Abstract: A personal electrostatic bioaerosol sampler (PEBS) for collecting bioaerosols (from virus to pollen) at high sampling flow rates and for measuring personal exposures to bioaerosols in various occupational environments, particularly at their low concentrations and for extended periods of time, and a method of using same, are disclosed. The PEBS includes a base holder, a charging section, and a collection section. Charging section includes a first member inside a center of charging section configured to be connected to positive or negative high voltage and a second member disposed therearound a midpoint of first member inside charging section configured to be grounded such that a plurality of ions are produced for charging a plurality of incoming particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cleaning device (1) for cleaning the air-ionizing part (4) of an electrode (3), said device comprising a cleaning member (5) arranged to be in physical contact with the said air-ionizing part of said electrode, the air-ionizing part of electrode and the cleaning member being arranged to slide relative to each other. The cleaning device further comprises an actuator (6, 8, 9) arranged to activate the relative motion between said air-ionizing part (4) of the electrode (3) and the cleaning member (5). There is also provided an ionization electrode comprising an air-ionizing part and the cleaning device, as well as a ultrafine particle sensor, an air ionizer or an electrostatic air cleaner comprising such an electrode.

Abstract: In an apparatus for treating a gas stream, a plasma generator comprises an electrode for energizing a source gas to generate a plasma flare by application of a high voltage. An inlet allows the gas stream into the apparatus and directs it into the generated plasma. A scraper is fitted for reciprocating movement from a first position to a second position for scraping a surface to remove solid deposits accumulated on the surface.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator for removing a particulate material includes a housing having an internally formed air path communicating between an inlet for drawing polluted air containing particulate material and an air outlet for emitting clean air purified by removing the particulate material, an air stream generator that generates an air stream, a discharging mechanism that charges the particulate material, and a collection device provided in the air stream to collect the particulate material which has been charged by the discharging mechanism. The collection device includes a collection belt including a flat wire belt defining a three-dimensional collection surface. The precipitator further includes a brush and vacuum assembly for removing the particulate material and reducing the risk of reentrainment in the air stream.

Abstract: An electro-kinetic or electro-static apparatus for moving fluid includes an enlogated electrode energizable with respect to at least one other electrode to generate ions and thereby motivate fluid flow there between. A cleaning device is positioned to frictionally engage at least two opposing surfaces of the elongated electrode. The cleaning device is movable along a length of the elongated electrode to thereby remove detrimental material from the at least two opposing surfaces of the elongated electrode. The cleaning device can be substantially off-center relative to the elongated electrode to frictionally bind upon the elongated electrode during movement of the cleaning device.

Abstract: An electrostatic filter for the separation of dust particles has collecting electrodes fixed in a housing through which the gas flows and discharge electrodes arranged parallel to them and held stretched between insulators. For the cleaning of the collecting electrodes, a cleaning equipment is fixed to a cable having the discharge electrodes, which can be moved along the surface of the collecting electrodes to be cleaned by using a pulling device having a coiling drum.

Abstract: Air purification systems comprising a plurality of disks, and methods for their use, are provided. Each of the plurality of disks comprises a metal substrate, an undercoat layer disposed on the metal substrate, a photosensitive layer disposed on the undercoat layer, and a charge transfer layer disposed on the photosensitive layer.

Abstract: A system for enhancing air quality by collecting airborne particles. The system includes at least one ground plane, at least one corona point, an ionization field strength adjustment mechanism and a cleaning mechanism. The at least one ground plane is operably mounted proximate to where the airborne particles are present. The at least one ground plane includes at least one ground plane surface. The least one corona point operably is mounted to the at least one ground plane for causing an accumulation of particles to be deposited on the at least one ground plane surface. The ionization field strength adjustment mechanism enables a distance between the at least one corona point and the at least one ground plane to be adjusted. The cleaning mechanism is capable of removing the accumulation of particles from the at least one ground plane surface.

Abstract: A device for collecting particles that have a high electron affinity, particularly explosive particles, from a gas, includes a flow channel (12a) in which at least one electrically positive collector electrode (20a) and at least one ionising electrode (18a) are arranged, between which an electrical field is present so that the particles having high electron affinity can be indirectly charged by corona discharge on the ionising electrode (18a) and can be displaced towards the collector electrode (20a).

