Abstract: A bipolar ionizer comprising an electronic circuit, microprocessor, and step-up transformer providing high-voltage signals to carbon-fiber electrodes producing bipolar ion concentrations greater than +/?200 million ions per cubic centimeter. The bipolar ionizer monitors, reduces, and converts high-voltage signals to feedback signals used by the microprocessor to vary a frequency and a duty cycle of a digital signal to control an excitation signal for a step-up transformer output voltage to consistently maintain an unbalanced high-voltage output ratio less than 80 percent, balanced bipolar ion concentration ratio greater than 80 percent, and zero ozone concentration over a range of electrical signal inputs. The microprocessor calculates and reports bipolar ionizer concentrations based on feedback signals.

Abstract: An efficient and safe ionizer is disclosed. The ionizer includes a circuit to generate high voltage, a circuit case to surround the circuit, an electrode disposed outside of the circuit case and caused to discharge electricity by the high voltage generated by the circuit to ionize molecules in air, and an electrode cover disposed at a portion around the electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for an ion generator mounting device for application of bipolar ionization to airflow within a conduit, the device includes a housing for mounting to the conduit having an internal panel within the enclosure, and an arm extending from the housing for extension into the conduit and containing at least one opening. At least one coupling for mounting an ion generator to the arm oriented with an axis extending between a pair of electrodes of the ion generator being generally perpendicular to a flow direction of the airflow within the conduit.

Abstract: An electrically enhanced air filtration system is disclosed which uses rear fiber charging is disclosed. In particular, a fibrous filter may be placed in an upstream position within the system with one or more ionization arrays positioned downstream or to the rear of the fibrous filter in terms of airflow direction. The fibrous filter may include a grounded side and fiber side with the grounded side being upstream of the fiber side. The ionization array may include a plurality of electrodes each extending unidirectionally toward the fibrous filter.

Abstract: An air cleaning apparatus includes an air flow duct, with an extent in an axial direction, to accommodate air flow entering the apparatus, an air-conveying fan unit disposed in the air flow duct, a precipitator connected to a high-voltage source and with a throughflow passage for air to be cleaned. The precipitator includes two electrode elements or two groups of electrode elements, each of the respective two being connected to a respective pole of the high-voltage source, and a unipolar corona electrode disposed close to one end of the air flow duct. A target electrode is disposed at radial spacing from the corona electrode, the corona electrode being so disposed that the ions generated at it can freely spread away from the corona electrode towards the target electrode, and that the target electrode surrounds the air flow entering the apparatus.

Abstract: A device for producing an electrical field in an exhaust gas system includes an exhaust gas line in which at least one electrode is disposed. The at least one electrode is in contact with a power supply and is constructed to have at least one metal plate.

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.

Abstract: A filter medium including a carrier layer and a microfiber layer applied thereon is characterized in that, with respect to the aim of providing a filter medium which has a relatively low pressure drop, and at the same time a good fraction separation rate and excellent dust storage capacity, the carrier layer has first fibers, which are designed as endless bicomponent fibers and spunbonded fibers, and the microfiber layer has second fibers, which are designed as endless melt-blown fibers.

Abstract: A device for recovering nanometer or sub-micron particles carried by a gas by generating a stabilized suspension, including: a vessel including a mechanism injecting a liquid; a gas discharge mechanism in an upper portion thereof, located near a particle filter; a particle suspension outlet; and a liquid ring pump, transferring and dispersing particles carried by a gas into a liquid. The pump introduces a gas laden with nanometer or sub-micron particles into the pump; injects at least one liquid into the pump; and discharges the mixture obtained following the transfer. The vessel also includes a mechanism introducing the mixture into the vessel and at least one piezoelectric pellet, immersed in the vessel, configured to generate a fog of micron-sized droplets.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing soot particles in exhaust gas, particularly of an internal combustion engine, includes first and second at least partially electrically conductive structures with an intermediate space therebetween, a high voltage source forming a potential between the first and second structures and at least one at least partially electrically conductive intermediate structure in the intermediate space receiving an intermediate potential. A method for treating the exhaust gas includes conducting exhaust gas from the first to the second structure and applying a high voltage at least temporarily between the first and second structures. At least part of the soot particles in the exhaust gas is ionized or agglomerated and deposited on the second structure. A high voltage between potentials of the first and second structures is applied at least temporarily to the intermediate structure. An electric field is influenced favorably and disruptions from undesirable voltage flashovers are reduced.

Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment device includes at least a first at least partially electrically conductive honeycomb body having a first front side and a first rear side, a second at least partially electrically conductive honeycomb body having a second front side and a second rear side, an intermediate space between the first honeycomb body and the second honeycomb body, a power supply for the formation of an electric potential between the first honeycomb body and the second honeycomb body, and a multiplicity of electrodes fastened to the first honeycomb body, extending beyond the first rear side over a first length into the intermediate space and positioned at a first distance from the second front side of the second honeycomb body. A method for treating motor vehicle exhaust gas containing particles and a motor vehicle are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments are described that generally relate to the storage and release of a gas using piezoelectric materials.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrostatic non-woven intake filter, may include a fabric preparation process that weaves at least a kind of fiber fabric into a web, and a filter fabric manufacturing process that weaves the web into a felt that has at least a layer, and manufactures an electrostatic non-woven intake filter material that is a non-woven fabric having a fiber tissue having a semipermanent electrostatic force by allowing a binder and an electrostatic material to permeate the felt.

Abstract: Gases are stored, separated, and/or concentrated. An electric field is applied across a porous dielectric adsorbent material. A gas component from a gas mixture may be selectively separated inside the energized dielectric. Gas is stored in the energized dielectric for as long as the dielectric is energized. The energized dielectric selectively separates, or concentrates, a gas component of the gas mixture. When the potential is removed, gas from inside the dielectric is released.

Abstract: This inventions 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.

Abstract: An air scrubber, system, and method of use are provided. The air scrubber includes an electrospray nozzle for creating an ionic fluid electrospray plume; an air sample intake positioned to provide an air sample interacting with the ionic fluid electrospray plume; and a counter electrode positioned to collect the electrospray plume. The selected chemicals in the air sample are captured by ionic fluid electrospray plume and accumulate on the counter electrode.

Abstract: Embodiments are described that generally relate to the storage and release of a gas using piezoelectric materials.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator and a method of removal of particulates from gaseous flows. A plurality of screens, secured in sets within a central chamber in a housing, comprise at least one set of electrically chargeable first screens and at least one set of electrically grounded second screens. For each set of chargeable screens, all the screens of the set are provided with an identical electrical charge, either positive or negative, and the set is provided with a plurality of spikes directed at the oncoming gaseous flow. At least one screen cleaning means selectively acts on the screens of each set. The precipitator can comprise a plurality of central chambers in a single housing or separate housings, and the chambers can be selectively activated or deactivated. The precipitator provides improved particulate removal from gaseous flows, including hot flows having temperatures up to at least 1200° C.

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.

Abstract: Particulate emission reducing devices reduce particulate emissions from a vehicle. A housing is attached to a vehicle's exhaust pipe downstream of its muffler by an intake funnel having a desiccant bed and check valve. An ionizer is connected to the intake funnel. A collection unit is removably inserted into the housing through a collection unit opening with support bar notches in the housing's top downstream of the ionizer. Contacts in the bottom of the housing negatively charge collector plates, which collect positively charged particulates from the exhaust stream. Exhaust gases are emitted by an exhaust funnel attached to the housing downstream of the collection unit. A handle attached to the access panel of the collection unit facilitates removal of the collector plates for cleaning. The vehicle may include an indicator light to remind the user to clean the collector plates. The vehicle's trunk may include an access opening.

Abstract: A method of making a fluorinated fibrous web, which method includes providing a nonwoven web 22 that contains polymeric fibers, creating a plasma that contains fluorine atoms at a first location 14, and contacting the nonwoven web with products from the plasma at a second location 26 remote from the first location 14. The method avoids exposure of the web to the plasma and hence expands the manufacturing processing window. Webs so fluorinated have a different C3F4H+ to C2F5+ ratio when compared to locally fluorinated webs having similar levels of surface fluorination. The remote fluorinated webs can be subsequently charged electrically to provide a good performing electret filter 40 suitable for use in an air purifying respirator 30. Webs fluorinated in accordance with this invention also may exhibit good performance even after being “aged” at high temperatures.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator element comprises preferably a mesh made of at least two individually insulated conductors with defined openings therebetween. An electrical field in the openings electrostatically attracts suspended particulate to a respective conductors for collection.

Abstract: A gas port assembly is provided for supplying or removing one or more gases to a powered electrode in a plasma processing chamber. The chamber has at least one electrode (11) to which an alternating electrical potential is applied in use, the assembly being electrically insulated from the electrode(s). The assembly comprises, a number of dielectric members (15) and a number of electrically conductive members (16). The members are arranged in a stack of alternating dielectric and electrically conductive members. Each member comprises at least one gas pathway for the passage of the gas(es), such that when stacked, the gas pathways are in communication with each other and the gas(es) are able to pass between an outer side of the stack and a chamber side of the stack. The members act as a capacitive divider to reduce high voltages within the assembly.

