Electric Or Electrostatic Field (e.g., Electrostatic Precipitation, Etc.) Patents (Class 95/57)
  • Patent number: 11896922
    Abstract: The invention provides a vacuum cleaner filter bag comprising a wall of an air-permeable material enclosing an interior and an inlet opening introduced into the wall, wherein the air-permeable material comprises at least one layer of a nonwoven fabric, which comprises powdery and/or fibrous recycled material from the production of textiles, in particular cotton textiles, wherein the at least one layer of the nonwoven fabric comprises powdery and/or fibrous recycled material having a density of 0.005 g/cm3 to 0.03 g/cm3, in particular of 0.007 g/cm3 to 0.02 g/cm3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: EUROFILTERS N.V.
    Inventors: Ralf Sauer, Jan Schultink
  • Patent number: 11863040
    Abstract: An electrohydrodynamic rotary system and related method that include at least one rotary device comprising a hub portion, an axis of rotation, and at least one blade extending radially from the hub portion. The system includes at least one electrically conductive rotary electrode emitter coupled to the at least one blade proximate to the back edge, and at least one electrically conductive counter electrode positioned proximate to the at least one rotary device in a spaced relationship. The system further includes an electrical system that applies an electric potential difference between the at least one electrically conductive rotary electrode emitter and the at least one electrically conductive counter electrode that generates corona discharges from the at least one rotary electrode that form flows of ionic wind that rotate the at least one rotary device about the axis of rotation in a first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: The Research Foundation for SUNY
    Inventor: Adrian Ieta
  • Patent number: 11397051
    Abstract: A process and a plant for cleaning furnace gas includes utilizing one or more sensors to continuously monitor one or more parameters indicative for an expected temperature peak in the blast furnace gas flow. The gas flow is then passed through a conditioning tower. In case the measured parameter exceeds a predefined limit value, a coolant, such as water, is sprayed into the blast furnace gas flow in the conditioning tower. Subsequently the flow of blast furnace gas passes one or more filter stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: DANIELI CORUS B.V.
    Inventors: Wouter Bernd Ewalts, Pieter Dirk Klut
  • Patent number: 11396025
    Abstract: The invention consists of a continuous sorting method and device which highlights the trajectory differences to which fibers of different form factors and particles charged under the joint influence of electrical forces and a centrifugal force could be subjected. Thus, according to the sorting method, the conditions exploit this difference in order to recover/collect the fibers separated from the non-fibrous particles present in the same initial aerosol or to sort fibers exhibiting different form factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Simon Clavaguera, Michel Pourprix, Francois Tardif
  • Patent number: 10020180
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for a modular ion generator device that includes a bottom portion, two opposed side portions, a front end, a back end, and a top portion. A cavity is formed within the two opposed side portions, front end, back end, and top portion. At least one electrode is positioned within the cavity, and an engagement device is engaged to the front end and/or an engagement device engaged to the back end for allowing one or more modular ion generator devices to be selectively secured to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Global Plasma Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Charles Houston Waddell
  • Patent number: 10001210
    Abstract: A lubrication structure includes a liquid drop splashing device and an electret portion. The liquid drop splashing device is configured to turn a lubricating liquid for lubricating machine-element components into liquid drops. The liquid drop splashing device is configured to splash the lubricating liquid turned into the liquid drops. The machine-element components configure contact parts. Each contact part is a part where corresponding adjacent machine-element components come into contact with each other. An electret portion is provided to a vicinity of each contact part. The electret portion is composed of an electret.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keisuke Ichige, Masanori Iritani, Hitoshi Takayama, Takahiro Shiina, Daisuke Tokozakura, Satoshi Tominaga, Kazuya Arakawa
  • Patent number: 9925372
    Abstract: Apparatus (100) and method are disclosed for removing or reducing the number of particles in an enclosed atmosphere during intracorporeal procedures. The apparatus comprises a housing (180) adapted to be placed against the body on which a procedure is to be formed, a first electrode (140) external to the housing for contacting the body, an elongated electrically insulated probe (130) extending from the housing (180) and being insertable into an intracorporeal body cavity (C) in which a procedure is to be performed, a second electrode (150) at the free end of the probe, and circuit means (110) for generating voltage between said first and second electrodes. The method comprises applying a voltage between the electrodes sufficient to cause local ionization of particles within the body cavity such that they migrate away from the second electrode, thereby removing or reducing the number of particles generated during the procedure from the enclosed atmosphere at or around the site of the procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: ASALUS MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS LIMITED
