Abstract: A self-cleaning, anti-fouling, ionizing air gun for static neutralization and particle blow-off comprises a generally tubular barrel having an open forward or nozzle end and a rearward open end for drawing air therethrough from the atmosphere. A pointed ion emitting electrode is positioned intermediate the ends of the barrel and directs ions toward the forward nozzle end while a plurality of circumferentially spaced air jets direct streams of compressed air in a conical pattern toward the apex thereof in front of the ion emitting electrode so as to induce air drawn in from the open rear end over the electrode to effect cleansing thereof thereby expelling a high velocity ionized air stream through the forward nozzle end.

Abstract: Granule cleaner and method comprises a hollow elutriation column into which dust- and debris-adulterated pellets are blasted on a high velocity air stream through an upwardly inclined injection tube to form a floating suspension in said column. Suction withdraws the lighter suspended material from the top while the heavier particles fall to the bottom. A.C. electrostatic dischargers diametrically disposed opposite conductive portions of the injection tube which may be ground-isolated (and also opposite ground-isolated conductive portions of the column below the injection level of the granules therein) to neutralize both the entering contaminated granules and the falling cleansed pellets, the conductive ground-isolated portions defining reference electrodes for balancing ion emission.

Abstract: Apparatus for conveying a stream of air in a fanned out distribution pattern over a work surface without use of diverting vanes comprises a duct having an inlet end coupled to the discharge of a tangential blower and an open outlet end for delivering a predetermined volume of air therethrough. The shape of the duct gently flares outwardly from the inlet to the outlet to provide a wider but flattened configuration in the direction of the air path although the cross-sectional areas of the inlet and outlet ends of the duct are substantially equal, whereby air exiting from the duct covers a broader yet extended range. Incorporating an A.C. static eliminator in the duct adjacent the outlet yields a uniform field of air ionization.

Abstract: Electrostatic method and apparatus for opening liners within containers and maintaining such liners in spread apart disposition preparatory to filling comprises (1) A.C. electrostatic ionizing means for directing a stream of bipolar air ions toward the outer walls of the containers substantially symmetrical therewith, and (2) D.C. electrostatic charging means for directing an ion wind of a single polarity toward the interior of liners within the containers whereby the liners and the containers will be charged to opposite polarities to cause electrostatic pinning of the liners to the interior of the containers and effect opening thereof while the net charge on the package is substantially neutral. Subsequent to opening, the spread apart liners in the containers may be easily filled with the appropriate material.

Abstract: A self-balancing ionizing circuit for electrical static eliminators having high voltage (pointed) discharge electrodes employs an insulative duct spaced peripherally thereabout. The duct has at least an open exit end with a non-conductive protective grille at the duct terminus in longitudinally spaced disposition from said electrodes. One side of an ungrounded secondary coil of an A.C. high voltage transformer is directly or resistively connected electrically to the discharge electrodes while the other side of the transformer secondary is electrically coupled to an ungrounded conductive band supported within the insulative duct adjacently spaced from the discharge electrodes to define a floating reference electrode with respect thereto. The electric field for ionization is produced between the discharge electrodes and the reference electrode.

Abstract: Static neutralizer for a tape dispenser in which a roll of tape is rotatably supported for drawing off selected lengths in strips comprises first brush means in juxtaposition with a surface of a tape portion radially peeled from the roll, second brush means in juxtaposition with an outer surface of the tape which has just been bared by the tape portion previously peeled from the roll, and a conductive path electrically interconnecting the first and second brush means, whereby any charges developed on the peeled-away portions of the tape are neutralized prior to dispensing. The respective brush means may be made of carbon or stainless steel fibers whose ends can be adjacently spaced from the corresponding charged surface thereby acting as an induction ionizer with respect thereto or in actual contact with such surfaces and defining a passive static eliminator.

Abstract: In combination with electrical ionizing devices (A.C. static neutralizers or D.C. charging systems) in which discharge electrodes, such as emitter points, are connected to a high voltage power supply and in adjacently spaced disposition behind a grounded foraminous grille, wiper means, such as brushes, for cleaning accumulations of particulate material electrostatically adhered to the electrodes themselves. The brushes are preferrably mounted upon the grille and have bristles passing through slots therein to enable the operator before ionization is instituted to sweep the brushes from an out-of-the-way position relative to the emerging ion flow across the electrodes to effect the cleaning and then clear of said electrodes.

Abstract: Ionizing gas gun for ultra-clean static neutralization comprises a plastic nozzle enclosing positive and negative ion discharge electrodes and means for blowing a gas, such as air or nitrogen therethrough. A trigger actuates both the release of gas and application of positive and negative high voltage to the respective discharge electrodes, including delay circuitry for suspending discontinuance of the positive high voltage to its electrode for a momentary period subsequent to discontinuance of the negative high voltage when the gas is cut off in compensation of a slight preponderance of negative ion emission otherwise effected at cut-off. Venturi ports at the nozzle tip draw air over the discharge electrodes for admixing with higher mobility nitrogen ions when nitrogen rather than air is employed as the blowing medium. A changeable filter insures cleanliness, including monitoring means to indicate clogged or ruptured filter conditions or improper installation.