Abstract: A system for decontaminating a gas is provided. The system includes: a passageway containing at least one set of two or three electrodes. If the set contains three electrodes, it has two outer electrodes electrically connected together and one inner electrode.

Abstract: A variety of transportable air treatment system improvements are described. In one aspect of the invention, the system is designed to significantly reduce the noise generated during operation. In another aspect, an easily removable cooling unit is provided. In still another aspect, an air treatment unit (as for example a plasma reactor) is provided that is arranged to filter the air stream, inactivate biological organisms and/or reduce or eliminate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are carried in the air stream. The air treatment unit may take the form of a plurality of stacked trays. In yet another aspect of the invention, the air treatment system further includes a duct unit that directs air from the air treatment unit to the treated air outlet. The duct unit is operable to clamp the stacked trays to help seal the stacked trays.

Abstract: A gas sampling canister has an electrospray nozzle for creating an ionic fluid electrospray plume. A gas sample is intake positioned to provide a gas sample flowing through the ionic fluid electrospray plume. A cooled counter electrode is positioned to collect the electrospray plume such that selected chemicals in the gas sample are captured by ionic fluid accumulating on the cooled counter electrode. A system and method for sampling gas are also described.

Abstract: A gas purifying apparatus includes an adsorption member (e.g., a honeycomb structural body) that adsorbs particulate matter contained in the gas by the action of an electric field. The apparatus also includes a supply device (e.g., an ozone generator including a discharger, a pulsed power supply, a pump, and a discharge port) that supplies a pro-oxidant to the adsorption member.

Abstract: A tunnel fan with an electrostatic filter is disclosed. The tunnel fan includes: a cylindrical shaped tunnel fan; and an electrostatic filter including a pipe assembly, the pipe assembly including a plurality of pipes arranged in parallel to form a cylindrical shape, each pipe having an electrostatic induction means for causing tiny dust to be collected by an induction voltage, wherein the electrostatic filter is coupled to a front or a rear of the tunnel fan.

Abstract: Arranged within a cylindrical housing are capturing cells each including a cylindrical outer electrode capable of capturing particulates and an inner electrode inserted into the outer electrode and lined at its outer surface with a dielectric. A divergent exhaust unit is arranged on an end of the housing so as to guide exhaust to interiors in the respective capturing cells. A convergent exhaust unit is arranged on the other end of the housing so as to communicate with a gap between an inner surface of the housing and outer surfaces of the outer electrodes in the respective cells. The inner and outer electrodes are connected to an electric discharge controller.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved electronic enclosure filter for very small spaces, such as small disk drives. The filter includes an exposed electrostatic layer that functions to catch and retain particulate contamination within the filter. The filter can be placed within disk drive enclosures such that the electrostatic layer is in very close proximity to the rotating disk without causing excessive turbulence. The close proximity of the electrostatic layer to the disk creates relatively high levels of airflow over the electrostatic layer.

Abstract: A volatile organic compound treatment apparatus including an adsorber coming into contact with a gas to be treated and adsorbing volatile organic compounds; a plurality of pairs of electrodes, divided into a plurality of groups, which generate electric discharge so that a part of the adsorber is exposed to the electric discharge; and an electric discharge control mechanism for controlling whether or not the electric discharge is generated in what pair of the electrodes by applying a voltage to every group of the pair of electrodes such that different parts of the adsorber are sequentially exposed to the electric discharge.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical electrostatic air cleaner that combines a low air resistance dielectric fibrous filter material positioned between and electrically charged by two electrically resistant carbon coated screens. The screens are charged by a remotely mounted bi-polar power supply. A pair of post ionization electrodes charge particles in the air with opposite charges, causing the particles to agglomerate. A plurality of screens may be placed in an array for increased one-pass filtration.

Abstract: This publication discloses an electrostatic filter construction, which includes electrodes connected to a first electrical potential, second electrodes, which are electrically insulated from the first electrodes, and an insulating material acting as a particle filter, which is located between the first and the second electrodes. According to the invention, in both of the electrodes the electrode material used is a material, such as activated carbon, which is permeable to a gas and which filters the gas, and which has a low electrical conductivity, and both electrodes are located essentially parallel to the direction of the airflow.

