Abstract: Methods of forming electrostatically charged gelatin are provided. Gelatin is extracted by an acid extraction method (12) thereby producing a gelatin dispersion (14), the pH of which is adjusted to the isoelectric point of the gelatin. The pH of the gelatin dispersion (14) is then further adjusted (22) so as to cause the gelatin to assume an electrostatic charge.

Abstract: A polymer material comprising channels whose temperature-independent conductivity exceeds 106 S/cm is used to form conductive films. Conduction takes place through threads and channels passing through the film which is otherwise a dielectric. The film is produced by first depositing a macromolecular polymer substance on a substrate. During preparation, the substance is preferably in a viscous liquid state. Stable free electrons (polarons) are then created by ionizing the substance. This is assisted by exposure to UV radiation and the presence of strong polar groups in the polymer. Various enrichment techniques, such as applying a strong electric field, are then used to join the superpolarons together into conductive threads within the medium. To stabilize the positions of the threads, the medium then may be solidified, preferably by cooling it below its glass transition point or inducing cross-linking between the macromolecules. The film may be a membrane.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a corona charging device having a powder feed with an outlet. The device has an internal charging cavity having an inlet and a charged powder outlet. The powder feed outlet is positioned at the internal charging cavity inlet. The device is adapted to guide a powder stream downstream from the powder feed outlet to the charged powder outlet. The device also includes a corona charger having one or more needle projections (each having a tip) positioned and adapted to facilitate a corona ion flow from the needle projections and intersecting the powder stream. The device also includes a rotating ground electrode adapted to be charged or grounded to attract the corona flow from the needle projections, and to rotate segments of the ground electrode between the internal charging cavity and a ground electrode cleaner.

Abstract: An improved air ionizer apparatus includes an air inlet, a high voltage source, an electrode electrically connected to the high voltage source for generating ions and an air outlet. An air mover is provided for causing air to flow into the air ionizer through the air inlet and out of the air ionizer through the air outlet. A foraminous filter comprising an electrically conductive material is electrically coupled to at least one of a voltage source and ground. The filter is positioned over at least one of the air inlet, the air outlet and the electrode, such that air flowing into the air inlet, air flowing out of the air outlet or air flowing past the electrode flows through the filter. In a preferred embodiment, the filter comprises a metal grid or screen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for volume-specific treatment of ground and plants as required. The aim of the invention is to improve a method and system as above, such that the distribution of plants is scanned with complete spatial coverage and the treatment of the ground or plant condition is efficiently controlled, by simultaneously taking account of morphological, plant physiological, equipment performance and specific local properties.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the illustrative method defines an engine cycle comprising several state changes that allow for a net gain of energy from an underlying source force field. The potential for a net energy gain via the method results from the discovery that a Casimir force system can be rendered non-conservative. This is done by appropriately altering one or more of a variety of physical factors that affect the Casimir force, or by altering any of a variety of environmental factors that affect such physical factors. In various embodiments, the extracted energy is stored, used to power energy-consuming devices or used to actuate a micromechanical device. In one embodiment, the method is implemented using an energy extraction apparatus that comprises two spaced Casimir force-generating boundaries that are operatively coupled to an energy transformation system. The energy transformation system includes a first device that is operable to alter at least one physical factor of the system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for modulating the direction and magnitude of the Casimir force between two bodies. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, a repulsive Casimir force is generated by placing two bodies in near-proximity to one another. For one of the bodies, dielectric properties predominate; for the other, magnetic properties predominate. The arrangement further includes a device that alters the dielectric or magnetic properties of the bodies. By altering the dielectric or magnetic properties, the repulsive Casimir force can be made to decrease, then vanish, then reappear as an attractive force. Modulating the Casimir force in such a manner can be used to control stiction in MEMS devices and to accelerate particles, among many other applications.

Abstract: A small quantity of electron attaching gas is introduced into the corona region of an electrical ionizer to stabilize the corona in the otherwise electron non-attaching nitrogen gas. The corona region is closely localized at emitter points so the quantity of electron attaching gas is very small. Clean-dry-air is preferably used as the purge gas but other gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide may be used. The small quantity of electron attaching gas may be introduced either through a hollow needle emitter or an external purge gas (sleeve about the needle, or by using a gas purge nozzle).

Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus comprising a mask; a pellicle spacer, the pellicle spacer attached to the mask; and an electrostatic pellicle system, the electrostatic pellicle system attached to the pellicle spacer.

