Abstract: Apparatus and method for efficiently and economically reducing and removing static charge from a surface of a dielectric material. One device is a window assembly comprising a window having an outer surface and a perimeter. The outer surface comprises a dielectric material. A frame is around the window and houses the perimeter. The frame has an outer surface which terminates along the outer surface of the window at a border. At least one corona point is attached to the window assembly proximate the border. Means for grounding the corona point is in electrical communication with the corona point. The number of corona points required to dissipate the static charge is minimized by a method that locates arc attracting regions and installs the corona points proximate these regions. Also provided are a corona point assembly and a kit comprising (1) the corona point assembly and (2) means for attaching the corona point assembly to the frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for protecting against lightning. An atmospheric potential tapping member is disposed for this purpose in the atmospheric field prone to lightning to collect a voltage (U.sub.c) which, before there is a real threat of the lightning striking, has a value which remains within a lower voltage range (U.sub.b) a capacitor is progressively charged with the voltage U.sub.c and a few tens of microseconds before there is a real threat of the lightning striking a given place, the atmospheric field will undergo a sudden increase and will therefore influence, relatively in the same way, the voltage collected which will rise up to and into a range (U.sub.h) of voltages greater than that (U.sub.b) where it was situated up to then. This potential gradient is detected with respect to time, and the evolution of the potential gradient (dv/dt) detected with respect to time is monitored in this upper range (U.sub.h) of voltages.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for protecting an in-air vehicle from damage due to the craft sustaining a lightning strike. It is an extremely simple device consisting of a sacrificial graphite composite rod 40, approximately the diameter of a pencil with a length of about five inches. The sacrificial rod 40 is constructed with the graphite fibers running axially within the rod in a manner that best provides a path of conduction axially from the trailing edge of an aircraft to the trailing end of the rod. Sacrificial rod 40 is inserted into an attachment hole 32, machined into trailing edges of aircraft flight surfaces, such as vertical fin cap 31, and attached with adhesive in a manner not prohibiting the conduction path between the rod 40 and aircraft 10. The trailing end of rod 40 may be tapered for aerodynamic and esthetic requirements. This rod is sacrificial but has the capability to sustain several lightning strikes and still provide protection.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing static electricity comprises(a) electrically conductive cable means having tips spaced therealong to dispense ions in response to voltage application to the cable means,(b) the cable means defining cable extents each of which is flexible and includes elongated metallic extent to which voltage is applicable,(c) and needles having shanks extending adjacent the cable metallic extent to make sideward electrical contact therewith so as to receive voltage application, the needles defining the tips openly exposed outwardly of the cable extents to dispense ions into the atmosphere near the cable means,(d) at least certain of the needles having surfaces at said tips consisting of tungsten or tungsten alloy for dispensing positive ions without corroding.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing static electricity comprises:(a) electrically conductive cable means having tips spaced therealong to dispense ions in response to voltage application to the cable means,(b) the cable means defining cable extents each of which is flexible and includes elongated metallic core extent to which voltage is applicable, protective sleeve extent on and extending about the core extent, the sleeve defining a wall,(c) and needles having shanks extending through said wall extents and extending adjacent the core extents to make sideward electrical contact therewith so as to receive voltage application, the needles defining the tips openly exposed outwardly of the cable extents to dispense ions into the atmosphere near the cable means,(d) at least certain of the needles having surfaces at said tips consisting of tungsten or tungsten alloy for dispensing positive ions without corroding.

Abstract: A static discharge device for preventing an electrostatic shock comprising a conductive body to be grounded to the ground body, a resistance element contacting with the conductive body and having a resistance value to restrict a current value when the conductive body is contact with the ground body by the person, and an insulating material provided between the conductive body and the contacting portion held by the person so as to elongate a creeping distance between the conductive body and the human body.

