Filamentary Or Filar Form Patents (Class 96/96)
  • Patent number: 7785404
    Abstract: An air purifier includes a housing, a high voltage power supply, a first electrode assembly in which a wire-like first electrode is either the only first electrode or, alternatively, is spaced sufficiently far from any other such first electrodes so as to avoid undesirable effects upon each other, and a second electrode assembly in which there are a plurality of blade-like second electrodes. The air purifier can be of the type in which air flows through the housing as a result of electro-kinetic effects. To increase air flow velocity, the voltage between first and second electrodes is relatively high, such as 23-50 kV, and the first and second electrodes are accordingly spaced apart a relatively great distance, such as at least 30 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Sylmark Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Shengwen Leng, Guangsheng Liu
  • Patent number: 7767169
    Abstract: Systems in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can include an air transporter-conditioner having a housing with an inlet and an outlet. An ion generator is disposed within the housing, the ion generator being adapted to create an airflow between the inlet and the outlet. The ion generator can comprise a emitter electrode array and a collector electrode array, with a voltage generator electrically connecting the arrays. A grid having a photocatalytic coating can further be disposed within the housing such that the grid is upstream of the arrays, and within an airflow generated by the ion generator. An activator, for example a UV lamp, can still further be disposed within the housing and upstream of the arrays, and positioned such that the grid is irradiated by UV light from the UV lamp, activating the photocatalyst and causing VOCs to breakdown in the presence of the photocatalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Sharper Image Acquisition LLC
    Inventors: Gregory S. Snyder, Andrew J. Parker, Charles E. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7758675
    Abstract: Gas treatment equipment including a corona electrode and a dust-collection electrode facing the corona electrode, and forming corona discharge in gas passing between the corona electrode and the dust-collection electrode by applying a high voltage between them to collect components in the gas wherein a gas turbulence accelerator is located in the vicinity of the surface of the dust-collection electrode facing the corona electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventors: Kenta Naito, Satoru Senbayashi, Yuichi Hamada, Akira Mizuno, Junichi Kasai, Yoshinobu Tamura
  • Patent number: 7753994
    Abstract: In a discharge device for performing streamer discharge between a discharge electrode (41) including a plurality of discharge parts (61) and a counter electrode (42) including a plurality of counter parts (62) confronting the discharge parts (61), a resistor (60) is provided in a current carrying path between power source means (45) and the discharge parts (61).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kanji Motegi, Kenkichi Kagawa, Toshio Tanaka, Ryuji Akiyama
  • Publication number: 20100154631
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a system for removing foreign objects from the airstream entering an inlet system of a turbomachine. This system may include an electrostatic system that may be configured to charge conductive, or partially conductive foreign objects that are in the airstream flowing through the system. This system may create an electric field to drawing the charged foreign objects, allowing for a collecting section to remove the charged foreign objects from the airstream. An embodiment of the present invention may provide an automatic accumulation system for collecting the foreign objects removed from the airstream. An embodiment of the present invention may provide an automatic cleaning system for cleaning components of the collecting section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Rahul J. Chillar, Stephen D. Hiner, Aaron M. Smith
  • Patent number: 7722707
    Abstract: A discharge unit (30) and a heat exchanger (20) are disposed in an air passageway (15). In the discharge unit (30), a rod-like discharge electrode (31) and a plate-like counter electrode (32) are disposed perpendicular to the flow of air, and lie along the heat exchanger (20). Upon application of voltage to both the electrodes (31, 32), streamer discharge is performed between the electrodes (31, 32), whereby an active species capable of decomposition of a component to be processed is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Tanaka, Kenkichi Kagawa, Kanji Motegi, Ryuji Akiyama
  • Publication number: 20100089240
    Abstract: An improved ventilating range hood includes a sheet metal collecting hood, vented to the outdoors; a variable speed, electronically controllable fan, mounted in such a way as to draw air from a cooking area and out through said vent of said collecting hood; a plurality of air quality sensors capable of detecting both comfort factors and the presence of hazardous substances in the air; an embedded control algorithm which examines the composite output of said discrete air quality sensors, as well as, the trend information and determines from said information an instantaneous ventilation requirement, and a control signal, derived from said algorithm to regulate the fan speed level such that every combination of discrete air quality sensor conditions will have a unique associated fan speed level based on said ventilation requirement. The air quality sensors may include sensors for temperature, humidity, carbon monoxide, smoke, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Igor A. Krichtafovitch