Abstract: An ionizer creates a corona current distribution having a balanced flow of positive and negative ions in a variable ion mobility gaseous environment. The balanced flow of positive and negative ions are directed toward a workspace or target located in the gaseous environment and downstream from the ionizer. The ionizer includes a corona electrode, a counterelectrode, a corona-free dc bias electrode, and a control circuit. The corona electrode has a negative polarity. The counterelectrode has an ion collecting surface. The corona-free dc bias electrode has a positive polarity. The control circuit controls the output of the corona-free electrode so as to cause a balanced flow of positive and negative ions to be emitted from the ionizer and directed towards the workspace or target. In this manner, a static-free environment is created at the workspace or target.

Abstract: Magnetic particles for charging means disposed in contact with an electrophotographic photosensitive member for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member based on a voltage applied thereto are provided as particles of a ferrite component represented by the following formula (1): (Fe2O3)X(A)Y(B)Z  (1), wherein A denotes at least one metal oxide component selected from the group consisting of Li2O, MnO and MgO, B denotes at least one metal oxide component different from A; X, Y and Z denote numbers representing mol ratios and satisfying the following conditions: 0.2<X<0.95, 0.01<Y<0.5, X+Y≦1, and 0≦Z<0.79. The magnetic particles show an excellent charging performance, particularly in injection charging, without causing a difficulty, such as soiling or pinhole leakage of the photosensitive member.

Abstract: A deployable lightning protection apparatus particularly suited for use with an aircraft radome comprises; a source of electrically conducting fluid (5); a delivery means (3,4,7) for delivering the conducting fluid to the surface of the radome prior to a lightning strike; a control means (1,2) for controlling the delivery means; and means for directing the conducting fluid across the outer surface of the radome thereby providing a conductive channel for the passage of electrical current resulting from a lightning strike and dissipating said current without damage to the radome. The apparatus allows lightning protection to be deployed in response to a change in atmospheric conditions indicative of a high probability of lightning strike and removed when the danger of lightning strike has passed.

Abstract: An ionizer that creates a corona current distribution having a balanced flow of positive and negative ions in a variable ion mobility gaseous environment, such as an environment of substantially nitrogen. The balanced flow of positive and negative ions is directed toward a workspace or target located in the gaseous environment downstream from the ionizer. The ionizer includes a counterelectrode, a positive ion emitter, a negative ion emitter, and a control circuit. The counterelectrode has at least two spatially isolated collecting surfaces. The positive and negative ion emitters are spatially isolated from each other so that the outputs of each of the emitters do not reach the other emitter.

Abstract: An economical air purification system and process that greatly reduces concentrations of dust and noxious gases to provide for a cleaner and healthier enviroment for people, plants, poultry and other animals. Desirably, the special air purification system and process has a set of modules arranged for emitting overlapping flow patterns of ions. The modules can include parallel arrays of ionizers which are preferably arranged in a matrix or grid pattern. For even better results, the ionizers can comprise self-cleaning ionizers. One or more fans can be spaced from the modules to circulate the ions and air as well as draw influent air through the intake ports and exhaust purified air through the outlet ports. Heaters can also be provided to heat the circulating air.

Abstract: A spray head for a spraying apparatus comprising a body formed as a conduit leading from an inlet end to a discharge end at which it forms a discharge pattern. A high velocity stream of air is injected into the head at its inlet end and flows through the conduit to its discharge end. Adjacent to the discharge end, a rank of injection nozzles injects liquid into the air stream, and adjacent to the nozzles, a rank of electrodes is formed as ports in the wall of the conduit.

Abstract: A method for protecting an exposed surface in an enclosed space, such as a building, medical room, manufacturing space or consultation room, from harmful airborne agents. Airborne agents are charged by exposure to an electrostatically-charged cloud and an electrostatically-charged field is created for electrostatically manipulating the harmful airborne agent away from or toward the exposed surface for protecting the exposed surface from the harmful airborne agent. The harmful airborne agent may be collected on a charged surface, and destroyed by ultraviolet light.

Abstract: An electro-kinetic electrostatic air conditioner includes a mechanism to clean the wire-like electrodes in the first electrode array. A length of flexible Mylar type sheet material projects from the base of the second electrode array towards and beyond the first electrode array. The distal end of each sheet includes a slit that engages a corresponding wire-like electrode. As a user moves the second electrode array up or down within the conditioner housing, friction between slit edges and the wire-like electrode cleans the electrode surface. The sheet material may be biasedly pivotably attached to the base of the second electrode array, and may be urged away from and parallel to the wire-like electrodes when the conditioner is in use. Another embodiment includes a bead-like member having a through opening or channel, through which the wire-like electrode passes.

