Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention include a thruster system comprising a thruster and a pulsing power supply. The thruster may include a gas inlet port; a plasma jet outlet; and a first electrode. In some embodiments, the pulsing power supply may provide an electrical potential to the first electrode with a pulse repetition frequency greater than 10 kHz, a voltage greater than 5 kilovolts. In some embodiments, the pressure downstream from the thruster can be less than 10 Torr. In some embodiments, when a plasma is produced within the thruster by energizing a gas flowing into the thruster through the gas inlet port, the plasma is expelled from the thruster through the plasma jet outlet.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photoconductor, a charger, a ventilation mechanism, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, and a controller. The ventilation mechanism guides ozone generated in the charger to an ozone discharge port. The exposure device forms an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor charged by the charger. The transfer device transfers a toner image on the photoconductor developed by the developer supplied from the developing device to a medium. The controller allows the ventilation mechanism to discharge the ozone generated in the charger from the ozone discharge port after stopping supply of the developer from the developing device to the photoconductor in an operation mode in which the ozone is discharged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of separating at least one portion of a metallic part (3) glued to a composite material part (2) of the carbon-epoxy type, comprising a step to degrade the glued interface between the metallic part (3) and the composite material part (2). The metallic part (3) and the composite material part (2) are electrically connected to a dc electrical voltage generator so that an electrical potential difference can be applied to them to generate partial discharges in the glued interface to degrade the interface.

Abstract: Apparatuses for converting a non-ionized gas stream into an ionized gas stream are disclosed. Disclosed apparatus include an ionizing wire electrode at least partially disposed within and stationary relative to a channel. A frame has plural support elements for supporting the ionizing wire. The frame is configured to make full rotations around the channel in a first rotation direction while applying tension to the ionizing wire. The support elements are configured to physically remove material from the ionizing wire while the support elements are moved along the wire by the frame rotation.

Abstract: Air disinfection device using ozone for killing bacteria and viruses with ozone recombination unit, comprising a housing (10), a fan (20), an ozone generator (50) included in the housing (10) and arranged in a separate box (30), the ozone generator (50) is electrically driven by a supply unit (41) connecting a high voltage to the ozone generator (50) to excite corona discharge, wherein a germicidal lamp (40) light is arranged in the box (30), and both the germicidal lamp (40) and the ozone generator (50) are driven by electric pulses having a frequency over 10 KHz, and an ozone recombination unit (60) is arranged behind the box (30) across the airflow passage to neutralize ozone included in the air flow that comprises at least two windings (63, 64) each having at least one surface comprised of respective spaced wires positioned across the airflow path and connected to a supply unit (61) coupling a pulsated high voltage with a repetition frequency over 10 kHz between the windings (63, 64).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for maintaining battery cycle life for battery-powered electric vehicles. Current battery-powered electric vehicles such as automobiles and trucks suffer from short cycle lifes of their batteries, meaning that these vehicles' batteries will become unusable well before the normal useful life of combustion engine powered vehicles. Owners of vehicles using my system will enjoy vehicles with acceptable ranges, acquisition and operating costs, yet will enjoy battery lifes as long or as longer than the useful life of combustion engine vehicles.

Abstract: A portable rechargeable personal ionic air purifier energizing a personal airspace and cleaning particulate pollutants therefrom provides removable attachment of ion emitter and housing subassemblies by magnetic attraction, provides an electrically grounded conductive member external to the housing that releasably clips a lanyard or article of clothing, includes a decorative surround and provides an external ground plate for use with a desktop mount, armband or other accessory.

Abstract: Provided herein are approaches for in-situ plasma cleaning of ion beam optics. In one approach, a system includes a component (e.g., a beam-line component) of an ion implanter processing chamber. The system further includes a power supply for supplying a first voltage and first current to the component during a processing mode and a second voltage and second current to the component during a cleaning mode. The second voltage and current are applied to one or more conductive beam optics of the component, individually, to selectively generate plasma around one or more of the one or more conductive beam optics. The system may further include a flow controller for adjusting an injection rate of an etchant gas supplied to the beam-line component, and a vacuum pump for adjusting pressure of an environment of the beam-line component.