    Inventors: Francis Amoah, Dominic Griffiths
  • Publication number: 20150122123
    Abstract: An electrode is arranged on one wall surface of a flow path of an exhaust atmosphere in a solvent separating apparatus, an electric field is applied to vaporized solvent in the exhaust atmosphere so as to concentrate only the solvent in the exhaust atmosphere in the direction toward the electric field, and the solvent is discharged to the outside of the solvent separating apparatus together with a portion of the exhaust atmosphere in the periphery of the solvent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Terutsugu SEGAWA, Koichi NAGAI, Naofumi HINO
  • Publication number: 20150090119
    Abstract: An Environmental Control System may use an electronic air treatment system to control humidity in an aircraft. The electronic air treatment system may use an electronic charging system and a separation system. A turbine rotor may drive a power generating stage to provide high voltage power to the electronic charging system. The charging stage may charge airflow passing through to repel liquid particles away from the airflow. Liquid droplets may be collected and centrifugally flung toward a periphery of the separation system. The liquid particles may be collected outside of the airflow, which may be allowed to pass through the separation system and out to a destination in the aircraft without the collected liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Henry Au, Dennis M. Morita, Mark Gee
  • Patent number: 8979961
    Abstract: The Invention relates to a vacuum cleaner filter bag comprising a bag wall, wherein the bag wall comprises precisely one nonwoven layer in the form of a melt-spur microfibrous nonwoven layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Eurofilters Holding N.V.
    Inventors: Jan Schultink, Ralf Sauer
  • Patent number: 8961651
    Abstract: Energy consumption of the society is increasing due to expanding economic activity and increasing population. As greater consumption of energy generates more air pollution, there is an ongoing need to find better methods of reducing pollutants in terms of effectiveness and reduced energy consumption. The solution proposed in this disclosure takes advantage of electrical characteristics such as electron affinity and dipole moment. There are many pollutants which exhibit positive electron affinity. Such a pollutant can be easily converted to a negative ion by providing an extra electron. Many of the pollutants have dipolar charge distributions which facilitate electrical interactions with charges. If one of the pollutants becomes charged, it can attract other pollutants which are dipoles to form clusters of pollutants. Furthermore, charged clusters are responsive to electric and magnetic fields. For example, they can be separated from the rest of the flue gas by manipulating with such fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Halit Gokturk
  • Publication number: 20150040760
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatuses for collecting aerosol samples by ionizing an air sample at different degrees. An air flow is generated through a cavity in which at least one corona wire is disposed and electrically charged to form a corona therearound. At least one grounded sample collection plate is provided downstream of the at least one corona wire so that aerosol ions generated within the corona are deposited on the at least one grounded sample collection plate. A plurality of aerosol samples ionized to different degrees can be generated. The at least one corona wire may be perpendicular to the direction of the flow, or may be parallel to the direction of the flow. The apparatus can include a serial connection of a plurality of stages such that each stage is capable of generating at least one aerosol sample, and the air flow passes through the plurality of stages serially.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Jason D. Braden, Andrew G. Harter, Brad J. Stinson, Nicholas M. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8920537
    Abstract: A flying air purifier includes a flying unit configured to fly within a space at a first elevation. The flying unit is also configured to fly within the space at a second elevation. The flying air purifier also includes an air purifier mounted to the flying unit and configured to remove particles from air within the space at the first elevation and at the second elevation. The air purifier includes an air inlet having a first charge and an air outlet having a second charge, wherein the second charge is opposite of the first charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Aya Seike
  • Patent number: 8882884
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method of controlling a PAC-to-particulate ratio in a potion of an exhaust system from a furnace. The method comprises measuring a second amount of particulate exiting a particulate removal system, and controlling a first amount of particulate removed by the particulate removal system based in part on the measured second amount of particulate, such that a desired ratio of PAC-to-particulate is obtained in the portion of the exhaust system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Southern Company