Abstract: An electrostatically applicable coating powder is provided which contains a first powder which forms a glass layer upon firing, and 0.01 to 1% by weight of a salt of a carboxylic acid. The coating powder is free of organosiloxane and preferably contains a chemically or thermally activatable resin. The invention also provides methods for preparing the coating powder and methods for coating glass, ceramic or metal substrates with the powder.

Abstract: A broom type particle collector has a particle pick-up assembly joined to an elongated handle. The pick-up assembly has a non-electrical conductive foam plastic member accommodating a cathode for imparting negative charges or particles and an anode for collecting the charged particles. An electrical power supply located within the handle provides electric power to the cathode and anode.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing particles from a surface of an article, such as a semiconductor wafer in a clean room. The particles are supplied with an electric charge. Subsequently, an ultrasonic wave or a gas stream is applied onto the surface of the article while an electric field is applied for driving away the electrically charged particles from the surface, thereby removing particles having a dimension smaller than 1 micrometer from the surface. The presence of a collecting member allows the removal of resulting, floating particles.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus implementing a technique for electrostatically transporting a particle through a medium. In general, one implementation includes a substrate; a first insulation layer formed on the substrate; a plurality of electrodes arranged in a sequence on the insulation layer, where the electrodes are divided into a plurality of groups and the electrodes are arranged by group; a second insulation layer over at least one of the electrodes; and a phase shift circuit connected to the electrodes which supplies a voltage wave-form to each group of electrodes, where each voltage wave-form for each group is phase-shifted relative to the other phase-shifted wave-forms.

Abstract: An electro-kinetic electro-static air conditioner includes a self-contained ion generator that provides electro-kinetically moved air with ions and safe amounts of ozone. The ion generator includes a high voltage pulse generator whose output pulses are coupled between first and second electrode arrays. Preferably the first array comprises one or more wire electrodes spaced staggeringly apart from a second array comprising hollow “U”-shaped electrodes. Preferably a ratio between effective area of an electrode in the second array compared to effective area of an electrode in the first array exceeds about 15:1 and preferably is about 20:1. An electric field produced by the high voltage pulses between the arrays produces an electrostatic flow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone. A bias electrode, electrically coupled to the second array electrodes, affects net polarity of ions generated. The outflow of ionized air and ozone is thus conditioned.

Abstract: A dust reduction system for reducing airborne contaminants such as, for example, dust, smoke, microorganisms, etc., includes at least one ion generator made up of at least one ionizer bar and a ground plane which is parallel and proximate to at least one bar. The system can also include a dust collection device such as a tray containing an aqueous composition optionally containing a degreaser, and/or a metal sheet with a water rinse system, and/or the surfaces of a room-sized enclosed space. The system can be applied to any enclosed space where it is desired to obtain high efficiency reduction of airborne dust and microorganisms. The system is especially useful in poultry production and processing areas such as hatching cabinets, throwing rooms, and controlled environment poultry rearing rooms.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of producing an optical fiber preform having a step of charging a feedstock gas in an oxygen-hydrogen burner via an electrode and hydrolyzing the same in an oxygen-hydrogen flame to produce particulates containing charged glass particulates and a step of blowing the charged particulates onto a target comprised of a seed rod or a soot body formed on the seed rod so as to cause them to deposit on the target and build up as a soot body. Preferably, the process includes the further step of reducing the magnitude of the charge of the particulates in the burner along with an increase of the diameter of the target which is formed. More preferably, the process also includes the further step of making the position facing the burner across the target an opposite polarity from the charging polarity of the particulates ejected from the burner so as to electrically attract the particulates ejected from the burner.

Abstract: A method for charging of aerosol particles includes providing a charger housing having a longitudinal axis extending between an inlet and an outlet of the charger housing with a stream of aerosol particles flowing parallel to the longitudinal axis from the inlet to the outlet. A confined electric field is created within the housing parallel to the longitudinal axis for directing a stream of unipolar ions to flow parallel to the longitudinal axis of the charger housing towards the outlet for use in charging the stream of aerosol particles. To further reduce charged particle loss within the charger housing, a clean sheath may be created between the stream of aerosol particles and the charger housing, an outlet electric field may be created proximate the outlet of the charger housing such that charged particles are forced towards the longitudinal axis, and/or the stream of aerosol is contracted proximate the outlet of the charger housing forcing the charged particles toward the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A multiple charged developing gun provides a multiple charged electrode portion comprising a body and a flow path that is formed in an inner portion of the body and through which powder flows; an entrance, which is formed on one side of the body, connected to the flow path, and in which the powder flows through a powder supply line by being connected to a powder supply apparatus; an exit that is formed on the other side of the body, which is connected to the flow path that becomes gradually narrow; a multiple charged electrode portion that is disposed in an inner portion the body, which is near to the exit; and a cable, which connects the multiple charged electrode portion to a power supply apparatus.