  • Patent number: 7691187
    Abstract: An electrode wire for use in an electrostatic precipitator is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The electrode wire includes a wire portion of a predetermined length L, a first end, and a second end. The electrode wire further includes retaining bodies formed on the first end and the second end of the wire portion. A retaining body of the retaining bodies is substantially solid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce M. Kiern, Dennis T. Lamb, Charles W. Reynolds, Christopher M. Paterson
  • Patent number: 7662348
    Abstract: An air conditioner includes an ion generator that provides ions and safe amounts of ozone. The ion generator includes a high voltage generator that provides a voltage potential difference between first and second electrode arrays. At least one of the first and second arrays is removable from the housing for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Sharper Image Acquistion LLC
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Shek Fai Lau
  • Patent number: 7638104
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to air conditioner systems and methods. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a system includes at least one emitter electrode and at least one collector electrode that is downstream from the emitter electrode. The emitter electrode has a plurality of pins axially arranged about a center. Preferably, the pins are arranged in a circle about the center. A driver electrode is located within the interior of the collector electrode. Preferably, although not necessarily, the driver electrode is insulated. A high voltage source provides a voltage potential to at least one of the emitter electrode and the collector electrode to thereby provide a potential difference therebetween. The embodiments as described herein have some or all of the advantages of increasing the particle collection efficiency, increasing the rate and/or volume of airflow, reducing arcing, and/or reducing the amount of ozone generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Sharper Image Acquisition LLC
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Andrew J. Parker, Igor Y. Botvinnik, Shek Fai Lau, Gregory S. Snyder, John Paul Reeves
  • Patent number: 7621984
    Abstract: The disclosed electrostatic precipitator cartridge for a tower air cleaner in accord with the present invention is low-cost, because it is constructed of injected molded plastics material and stamped and extruded metal components. It is easy to clean, not only because it's constitutive metal parts and plastic components are machine washable but also because the cartridge as a whole is machine washable, the pieces and components are designed and arranged to prevent intracartridge fluid buildup or retention after washing, thereby eliminating any electrical shorting or arcing or other undesirable phenomena resulting therefrom that could interfere with the operation of the electrostatic filter cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Head waters R&D, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross L. Cowie, Rudy A. Vandenbelt
  • Patent number: 7604004
    Abstract: An oxygen separator for separating oxygen from ambient air utilizing a vacuum swing adsorption process has a mass of less than 2.3 kg. A carrier is mountable on a person to support the oxygen separator for ambulatory use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Vbox Incorporated
    Inventors: Theodore W. Jagger, Nicholas P. Van Brunt, John A. Kivisto, Perry B. Lonnes
  • Publication number: 20090241776
    Abstract: A smoke removal apparatus, capable of operating in a confined space without ventilation of the apparatus to the atmosphere to provide removal of smoke from air to be treated. The apparatus comprises one or more of the following filters: a mechanical filter (2); an electrostatic filter (3); and/or a chemical filter (4). The apparatus is arranged to collect smoke from a relatively higher position (5), pass smoke through the one or more filters/and expel treated air to a relatively lower position (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Brian Hunt, Peter Row, Alex Wheatley
  • Patent number: 7594954
    Abstract: A method for air purification from dust includes electrically charging dust by air ionization; and collecting the charged dust by an electric field force, performed in a common airflow while changing the direction of the airflow at least once by an angle of more than 135°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventor: Yefim Riskin
  • Patent number: 7540903
    Abstract: The object of the invention is a device for ionizing (2) particles carried in an airflow (4) circulating inside a system, this device (2) including at least two electrodes (8, 9) held by a chassis (13) and connected, respectively, to the corresponding terminals (10, 11) of a polarized electrical power supply. Two adjacent first electrodes (8) are arranged on either side of a second electrode (9), which is formed from at least one conductor cable (14). The latter (14) is hooked onto fingers (15) that are designed as an elastic part for tensioning the conductor cable (14) and that are held by the chassis (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Valeo Systems Thermiques, S.A.S.