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning emitter electrodes of air conditioner systems are provided. The air conditioning system includes an emitter electrode, a collector electrode and a high voltage generator to provide a high voltage potential difference between the emitter and collector electrodes. The system also includes a cleaning member having a channel through which the emitter electrode passes. A plunger mechanism and a spring, or a lever and a fulcrum, are used to force the cleaning member to travel upward along the emitter electrode to thereby frictionally removing debris from the emitter electrode. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures and the claims.

Abstract: The invention discloses a composition comprising a hybrid composite organic-inorganic membrane. The hybrid organic-inorganic membrane according to the present invention may comprise an amorphous porous layer incorporating organic functionalities. The amorphous porous layer may be deposited on a porous alumina substrate by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The amorphous porous layer may comprise a single top-layer (STL), multiple top-layers (MTL) or mixed top-layers (XTL). The substrate may comprise a single layer or multiple graded layers of alumina.

Abstract: A gimbaled truss assembly is disclosed including a frame rotatably mounted in a gimbal mount, and a truss rotatably mounted within the frame. The truss is configured to retain a propulsion system. The frame and the truss rotate independently of one another. A fastening system for mounting the propulsion system to the truss includes vibration isolators. A plurality of braces are coupled to the gimbal mount. The braces conform to the external surface of an air vehicle on which the assembly is to be attached.

Abstract: The electrostatic filter for the separation of dust particles has collecting electrodes (3-7) fixed in a housing (2) through which the gas flows and discharge electrodes (16-20) arranged parallel to them and held stretched between insulators (29, 30). For the cleaning of the collecting electrodes (3-7), a cleaning equipment (33) is fixed to a cable (28) having the discharge electrodes (16-20), which can be moved along the surface of the collecting electrodes to be cleaned by means of a pulling device (30-32) having a coiling drum (26, 27).

Abstract: Air purifier containing an air blower and a rotating brush, such brush having long flexible bristles made of a material that is capable of developing negative triboelectric charge. During a part of the rotation cycle, the bristles move across a surface that can accumulate a positive charge. This cause the bristle to charge negatively. The air impurities are attracted to negatively charged bristles and discharged into a collecting bin.

Abstract: Virtual sorbent bed systems and methods for receiving contaminants from a waste stream are presented. In an embodiment, the virtual sorbent bed system comprises an outlet for introducing into the gas stream a material capable of receiving contaminants, a first charged DC electrode oriented substantially peripheral to the gas stream and normal to the flow of the gas stream; a second charged DC electrode oriented substantially peripheral to the gas stream and normal to the flow of the gas stream, wherein the first DC charged electrode and the second charged DC electrode cooperatively generate a first electric field that imparts a drift velocity to the material; and a plurality of charged AC electrodes oriented substantially peripheral to the gas stream and normal to the flow of the gas stream, wherein the charged AC electrodes generates a second electric field that imparts additional three-dimensional motion to the material.

Abstract: A heating system for a spray dryer has a heating element, a heating unit having an open-pore metal foam, and a fluid input and a fluid output. The metal foam is arranged between the fluid input and the fluid output so that fluid which flows in through the fluid input and out through the fluid output is laminarized. A method for simultaneously heating and laminarizing a fluid with the aid of an open-pore metal foam is also disclosed, as is an electrostatic precipitator having a sleeve-shaped electrode connected to a base part of the precipitator. Also disclosed is a device for detaching particles from an inner surface of a sleeve-shaped electrode, a method for detaching particles, and a spray dryer with a heating system as above and/or with an electrostatic precipitator.

Abstract: A device for purification of a gas flow containing condensable vapors including a shell (7) defining a sealed volume, a cooler to quench the gas flow, a rotating assembly (42) having a rotor (44) and a cylindrical separation and filtration skirt (54) composed of serrated circular rings (56) mounted on the rotor and rotating with it; a support tube (48) mounted on the rotor (44) and carrying a turbulator-scraper device (50) a cylindrical electrode (94) surrounding the separation and filtration skirt (54) and a central counter-electrode (78) to create an electrostatic field in the shell (7), a purified gas outlet tube, a condensates outlet pipe (40) and impact separation plates (64) fixed on the rings of the skirt.