Abstract: An ion generating device (1) includes discharge electrodes (21?22) each having a plurality of electrically conductive members (25?26) which form respective tip surfaces (36?37). A longer dimension direction of the tip surfaces (36?37) is nonparallel to an air sending direction (A). This allows for efficient release of ions.

Abstract: An ion generating device (1) includes: a discharge electrode (21,22), protruding from a surface of the ion generating device, for generating ions by electric discharge, the discharge electrode having (i) a tip part (31) including a brush-like electrically conductive member and (ii) a base end part (33) to which the brush-like electrically conductive member is attached, and the base end part protruding from the surface of the ion generating device for a length (L2) that is longer than a length (L1) of the tip part.

Abstract: A plasma sterilization apparatus includes a voltage-applying unit that applies a voltage to a sterilization target having conductivity; a pair of electrodes that apply, in a discharged state, the voltage applied by the voltage-applying unit to the sterilization target via a dielectric; and a position changing unit that changes a relative position between the pair of electrodes and the sterilization target.

Abstract: A camera module includes a lens unit containing a lens, a holding member provided with an image sensor and an engaging member of cured resin. At least a part of the engaging member includes a surface that intersects with a direction of an optical axis of the lens and the lens unit and the holding member are engaged with each other on the surface.

Abstract: A fabric-based electronic device may include an electronic device housing coupled to fabric. Control circuitry may be mounted in the electronic device housing and may control the movement of an output device in the fabric that provides tactile output to a user. For example, the output device may include a wire enclosed within a flexible tube. The flexible tube may be intertwined with fibers in the fabric. The wire may include a kink or other irregularity that presses against the inner surface of the flexible tube. When the wire is rotated or moved into an appropriate position, the kink may press against the inner surface of the tube, which in turn forms a protrusion on the fabric. The protrusion may press against the user's body and may therefore be used to obtain the attention of a user that is wearing or holding the fabric-based electronic device.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a radiation generator configured to output radiation using electrical power received from a power supply. A first portion of the radiation is emitted into a surrounding sub-surface formation. The downhole tool also includes a radiation detector coupled proximate the radiation generator. The radiation detector includes a micromesh gaseous detector, and the radiation detector is configured to output a measurement signal based at least in part on interaction between a second portion of the radiation output by the radiation generator and the radiation detector. Additionally, the downhole tool includes a control system communicatively coupled to the radiation generator and the radiation detector. The control system is configured to determine measured characteristics of the radiation output from the radiation generator based at least in part on the measurement signal and to control operation of the radiation generator based at least in part on the measured characteristics.

Abstract: A combustion test system includes a power source and a corona generator coupled to the power source. The combustion test system also includes a charge storage device. The charge storage device includes a charging surface spaced apart from the corona generator such that charge carriers, motivated by an electric field of the corona generator, intersect the charging surface to charge the charge storage device. The combustion test system also includes a first electrode coupled to the charge storage device and a second electrode coupled to a reference ground. The second electrode is spaced apart from the first electrode to produce an electrical arc between the first electrode and the second electrode based on a voltage difference between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A spray area in which a large number of droplets of a liquid sample sprayed from a spray nozzle is separated from the tip of a needle electrode for corona discharge by a sufficiently large distance, with a grid electrode facing the needle electrode placed in between. Ring electrodes for creating an electric field which drives primary ions that should react with the sample and generate sample-derived ions are provided within an ion chamber between the grid electrode and the spray area. Primary ions generated by corona discharge within the space between the needle electrode and the grid electrode pass through the opening of the grid electrode, reach the spray area under the effect of the electric field, and ionize sample components. Since the droplets are prevented from adhering to the needle electrode, the corona discharge is maintained in a stable state.

Abstract: Provided is an air conditioner having an ion generation device, the ion generation device including a main body including an electrode structure that includes a discharge electrode and a ground electrode, a coupling part disposed on at least one surface of the main body, the coupling part being coupled to the case, and an ion discharge part disposed on the main body to discharge the ions generated when a high voltage is applied to the electrode structure.