Abstract: An electrostatographic printing machine and apparatus that utilizes a foam roll aquatron with a hydrophilic web between it and the photoreceptor. The porous web captures and removes toner particles which ordinarily would be trapped in the foam roll nip and cause image quality defects, such as streaking.

Abstract: A toner and a carrier are so combined together as to substantially satisfy the following formula (1), ##EQU1## wherein Qmax is a maximum amount of electric charge (.mu.C/g) of the toner, V.sub.T/C is a contact potential difference (V) of the toner to the carrier, .tau.r is a relaxation time constant (sec) of the toner, .tau.g is a charging time constant (sec) of the toner, and k is a coefficient (F) determined depending upon the kinds of the toner and the carrier. This method makes it possible to so combine the toner and the carrier together that the amount of electric charge of the two-component developing agent becomes a maximum based on the contact potential difference (V.sub.T/C) of the toner to the carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that utilize a sensor circuit and a liquid supply to control resistance of a fluid carrier of an aquatron. The resistance of the fluid carrier or charging pad is maintained by controlling the loading or concentration of liquid in the charging pad. A comparison of the fluid or liquid level in the charging pad to the desired fluid level for the charging pad triggers the addition or reduction of fluid to the charging pad to achieve the desired fluid level and thus the desired resistance. A minimum fluid carrier resistance is required to prevent loading the power supply when charging over pinholes and scratches in the imaging surface.

Abstract: A miniature air purifier produces a corona discharge surrounding a needle-like emitter point connected to a negative DC power supply. The power supply operates from a nine volt battery and contains a step-up voltage inverter having a single transformer outputting high voltage spikes with a voltage multiplier operating on the output of the inverter. The production of high voltage spikes of about 200 Hz rather than a sinusoidally varying voltage significantly reduces current consumption. The needle-like emitter point is located about 1/4-inch from an 80% open mesh metallic grid held at ground potential. Corona discharge at the emitter point ionizes the air and creates ozone, and nitric oxide both of which combine with direct electron impact decomposition to detoxify and destroy a wide variety of airborne pollutants including pathogens, chemicals and allergens.

Abstract: An insert for air flow ducts includes a band (10) of a semi-stiff, although flexible character, a plurality of interspaced interflanges (11) along the band and spaced edge flanges (14) which are connected with the interflanges, the interflanges in pairs together with the band (10) and the edge flanges (14) delimiting consecutive cavities or pipes (12') along the band, the opposed ends of the cavities or pipes being open, the band being formed into a loop in which the band and the edge flanges are located tightly adjacent to each other and in which the pipes (12') are substantially evenly distributed.

Abstract: A robot comprises a member traveling along a threaded rotary shaft which decelerates when the member approaches a predetermined location on the shaft. Rotation of the rotary shaft is subjected to a resistance imposed by a fluid whose viscosity is increasable by the application of an electrical charge to the fluid. The point at which the rotary shaft begins to decelerate is sensed, and an electrical charge is applied to the fluid to increase its viscosity and attenuate vibration of the member.

Abstract: A dust neutralizing and flocculating system used in an air cleaning system for removing contaminants contained in indoor air including a radio frequency generating electrode and an ion generating electrode. Fine particles passing through a moderately efficient filter equipped in the air cleaning system sequentially pass through the radio frequency generating electrode and ion generating electrode. The fine particles are dipolarly magnetized while passing through the radio frequency generating electrode, thereby exhibiting an increased inter-particles attraction. The ion generating electrode adds cations and anions to the fine particles, thereby promoting the flocculation of the fine particles circulating in the room installed with the air cleaning system. By virtue of the promoted flocculations, the particle size of the particles circulating in the room increases. The particles with an increased size are secondarily removed by the filter.

