Abstract: A method to limit ozone production in wind ion devices while simultaneously realizing incidents of high acceleration in such devices varies the high voltage potential across the array of emitter(s) (10) and collectors (20) over time in such a manner as to generate a wave effect of airflow. The variance may be achieved by switching, ramping, or gating the high voltage potential delivered to the array.

Abstract: Ozone output in ion wind devices using one or more emitters (10) and an array of collectors (20) (accelerators) may be reduced through catalytic conversion of the produced ozone back to oxygen by using various materials placed in or downstream from the airflow, such as a manganese dioxide coating on the accelerator substrate elements. Precious metal or activated carbon coatings may also be used for the purpose of converting ozone to oxygen.

Abstract: This invention relates to a combustion air ionization method and apparatus for internal combustion engines. In the preferred method, combustion air is moved past an electrical charge source. A voltage source providing a series of voltage pulses of a single polarity ranging from a non-zero base voltage to a predetermined peak voltage is connected in a circuit path to the electrical charge source. The preferred apparatus practicing this method consists essentially of an electrical charge source disposed within a container upstream of the engine's combustion air intake. The voltage source applies its voltage pulses to the charge source, thereby ionizing the air moving past the charge source.

Abstract: Electrokinetic transducing methods and systems are disclosed in which the two electrode arrays confront each other and each electrode in one array is equidistant from the two nearest electrodes in the other array. The electrode arrays are excited by pulsed exciting voltages, the individual pulses of which are preferably all negative or all positive, have durations equal to or less than the pulse intervals, and have rounded leading knees. Embodiments of the invention are disclosed for applications including electrokinetic loudspeakers, ion generators, fans, and electrostatic precipitators.