Abstract: In one example, a method for calibrating a position of a charge roller is described. The method may include a processor positioning a first end of a charge roller to a first plurality of index positions, determining a capacitance between the charge roller and a photoconductor imaging plate at each of the first plurality of index positions, determining a first index position of the first plurality of index positions with a greatest change in capacitance, and calibrating a position of the charge roller based upon the first index position.

Abstract: A one-pot process for the electroless-plating of silver onto graphite powder is disclosed. No powder pretreatment steps for the graphite, which typically require filtration, washing or rinsing, are required. The inventive process comprises mixing together three reactant compositions in water: an aqueous graphite activation composition comprising graphite powder and a functional silane, a silver-plating composition comprising a silver salt and a silver complexing agent, and a reducing agent composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for a self-cleaning ion generator that includes a self-cleaning ion generator device that includes a bottom portion, a top portion, and a sidewall, and at least one electrode extending from the top portion, and a cleaning apparatus for cleaning the at least one electrode.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a corona discharge assembly, an ion mobility spectrometer and a corona discharge method. The corona discharge assembly includes at least one corona discharge unit, wherein, the corona discharge unit includes a pair of corona metal wires arranged in parallel, and pulses having the same amplitude but opposite polarities are applied to the corona metal wires arranged in parallel, respectively. The present disclosure can generate more reactive ions than corona needles or tips, facilitate improving sensitivity of the ion mobility spectrometer, and effectively prolong service life of a corona source to 3-10 years.

Abstract: A system for a downhole tool includes an X-ray generator that outputs X-ray radiation into a surrounding sub-surface formation using electrical power received from a power supply and a detector device adjacent the X-ray generator. The detector device includes a first detector with a first radiation sensitivity that outputs a first measurement signal based on interaction between a first portion of the X-ray radiation and the first detector. The detector device also includes a second detector with a second radiation sensitivity adjacent the first detector, where the second detector outputs a second measurement signal based on interaction between a second portion of the X-ray radiation and the second detector.

Abstract: A module has a first layer with a plurality of transistors mounted thereon. Circuit traces are configured to communicate current between the transistors outwardly of the module. A second layer is in operable communication with the first layer. A third layer is in operable communication with the second layer. A baseplate is in grounded communication with the third layer. A plurality of ribs are positioned between the third layer and the baseplate. The module is configured to allow fluid to flow between the third layer and the baseplate and around the plurality of ribs. A motor drive and a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for sensing ammonia in a breath sample. The method comprises conditioning the breath sample so that the conditioned breath sample has a relative humidity greater than a relative humidity corresponding to a first inflection point of a downwardly concave lowest ammonia iso-concentration curve. It also comprises contacting the conditioned breath sample with an interactant that interacts with the ammonia in the conditioned breath sample, wherein the interaction causes a change in an optical characteristic in relation to the amount of the ammonia in the breath sample. It further comprises using the change in the optical characteristic to sense the ammonia in the breath sample. Related apparatuses are also provided.

Abstract: A robotic floor cleaning device that contains a cleaning fluid reservoir to store cleaning fluid and uses ultrasonic oscillators to vaporize the cleaning fluid. Vapor is delivered via nozzles to a work surface to remove debris therefrom.

Abstract: The invention concerns an aerosol charger having electrical discharge comprising: a body (2); an ion source (3) comprising two electrodes (31, 32); the charger being characterized in that the body (2) and at least a first electrode (32) of the ion source (3) are aligned along a same axis of longitudinal symmetry (AA?) of the charger, the body (2) surrounding the first electrode (32) in such a way as to define an area (5) for an aerosol to flow between a space defined between the body (2) and the first electrode (32); and in that the first electrode (32) comprises a hole (321) in communication with the area (5) for the aerosol (Ae) to flow, the hole (321) being designed to allow ions formed at the ion source (3) to pass therethrough in order for them to mix with an aerosol (Ae) flowing in the area (5) for the aerosol (Ae) to flow.