    Inventors: Damon Woodson, Brandon Looney
  • Patent number: 8845782
    Abstract: A modular ductwork assembly decontaminates an air stream circulating within a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The assembly includes one or more of (a) an ionizing module for removing particulates from the air stream, (b) a sterilization module for neutralizing airborne pathogens present in the air stream, (c) an ozone treatment module for neutralizing pathogens or odoriferous or gaseous constituents or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the air stream, optionally (d) baffles for slowing and disrupting the flow rate and promoting turbulence in the air stream traveling through the modules, optionally (e) a fan module for directing a treated air stream, optionally (f) an ozone sensor, optionally (g) a monitoring or ozone control means, and optionally (h) a means of delivering and repurposing generated ozone. Each of the modules is arranged substantially adjacent to at least one of the other modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Karen Metteer
  • Publication number: 20140283686
    Abstract: Methods using vane electrostatic precipitators collect charged and uncharged particles with vane assemblies that are physically arranged to reduce the air flow rate to at or below 1.0 ft/sec (0.305 m/sec). In preferred embodiments, the main entrained air is divided into smaller proportions by using a plurality of vane assemblies in a vane electrostatic precipitator operating at a specific angle that have discharge electrodes in front of the vanes. This results in both the particles being charged and the flow rate of the air and articles being reduced as they traverse between vanes and over the vane surface. The vane width, operating angle, vane length and vane offset are designed to reduce the air flow rate. As a result, at the ends of the vanes, a high percentage of the air flow is less than 1 ft/s.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: John P. Dunn
  • Publication number: 20140245886
    Abstract: A method and arrangement to improve animal's biological and/or physical performance by reducing the bioload, defined as biologically active particles in the stable air or within transporter vehicles. The method includes generating a negatively charged electrostatic field operating within the room capturing the particles. The arrangement includes elements for producing a negatively charged electrostatic field capturing air borne particulate matter whereby high voltage >6 kV at low amperage (<10 mA) is applied to a basic conductive structure positioned in the air of the stable or the transporter vehicle, to which carbon fibre filaments are attached, causing the release of electrons from the free ending carbon fibres into the air and thereby generating the negatively charged electrostatic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventor: Karl G. ROSÉN
  • Publication number: 20140216253
    Abstract: CO2 is extracted from the atmosphere by concentrating atmospheric air to form a first volume of the atmospheric air of increased level of CO2 and a second volume of reduced level of CO2, discharging the second volume back into the atmosphere and injecting the first volume into underground formations. The CO2 is concentrated by ionization and electrostatic separation of the charged particles from a stream and further concentration is carried out by molecular sieves. The first volume can be made miscible with oil and used to extract oil from oil-bearing formations or permanently stored in underground formations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Climate Strategy Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Scarth
  • Publication number: 20140102295
    Abstract: A filtration system includes a frame directing a fluid flow through the filtration system. An ionization array is located in the frame and has an ionizer current flowing therethrough. The system further includes a media filter having a plurality of media fibers arranged to capture particles flowing therethrough and a conductive surface located at the media filter and having a filter current flowing therethrough. A comparator is utilized to determine a difference between the ionizer current and the filter current, and compare that difference to a predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Peter Johannes Mckinney
  • Patent number: 8608826
    Abstract: The method of modeling fly ash collection efficiency in wire-duct electrostatic precipitators provides for the optimization of fly ash collection through the generation of numerical solutions to the electrostatic and electrodynamic equations associated with the particular geometry of the wire-duct electrostatic precipitator. Particularly, the solutions are developed through use of the finite element method and a modified method of characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventor: Zakariya Mahmoud Al-Hamouz
  • Publication number: 20130319232
    Abstract: A purge exhaust processor includes an inlet chamber, a sump chamber, a selectively charged surface in the inlet chamber, and an orifice. The inlet chamber receives purge exhaust including at least one of air, water vapor, oil aerosol, and water aerosol. The selectively charged surface agglomerates at least one of the oil aerosol and water aerosol into a liquid. The orifice is sized for passing the agglomerated liquid from the inlet chamber to the sump chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: BENDIX COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Leonard A. Quinn, Randall W. Nichols, William P. Fornof, Fred W. Hoffman, Richard J. Conklin
