Abstract: Ions for neutralizing electrostatic charge on an object are generated and delivered in a stream of gas flowing through a dielectric channel that surrounds a loop of conductive filament which forms an ionizing electrode. The loop is formed within a single plane, or within multiple planes, and is supported within the channel with a plane of the loop substantially aligned with flow of gas through the channel. A region of minimum field intensity within the bounded region of the loop electrode is oriented in alignment with substantially maximum velocity of gas flow through a cross section of the dielectric channel.

Abstract: A corona discharge static neutralizing device includes a wire electrode retained in tension between spaced ends of a resilient support member that is positioned within a flowing air stream. Another electrode aligned with and spaced from the wire electrode promotes a flowing ion stream, when connected to receive an ionizing difference of potential, that flows in skew orientation relative to the flowing air stream. Multiple wire electrodes are supported in tension on a resilient support member along with another electrode disposed on the support member intermediate the wire electrodes and in substantially the same plane therewith.

Abstract: An air ion collimator is added to ionizers with integrated fans that are used to remove static charge. Three mechanisms minimize air ion losses through recombination. Hence, the collimator increases the air ions that are available for charge removal. First, reducing turbulence slows air ion mixing. Second, air entrainment into fast moving air ion zones further slows the rate of air ion losses by dilution. The rate of recombination reaction slows with decreasing ion density. Third, vanes within the collimator delay mixing. In addition to conserving air ions, the collimator directs more ions to the target. Air ions lost to grounding are reduced. Again, more air ions are available to remove static charge from the target.

Abstract: An improvement for a self-balancing shielded bipolar ionizer (U.S. Pat. No. 6,002,573), which uses pressurized air or nitrogen to increase performance, extend the operating distance range, and reduce cleaning frequency. An air assist assembly is inserted into the ion generation cavity, which directs pressurized air or nitrogen past the electrodes. In applications where little natural airflow exists, air assist technology is particularly useful. Ions are blown toward the target. This directs the ions to where they are needed, and delivers ions faster. Useful operating distances are increased. Faster delivery minimizes ion losses due to recombination. Furthermore, pure pressurized air protects the electrodes from impurities in the environmental air. Less chemical growth affects electrode performance. Hence, the ionizer exhibits more stable performance, plus the need for electrode cleaning is minimized.

Abstract: Concentrations of positive and negative ions that are generated in the ambient air at a selected location are controlled in time-varying manner. Apparatus for generating air ions includes controllable high voltage sources and electrodes connected to the sources adapted to generate positive ions and negative ions in ambient air near the electrodes. Control circuitry is coupled to the high voltage sources to control the voltage levels at the electrodes for altering the quantities of positive ions and/or negative ions that are generated in time-varying manner within the ambient air about the electrodes. The control circuitry may control the voltage sources to generate a simulated ion signature of variations in ion concentrations as detected at a selected geographic location.

Abstract: Concentrations of positive and negative ions that are generated in the ambient air at a selected location are controlled in time-varying manner. Apparatus for generating air ions includes controllable high voltage sources and electrodes connected to the sources adapted to generate positive ions and negative ions in ambient air near the electrodes. Control circuitry is coupled to the high voltage sources to control the voltage levels at the electrodes for altering the quantities of positive ions and/or negative ions that are generated in time-varying manner within the ambient air about the electrodes. The control circuitry may control the voltage sources to generate a simulated ion signature of variations in ion concentrations as detected at a selected geographic location.

Abstract: Air ionization apparatus includes a plurality of air ionizing electrodes connected to a source of high ionizing voltages, and includes a bias source connected to supply bias voltage to a reference electrode positioned near the air ionizing electrodes to alter the field gradients thereabout to selectively enhance production of positive or negative air ions in response to levels and polarity of bias voltage supplied to the reference electrode.