Abstract: A corona discharger includes a discharge wire and holding portions for holding the discharge wire at longitudinal opposite end portions thereof. The discharge wire comprises a base material of metal, and a surface layer of the material comprises carbon on a part thereof. The discharge wire includes a coated region coated with the surface layer, and non-coated regions at opposite sides of the coated region with respect to the longitudinal direction of the discharge wire. Opposite end portions of the discharge wire are in the non-coated regions.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a cleaning portion has a discharge pipe that guides toner that has been collected from a peripheral surface of a photoreceptor drum as waste toner to the outside of a process unit. The discharge pipe is drawn from a side surface of the process unit and includes at a tip portion a discharge port that discharges the waste toner. A restricting portion is arranged on a side surface of the discharge pipe, between a position corresponding to an insertion port and the discharge port, and restricts a flow of air moving from the discharge port to the insertion port. The insertion port is provided on a same surface as the side surface of the process unit from which the discharge pipe is drawn. And the insertion port is configured to be inserted by a cleaning tool for the electrode.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a position adjustment mechanism is provided for automatically adjusting the position of an electrode relative to a ground roller in a corona treatment apparatus. The position adjustment mechanism is capable of detecting thickened areas in a web of material that is being treated and automatically adjusting the air gap to maintain the quality of the surface treatment of the web.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a fixing member, a pressing member, a charger and an air discharging device. The fixing member is rotatably provided and heated by a heat source. The pressing member is rotatably provided and brought into pressure contact with the fixing member to form a fixing nip through which a sheet having a toner image is passed. The charger is disposed to oppose to the fixing member and applies an electric charge of the same polarity as a toner constituting the toner image to a surface of the fixing member. The air discharging device discharges an air flow passed between the fixing member and the charger via a filter.

Abstract: A self-cleaning linear ionizer with at least one ionizing electrode, at least one electrode-cleaner, and at least two spool assemblies is disclosed. The electrode has opposing ends and defines an axial working length with a surface that produces an ion cloud and develops degradation products with use. Although the working length of the electrode is stationary, the electrode is movable. The electrode-cleaner is also stationary and selectively engages the electrode along its working length. The opposing ends of the electrode are fixed to the opposing spool assemblies which selectively move the ionizing electrode such that the electrode-cleaner removes at least some of the surface degradation products from the electrode during movement. Methods of using the disclosed ionizer have self-cleaning and ionization modes of operation, which may occur cyclically, alternately, or simultaneously, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a first fixing member, a second fixing member, and a charge application portion. The first fixing member contacts unfixed toner on a sheet conveyed along a conveyance path. The second fixing member forms a nip portion between itself and the first fixing member such that the sheet passes through the nip portion. The charge application portion applies an electric charge to the unfixed toner on the sheet and to an outer circumferential surface of the first fixing member at a region on an upstream side of the nip portion in a movement direction of the outer circumferential surface, by causing a corona discharge to be generated between a discharge electrode and a counter electrode that are disposed apart from the outer circumferential surface of the first fixing member.

Abstract: To provide a charging device which can be reduced in size and increased in speed while suppressing the occurrence of charging irregularities on the surface of the photosensitive drum, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a corona charger, first and second supporting members for supporting the corona charger on the respective sides of the corona charger with respect to the circumferential direction of a photosensitive member, and first and second urging portions for urging a shield of the corona charger in the first and second supporting members. The first urging portion and the second urging portion urge the shield at non-opposing positions relative to each other with respect to a longitudinal direction of the corona charger. The image forming apparatus enables suppression of charging non-uniformity due to vibration of the corona charger without impairing motion of a grid cleaning member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning contaminant byproducts off of ionizing wire electrodes in ionizing blowers are disclosed. Disclosed apparatus include a housing with a gas-flow channel, an stationary ionizing wire, and a rotatable frame with supports for resiliently supporting the stationary ionizing wire within the channel. The ionizing wire produces charge carriers and has a surface that develops a layer of contaminant byproducts when an ionizing signal is applied thereto. The frame is rotatably mounted such that the supports clean the layer of contaminant byproducts off of the surface of the ionizing wire when the frame is rotated. Disclosed methods include providing an ionizing signal to the ionizing wire to thereby produce charge carriers and rotating the frame relative to the housing to thereby clean contaminant byproducts off of the ionizing wire.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning contaminant byproducts off of ionizing wire electrodes in ionizing blowers are disclosed. Disclosed apparatus include a housing with a gas-flow channel, an stationary ionizing wire, and a rotatable frame with supports for resiliently supporting the stationary ionizing wire within the channel. The ionizing wire produces charge carriers and has a surface that develops a layer of contaminant byproducts when an ionizing signal is applied thereto. The frame is rotatably mounted such that the supports clean the layer of contaminant byproducts off of the surface of the ionizing wire when the frame is rotated. Disclosed methods include providing an ionizing signal to the ionizing wire to thereby produce charge carriers and rotating the frame relative to the housing to thereby clean contaminant byproducts off of the ionizing wire.