  • Patent number: 8597405
    Abstract: An illustrative filter includes an electret material, which has a long-lasting electric charge, that is at least partially coated or covered with a conductive layer. An optional insulation layer may be disposed over at least part of the conductive layer. If the electret material has a positive charge, then the filter attracts particles with a negative charge, and vice versa. The filter adsorbs the attracted particles until it becomes saturated with particles, at which point the conductive layer is charged to have a polarity that is opposite the built-in polarity of the electret and that matches the polarity of the adsorbed particles. The charged conduction layer repels the adsorbed particles from the filter, cleaning the filter for continued use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Yuchen Ma
  • Patent number: 8574345
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for the removal of smut, fine dust and exhaust gas particles from polluted air including providing a particle catch arrangement with a charged surface, the particle catch arrangement being arranged to generate a static electric field, wherein the electric field is at least 0.2 kV/m. The invention further provides a particle catch arrangement including a surface that can be charged, further including a generator arranged to generate charge to the surface that can be charged and to generate a static electric field of at least 0.2 kV/m, wherein the particle catch arrangement is part of or integrated with an object including street furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Technische Universiteit Delft
    Inventors: Willibrordus Nicolaas Johannes Ursem, Johannes Cornelis Maria Marijnissen, Rein Andre Roos
  • Publication number: 20130288555
    Abstract: The invention provides a nonwoven electret web comprising fibers made from a thermoplastic polymer material which comprises a polymer, a first additive (a) and a second additive (b), wherein the first additive (a) comprises a hindered amine and the second additive (b) comprises a metal salt of a carboxylic acid and/or an organic amide derived from a carboxylic acid and an amine. The invention further provides a process for making the nonwoven electret web, a fiber, a process for making the fiber, a mullti-layer sheet, and the use of the nonwoven electret web, the fiber or the multilayered sheet as a filter material or as a dust-removing fabric for cleaning purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Ralph Berkemann, Patrick Lauffenburger
  • Publication number: 20130255482
    Abstract: Technologies are presented for applying electrical energy to a combustion reaction to produce agglomerated combustion particulates. For example, a system may include: one or more electrodes configured to apply electrical energy to a combustion reaction; a combustion zone configured to support the combustion reaction of a fuel at a fuel source; and an electrical power source operatively coupled to the one or more electrodes and configured to apply electrical energy to the combustion reaction. The combustion reaction is controlled to produce a distribution of agglomerated combustion particulates characterized by an increase in at least one of an average particulate diameter or an average particulate mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: DAVID B. GOODSON
  • Publication number: 20130186270
    Abstract: Vane electrostatic precipitators preferably have the leading edges of the vanes directly opposite the discharge electrodes, and/or the distance between the discharge electrode and the leading edge of the vane electrode is less than the distance between the discharge electrodes improves the collection process. These designs improve collection efficiency of the vane electrostatic precipitators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: John P. Dunn
  • Patent number: 8425657
    Abstract: A method, and an apparatus to reduce and remove liquid droplets in air, such as fog, mist, haze, spray or steam. The mist and/or air borne water or other liquid droplets catching and collection apparatus creates an “electric wind”, especially enforced by charged needle points or line arranged constructions and/or wires of the first electrode and an electric charging of mist and/or air borne water or other liquid droplets, which will be directed by the “electric wind” and the electric field between the electric source and the opposite grounded or opposite charged counter electrode (second electrode) of fine gauze or something comparable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Technische Universiteit Delft
    Inventors: Willibrordus Nicolaas Johannes Ursem, Johannes Cornelis Maria Marijnissen, Rein André Roos
  • Patent number: 8419816
    Abstract: Provided is a gas isolation valve which separates reactive materials, principally gases, contained in a high temperature reactor from the surrounding atmosphere. The valve is of modular construction with each module having a gas providing section and a gas removal section. Any number of modules can be provided in series. A central chamber, open at each end gives unimpeded access to the high temperature reactor. It is through the central chamber that the product of the reactor is removed and harvested. In the case of Ilas invention the product is carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Q-Flo Ltd.
