Abstract: An apparatus and method for neutralizing electrostatic charges in non-conductive pipe, such as polyethylene pipe used in natural gas pipelines, which provides a simple and inexpensive apparatus and method to discharge, or otherwise neutralize, electrostatic charges in existing, as well as new, pipelines without requiring specialized pipe or extensive modification of existing pipelines. An apparatus according to the invention includes a housing having inlet and outlet openings and defining a hollow interior portion containing an anti-static cartridge having a cationic substance associated therewith, which, when installed in-line in a gas pipeline, functions to disperse microscopic cationic particles into the gas stream, which particles are carried through downstream pipeline components and neutralize static electrical charges accumulating on said pipeline components.

Abstract: An apparatus used in eliminating static buildup in paper (or plastic) stock used within paper handling machines, wherein an anti-static air enhancer cartridge is inserted in an airstream. The airstream passes across the enhancer cartridge where positively charged ions are released into the airstream. The enhanced airstream is then directed at the top sheet of paper stock which is to be fed into the printing press. The positively charged particulates in the airstream act to neutralize the charged static charges which build up between sheets in the stock. This allows the top sheet to be easily separated from the stock, preventing paper jams and misfeeds. The device can be used with existing paper feed mechanisms that use an air supply under pressure to separate stock sheets, such as printing presses, paper collators, paper folding machines, paper sheeters, web presses, sheeters, and thermography machines, or plastic stock feeding machines.