Abstract: A method of producing fibers comprises 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. An apparatus for providing a stream of a solidifiable fluid is disclosed, as well as electrostatically formed fibers produced by the method.

Abstract: An electrostatic atomizer is disclosed, which includes an electrode or other charge injection device and a source of liquid for passing a stream of liquid past the charge injection device to a variable orifice. The variable orifice is defined between at least two elements, which are movable with respect to each other. A compact stove incorporating the atomizer includes a support for supporting articles to be heated by the burning of atomized fuel. The variable orifice may be used in the stove to control the flow, and therefore thermal output, of the stove.

Abstract: An electrostatic atomizer has a power source powering a charge injection device. The power source is arranged to vary the net charge injected by the charge injection device cyclically in accordance with a pattern of variation so that the net charge repeatedly increases to a higher value at or above a long-term breakdown value. The net charge injected is reduced by the power source to a lower value below the long-term breakdown value so that corona-induced breakdown is reduced. A method for electrostatically atomizing a fluent material is provided. The method includes the step of cyclically varying the net charge injected to reduce the occurrence of corona-induced breakdown.

Abstract: An electrostatic atomizer comprises a power source for powering a charge injection device, a controller for controlling the net charge injected by the charge injection device, and a sensor for sensing breakdown precursors in the vicinity of the orifice and producing a feedback signal upon the occurrence of the breakdown precursors. The sensor is in communication with the controller and the controller is responsive to the feedback signal so that upon occurrence of the feedback signal, the controller decreases the net charge injected. A method of minimizing corona-induced breakdown in an electrostatic atomizer comprises the steps of providing a fluent material with a net charge to atomize the fluent material, and responding to the occurrence of breakdown precursors by decreasing the net charge of the liquid to avoid corona-induced breakdown.

Abstract: An electrostatic atomizer is disclosed, which includes an electrode or other charge injection device and a source of liquid for passing a stream of liquid past the charge injection device to a variable orifice. The variable orifice is defined between at least two elements, which are movable with respect to each other. A compact stove incorporating the atomizer includes a support for supporting articles to be heated by the burning of atomized fuel. The variable orifice may be used in the stove to control the flow, and therefore thermal output, of the stove.

Abstract: A beam tube having a hole or "window" covered by a thin, beam permeable membrane is provided with a polymeric ring for minimizing stress concentration in the membrane adjacent the periphery of the hole to relieve stress concentrations that would otherwise occur when the membrane is forced inwardly into the hole by atmospheric or other pressure on the exterior of the tube. The exterior surface of the housing for the beam tube contains means for retaining the polymeric ring in a predetermined location on the exterior surface. The retaining means which retain the polymeric material away from the hole may comprise an annular channel formed in the exterior surface of the front wall, an annular raised inner ridge formed on the exterior surface, an annular raised outer ridge also formed on the exterior surface to define an annular track between the outer and inner ridges, or a ring of flow preventing material on the exterior surface of the housing.

Abstract: An electron tube having a hole or "window" covered by a thin, electron permeable membrane is provided with means for minimizing stress concentration in the membrane adjacent the periphery of the hole, thereby relieving stress concentrations which would otherwise occur when the membrane is forced inwardly into the hole by atmospheric or other pressure on the exterior of the tube. In a manufacturing method, a polymeric ring may be provided between the membrane and the exterior wall of the tube. The polymeric ring, desirably a polyimide has a glass transition temperature less than the elevated temperature used to expel volatile materials from the interior of the tube. The polymeric ring substantially relieves stresses induced by differential thermal expansion or contraction at temperatures between the glass transition temperature and the elevated temperature, as during cooling following the volatile removal step.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispersing a fluent material such as a liquid includes a device for discharging a stream of the fluent material and a device for providing energetic electrons such that the electrons impinge on the fluent material to provide a net negative charge on the fluent material in the discharged stream. The fluent material discharged is dispersed at least partially under the influence of the net negative charge so imparted. The electron-supply device includes a chamber separated from the fluid passageway by an electron-permeable membrane, and may also include an electron gun for generating a beam of energetic electrons such that the electron beam passes through the window and impinges on the fluent material. The electrons may impinge on the fluent material as the fluent material is discharged from the device so that the fluid flow carries the charged portions of the fluent material away from the device. The apparatus may be used to atomize liquids even where the liquids are electrically conductive.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispersing a fluent material such as a liquid includes a device for discharging a stream of the fluent material and a device for providing energetic electrons such that the electrons impinge on the fluent material to provide a net negative charge on the fluent material in the discharged stream. The fluent material discharged is dispersed at least partially under the influence of the net negative charge so imparted. The electron-supply device includes a chamber separated from the fluid passageway by an electron-permeable membrane, and may also include an electron gun for generating a beam of energetic electrons such that the electron beam passes through the window and impinges on the fluent material. The electrons may impinge on the fluent material as the fluent material is discharged from the device so that the fluid flow carries the charged portions of the fluent material away from the device. The apparatus may be used to atomize liquids even where the liquids are electrically conductive.

Abstract: In electrostatic atomization of liquids wherein a stream of electrically charged liquid is atomized under the influence of the electrical charge, the stream is surrounded by a mist to increase the dielectric breakdown strength of the surrounding atmosphere. This permits use of higher charge levels and hence more efficient atomization. The mist may incorporate minute droplets of the liquid to be atomized. An insulating vapor may be formed from the liquid by heating a portion of the liquid and employed in place of or in addition to the mist.