Abstract: An apparatus for dispersing fluent material comprises a body defining a plurality of orifices arranged around a central axis and a charge injection device arranged on the central axis.

Abstract: A fiber is formed by providing a stream of a solidifiable fluid, injecting the stream with a net charge so as to disrupt the stream and allowing the stream to solidify to form fibers.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a stream of particles comprises a charging device for injecting a net charge into a plurality of particles and a collector adjacent the charging device. The collector is grounded and arranged so that the charged particles disperse and collect on the collector according to a characteristic of the particle, such as size. A method of separating a stream of particles is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrostatic atomizer includes a body defining an interior space and a discharge orifice communicating with the interior space. An emitting electrode or electron gun is disposed inside the body so as to apply charges to the fluid passing through the interior space. A counter electrode is disposed outside the body. The exposed surfaces on the interior of the body are formed from a dielectric material so that there are no substantial electric field between exposed conductive elements on the inside of the body. This arrangement minimizes soot buildup and plugging of the orifice. The device may include a single element defining numerous orifices and formed by micro-machining techniques such as those used in fabrication of semiconductor devices. Orifice sizes as small as a few micrometers can use successfully to provide controllable atomization at extremely low flow rates.