pneumatic nebuliser acting to enhance the flux of sprayed ions. Methods of fabricating a substrate combining a set of proud features with analyte delivery and gas flow channels in silicon-based materials are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Syms
  • Publication number: 20110000975
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Vladimir Gartstein, James C. Horney, Alan David Willey, Claire Rebecca Yates
  • Patent number: 7861954
    Abstract: An electrostatic atomizer including a discharge electrode, a counter electrode, a cooling source, a high voltage power supply and a voltage detector. The cooling source cools the discharge electrode to form thereon dew as water. The power supply applies high voltage for discharge across the electrodes. The detector detects voltage between the electrodes. The power supply includes a control device and a voltage stabilizing device that are opposite to each other in temperature characteristic. The control device operates to pick up the voltage detected with the detector via the voltage stabilizing device, and to adjust the high voltage applied across the electrodes through feedback control so that the voltage corresponds to specified discharge voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shousuke Akisada, Toshihisa Hirai, Kishiko Hiraki, legal representative, Sumio Wada, Tatsuhiko Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20100327088
    Abstract: In a spray coating apparatus having a spray coating gun with a gun body and a coating material tube, a nozzle provided at the front end of the coating material tube, the coating material tube extends from the nozzle at the front end of the coating material tube to a connection piece at the rear end of the coating material tube. A metering system which can be connected to the coating material tube by the connection piece is provided for setting the amount of coating material that is fed to the nozzle per unit of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Ronald STEIGER
  • Publication number: 20100327089
    Abstract: The electrostatic atomizing device includes a discharge electrode, an opposed electrode, and a voltage application device. The voltage application device is configured to apply a voltage between the discharge electrode and the opposed electrode so as to atomizing a liquid supplied to the discharge electrode. The electrostatic atomizing device further includes a reduced water provision device configured to supply reduced water as the above liquid to the discharge electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Takayuki Nakada, Takahiro Miyata, Hiroshi Suda, Yukiyasu Asano, Masaharu Machi
  • Publication number: 20100316530
    Abstract: A method and apparatus disinfects enclosed spaces by the dispersal of aerosols ionized alternately with negative and positive electrostatic polarity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: OFFICINE MECCANICHE PEJRANI S.R.L.
    Inventors: Gianpiero Morgantini, Maurizio Maletti
  • Publication number: 20100313580
    Abstract: An atomizing electrode includes: a trunk unit made to be tabular-shaped and almost rectangular-shaped for receiving water dropped from water supply means in a direction of gravitational force and delivering the water; and a top end atomizing unit which is a plate-shaped projection formed so as to be projected from a side surface of the trunk unit and formed unitedly with the trunk unit. The trunk unit of the atomizing electrode extends a long-side direction in a horizontal direction, is provided below the cooling unit with a space of a predetermined distance so as not to contact the cooling unit, and is arranged so that when the cooling unit is projected in the direction of gravitational force, a width of the cooling unit in a horizontal direction should be included in a width of a long-side direction of a top surface of the trunk unit exposed to the cooling unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Reiji MORIOKA, Takahiro Sakai
  • Publication number: 20100314460
    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: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: James E. Dvorsky, Beverly A. Piatt
  • Patent number: 7841549
    Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device has a removable cartridge with a reservoir containing a volume of liquid compositions to be electrically sprayed. The device includes a nozzle for dispensing the liquid and an emitter electrode disposed adjacent to the nozzle for charging the liquid composition just being dispensed from the nozzle. A field electrode surrounds the reservoir in order to charge the liquid composition within the reservoir, thereby avoiding an occurrence of electric current which would deteriorate the composition remaining in the reservoir. The reservoir is at least partially made of deformable material such that the reservoir is capable of receiving pressure to deform and thus supply the liquid composition out of the reservoir. Thus, the reservoir can be designed into a simple and compact structure, thereby providing an increased liquid containing volume in relation to the bulk of the removable cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignees: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd., The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Naoki Yamaguchi, Shunichi Nagasawa, David Edward Wilson
  • Patent number: 7837134
    Abstract: An emitter electrode is cooled by a cooler to generate condensed water which is charged by a high voltage applied between the emitter electrode and an opposed electrode and is discharged as a mist of charged minute water particles. A controller is provided to vary a temperature drop to a predetermined minimum temperature in dependence of an environmental temperature detected by a temperature sensor. The temperature drop is made variable in proportion to the environmental temperature. Accordingly, a sufficient amount of water can be condensed on the emitter electrode simply by controlling the cooling of the emitter electrode without relying upon an environmental humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shousuke Akisada, Sumio Wada, Toshihisa Hirai, Kishiko Hirai, legal representative, Mikio Itou, Kyohei Kada
  • Patent number: 7836846
    Abstract: An insulation cover for a high voltage paint dosing apparatus, the apparatus comprising a docking head arranged to receive at least one dosing cylinder filled with paint for dosing to an applicator or gun. The docking head is arranged substantially-surrounded by the insulation cover and whereby the external surface of the insulation cover is partly covered by a conductive or non-insulating layer. A system comprising the paint dosing apparatus with the insulation cover is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: ABB AS
    Inventors: Kenneth Mikalsen, Steffen Georgi, Olav Fatland
  • Publication number: 20100276523
    Abstract: A hand-held, electrostatically- and/or compressed gas-aided coating material dispensing device comprises a barrel and a handle extending downward from the barrel. The handle includes a module selected from modules having a number of different characteristics for coupling sources of coating material, compressed gas and/or electrical supply to the coating material dispensing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Kevin L. Alexander, Gene P. Altenburger, Michael C. Rodgers
  • Patent number: 7823809
    Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device has a capability of confirming that the device is ready for making an electrostatic spraying of the liquid composition on a user's skin. The device includes a nozzle and a pump for dispensing the liquid composition out through the nozzle. An emitter electrode is disposed to electrostatically charge the liquid composition being dispensed for making the electrostatic spraying. The device is provided with a power switch and a selector for selection between a spraying mode and a dripping mode. In the dripping mode, the pump is alone actuated to dispense the liquid composition absent electrostatic charge. In the spraying mode, both of the pump and the emitter electrode are activated to make the electrostatic spraying. Thus, the user can be easy to drip the liquid composition by simply manipulating the selector prior to initiating the electrostatic spraying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignees: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd., The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Naoki Yamaguchi, Koji Asakawa, David Edward Wilson, Kazumi Toyama, Meei-Lih Lin
  • Patent number: 7823808
    Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device having a removable cartridge with a reservoir containing a volume of liquid compositions to be electrically sprayed on a user's skin. The device includes a nozzle for dispensing the liquid as well as an emitter electrode disposed adjacent to the nozzle for charging the liquid composition just being dispensed from the nozzle. A field electrode surrounds the reservoir in order to charge the liquid composition within the reservoir, thereby avoiding an occurrence of electric current which would otherwise flow in the liquid composition and would deteriorate the composition remaining in the reservoir. The reservoir is devoid of the field electrode, and therefor can be designed into a simple and compact structure without being restricted by the field electrode, assuring to have an enhanced liquid containing volume in relation to the bulk of the removable cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignees: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd., The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Naoki Yamaguchi, Koji Asakawa, David Edward Wilson, Shunichi Nagasawa