Abstract: Provided is an image forming apparatus including an image forming section that forms a toner image according to image data on a transported recording medium, a reforming section that generates a polar group on a first surface of the recording medium on which the toner image is formed, and a control section that sets target regions on the first surface of the recording medium in order in a transport direction and controls a strength of reforming processing to be a reference strength which is set for the recording medium with respect to the target region of a non-image section.

Abstract: Electronic air cleaners for use in heating, air-conditioning, and ventilation (HVAC) systems and associated methods and systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an electronic air cleaner (100, 200, 300) includes one or more collecting electrodes (122, 322) having a collection material with a porous, open-cell structure and a conductive internal portion (125, 325). The collection material can be configured to collect and receive charged particulate matter in an airflow path. After a period of time, used collection material can be removed from individual collecting electrodes (122, 322) and replaced with new collection material.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for cleaning a corona discharge point are described. A controller (150) can be operatively coupled to a corona discharge point (108) to control the operation of the corona discharge point (1089. The controller (150) and the corona discharge point (108) can be included with, for example, an ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) system (100). The controller (150) can be used to operate the corona discharge point (108) at an operating voltage for a first time interval, with or without an additional higher pulse voltage, to produce a corona discharge, and to operate the corona discharge point (108) at a cleaning voltage greater than the operating voltage for a second time interval subsequent to the first time interval to produce a corona discharge.

Abstract: A holding module includes a photoreceptor configured to hold an electrostatic latent image on a surface thereof, a charging electrode that extends in a width direction of the photoreceptor and is configured to charge the surface of the photoreceptor, the charging electrode including a base portion and a discharging portion disposed between the base portion and the photoreceptor and from which electricity is discharged towards the photoreceptor, and a holding unit that holds the charging electrode and deforms the charging electrode, such that a distance between the discharging portion and the surface of the photoreceptor is different along the width direction of the photoreceptor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a corona discharge assembly, including: an ionization discharge chamber, wherein the ionization discharge chamber includes a metal corona cylinder, and the metal corona cylinder is provided with an inlet of a gas to be analyzed and an annular piece-shaped port which forms a non-uniform electric field with corona pins and is provided with a circular hole at the middle; a rotating shaft is installed on the cylinder wall of the metal corona cylinder in an insulating manner, the rotating shaft is vertical to the axial line of the metal corona cylinder, and a turntable provided with multiple corona pins at the outer edge is installed at the end part of the rotating shaft the axial line of the metal corona cylinder passes in parallel through the rotation plane of the turntable. The present invention further discloses an ion mobility spectrometer using the above-mentioned corona discharge assembly.