Abstract: An apparatus for stimulating removal of electrolytic energy from fluids, including a probe-like member incorporating a tube of length for extending into the hot water heater or other vessel, a mounting member provided at one end of the tube for securing with the vessel, the tube being formed of conductive material, and a rod secured onto the surface of the tube, extending longitudinally thereof, preferably in a helical pattern, and with both said rod and tube being formed of conductive material for eliminating electrostatic or electrolytic charge from the water within the vessel; a modification incorporates a tube having a pair of spacers provided proximate each end, for elevating the tube from any surface upon which it rests, the spacers being of nonconductive material, the tube being of conductive material, and having a sleeve provided at one end so that a series of said tubes can be secured together for extension of the conductive member in dependence upon the size of the water handling equipment being tre

Abstract: A computer terminal support and hand rest to be placed on a desk top and interposed between the computer terminal and a computer operator as well as being interposed between the computer terminal and the desk top. The computer terminal support provides a hand rest for supporting the hands of the computer operator both during use of the computer terminal and during rest intervals. In a preferred embodiment, the support also includes a conductive portion for draining static charges from the computer terminal operator to prevent circuit damage and erroneous command signals to the computer and to prevent electrical shock to the operator.Several embodiments of the support are disclosed including alternate structures for providing a static discharge path, alternate structures for supporting the hands and alternate structures for supporting the computer terminal.

Abstract: A computer terminal support and hand rest to be placed on a desk top and interposed between the computer terminal and a computer operator as well as being interposed between the computer terminal and the desk top. The computer terminal support provides a hand rest for supporting the hands of the computer operator both during use of the computer terminal and during rest intervals. In a preferred embodiment, the support also includes a conductive portion for draining static charges from the computer terminal operator to prevent circuit damage and erroneous command signals to the computer and to prevent electrical shock to the operator.Several embodiments of the support are disclosed including alternate structures for providing a static discharge path, alternate structures for supporting the hands and alternate structures for supporting the computer terminal.

Abstract: A computer terminal support and hand rest to be placed on a desk top and interposed between the computer terminal and a computer operator as well as being interposed between the computer terminal and the desk top. The computer terminal support provides a hand rest for supporting the hands of the computer operator both during use of the computer terminal and during rest intervals. In a preferred embodiment, the support also includes a conductive portion for draining static charges from the computer terminal operator to prevent circuit damage and erroneous command signals to the computer and to prevent electrical shock to the operator.Several embodiments of the support are disclosed including alternate structures for providing a static discharge path, alternate structures for supporting the hands and alternate structures for supporting the computer terminal.

Abstract: A flush, zero drag discharger system for dissipating static electric charges from surfaces of high performance aircraft and similar vehicles which is capable of withstanding a severe lightning environment without substantial degradation of the system. The discharger system includes a configuration of the vehicle secondary structure into non-electrically conductive areas, conductive high corona threshold areas, and controlled low corona threshold electrostatic discharge areas which are protected from the detrimental effects of lightning by the utilization of ionization-type lightning diverters.

Abstract: Apparatus to reduce static electricity in a work zone comprises:(a) a first electrically conductive cable having tips spaced therealong to dispense positive ions in response to positive voltage application to the first cable,(b) a second electrically conductive cable having tips spaced therealong to dispense negative ions in response to negative voltage application to the second cable,(c) the cables located with adjusted separations from one another so that static electricity at or proximate the work is reduced to acceptable levels, and(d) there being spacers located along the lengths of the cables and holding the cables at said adjusted separations.

Abstract: A static charge discharge device for an electrostatic copying machine comprises a set of spaced, bowed, resilient, sheet metal straps which straddle across and engage the uppermost sheet of the stack. The bowed portion of the straps discharge static charges on the uppermost sheet during the feeding of the paper into the corona device.

Abstract: A device for discharging an electrostatic field in a dry cleaning washer positions a source of radioactive material from which electrons flow in a fluid path in said washer, a grounded receiving antenna is arranged in spaced relation to said radioactive material.

Abstract: A grounding device for discharging a charged helicopter or the like comprs, in one embodiment, a nylon or Teflon.RTM. stringer having a metal weight at one end and a metal connector at the other. A plurality of spherical, graded resistance conductive ceramic beads and conductive points are strung on the stringer to form a flexible self-cleaning discharge device.