Abstract: A vacuum bag media and associated method of production, which includes a first layer that includes an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane and at least one second layer that includes a first component having a first melting point and a second component having a second melting point that is higher than the first melting point, wherein the first layer is attached to the at least one second layer. The second layer can include cellulose material, spunbond, nonwoven fabric, and a thermal bond, nonwoven fabric. Attachment of the first layer of material to the at least one second layer of material can occur through thermobonding, e.g., heated gas, infrared heat and heated calender rolls. The application of adhesives and the use of ultrasonic energy can also bond the layers together. Approximately five percent (5%) to fifty percent (50%) of the first component can be selectively melted for superior airflow.

Abstract: A respiratory filter includes an air-permeable sleeve and at least one filter layer that is arranged in the sleeve and contains activated carbon. The activated carbon contained in the filter layers serves as a gas filter that, by absorption, at least partially removes the noxious gases that are contained in the air inhaled.

Abstract: A personal tabletop-type air cleaner is provided which is user-friendly and can improve smoke sucking efficiency in a simple configuration. The disclosed personal tabletop-type air cleaner has a front opening portion to suck air containing smoke of a cigarette, a blower to forcedly feed air having been sucked into the front opening portions in a centrifugal manner, a pair of right and left peripheral opening portions each being placed in a fringe portion on the right and the left at a front of the air cleaner and forming an air curtain by emitting air fed forcedly from the blower ahead of the front of the air cleaner, a dust collecting filter being placed between the front opening portion and the blower to remove cigarette odor, and a deodorizing filter being placed between the blower and each peripheral opening portion making up the pair of right and left peripheral opening portions to remove cigarette odor.

Abstract: An air purification and disinfection apparatus incorporates an air inlet filter (1) spanning the intake of the apparatus, an ultraviolet light source (2) for treating the air within a chamber (14) of the apparatus, and an equalising screen (3) spanning the outlet of the apparatus. The chamber (14) is lined with a reflective sheet (11) or coating such that the ultraviolet light is reflected around the chamber (14). The air inlet filter (1) removes larger airborne particles from the airflow prior to entering the chamber (14). The light source (2) may be located in the chamber (14) or in a housing (16) which communicates with the chamber (14). With the reflective surface of the chamber (14), the intensity of the light source (2) can be maintained when dirt begins to build up on the light source (2), thereby extending the length of time that passes between each cleaning of the light source (2).

Abstract: A vacuum bag media and associated method of production, which includes a first layer that includes an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane and at least one second layer that includes a first component having a first melting point and a second component having a second melting point that is higher than the first melting point, wherein the first layer is attached to the at least one second layer. The second layer can include cellulose material, spunbond, nonwoven fabric, and a thermal bond, nonwoven fabric. Attachment of the first layer of material to the at least one second layer of material can occur through thermobonding, e.g., heated gas, infrared heat and heated calender rolls. The application of adhesives and the use of ultrasonic energy can also bond the layers together. Approximately five percent (5%) to fifty percent (50%) of the first component can be selectively melted for superior airflow.

Abstract: A filter element that comprises a porous molded web 10′ that contains thermally bonded staple fibers 12 and non-thermally bonded electrically charged microfibers 14. The molded web is retained in its molded configuration, at least in part, by bonds between the staple fibers 12 at points of fiber intersection 13. The web may be molded, for example, into the shape of filtering face mask 16.

Abstract: A filter material comprising a blend of at least three types of fibers: (a) polypropylene fibers (b) polymethaphenylene isophtalamide fibers and (c) fibers of a third type selected from the group of acrylic and modacrylic. In a preferred embodiment, the blend contains about ten weight percent polymethaphenylene isophtalamide fibers, about 50 weight percent polypropylene fibers and about 40 weight percent modacrylic fibers. Performance of the blend is superior to the prior art filtration materials, especially at the preferred compositions.

Abstract: The present invention includes a filtered mask enclosure having an exterior portion and interior regions within the exterior portion such that the interior regions have a filtering region and a purging region connected to the filtering region. The present invention further includes a method of removing a first contaminant in a gas phase, a second contaminant in a solid phase, and a third contaminant having an electrical charge from a purge gas and flowing the purge gas through a vicinity of a mask while exposing a wafer with light through the mask.

Abstract: The invention provides a filter that can be cut-to-fit or deformed to fit a variety of differently shaped and sized intakes. The invention also provides a filter kit that allows a user to create a filter of a desired size with attaching mechanisms to secure the filter to or on the intake.