Abstract: Ionizing bars for delivering charged carriers to charge neutralization target objects may include an ion emitter for establishing an ion cloud of charge carriers in response to application of an ionizing voltage. Disclosed bars may also include a reference electrode that presents a non-ionizing electric field to urge ions to move away from the ion emitter. The disclosed bars may also include a manifold. The manifold may receive and divide gas into plural gas streams directed past the ion emitter in a pattern to thereby urge charge carriers toward the target. The manifold may have plural apertures with nozzled inserts received therein. At least some of the inserts may have at least one aperture through which gas may flow and the nozzle inserts may collectively direct the divided gas streams away from the manifold and toward the target in one or more predetermined patterns.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surface dielectric barrier discharge plasma unit. The unit comprises a solid dielectric structure provided with an interior space wherein an interior electrode is arranged. Further, the unit comprises a further electrode for generating in concert with the interior electrode a surface dielectric barrier discharge plasma. The unit is also provided with a gas flow path along a surface of the structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a static elimination device which is used for a stacker with a fan filter device. Characterize in that the static elimination device is provided at the end side of each shelf facing the fan filter device in the stacker. Said end side is opposite to the end side of the shelf which a cartridge moves in and out. Two ends of the static elimination device are free to rotate and connected to shelf holders at said end side. Under the action of the fan filter device blowing the airflow, the ions, which are used to eliminate the static, are blown from the static elimination device into the cartridge of the shelf and the surface of the glass substrate on the cartridge. The present invention further provides a stacker. The stacker and the static elimination device according to the present invention can effectively eliminate the static of the cartridge and the glass substrate surface in the same, which can decrease the equipment costs.

Abstract: A system and method comprising an ion production chamber having a plasma source disposed in said chamber, a harvest gas disposed to flow through the chamber from an inlet to an outlet, and a jet, said jet operable to introduce a sample into the harvest gas flow. In some embodiments the system includes using helium as the harvest gas. Certain embodiments include introducing a sample perpendicular to the harvest gas flow and using multiple sample introduction jets to increase mixing efficiency. The charge sample may be coupled to a MEMS-based electrometer.

Abstract: A device for purifying a fluid is disclosed. The aforesaid device comprises: (a) a passage adapted for conducting a flow of the fluid, said passage provided with input and output openings; (b) a plurality of elongate members coated with a titanium oxide disposed within the passage; (c) fastening means for mechanically fixating terminals of the elongate members within the passage; (d) at least one source of ultraviolet radiation adapted for illuminating the elongate members; (e) pumping means adapted for generating the fluid flow through the passage from the input opening to the output opening. The fastening means comprises at least two fasteners. Each fastener comprises two mutually orthogonal spaced apart pluralities of parallel rods. The rods are adapted for restricting lateral displacement of the elongate members.

Abstract: In an ion generator, a flexible discharge electrode 44 composed of one wire is provided to a base 43, and a turning motion of a free end 44b of the discharge electrode 44 about a fixed end 44a of the discharge electrode 44 is performed by repulsive force of a corona discharge generated by supplying a high voltage to the fixed end 44a. Therefore, in comparison with a discharge electrode composed of a bundle of thin wires, it is possible to significantly reduce dust emission from the free end 44b of the discharge electrode 44, and to further improve the ion generator 30 in maintenance interval. Since the discharge electrode 44 is compose of one wire, it is possible to reduce the discharge electrode 44 in size, easily observe the state of the discharge electrode 44, and simplify its maintenance. Since the discharge electrode 44 performs a turning motion, it is possible to transport the generated air ions EI to a wide area of a packaging film 10, and to enhance ionizing efficiency.

Abstract: Superior hydroxyls are provided which have effects on organic and inorganic compounds and/or pollutants over substantial periods of time and/or at substantial distances from where the superior hydroxyls are generated. Also provided is a hydroxyl generator, in which UV-lamps are positioned such that the coronas which they produce when emitting UV-radiation fill substantially all of the interior space of the hydroxyl generator. The coronas overlap each other by a maximum amount of between 5% and 25% of the radius of each corona.

Abstract: Provided is an air supply tube including an inlet port that takes in air, an outlet port that is arranged opposite a portion of an elongated target structure in a longitudinal direction, to which air taken in from the inlet port is to be supplied, and has an elongated opening shape, a channel portion in which a channel space for allowing air to flow between the inlet port and the outlet port is formed, and plural suppressing portions that suppress the flow of air, wherein the plural suppressing portions include at least a most downstream suppressing portion, a first upstream suppressing portion that is provided in a part initially located on the upstream side in the air flow direction, and a gap regulating portion that forms an extended gap at the same interval.

Abstract: Method for increasing the adhesive power of a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer having an upper and a lower surface, wherein at least one surface of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is subjected to a physical process, said physical process being selected from among the group comprising corona discharge, dielectric barrier discharge, preliminary flame treatment, or plasma treatment.