Abstract: An electrostatically charged rotating plate or cylinder is used to attract electrostatically charged particles in smoke to avoid pollution and improve the efficiency of the filtering process. The rotating plate is constantly cleaned from the ionized particles adhering to it and the particles so collected are removed without polluting the environment. This filtering system reduces capital and running costs compared with the present filtering systems.

Abstract: A window screen apparatus employing electrostatic principles to purify air. The window screen mesh wires encompass electrically-conductive filaments that are charged by a high-voltage DC pulse generator. Between and surrounding the wires an electric field is created that charges, traps, and repels airborne particulate. An alternative embodiment consists of a window screen in which the screen mesh wires are manufactured from permanently electrostatically charged fibers.

Abstract: An air conditioner device includes a first electrode array and a second electrode array. A mechanism, that cleans the electrode(s) in a first electrode array, includes a length of flexible insulating material that projects from a base of the second electrode array towards the first electrode array. As a user moves the second electrode array up or down within the conditioner housing, the electrode(s) in the first array are frictionally cleaned.

Abstract: The air conditioning system includes a housing having a vent portion and an ion generating unit positioned in the housing. The ion generating unit includes a first electrode, at least one second electrode, and a voltage generator that provides a constant potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode. The second electrode is removable through a bottom surface of the housing from a resting position within the housing to a location external to the housing, and the second electrode is returnable through the bottom surface of the housing.

Abstract: A collection device for collecting particles from a gas is provided. The device comprises a passage defined by a wall and at least one electrical field within the passage for charging particles, where the particles are in a gas. The device further comprises a moving collection surface for collecting charged particles. The moving collection surface is located within the at least one passage. The moving collection surface rotates through the at least one electrical field and then rotates to a detection device for detection of the particles.

Abstract: An air-conditioning device including a housing having at least one grill, an electrode assembly and a driver electrode. Both the electrode assembly and the driver electrode are supported by the housing. The electrode assembly includes a portion that is removable from the housing, and the driver electrode is removable from the housing independent from the removable portion of the electrode assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to separate a mixture of gases—such as carbon dioxide and methane—by an inorganic membrane comprising a ceramic support and a silica layer made from a silicon elastomer sol. The apparatus and method can efficiently separate the gaseous mixture and can also cope with the extreme conditions found in e.g. hydrocarbon producing wells. A method of manufacturing the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An air purifier includes an outer casing and an ionizer module. The outer casing has a top portion, a bottom portion having an electrode opening, an air purifying cavity defining between the top and bottom portion, and a peripheral opening communicating with the air purifying cavity. The ionizer module includes a power unit and an ionizing electrode unit. The ionizing electrode unit is detachably slid into the air purifying cavity through the electrode opening of the bottom portion of the outer casing, wherein the ionizing electrode unit has a top terminal end arranged to electrically contact with the power unit to ionize the ambient air for emitting ozone thereto when the ambient air is circulated through the peripheral opening along the ionizing electrode unit.

Abstract: An electro-kinetic electro-static air conditioner with a bead member having a bore, through which a wire-like electrode passes. The bead is moved along the wire to frictionally clean the wire-like electrode when an electrode array is removed. A bead lifting arm is mounted to the electrode array. The bead lifting arm can move the bead to clean the electrode as the electrode array is removed from the air conditioner for cleaning. The electro-kinetic electro-static air conditioner has insulated parts which protect against high voltage arcing and conductive deposits relative to the electrodes.

Abstract: Electric oil separator that separates oil from an airflow of a ventilator. The separator includes an emission electrode and a collecting electrode. Moreover, the separator includes an injection device structured and arranged to inject oil as a cleaning fluid onto at least one of the emission electrode and the collecting electrode, so as to inject oil obliquely to a longitudinal axis of the collecting electrode.

Abstract: An air conditioner device includes a housing, a first electrode disposed in the housing, and a second electrode removably disposed in the housing. The second electrode can be manually removed from the housing and then manually returned to a resting position within the housing. A base member is attached to a bottom portion of the second electrode. An at least partially flexible cleaning member is attached to the base member. The cleaning member frictionally cleans the first electrode when, after being removed from the housing, the second electrode is manually returned to the resting position within the housing.

Abstract: An air conditioner with a cleaning member having an opening, through which a wire-like electrode passes. The member is moved along the wire to frictionally clean the wire-like electrode when a collector electrode array is moved. A lifting arm is mounted to the collector electrode. The lifting arm can move the member to clean the wire-like electrode as the collector electrode is moved (e.g., removed from the air conditioner for cleaning).