Abstract: In a ventilation system, such as anaesthesia machines or ventilators for intensive care, provided with a hosed directed to patient, a breathable gas supplying tube, an exhaustion tube and an antibacterial/antiviral filtering device connected at one side to the hose and at the other side to the breathable gas supplying tube and to the exhaustion tube, the filtering device including a casing, provided with an inlet conduit connected to the breathable gas supplying tube, and an outlet conduit connected to the hose; the casing having at least two chambers having parallel axes, defined by at least a common wall, and in fluid connection one with the other.

Abstract: An air filter assembly includes a filter media that is electrostatically charged. The filter media has a first porosity at the inlet side and a second porosity at the outlet side. An electrostatic charge preferably is maintained across the entire filter media to enhance the particle gathering qualities of the media. In one example, multiple layers of filter materials having different porosities are used. In another example, a single filter material having a progressively decreasing porosity is used. One example includes a conductive filter layer that serves as one of the electrodes for the electrostatic field generating portion of the assembly.

Abstract: A filter made of nonwoven fabric, paper or the like for gaseous media, having an electrically conductive coating made of a conductive substance of pulverizable materials, in particular from electrically conductive carbon-black particles and/or powdery metal particles or other pulverized materials, the carbon-black particles or metal particles being fixed to the filter fibers with the aid of binding agents, and the conductive coating being applied in a reticulated manner on the filtering layer.

Abstract: Filter assemblies with adhesive attachment systems are provided. In one embodiment, a filter assembly includes a porous filter member and an adhesive disposed on a reinforcement scrim adhesively attached to at least a portion of at least one major surface of the porous filter member, wherein the reinforcement scrim has discrete open areas. In an alternative embodiment, a filter assembly includes a porous filter member that includes fibrous filter media and an adhesive impregnated into discrete regions of the porous filter member such that there is a substantially continuous adhesive region throughout at least about 25% of the thickness of the porous filter member in the discrete regions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ionization filter for purifying air that is enriched with dust particles and other inorganic and organic pollutants. The filter has at least one electrically charged emission electrode for producing electrically conductive particles, and at least one passive electrode for collecting the pollutant particles that are in movement in the electric field between the emission electrode and the passive electrode. In accordance with the invention, an extra layer having denaturing properties is placed in the flow path of the pollutant particles that are to be precipitated. This layer is preferably composed of strongly acidic and strongly alkaline layers, or vice versa, with a neutral intermediate layer between layers of different pH values in each case. Micro-organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, spores and/or allergens which move in the electric field of the ionization filter are simultaneously destroyed by this denaturing property.

Abstract: A composite filter for removing particulates entrained in a gas has stack of at least two non-pre-bonded tiers of filter material which are bonded together to form a unitary stratified structure. The tiers can include thermally bindable components such as bicomponent or monocomponent polymer fibers, or adhesively bindable components, such as pulp fibers, especially fluff pulp, split film fibers, mixed electrostatically charged fibers and staple fibers. In addition to vacuum cleaner bags, the novel filter composite can be utilized in applications such as heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, vehicle cabin air filters, high efficiency (so-called “HEPA”) and clean room filters, emission control bag house filters, respirators, surgical face masks and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved molded filter which performs multiple filtration functions within an enclosed environment, such as within a computer hard disk drive. In a first embodiment, the filter is capable of removing particulate contaminants from both incoming (external) air and recirculating air by performing both breather and recirculation functions when placed over a breather hole in a disk drive. In an alternative embodiment, the filter also incorporates an adsorbent material which allows it to remove both particulate and vapor phase contaminants from incoming (external) air and recirculating air within the disk drive.

Abstract: Apparatus for drying flowing gas includes a generally cylindrical vessel having a gas inlet and a gas outlet, two perforated plates of different metals in contact with each other transverse the interior of the vessel, and a third perforated plate downstream from the two mutually contacting plates.

Abstract: An introducer sheath includes a connector body having an inlet and an outlet; a flexible tube for intravenous use at the outlet, including a helical coiled spring having a plurality of coils, each coil spaced from an adjacent coil, and a thin cylindrical wall prepared from a protective coating composition completely surrounding the spring to define an inner and an outer wall surface, the cylindrical wall surrounding said spring having a substantially constant wall thickness throughout its length, the coating composition comprising a thermoplastic polymeric material dissolved in a solvent solution, the composition having a solids content ranging from about 4% to about 18%, and said solution comprising a solvent selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, methyl ethyl ketone, dimethylformamide, cyclohexane, and mixtures thereof, formed on a helical coiled spring by dipping the latter therein and then drying at room temperature; and a valve assembly including a first elastic membrane having a