    Inventors: Frederic Ladrech, Didier Loup
  • Publication number: 20090126572
    Abstract: An electrode wire for use in an electrostatic precipitator is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The electrode wire includes a wire portion of a predetermined length L, a first end, and a second end. The electrode wire further includes retaining bodies formed on the first end and the second end of the wire portion. A retaining body of the retaining bodies is substantially solid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Oreck Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce M. Kiern, Dennis T. Lamb, Charles W. Reynolds, Christopher M. Paterson
  • Patent number: 7534288
    Abstract: Electrostatic system is for optimal charging of aerosols and particulates. In order to improve their collection, the system uses a combination of DC field and AC fields produced by multiple AC electrodes. The system minimizes the size and power consumption of the device, as well as increasing the collection efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Leslie Bromberg
  • Patent number: 7531028
    Abstract: An air conditioning system includes an air flow pathway extending through a housing from an inlet to an outlet. Air conditioning apparatus is disposed in the airflow pathway between the inlet and the outlet conditioning an air stream passing through the air flow pathway from the inlet to the outlet. A modular electrically stimulated air filter apparatus is carried by opposed, parallel frameworks mounted in series in the air flow pathway between the inlet and the air conditioning apparatus filtering entrapping contaminants in the air stream flowing through the housing from the inlet to the outlet. The opposed parallel frameworks are mounted to opposed supports affixed to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Y2 Ultra-Filter, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Mello, Kenneth B. Tippets, Jr., Mark Vanderginst
  • Patent number: 7527675
    Abstract: A device separates particulates from a gas stream flowing through the device. The device includes at least one high voltage electrode and a substantially cylindrical separator. The high voltage electrode applies a first voltage to the gas stream. The separator has an inlet for introducing the gas stream into the separator tangentially to an interior wall of the separator, a particulate outlet for expelling the particulates from the separator, and a gas stream outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Luca Bertuccioli, Bruce H. Easom, Leo A. Smolensky, Sergei F. Burlatsky, Eric J. Gottung, Michael A. Sloan, Lewis G. Hinman, III
  • Patent number: 7517504
    Abstract: An electronic device electro-kinetically generates an airflow by providing a potential difference between a first electrode array and a second electrode array. The first electrode array includes at least one generally tubular electrode. The second electrode array includes at least inner and outer generally tubular electrodes electrically connected to one another, with the inner electrode located at least partially within the outer electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: Charles E. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7517503
    Abstract: Electro-kinetic air transporter and conditioner systems and methods are provided. A system includes a pin emitter electrode and a ring collector electrode located downstream from the emitter electrode. A driver electrode, which is preferably insulated, is located at least partially within an interior of said ring collector electrode. A high voltage source provides a voltage potential to at least one of said emitter electrode and said collector electrode to thereby provide a potential difference therebetween. The driver electrode may or may not be at a same voltage potential as the emitter electrode, but should be at a different voltage potential than the collector 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Sharper Image Acquisition LLC
    Inventors: Igor Y. Botvinnik, Andrew J. Parker, Charles E. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7517505
    Abstract: Electro-kinetic air transporter and conditioner systems and methods are provided. A system includes at least one emitter electrode and at least a one collector (and likely, at least a pair of collector electrodes) that are downstream from the emitter electrode. An insulated driver electrode is located adjacent a collector electrode, and where there is at least a pair of collector electrodes, between each pair of collector electrodes. A high voltage source provides a voltage potential to the at least one of the emitter electrode and the collector electrode(s), to thereby provide a potential different therebetween. The insulated driver electrode(s) may or may not be at a same voltage potential as the emitter electrode, but should be at a different voltage potential than the collector electrode(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Sharper Image Acquisition LLC
    Inventors: Igor Y. Botvinnik, Andrew J. Parker, Charles E. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7485174
    Abstract: An electrostatic dust collector includes a dust charging section and a dust collecting section. The dust charging section includes: a discharge electrode which is made up of a plurality of paralleled discharge wires, and a counter-electrode which is made up of a metal honeycomb net. The dust collecting section includes: positive metal electrodes and negative metal electrodes disposed alternately, and insulating spacers disposed between each of positive metal electrode and negative metal electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: Dong-lei Wang
  • Patent number: 7481870