    Inventors: Martin Pick, Stephen Cash
  • Patent number: 8409327
    Abstract: An electrostatic filter assembly configured to be installed in equipment for removing particulate matter entrained within a gas stream. The filter assembly functions in the removal and collection of the particulate matter from the gas stream. The equipment for removing particulate matter includes a high voltage discharge electrode for imparting an electric charge to the particulate matter whereby an electrical field is produced at the filter assembly. The filter assembly includes a filter element and a supporting structure for the filter element. The supporting structure is configured to establish at the filter assembly, under the operating conditions of the equipment for removing particulate matter, an electrical field having an intensity that produces no more than a selected amount of degradation at the filter element during operation of the equipment for removing particulate matter. Also a method of manufacturing such an electrostatic filter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Taylor, Karim Younsi, David F. Johnston, Yingneng Zhou, Yaru Najem Mendez Hernandez, Prabhakar Neti
  • Publication number: 20130071298
    Abstract: To provide an apparatus for capture and inactivation of microbes and viruses, the apparatus is configured to be capable of performing stable removal of microbes and viruses and achieve a reduction in pressure loss. An apparatus 100 includes an air path housing 10, a charging-unit high-voltage electrode 2 that charges airborne microorganisms introduced in the air path housing 10, a charging-unit ground electrode 3 placed so as to face the charging-unit high-voltage electrode 2, a hydrophilic filter 6 that captures the airborne microorganisms charged by the charging-unit high-voltage electrode 2, a capturing/inactivating-unit high-voltage electrode 5 that subjects the hydrophilic filter to electrostatic induction and inactivates the captured viruses, and a capturing/inactivating-unit ground electrode 7 placed so as to face the capturing/inactivating-unit high-voltage electrode 5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Tanimura, Koji Ota, Akane Nomura, Ayumi Saiki
  • Publication number: 20130064983
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a specific aqueous separation liquid and to a process for removing paint overspray from a paint spray booth comprising: i) directing a gas stream through a paint spray booth; ii) contacting paint overspray with the gas stream flowing through the paint booth thereby forming a paint loaded gas stream containing paint particles or droplets dispersed therein, iii) forming a flowing substantially continuous liquid film of the aqueous separation liquid on a surface positioned within the flow path of the gas stream; iv) directing the paint loaded gas stream to said surface, in order to bring the gas stream in contact with the flowing substantially continuous film of the aqueous separation liquid, thereby transferring paint particles or droplets from the gas stream into the separation liquid to form a first paint loaded separation liquid; and v) removing the first paint loaded separation liquid and the gas stream having a reduced paint load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: UNIVERSIDAD DE BARCELONA
    Inventors: Reimar Enghardt, Dietmar Kascha, Frank Scharrenbach
  • Patent number: 8388900
    Abstract: An assembly and method for treating or otherwise improving an atmosphere contained within an enclosed space. The enclosed space can be a container such as a bag or other housing for equipment, food and/or suitable material. Ozone is generated within an atmosphere that is exposed to the material. The generated ozone is mixed with the atmosphere. At least a portion of the generated ozone is then removed from the mixed atmosphere. The assembly and method can be used to treat contaminated sports equipment and the like, as well as to treat food storage atmospheres, such as those exposed to fresh fruits and vegetables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Primaira, LLC
    Inventors: Karen Benedek, Philip C. Carbone, Derek Affonce
  • Patent number: 8382858
    Abstract: Textured heterogeneous surfaces and related articles as can be used in conjunction with methods for selective sensing and/or separation. When used for selective particle separation such a system can comprise a heterogeneous surface comprising a surface member and a plurality of components extending therefrom, such components spaced about and having a surface density, with heterogeneity comprising different interactions of the surface member and of the extended components with a particle exposed thereto. Various surface heterogeneities and different interactions can be utilized. However, in certain embodiments, competing electrostatic interactions, or a combination of electrostatic and non-electrostatic interactions, with a particle can be utilized. Such a system can utilize a surface member having a charge difference with respect to the components extending therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Maria M. Santore, Jung Zhang, Vincent Rotello