Abstract: A miniature air purifier produces a corona discharge surrounding a needle-like emitter point connected to a novel negative 8,000-volt DC power supply. The power supply operates from a nine volt battery and contains a step-up voltage inverter having a single transformer outputting high voltage spikes with a voltage multiplier operating on the output of the inverter. The production of high voltage spikes of about 200 Hz rather than a sinusoidally varying voltage significantly reduces current consumption. The needle-like emitter point is located about 1/4-inch from an 80% open mesh metallic grid held at ground potential. Corona discharge at the emitter point ionizes the air and creates ozone, and nitric oxide both of which combine with direct electron impact decomposition to detoxify and destroy a wide variety of airborne pollutants including pathogens, chemicals and allergens.

Abstract: Embodiments of a wet contact charging method and apparatus for electrophotography charging stations are shown and described. Each embodiment includes placing a charging member, having a charge bias, against an electrophotography charge-receiving member, and placing a liquid between the charging member and charge-receiving member. Preferably, a charging roller is rotated through a liquid-filled container and the wet roller carries liquid into the nip between the roller and a photoconductor. This wet contact charging results in stable, uniform charging without photoconductor release property degradation.

Abstract: A DRAM includes an internal boosting circuit, a global power-line, a plurality of blocks, a row decoder, and a POR generating circuit. Each block includes word lines, local power-lines, AND gates, drive transistors, and word line drivers. The AND gate turns a corresponding drive transistor on/off in response to a power on reset signal /POR and a corresponding block select signal. Therefore, all the local boosted power-lines are connected to the global boosted power-line during a power on reset period, whereby all the local boosted power-lines are initially charged up to boosted power supply potential Vpp.

Abstract: A droplet flow cytometer system which includes a system to optimize the droplet formation time delay based on conditions actually experienced includes an automatic droplet sampler which rapidly moves a plurality of containers stepwise through the droplet stream while simultaneously adjusting the droplet time delay. Through the system sampling of an actual substance to be processed can be used to minimize the effect of the substances variations or the determination of which time delay is optimal. Analysis such as cell counting and the like may be conducted manually or automatically and input to a time delay adjustment which may then act with analysis equipment to revise the time delay estimate actually applied during processing. The automatic sampler can be controlled through a microprocessor and appropriate programming to bracket an initial droplet formation time delay estimate.

Abstract: A toner composition for developing an electrostatic latent image comprising a base toner, which is a blend of a polymeric resin and a colorant, and one or more of a lubricating agent, a flowability agent, a charge-stabilizing agent, and a conductive agent, which has certain electrical characteristics. The base toner has a mean particle diameter (D.sub.50) of 7 to 18 microns, and a bulk resistivity of greater than 10.sup.12 ohm-cm. The toner composition is prepared by blending a polymeric resin with a colorant and then blending a dry powder lubricating agent, and optionally other additives, with the base toner. The toner composition is charged by being disposed in an electrostatic fluidized bed from which the toner particles are levitated by air and then subjected to field charging created by a high voltage corona generating device contained within the bed.

Abstract: A charge controlling agent for electrostatic image development, which is a compound of the formula (I):Ar.sub.1 --(X--Ar.sub.2).sub.n (I)wherein each of Ar.sub.1 and Ar.sub.2 is a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic ring residue, X is a member selected from the group consisting of --CONH--, --NHCO--, --SO.sub.2 NH-- and --NHSO.sub.2 --, and n is an integer of at least 2, provided that a plurality of Ar.sub.2, or a plurality of X, are the same or different groups from one another, and toner and charge-imparting material employing the charge controlling agent.

Abstract: An organic silicon compound 10 is applied around vibrating electrodes 3a and 3b of a piezoelectric resonant element 1. A compound such as silane, chlorosilane, silazane, silthiane, siloxane, cyclosilane, cyclosilazane, cyclosilthiane, cyclosiloxane, silanol, or metallosilicone is used as the organic silicon compound 10. Around the piezoelectric resonant element 1 and the organic silicon compound 10, for example, an ultraviolet ray curing resin is applied, and the ultraviolet ray curing resin is cured, thereby a permeable film 11 is formed. A cavity 12 is formed around the vibrating electrodes 3a and 3b by dispersing the organic silicon compound 10 to the outside through the film 11. Around the film 11, for example, an outer coating resin is applied, and the outer coating resin is cured, thereby an outer coating material 13 is formed.

Abstract: Ionization apparatus including a housing, a high voltage source having a high voltage terminal and a ground return terminal, an ionization electrode inside the housing electrically connected to the high voltage terminal and a grounding wire mounted to the exterior surface of the housing and electrically connected to the ground return terminal.