Abstract: An air cleaner electrode assembly includes an elongated collector electrode and a plurality of elongated discharge electrodes arranged around the collector electrode. A fan may move air in a direction parallel to a length of the electrodes. The collector electrode may have a plurality of distinct faces where at least one discharge electrode is associated with a corresponding face. A cleaning shuttle may be configured to ride on and remove debris from the elongated electrodes. A voltage differential across the electrodes and the fan speed may be adjusted independently of each other.

Abstract: A cleaning mechanism for a wire electrode of an air purifier device includes a base, a post having a first end attached to the base and a second end accessible from a location external the housing, a cleaning plate assembly attached to the base, wherein the cleaning plate assembly frictionally contacts the wire electrode when moved relative to the wire electrode. The cleaning plate assembly is movable within the housing when the second end of the post is moved from a resting configuration to a cleaning configuration.

Abstract: A carbon separation and collection device used for a high performance dust collector includes a water supply tube, a water pump, a high pressure negative electrode discharge device, a high pressure positive electrode discharge device, a rotary brush, a removing plate, a carbon collector, a liquid tank, and a speed change device and an exhausting tube. The two discharge devices serve to achieve a function of electrolyte. When the cleaning liquid with carbon flows into the water supply tube by using the water pump. The carbon is adhered to the high pressure positive electrode discharge device. The high pressure positive electrode discharge device is driven to rotate by the speed change device. The carbon is moved from the high pressure positive electrode discharge device by the rotary brush and removing plate. Then, the removing carbon drops into the carbon collector.

Abstract: An air conditioner with a cleaning member having an opening, through which a wire-like electrode passes. The member is moved along the wire to frictionally clean the wire-like electrode when a collector electrode array is moved. A lifting arm is mounted to the collector electrode. The lifting arm can move the member to clean the wire-like electrode as the collector electrode is moved (e.g., removed from the air conditioner for cleaning).

Abstract: An air cleaner electrode assembly includes an elongated collector electrode and a plurality of elongated discharge electrodes arranged around the collector electrode. A fan may move air in a direction parallel to a length of the electrodes. The collector electrode may have a plurality of distinct faces where at least one discharge electrode is associated with a corresponding face. A cleaning shuttle may be configured to ride on and remove debris from the elongated electrodes. A voltage differential across the electrodes and the fan speed may be adjusted independently of each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing contaminants from gas streams. A first step involves selecting a contaminant to be removed from a gas stream and determining a characteristic ionizing energy value required to selectively ionize the selected contaminant with minimal effect on other contaminants in the gas stream. A second step involves applying the characteristic ionizing energy value to the gas stream and selectively ionizing the selected contaminant. A third step involves capturing the selected contaminant after ionization.

Abstract: A cleaning mechanism for a wire electrode of an air purifier device includes a base, a post having a first end attached to the base and a second end accessible from a location external the housing, a cleaning plate assembly attached to the base, wherein the cleaning plate assembly frictionally contacts the wire electrode when moved relative to the wire electrode. The cleaning plate assembly is movable within the housing when the second end of the post is moved from a resting configuration to a cleaning configuration.

Abstract: An air conditioner with a cleaning member having an opening, through which a wire-like electrode passes. The member is moved along the wire to frictionally clean the wire-like electrode when a collector electrode array is moved. A lifting arm is mounted to the collector electrode. The lifting arm can move the member to clean the wire-like electrode as the collector electrode is moved (e.g., removed from the air conditioner for cleaning).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing contaminants from gas streams. A first step involves selecting a contaminant to be removed from a gas stream and determining a characteristic ionizing energy value required to selectively ionize the selected contaminant with minimal effect on other contaminants in the gas stream. A second step involves applying the characteristic ionizing energy value to the gas stream and selectively ionizing the selected contaminant. A third step involves capturing the selected contaminant after ionization.

Abstract: An electro-kinetic electro-static air conditioner with a bead member having a bore, through which a wire-like electrode passes. The bead is moved along the wire to frictionally clean the wire-like electrode when an electrode array is removed. A bead lifting arm is mounted to the electrode array. The bead lifting arm can move the bead to clean the electrode as electrode array is removed from the air conditioner for cleaning.

