Abstract: A self-cleaning, anti-fouling, ionizing air gun for static neutralization and particle blow-off comprises a generally tubular barrel having an open forward or nozzle end and a rearward open end for drawing air therethrough from the atmosphere. A pointed ion emitting electrode is positioned intermediate the ends of the barrel and directs ions toward the forward nozzle end while a plurality of circumferentially spaced air jets direct streams of compressed air in a conical pattern toward the apex thereof in front of the ion emitting electrode so as to induce air drawn in from the open rear end over the electrode to effect cleansing thereof thereby expelling a high velocity ionized air stream through the forward nozzle end.

Abstract: Granule cleaner and method comprises a hollow elutriation column into which dust- and debris-adulterated pellets are blasted on a high velocity air stream through an upwardly inclined injection tube to form a floating suspension in said column. Suction withdraws the lighter suspended material from the top while the heavier particles fall to the bottom. A.C. electrostatic dischargers diametrically disposed opposite conductive portions of the injection tube which may be ground-isolated (and also opposite ground-isolated conductive portions of the column below the injection level of the granules therein) to neutralize both the entering contaminated granules and the falling cleansed pellets, the conductive ground-isolated portions defining reference electrodes for balancing ion emission.

Abstract: Apparatus for conveying a stream of air in a fanned out distribution pattern over a work surface without use of diverting vanes comprises a duct having an inlet end coupled to the discharge of a tangential blower and an open outlet end for delivering a predetermined volume of air therethrough. The shape of the duct gently flares outwardly from the inlet to the outlet to provide a wider but flattened configuration in the direction of the air path although the cross-sectional areas of the inlet and outlet ends of the duct are substantially equal, whereby air exiting from the duct covers a broader yet extended range. Incorporating an A.C. static eliminator in the duct adjacent the outlet yields a uniform field of air ionization.

Abstract: Electrostatic method and apparatus for opening liners within containers and maintaining such liners in spread apart disposition preparatory to filling comprises (1) A.C. electrostatic ionizing means for directing a stream of bipolar air ions toward the outer walls of the containers substantially symmetrical therewith, and (2) D.C. electrostatic charging means for directing an ion wind of a single polarity toward the interior of liners within the containers whereby the liners and the containers will be charged to opposite polarities to cause electrostatic pinning of the liners to the interior of the containers and effect opening thereof while the net charge on the package is substantially neutral. Subsequent to opening, the spread apart liners in the containers may be easily filled with the appropriate material.

Abstract: A self-balancing ionizing circuit for electrical static eliminators having high voltage (pointed) discharge electrodes employs an insulative duct spaced peripherally thereabout. The duct has at least an open exit end with a non-conductive protective grille at the duct terminus in longitudinally spaced disposition from said electrodes. One side of an ungrounded secondary coil of an A.C. high voltage transformer is directly or resistively connected electrically to the discharge electrodes while the other side of the transformer secondary is electrically coupled to an ungrounded conductive band supported within the insulative duct adjacently spaced from the discharge electrodes to define a floating reference electrode with respect thereto. The electric field for ionization is produced between the discharge electrodes and the reference electrode.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring corona current in high voltage A.C. ionizers uses an electrical sensor adjacently spaced from at least one of the discharge electrodes and coupled to electronic circuitry for separating capacitive current from the corona current. In one mode, the capacitive current component is measured directly by a first sensor adjacently spaced from one discharge electrode whose corona current flow to such electrode is either obstructed or squelched entirely while a second sensor monitors total current. The signals from the two sensors are electrically subtracted when applied to opposing inputs of a differential amplifier to provide an output signal proportional to just corona current. In a second mode, a measure of corona current is again provided by electrically subtracting from a total current signal input to a differential amplifier a signal equal to the capacitive current component.

Abstract: A balancing system for electrical A.C. air ionizers having at least one discharge electrode adjacently spaced from a proximity ground and connected to the high side of an A.C. high voltage power source includes (a) a capacitor interposed between each electrode and the high voltage source to maintain a bias on each of the electrodes by blocking the D.C. current component across the circuit capacitance between the discharge electrodes and ground, and (b) a by-pass resistor across the circuit capacitance for providing a path to ground to bleed off excess bias so that equal positive and negative ion densities are generated during corona flow, the by-pass resistor having a resistance value which is determined by the parameters of the system's corona characterisitics (including corona onset voltage and average current flow) that will provide a required equilibrium bias for producing the correct ratios of positive and negative ion currents as will balance the ion densities.

Abstract: Static neutralizer for a tape dispenser in which a roll of tape is rotatably supported for drawing off selected lengths in strips comprises first brush means in juxtaposition with a surface of a tape portion radially peeled from the roll, second brush means in juxtaposition with an outer surface of the tape which has just been bared by the tape portion previously peeled from the roll, and a conductive path electrically interconnecting the first and second brush means, whereby any charges developed on the peeled-away portions of the tape are neutralized prior to dispensing. The respective brush means may be made of carbon or stainless steel fibers whose ends can be adjacently spaced from the corresponding charged surface thereby acting as an induction ionizer with respect thereto or in actual contact with such surfaces and defining a passive static eliminator.

