Abstract: A static electricity eliminator including at least one nozzle having a body defining a supersonic tuyere for pressure reduction of a compressed gas, a corona tip located close to the neck of the tuyere, and an electric supply circuit connected to the tip of the corona. The tip includes a surgical needle made of steel with chrome. The tip thereof has a diameter of less than 30 micrometers. The eliminator can be used to improve the treatment of polymers.

Abstract: Device for the electrical treatment of high conductivity liquid electrolytes, comprising: a receptacle (10) suitable for being traversed by a flow (F) of the liquid to be treated; at least one electrode (20) disposed inside the receptacle (10) and having a conductive surface of a shape chosen to increase the surface area of contact with the electrolyte, and coated with an insulating layer (22); at least one counter-electrode (24) disposed inside the receptacle (10) and having a conductive external surface, bare or coated with an insulating layer; and a high voltage DC supply (26) whose positive (28) and negative (30) terminals are connected respectively to the or each electrode and the or each counter-electrode respectively, the polarity used depending on the type of treatment to be carried out.The device can be used in particular for treating mains water or river water in order to prevent furring in cooling equipment.

Abstract: A frame is placed in the flow of incident air from a laminar flow hood, and bare wires and insulated wires are stretched over the frame. A source including a transformer produces an alternating voltage. One of the outputs thereof is directly connected to the insulating wires and the other output thereof is connected to the bare wires via a capacitor. An electrode placed inside the volume of the cabinet fed with air from the hood is connected to a DC amplifier which applies a correcting voltage to the insulated wires. This apparatus turns out to be highly effective, in particular, for removing dust and neutralizing charge when manufacturing VLSI circuits.

Abstract: A rescuer (1) is lowered at the end of cable (2) from a helicopter having a winch (4) on which the cable is wound. The rescuer is provided with a electric field sensor (20) which is downwardly directed and which is connected to a radio transmitter (22). The helicopter (3) has a corresponding radio receiver (24) which serves to actuate an active static discharger which is servo-controlled to the electrical magnitude supplied by the sensor (20). The servo-control is such that the potential difference between the rescuer (11) and the person to be rescued (10) is progressively reduced as the rescuer approaches the person to be rescued. Practically all risks of an electric shock on making contact are thus avoided.

Abstract: A gas carrying solid particles is purified by electrically charging the sd particles and precipitating them by electrostatic means. The particles carrying gas flows in an enclosure wherein a space charge is formed by ion generators. Each ion generator comprises an injector tube which defines a chamber communicating with the enclosure via a small opening. Moist air is fed under pressure in the chamber and is accelerated in a tuyere in this opening. A corona discharge is formed at the neck of the tuyere by applying a high voltage between the tuyere and a coaxially arranged needle like electrode. Microparticles of ice are formed in the corona discharge zone by reason of the supersonic gas discharge in the tuyere. Ions trapped by these microparticles are driven out of the ion generators chamber into the enclosure wherein the gas stream to purify flows. These ions are freed by evaporation of the ice microparticles to form the space charge.

Abstract: A gas carrying solid particles is purified by electrically charging the solid particles and precipitating them by electrostatic means. The particles carrying gas flows in an enclosure wherein a space charge is formed by ion generators. Each ion generator comprises an injector tube which defines a chamber communicating with the enclosure via a small opening. Moist air is fed under pressure in the chamber and is accelerated in a tuyere in this opening. A corona discharge is formed at the neck of the tuyere by applying a high voltage between the tuyere and a coaxially arranged needle like electrode. Microparticles of ice are formed in the corona discharge zone by reason of the supersonic gas discharge in the tuyere. Ions trapped by these microparticles are driven out of the ion generators chamber into the enclosure wherein the gas stream to purify flows. These ions are freed by evaporation of the ice microparticles to form the space charge.

Abstract: For exploring the high density high temperature atmosphere of a planet at a stabilized altitude, a buoyant assembly comprising an inflatable envelope is used. A container connectable with the envelope and containing a liquid selected to vaporize in the planet atmosphere to an extent which decreases above the stabilized altitude and increases under the stabilized altitude, is launched into the planet atmosphere with the envelope in folded condition.

Abstract: Apparatus for dry chemical etching caused by ion bombardment of a substrate placed in a vacuum chamber. The substrate is in contact with an electrode, connected to a high frequency bias voltage source having one terminal connected to a ground of the chamber. The etchants are produced in the form of plasma by an electrical discharge maintained in the chamber containing a gas or a suitable gaseous mixture. The plasma is produced by a microwave generator and the bias voltage by means of a high frequency source. The respective amplitudes and frequencies of the two sources enable the base of a groove on an electronic circuit to be etched without erosion of the groove.