    Abstract: An electrode wire for use in an electrostatic precipitator is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The electrode wire includes a wire portion of a predetermined length L, a first end, and a second end. The electrode wire further includes retaining bodies formed on the first end and the second end of the wire portion. A retaining body of the retaining bodies is substantially solid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce M. Kiern, Dennis T. Lamb, Charles W. Reynolds, Christopher M. Paterson
  • Patent number: 7465338
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Christian F. Kurasek
  • Patent number: 7438742
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing wear of an electrode holder on a discharge electrode frame of an electrostatic precipitator includes an electrically conductive member having a central portion generally contoured to a shape of an electrode holder. The apparatus is fastened to at least one of the electrode holder and an end portion of a discharge electrode such that, when the end portion of the discharge electrode is attached to the electrode holder, the electrically conductive member is disposed between the end portion of the discharge electrode and the electrode holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventor: James Glendon Smith
  • Patent number: 7438747
    Abstract: A negative ion generator includes: a flat dielectric layer having a planar surface; a plurality of conductive lines that are attached to the planar surface of the dielectric layer, and that define a plurality of ion-discharging points, respectively; and a high voltage generating circuit coupled to the conductive lines for actuating emission of electrons from the ion-discharging points of the conductive lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Chin-Kuang Luo
  • Patent number: 7431752
    Abstract: An air purifier includes an outer case having an air purifying cavity, an ionizer module, and an ozone reduction module. The ionizer module includes a power unit and an ionizing electrode. The ozone reduction module is electrically connected to the power unit for generating heat within the air purifying cavity, wherein when a temperature within the air purifying cavity reaches a preset temperature, a level of ozone generated by the ionizing electrode unit is substantially minimized and controlled for preventing excess generation of ozone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: ZhuHuan Liang
  • Publication number: 20080134896
    Abstract: An air cleaner is provided that comprises one or more ionizing panels having at least one ionizing wire in connection with a voltage source. One or more collector cells separate from the one or more ionizing wire panels are releasably received within the air cleaner housing to establish an electrical connection between the collector cell and the voltage source for applying a voltage potential between the collector cell and the ionizing wire. The collector cell may be removed from the air cleaner to permit cleaning of the collector cell separate from the ionizing panels. The air cleaner monitors at least one variable indicative of the operation of the air cleaner. Upon determining that the variable has reached a predetermined variable indicative of a significant amount of dust accumulation, an activates a light source to illuminate indicia on a display screen which indicates a need for servicing the air cleaner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Gordon Holmes, Damon Drumm, John M. Sartain
  • Patent number: 7377962
    Abstract: A discharge device for generating a streamer discharge includes a discharge electrode and a counter electrode. The discharge electrode is in a shape of a wire or rod and is disposed substantially parallel to the counter electrode. Thus, even when a tip of the discharge electrode becomes worn out, a shape of the tip of the discharge electrode remains unchanged and a distance between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode remains unchanged. As a result, even when the tip of the discharge electrode becomes worn out, the streamer discharge stability will not fall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Tanaka, Kanji Motegi, Kenkichi Kagawa
  • Patent number: 7361212
    Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator is detailed. The precipitator includes a conduit for the passage of particles in an air flow and a generator of an electrostatic field substantially orthogonal to the air flow, and an ion supply, capable of charging the particles, in which the generator includes a point electrode and a two dimensional surface electrode. The plane surface electrode includes an ion source and the point electrode includes a counter electrode and the counter electrode is earthed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: The Secretary of State for Defence
    Inventors: James McDonald Clark, Timothy Graham Foat, Maurice Daverell Walker, Stephen Ray Preston
  • Publication number: 20080078295
    Abstract: An air purifier includes a housing, a high voltage power supply, a first electrode assembly in which a wire-like first electrode is either the only first electrode or, alternatively, is spaced sufficiently far from any other such first electrodes so as to avoid undesirable effects upon each other, and a second electrode assembly in which there are a plurality of blade-like second electrodes. The air purifier can be of the type in which air flows through the housing as a result of electro-kinetic effects. To increase air flow velocity, the voltage between first and second electrodes is relatively high, such as 23-50 kV, and the first and second electrodes are accordingly spaced apart a relatively great distance, such as at least 30 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Shengwen Leng, Guangsheng Liu