  • Publication number: 20130032088
    Abstract: A method and device for separating overspray from the cabin exhaust air of coating systems which is laden with overspray, wherein the overspray is taken up by an air flow and conveyed to an electrostatically operating separating device. There, the bulk at least of the solids is separated from the overspray at a separating area of at least one separating surface. A cohesive material web is used as a separating agent, which is disposed at least partly along the separating area of the at least one separating surface and during operation of the separating device is electrically conductive at least in the separating area of the at least one separating surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Herbert Schulze, Kersten Link, Werner Swoboda, Erwin Hihn
  • Publication number: 20130025449
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for the removal of smut, fine dust and exhaust gas particles from polluted air including providing a particle catch arrangement with a charged surface, the particle catch arrangement being arranged to generate a static electric field, wherein the electric field is at least 0.2 kV/m. The invention further provides a particle catch arrangement including a surface that can be charged, further including a generator arranged to generate charge to the surface that can be charged and to generate a static electric field of at least 0.2 kV/m, wherein the particle catch arrangement is part of or integrated with an object including street furniture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Willibrordus Nicolaas Johannes URSEM, Johannes Cornelis Maria MARIJNISSEN, Rein André ROOS
  • Patent number: 8323554
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for hydrodischarging and hydrocharging substrates and articles to produce enhanced ability to avoid attraction of contaminants or improved capability of removing contaminants from fluids are disclosed. In another form the method involves removal of electric charges or neutralization of charge on or within substrates. Also disclosed are methods of making using electret substrates and articles for removing particulates and mists from fluid streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: William K. Leonard
  • Patent number: 8316852
    Abstract: Device for extracting particles from exhaled breath, comprising a cooling system (16) for creating droplets by condensation of the water vapor contained in the exhaled breath; a droplet recovery unit (7) provided with a side wall (2) having a grid form and converging towards an outlet opening (9), allowing the droplets attracted towards said side wall (2) to flow along the latter towards the outlet opening (9); and a discharge electrode (1) mounted inside the droplet recovery unit (7), said side wall (2) of said droplet recovery unit (7) defining a counter electrode to said discharge electrode (1) in order to attract droplet-collecting particles carried by exhaled breath towards said side wall (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, CNRS
    Inventors: Patrick Pouteau, Jean Luc Achard
  • Publication number: 20120247436
    Abstract: The invention describes a combustion process in which the combustion air (A*) is ionised by crossing a high voltage electric field, produced by a tube ioniser (12), before entering into the combustion chamber (C). It described a preferred application in which the air taken in by an internal combustion engine is ionised before entry into combustion chamber. In one of the aspects of the invention, the ionisation of the air is controlled to limit the generation of positive ions, obtaining a balancing between positive and negative ions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: PERISO SA
    Inventors: Domenico Toneatto, Cataldo Volo, Gianmarco Malcotti
  • Publication number: 20120216674
    Abstract: A method for converting soot particles of an exhaust gas includes providing at least nitrogen dioxide or oxygen in the exhaust gas, ionizing soot particles with an electric field, depositing electrically charged soot particles on inner channel walls of at least one surface precipitator, and bringing at least nitrogen dioxide or oxygen into contact with the deposited soot particles on the inner channel walls of the at least one surface precipitator. A device for carrying out the method includes at least one surface precipitator having a plurality of channels through which the exhaust gas can flow and extending between an inlet region and an outlet region, and at least one deposit inhibitor for electrically charged soot particles provided in at least part of the inlet region, especially allowing the soot particles to be evenly deposited and the surface precipitator to be continuously regenerated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: EMITEC GESELLSCHAFT FUER EMISSIONSTECHNOLOGIE MBH