Abstract: This invention relates to an ion generator capable of being mounted on an air duct and injecting ions in the air stream inside the duct for enhancing the performance of a filter downstream. The unit consists of a high voltage generator, a connector for connecting such generator to a low voltage source, one or more ionizing needles, and a clamp for attaching the unit to an air duct.

Abstract: Disclosed are electroviscous liquid essentially containingA) A linear and/or branched, eventually functionalized, polyether or the monomers thereof, the conversion product of such polyether resp. such monomer with mono- or oligo functional compounds and eventually additional additives, andB) a dispersing agent, andC) a non-aqueous dispersion-medium.In an embodiment a cavity contains the electroviscous liquid and has parts movable with relation to each other and electrode means for generating an electrical field within the cavitywherein applying the electrical field increases the viscosity of the liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously sorting living cells from a mixture of many unlike cells to obtain separate populations of like cells. The invention comprises cell and fluid intake ports, a cell deflection chamber, and a series of output vacuum pumps attached to a like number of collection reservoirs. The cell intake section is a two-stage system that first mixes the incoming cells with a deionized, buffered, processing medium then sheathes the output stream with a centering carrier fluid. An expansion chamber contains one or more electrodes connected to one or more RF generators that act upon the passing cells so that they are fanned out within the expansion chamber according to their size, physical construction, chemical composition and electronic properties. Vacuum pumps draw the fluids through the system and deposit the sorted cells in separate reservoirs.

Abstract: A small, battery-powered air purifier can be clipped to a wearer's front shirt pocket or worn suspended from a cord about the wearer's neck. The device includes a housing containing a compact circuit that transforms direct current provided by the battery into a negative high voltage pulsating current which is connected to a sharp metal point contained within a chamber inside the hollow housing. A corona discharge forms on the sharp point, ionizing air molecules and any particulates, and generating ozone. An opening into the chamber is covered by a noncorrosive metal grid connected to the positive terminal of the battery. The negative ions are attracted to this grid, thereby completing an electrical circuit. Movement of the ions to the grid results in mass movement of air which causes a stream of air to emerge through the grid. As the air passes the grid, negatively charged particulates are deposited on the grid.

Abstract: An improved air ionizing apparatus that may be used as part of an air filtering system. The apparatus consists of an air passageway with at least one negatively charged ionizing member therein and a conductive strip, positively charged with respect to the ionizing member extending around at least a major portion of the interior periphery of the outlet of the passageway. The conductive strip attracts the negative ions, causing them to disperse as air directed down the passageway propels them toward and through the outlet of the passageway.

Abstract: An on board electrostatic filter for a vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The filter includes a pair of conductive filaments insulated from one another and disposed close together in a substantially parallel, side-by-side relationship. Circuitry is provided for applying an electrical potential difference between the two conductors. This dual filament conductor is preferably packed into a relatively small volume in a tortuous configuration, to form a random mesh, or can be oriented in a more regular serpentine configuration. Other embodiments describe the mesh electrostatic filter to purify air in an HVAC system.

Abstract: An on board electrostatic filter for a vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The filter includes a pair of conductive filaments insulated from one another and located close together in a substantially parallel, side-by-side relationship. Circuitry is provided for applying an electrical potential difference between the two conductors. This dual filament conductor is preferably packed into a relatively small volume in a tortuous configuration, to form a random mesh, or can be oriented in a more regular serpentine configuration. Other embodiments describe the mesh electrostatic filter to purify air in an HVAC system.

Abstract: A system of precipitating dust includes providing a screen arrangement either in the form of a ceiling with walls or in the form of a canopy with the screen being penetrable by air. Inside the screen and particularly adjacent edges of the screen or the canopy there are provided negative ion emitters positioned in rows so as to generate a curtain of ions precipitating the dust from the air onto the ground for collection. Within the screen can be defined either a clean zone or the screen can be used to confine a dust producing process so as to precipitate the dust immediately adjacent the process to prevent it spreading to other areas. Emitters are provided in the form of a carbon fiber yarn which projects outwardly through openings in a channel member with the yarn being doubled back upon itself in some cases to provide a highly directional emission.

Abstract: An improved discharge wire for use in an electrostatic precipitator which is used for collecting pollutant particles contained in a flow of exhaust gas. The improved discharge wire is a chain having a plurality of chain links made of conductive material. There is provided at least one needle-like member made of conductive material on at least one of the chain links. As an electric potential is applied to the chain, the needle-like member emits corona current. The corona current charges the pollutant particles such that the pollutant particles are forced by the electric field to a collecting member.