Abstract: An air conditioner device includes a first electrode array and a second electrode array. A mechanism, that cleans the electrode(s) in a first electrode array, includes a length of flexible insulating material that projects from a base of the second electrode array towards the first electrode array. As a user moves the second electrode array up or down within the conditioner housing, the electrode(s) in the first array are frictionally cleaned.

Abstract: An electro-kinetic electro-static 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 electro-kinetic electrostatic air conditioner with a bead member having a bore, through which a wire-like electrode passes. The bead is moved along the wire to frictionally clean the wire-like electrode when an electrode array is removed. A bead lifting arm is mounted to the electrode array. The bead lifting arm can move the bead to clean the electrode as electrode array is removed from the air conditioner for cleaning.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrostatic precipitator for collecting liquid or solid particles from a gas stream. The electrostatic precipitator consists of a tube (1), through which the gas to be cleaned flows longitudinally, the internal wall (1A) of the tube forming a precipitating electrode for the particles to be collected. An internal electrode (2) extending in a lengthwise direction is disposed concentrically inside tube (1), a high electrical voltage being present in the space between this internal electrode and the precipitating electrode. On the inlet side, internal electrode (2) has a first section (2A) with a small cross-sectional area, and on the outlet side, a second section (2B) with a comparatively larger cross-sectional area. The function of the first section is essentially to form a corona while that of the second section is essentially to form an electrostatic collecting field.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an air purification device including: a first electrode in the shape of a hollow cylinder having both ends open; a second electrode in the shape of a solid needle having a tip end portion of a predetermined length including a pointed tip; a dielectric member covering the second electrode except the tip end portion; and a power supply for applying a high voltage across the two electrodes in order to create a corona discharge, for generating ozone and ion wind. The dielectric material may be of any type of silicone or plastic (including epoxy) as long as it is inexpensive and easy to mold. The dielectric member is, for example, in the shape of a circular flange, providing ease of maintenance and safety measures as well as permitting effective airflow.

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 method for cleaning a two-stage emission electrode of an electrofilter suitable for use with an internal combustion engine, whereby a cleaning body moves along the emission electrode to strip it of deposits. Only the first stage of the electrode is cleaned by the cleaning body.

Abstract: An exhaust gas cleaning device is provided, which is simple in structure and offers good performance in the cleaning of exhaust gas from car engines. The cleaning device includes a conductive cylindrical body through which the exhaust gas passes. A shaft is installed at the center of the conductive cylindrical body. A set of blades is provided on the shaft acting as a fan for sucking the exhaust gas in and out of the conductive cylindrical body. A scraping knife is provided also on the shaft. A static-electric generator having one pole connected to the cylindrical body and the other pole connected to the shaft is used to create an electric field between the cylindrical body and the shaft that ionizes smoke particles in the exhaust gas and deposits them on the inner wall of the cylindrical body. A collecting chamber is provided in communication with the inside of the cylindrical body for collecting deposition of smoke particles scraped by the scraping knife off the inner wall of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A removal device for an electrostatic precipitator which includes an ion generator, precipitator, collector and removal device for removing particles in the precipitator. A plurality of scrapers capable of linear displacement between two adjacent electrostatic plates of opposite polarities remove particles adhered thereto and scraped particles are collected in the collector for subsequent handling.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator including an ionization unit for ionization to charge the oily dust particles in the air flowing therein at the front, a dust precipitating unit for catching the charged oil dust particles in the air flowing from the ionization unit thereinto at the front and out therefrom at the back by means of an electrostatic field produced from a plurality of large and small electric plates reversed in conductivity, a plurality of scrapers respectively mounted in between respective two adjacent large and small electric plates for scraping away the oily dust particles precipitated on the large and small electric plates, and a collecting unit located underneath the dust precipitating unit for collecting the oily dust particles scraped away by the scrapers.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exhaust gas purifying apparatus for an automobile diesel engine including a pair of electrodes disposed at a predetermined interval in an exhaust path of an automobile diesel engine, and a high voltage power source for applying a high voltage to the pair of electrodes whereby an electric field is generated in a space between the pair of electrodes so as to collect diesel particulates. Since the diesel particulates emitted from a diesel engine are charged heavily in negative, and since the exhaust gas purifying apparatus forms an electric field between the pair of electrodes, the diesel particulates are collected on one of the pair of electrodes.