Abstract: Transocular and periocular laser delivery system for treatment of eye diseases wherein a fiberoptic element is passed through a perforation made either by paracentesis of eyeball encapsulating tissue (i.e.-cornea, sclera) or by the fiberoptic element itself so that the fiber actually penetrates into a chamber therein. The penetrating fiber end is then juxtaposed to the tissue to be treated while the external fiberoptic end is coupled either to an excimer laser emitting ultraviolet radiation (in the range of 193 to 351 nanometers) or to certain lasers emitting infrared radiation, the radiated pulses therefrom being directed through the transocularly-positioned fiber to be absorbed by chromophores in the target tissue (cataractous lens, trabecular meshwork, vitreous membranes, tear duct occlusion) where removal by photoablation is effected.

Abstract: A float for a fishing line comprises a buoyant bob member having a substantially L-shaped tube extending from one side to the bottom thereof to define intersecting tubular arms adapted to carry the line in slidable disposition therein when the line is slack and to frictionally engage the line in locked disposition when the line is taut as a result of a fish being hooked. A plurality of blind holes extend into and are circumferentially spaced about the bottom of the float to form pockets of air trapped therein by the force of the water to provide a drag anchor increasing resistance to the pull of the fish in attempting to get away.

Abstract: An alignment element for a golf club formed of a transparent material having first and second references marks. The reference marks are oriented upon the element so that when the element is affixed to a golf club, preferably a putter, the second reference mark is magnified when the first reference mark is oriented between the viewer and the second reference mark. Preferably the second reference mark is a contrasting color, lighter than the first reference to give the appearance, when viewed from above, of a darker line superimposed on a lighter magnified line. When affixed to a golf club, the alignment of the first reference mark with the magnified second reference mark is used to assist in positioning when addressing the ball.

Abstract: In combination with electrical ionizing devices (A.C. static neutralizers or D.C. charging systems) in which discharge electrodes, such as emitter points, are connected to a high voltage power supply and in adjacently spaced disposition behind a grounded foraminous grille, wiper means, such as brushes, for cleaning accumulations of particulate material electrostatically adhered to the electrodes themselves. The brushes are preferrably mounted upon the grille and have bristles passing through slots therein to enable the operator before ionization is instituted to sweep the brushes from an out-of-the-way position relative to the emerging ion flow across the electrodes to effect the cleaning and then clear of said electrodes.

Abstract: Ionizing gas gun for ultra-clean static neutralization comprises a plastic nozzle enclosing positive and negative ion discharge electrodes and means for blowing a gas, such as air or nitrogen therethrough. A trigger actuates both the release of gas and application of positive and negative high voltage to the respective discharge electrodes, including delay circuitry for suspending discontinuance of the positive high voltage to its electrode for a momentary period subsequent to discontinuance of the negative high voltage when the gas is cut off in compensation of a slight preponderance of negative ion emission otherwise effected at cut-off. Venturi ports at the nozzle tip draw air over the discharge electrodes for admixing with higher mobility nitrogen ions when nitrogen rather than air is employed as the blowing medium. A changeable filter insures cleanliness, including monitoring means to indicate clogged or ruptured filter conditions or improper installation.

Abstract: A monitor for sensing any break in electrical continuity between a body and earth when the body is coupled to earth by way of a grounding tether used to prevent build-up of static charges on such body. The monitor includes an oscillator circuit for generating A.C. output voltages which are adapted to actuate an alarm. Body capacitance and resistance are coupled by way of the tether across an impedance network either in the tuned circuit determining oscillator frequency or in the output load thereof whereby the resistance or inductance of the impedance network provides the path to ground for the body through its tether. With body capacitance and resistance components of the total impedance, variable elements in the impedance network are adjusted to diminish the circuit output voltage below the threshold voltage required to actuate the alarm when continuity exists while developing an output voltage level sufficient to actuate the alarm when a break in continuity occurs.

Abstract: A panoramic electrostatic field sensor includes a central monitoring electrode for detecting an electrostatic field oriented about a 360.degree. arc peripheral thereto. An apertured housing is concentrically arranged about the monitoring electrode, the housing having circumferentially spaced windows through which the central electrode can "see" any electrostatic field radially disposed with respect to the sensor. A cylindrical shielding cap is rotated in the annular space between the monitoring electrode and the housing, the cap incorporating at least one slot to expose the monitoring electrode periodically to any fields viewed through the housing windows. Electronic means for measuring the voltage in response to the field detected is adapted to activate a static neutralizer for emission of positive and negative ions into the field or to actuate a variety of peripheral indicating or triggering devices which provide signals, alarms or readout functions.

Abstract: A conductive strap for tethering personnel to electrical ground comprises a stretchable band of an elastomeric non-conductive fabric for resiliently embracing a body member in a closed loop. At least one row of a continuous conductive thread is embroidered to the interior surface of the band by a line of stitching which includes a non-conductive thread component penetrating through the fabric from the outside and interlocking with the interior conductive thread component, preferrably sewn in a zig-zag pattern. The conductive thread is coupled to a clasp for electrical connection to ground through a cable tether.

Abstract: A concealed connector for detachably coupling two panels together comprises a keeper entirely recessed within an edge of one panel and a rotatable latch outwardly projecting from a surface of the other panel. The latch includes a cam portion in the form of a partial thread which is inserted within the keeper recess for engagement with a flanged lip on the keeper. A stylus key is passed through a narrow access slot in communication with the recess and is selectively received within circumferentially spaced holes in the latch periphery. Turning of the latch in one direction by the key draws the abutting edges of the panels together in locked disposition while turning the latch in the other direction effects release.