  • Patent number: 7297186
    Abstract: A flexible bag for receiving flowable material is suspended, as from a gantry, and is tethered transversely and yet has substantially free movement along three sides for complete filling. The length of the tethers may be selected to prevent complete collapse of the bag when empty, and tubular perforated members having an “H” configuration within the bag may be provided for this purpose. Auxiliary structures provide for cooling of materials provided to the bag, their diffusion on inlet to the bag, their recirculation in the bag, and their removal from the bag. Accessories for use with wet gas provide for separation of inlet liquid and drainage of condensate within the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Timothy Brennan, Mark Wallner
  • Patent number: 7291206
    Abstract: A pre-ionizer for use with an electrostatic precipitator is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The pre-ionizer includes two or more corona ground elements arranged in a substantially parallel orientation. A corona ground element of the two or more corona ground elements includes a substantially elongate body including a proximate end and a distal end and first and second projections formed on the proximate end and the distal end. The first and second projections retain the corona ground element in the electrostatic precipitator. The pre-ionizer further includes one or more corona charge elements positioned between two adjacent corona ground elements of the two or more corona ground elements. When a high voltage electrical field is placed across the two or more corona ground elements and the one or more corona charge elements, the pre-ionizer at least partially ionizes airflow through the pre-ionizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce M. Kiern, Dennis T. Lamb, Charles W. Reynolds, Christopher M. Paterson
  • Patent number: 7276106
    Abstract: An electrode wire retaining member for an electrostatic precipitator is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The electrode wire retaining member includes one or more flexible arm portions extending from the body and formed of an at least partially flexible material. A flexible arm portion returns to a substantially normal configuration after being deformed. The electrode wire retaining member further includes a retaining portion formed on an outer end of a flexible arm portion and extending from the flexible arm portion. The electrode wire retaining member further includes a slot formed in the retaining portion and sized to accommodate an electrode wire. The retaining portion and the slot receive and hold a retaining body formed on an end of the electrode wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Bruce M. Kiern, Dennis T. Lamb, Charles W. Reynolds, Christopher M. Paterson
  • Patent number: 7273516
    Abstract: A plate heat exchanger for exchanging heat between a first air stream and a second air stream includes a plurality of plates limiting first and second exchange chambers which are serially arranged in a transversal direction with respect to the plates. A first air stream of outside air passes through the first exchange chambers, a second air stream originating from ventilated rooms passes through the second exchange chambers. The heat exchanger further includes an ionization device for ionizing particles entrained in the first air stream so that the particles deposit at conductive plates of the first exchange spaces, a water distribution system for periodically discharging water into the first exchange spaces for cleaning the plates of the heat exchanger from deposited particles, and a water collection device for discharging collected water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Mentus Holding AG
    Inventor: Urs A. Weidmann
  • Patent number: 7261765
    Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator having a plurality of electrostatic precipitation units positioned within the electrostatic precipitator. Each of the electrostatic precipitation units includes a plurality of negative wire electrodes and a plurality of positive electrode plates. The electrostatic precipitation units are arranged such that spacing between the negative wire electrodes of a first electrostatic precipitation unit is a first distance apart, and spacing between the negative wire electrodes of additional electrostatic precipitation units is less than the spacing between the negative wire electrodes of the first electrostatic precipitation unit. Moreover, a variable voltage is applied to the each of the electrostatic precipitation units between the positive electrode plates and the negative wire electrodes so as to cause particles in the exhaust gas to adhere to the positive electrode plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Anzai, Setsu
    Inventor: Hideo Katayama
  • Patent number: 7244289
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Zhi Xiang Su
  • Patent number: 7238225
    Abstract: In a plasma air dust collector, the plasma air dust collector includes a first electrode fixing unit and a second electrode fixing unit respectively having a power terminal; at least two dust collecting electrodes; a discharge electrode arranged between the dust collecting electrodes; a terminal protrusion formed at the bottom end of each dust collecting electrode in the length direction; a terminal protrusion insertion hole formed at a side of the first electrode fixing unit; a combining protrusion formed at a side of the first electrode fixing unit and the second electrode fixing unit; and a combining groove formed at the both ends of each dust collecting electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Young-Ki Hong, Sung-Hwa Lee, Jeong-Ho Park