    Inventor: WOLFGANG MAUS
  • Publication number: 20120198995
    Abstract: Clean corona gas ionization by separating contaminant byproducts from corona generated ions includes establishing a non-ionized gas stream having a pressure and flowing in a downstream direction, establishing a plasma region of ions and contaminant byproducts in which the pressure is sufficiently lower than the pressure of the non-ionized gas stream to prevent at least a substantial portion of the byproducts from migrating into the non-ionized gas stream, and applying an electric field to the plasma region sufficient to induce at least a substantial portion of the ions to migrate into the non-ionized gas stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Peter GEFTER, Aleksey Klochkov, John E. Menear, Lyle Dwight Nelsen
  • Patent number: 8202083
    Abstract: A process and an installation for increasing the burning energy of a natural fuel gas upon burning the same for domestic or industrial purposes. The process includes the step of supplying the natural gas into a treatment chamber confined by a cylindrical-shaped wall made up of a diamagnetic material, in front of which electromagnetic units are placed in a spiral shape to create a rotating magnetic field which acts on the gas with only one polarity. The installation has a reactor equipped with electromagnetic units and with a heat circuit, with an oil tank, where a number of electric resistors are placed in order to heat the oil, a pump, an oil cooler and a circuit for the transport of oil from the tank to the electromagnetic units of the reactor, an electric panel, and conduits for the transport of the natural gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventors: Aurel Enache, Liviu Luca
  • Publication number: 20120107465
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of using electrons to perform at least one operation are disclosed. An apparatus may include groups of carbon nanotubes capable of emitting a relatively large number of electrons for use in performing operations such as sterilization, purification, deodorization, cleaning, cross-linking, pest control, pathogen control, chain-scissioning associated with surface modification, waste treatment, etc. Each group of carbon nanotubes may be aligned with a respective opening in a member, where the member may be coupled with a membrane capable of transmitting electrons. Electrons may be emitted from the carbon nanotubes by applying a vacuum to the carbon nanotubes and also applying an electric potential between the carbon nanotubes and the member. As such, electrons from a plurality of groups of carbon nanotubes may generate an electron flow that can be used to perform one or more operations on a fluid, object, or other type of component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: 4WIND SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, LLC
    Inventors: Cattien Van Nguyen, Bryan P. Ribaya
  • Publication number: 20120067212
    Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus 100 for the reduction or removal of smoke particles suspended in a local atmosphere A and resulting from a surgical procedure, the apparatus including or comprising two electrodes 140 and 150 each in electrical communication with or being electrically connectable to opposite poles of a source of high voltage dc electricity. A first of the electrodes 140 may be electrically connectable to a patient P. and a second 150 may be positionable within or adjacent a patient such that the two electrodes, when in communication with opposite poles of said high voltage, ionise said particles in use, for attracting said particles toward the patient or toward the second of the electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Neil Warren, Robin Crossley, Steven Brown, Andrew Cheer
  • Patent number: 8128869
    Abstract: An air sanitization system including a reactive oxygen species generator, a variable speed fan, a pathogen sensor and a controller. The reactive oxygen species generator generates reactive oxygen species from an oxygen-containing gas and discharges the reactive oxygen species to a conditioned space. The variable speed fan directs the oxygen-containing gas to the reactive oxygen species generator at a controlled speed. The pathogen sensor senses a level of airborne pathogens in the conditioned space and generates a signal indicative of the level of pathogens sensed. The controller receives the signal from the pathogen sensor and varies the speed of the variable speed fan in response to the signal to decrease a speed of the variable speed fan in response to an increase in the level of airborne pathogens sensed by the pathogen sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventor: Ted Wayne Sunderland
