Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimizing contamination buildup on corona emitters that are employed in an ionizer. Contamination buildup control is accomplished with solely electronic means. High voltage is applied to the emitters with waveforms that serve to push contaminants away from the emitter, rather than attracting contaminants toward the emitters. The results are fewer cleaning cycles, more time between cleaning cycles, and more stable ionizer operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the output of an ionizing blower. A measuring channel captures a portion of the air ion stream, and measures balance plus air ion current. Since the measurement channel is isolated from extraneous electrostatic fields, measurements contain less analytical noise. Air flow through the measurement chamber is created by the inherent pressure difference between the high pressure and low pressure sides of an air mover. Two electrodes inside the measurement chamber are combined with a power supply, a low current amplifier, and a controller. The controller also makes adjustments to the ionizing blower.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for sanitizing and recovering mail and other materials is disclosed. The apparatus is employed after a known or suspected biological attack or contamination event, such as anthrax. Multiple X-ray sources penetrate mail and other materials, and destroy the biological agents. The apparatus is taken to the location of the biological problem, as opposed to shipping contaminated materials to a fixed facility for recovery. Many safety and practical advantages result from this approach to bio-terrorism or to biological contamination events. The design of this apparatus leads to a self-cleaning feature. Airflow control prevents escape of toxic biological materials into the environment.