  • Patent number: 7220295
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Shek Fai Lau, Andrew Parker, Gregory S. Snyder, John Paul Reeves
  • Patent number: 7156902
    Abstract: A gas separation apparatus combines the technologies of electrostatic precipitators and centrifugal particle separators into a single unit. At an inlet into the gas separation apparatus, a water spray is introduced into the gas stream. The water spray may include various chemical additives, typically selected to react with or neutralize the particulates as they are mixed with the water or for other benefit. The resulting water and particulate mixture, which is much more dense than air, is centrifugally separated and collected through a drain tube outlet. In addition to the centrifugal forces applied to the gas and water stream, an electrical field of magnitude sufficient to produce coronal discharge is also applied to a central electrode. The electric field is generated between the cylinder wall and the central electrode, to assist the centrifugal forces and thereby remove additional particulate beyond that ordinarily removed by a standard centrifugal separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute
    Inventor: Ralph F. Altman
  • Patent number: 7156898
    Abstract: A method and apparatus using deep pleated filters to provide efficient and safe electrically enhanced filtering (EEF), with ultra low pressure drop, higher efficiency of particulate removal and higher dirt holding capacity over the life of the filter. An EEF may be constructed with a housing, with or without an internal air moving device such as a fan, a deeply pleated filter, preferably a V-pack filter with sets of downstream ground electrodes and charge transfer electrodes borne by the exterior surface of the filter packs that form the filtering element. An ionizer assembly that ionizes the gas and charges particles entering the deeply pleated filter and also transfers a charge to the charge transfer electrodes on the filter pack. A plate seals the gasket on the filtering element against the ionizing assembly. A high electrical potential is applied to charging elements in the ionizer and, in some embodiments, a fan or motor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Rajan A. Jaisinghani
  • Patent number: 7121276
    Abstract: An oxygen separator for separating oxygen from ambient air utilizing a vacuum swing adsorption process has a mass of less than 2.3 kg. A carrier is mountable on a person to support the oxygen separator for ambulatory use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Vbox, Incorporated
    Inventors: Theodore W. Jagger, Nicholas P. Van Brunt, John A. Kivisto, Perry B. Lonnes
  • Patent number: 7105042
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating aerosols or particles from a gas stream composed of a flow housing through which the gas containing the components to be separated flows, a separator, which is arranged in the flow housing, and a corona electrode, which is provided upstream of the separator in the direction of flow. The corona electrode is located substantially outside the gas flow. An air volume stream from the corona electrode flows into to the gas flow to transport charge carriers generated by the corona electrode into a charging zone in the flow housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Tumbrink, Heinz Fissan, Frank Jordan, Christoph Kleinert
  • Patent number: 7097695
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Shek Fai Lau, Jimmy L. Lee, Andrew J. Parker
  • Patent number: 7056370
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: John Paul Reeves, Shek Fai Lau, Andrew J. Parker
  • Patent number: 7048780
    Abstract: An air purifier has a simply manufactured and assembled ionizer, which increases the charging efficiency for dust particles through maximally increased discharge spaces and prevents electrical accidents. The air purifier includes an ionizer and a collector. The ionizer includes two ground electrode units and at least one discharge electrode, the two ground electrode units each having one or more electrodes, each formed in a hollow semi-cylindrical shape, the two ground electrode units being joined to face each other, the at least one discharge electrode being placed in spaces formed between the hollow semi-cylindrically shaped electrodes of the joined ground electrode units, thus charging dust particles passing through the spaces between the hollow semi-cylindrically shaped electrodes. The collector is electrically charged with a polarity opposite to a polarity of the charged dust particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-Saeng Kim, Chan-Jung Park
  • Patent number: 7014686
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Kaz, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Gatchell, Chi-Hsiang Wang
  • Patent number: 6989049
    Abstract: An example airborne conductive contaminant handling system is described. The airborne conductive contaminant handling system may include a handling circuit that is configured to selectively pass an electric current through a conductive contaminant. The airborne conductive contaminant handling system may also include an attracting circuit that is configured to attract an airborne conductive contaminant towards the handling circuit, where it can be subjected to the electric current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Stev Arthur Belson, Shaun Harris, Christian L Belady
  • Patent number: 6977008
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Sylmark Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Ali Nikkhah