  • Publication number: 20120036998
    Abstract: An air moving apparatus comprises an axial fan and an electrostatic device. The axial fan has a rotatable shaft defining a central axis of the axial fan, a plurality of blades secured to the shaft, and an air inlet opening. The electrostatic device is disposed immediately upstream of the air inlet opening of the axial fan, and includes a collector and an emitter. In one embodiment, the electrostatic device comprises a cylindrical collector coupled to ground and has a central axis aligned with the central axis of the axial fan, wherein the cylindrical collector has an inner diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter of an air inlet opening to the axial fan. The electrostatic device further comprises a plurality of emitter wires coupled to a terminal of a direct current source and extending lengthwise within the cylindrical collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael S. June, Chunjian Ni, Mark E. Steinke
  • Patent number: 8114358
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for sanitizing, decontaminating, deodorizing, conditioning, drying, treating, cleaning, modifying and/or otherwise improving an atmosphere within a container. The container can be a bag or other housing for equipment, food and/or suitable material. Ozone is generated within an atmosphere that is exposed to the materials. The generated ozone is mixed with the atmosphere. At least a portion of the generated ozone is then removed from the mixed atmosphere. The apparatus and method of this invention can be used to treat contaminated sports equipment and the like, as well as to treat food storage atmospheres, such as those exposed to fresh fruits and vegetables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Primaira, LLC
    Inventors: Karen Benedek, Philip C. Carbone
  • Patent number: 8092768
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for collection and removal of particulate matter, including fine particulate matter, from a gas stream, comprising a unique combination of high collection efficiency and ultralow pressure drop across the filter. The apparatus and method utilize simultaneous electrostatic precipitation and membrane filtration of a particular pore size, wherein electrostatic collection and filtration occur on the same surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Energy & Environmental Research Center Foundation
    Inventors: Stanley J. Miller, Ye Zhuang, Jay C. Almlie
  • Patent number: 8092576
    Abstract: A mast electrode design for a wet electrostatic precipitator including a first and a second electrode section connected together via a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes an axial protrusion extending from an end of the first electrode section which is inserted into an axial bore formed in an end of the second electrode section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Turbosonic Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Allan
  • Publication number: 20110308386
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an efficiency-enhanced gas filter medium comprising at least two fiber layers comprising a combination of two or more electrostatically-interacting fiber layers such that the efficiency-enhanced gas filter medium is characterizable by a gas filtration efficiency enhancement from the combination of the two or more electrostatically-interacting fiber layers, and related manufactured articles, processes and methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Jerome Claracq, James F. Sturnfield, Peter Cate, Wu Chen, Leonardo C. Lopez
  • Publication number: 20110296989
    Abstract: An electrostatic filter assembly configured to be installed in equipment for removing particulate matter entrained within a gas stream. The filter assembly functions in the removal and collection of the particulate matter from the gas stream. The equipment for removing particulate matter includes a high voltage discharge electrode for imparting an electric charge to the particulate matter whereby an electrical field is produced at the filter assembly. The filter assembly includes a filter element and a supporting structure for the filter element. The supporting structure is configured to establish at the filter assembly, under the operating conditions of the equipment for removing particulate matter, an electrical field having an intensity that produces no more than a selected amount of degradation at the filter element during operation of the equipment for removing particulate matter. Also a method of manufacturing such an electrostatic filter assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: BHA Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Taylor, Karim Younsi, David F. Johnston, Yingneng Zhou, Yar+e,acu u+ee Najem M+e,acu e+ee ndez Hern+e,acu a+ee ndez, Prabhakar Neti