Abstract: A static electric neutralizer has a supporting bar in the form of a channel the width of which is about three times that of the cable which extends lengthwise thereof. Discharge devices are mounted on the cable as are supporting and spacing insulators, one between each two discharge devices and each connected to the channel to hold the cable in place with the discharge points equidistant from the side walls thereof and exposed between them.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharger has a stem of high electric resistivity faste at one end to an aircraft body and secured at its other end to an enlarged head provided with a sharp circular charge-emitting edge in a plane perpendicular to the stem axis. The edge, bounded by two annular surfaces converging at an acute angle with a radius of curvature of the order of 0.05 mm, may project radially or axially from the head and in either case has a diameter greatly exceeding that of the stem.

Abstract: A process for reproducing graphic information wherein a magnetic image is formed in a premagnetized layer of acicular chromium dioxide by heating the chromium dioxide selectively to above its Curie point. Ferromagnetic toner particles are then applied uniformly to the chromium dioxide layer, so as to adhere only in the magnetized areas. The toner particles are electrostatically transferred to a substrate and fused into position. Alternating current coronas or other static neutralizing devices are used to neutralize unwanted charges on toner particles which would otherwise cause fuzzy images and unwanted background markings on the final copies.

Abstract: A static eliminator having an electrical cable for providing a corona field that is discharged by capacitors each having a body and an emitter electrode formed indivisible and as unitary parts of each other and wherein the housing of such eliminator cooperates with the capacitor structures so as to enable them to be quickly and easily assembled in such manner that if, and when, it is desired to vary the discharge at the electrodes, the same may be accomplished by the use of a metallic sleeve or band cooperating with the cable and capacitor.

Abstract: The proposed electrostatic discharger comprises a corona electrode and a resistive element, which are secured in an insulating bush so that the corona electrode extends outward from the insulating bush, a mount electrically connected to the corona electrode and the resistive element, and an annular electrode enveloping the insulating bush, electrically connected to the corona electrode and defining an ionization gap between it and the mount. The proposed electrostatic discharger ensures reliable protection of aircraft structural elements against repeated lightning strikes and, as its basic purpose, reduces electrostatic interferences to airborne radio communication facilities.

Abstract: A static discharger for use on aircraft includes an elongated nylon body, and an internal resistance element is in the form of a fiber glass rod having conductive coating thereon received within an elongated opening formed in the body. The remote end of the conductive rod is mechanically and electrically bonded to a transversely oriented tungsten corona discharge needle, while the inner end of the rod is mechanically and electrically connected to a mounting base portion through a spring arrangement by means of which the differences in thermal coefficients of expansion between the body and the rod are accommodated. In one embodiment a stainless steel coil spring is used, and in another embodiment, the spring takes the form of a block of conductive rubber. A lighting diverter strip is formed along an outside surface of the nylon body.

Abstract: A device to discharge substrates loaded with static electricity by means of an electric glow discharge generated between isolated high voltage electrodes and exposed needle electrodes connected to a grounded collector bar is characterized by the fact that the high voltage electrodes are formed as concentric closed rings conductively connected to each other and disposed in spaced coaxial relationship with the needle electrodes. The grounded collector bar is formed as a hollow chamber into which compressed air may be introduced and directed into the space between the ring electrodes and the needle electrodes associated therewith to perform a cleaning operation and aid in directing ions toward the substrate to be discharged.

Abstract: A structure affording ease of manufacture and assembly for a static eliminator of the type including an insulated conductor adapted for attachment to a source of high alternating voltage and a plurality of conductive members disposed along the cable insulation and including outwardly projecting needles capacitively coupled to the conductor to afford neutralization of static electrical charges in an area adjacent the needles. The conductive members are formed from a single thin piece of sheet metal and each comprises a channel generally U-shaped in cross section and having an inner surface adapted to engage the periphery of the insulation, with the needle being a U-shaped portion of the sheet metal bent to project away from the channel .